5 Rules to Adhere to When Approaching Others to Write for Your Blog
Since I’ve started to blog here at BloggingTips, I’ve received a few invitations to write for other blogs.
Let me say up front, I’m always thrilled and flattered when I’m approached. But, as a busy freelance writer, the commodity I trade is time. I simply can’t take on every gig. Otherwise, I’d never have time for my work.
Following are five rules (guidelines, suggestions) to adhere to when approaching others to write for your blog.
1. Value-Added Proposition: One of the ways I evaluate these blog writing propositions that come my way is via good ole WIIFM (What’s in it for me?). Especially when pay isn’t being offered, there has to be a value-for-value tradeoff.
I’d blog for John Chow for free (are you listening Mr. Chow; you’ve got a freebie on me!). The traffic generation and possible ebook sales alone would make it worth my while.
But, many who approach others about guest blogging don’t have John Chow traffic (he has almost 21,000 readers on his feed). Hence, guest blogging is not a worthwhile opportunity form a purely business perspective, which is how I approach it.
2. Complementary Niche: If you’re looking for guest bloggers, approach those in your niche or complementary niches. That way, you offer them a chance to effectively cross-promote their services.
This works to your benefit and theirs. They get introduced to your audience, and you get introduced to theirs (if they link the post on your blog to their blog, which you should encourage).
3. Vision for Your Blog: I like to write for blogs that have a vision. I’m a A-type personality, so clearly stated mission and purpose statements work well for me.
Beyond my neuroses, this will help guest posters craft better, more concise posts for your blog. If the purpose of your blog isn’t clearly defined, then the posts won’t be clearly defined. Confused readers will soon be “ghost readers,” as in, they will disappear.
Blogging tends to be a rather informal medium. Many of the rules and tactics adhered to ten years ago (eg, mission statements) have fallen by the wayside.
While they don’t have to be laid out on a separate page under a big, bold flashing heading, every blog should have one. It doesn’t have to be long. A simple one liner will do. BUT, do have one.
4. Clearly Defined Expectations: Here I mean clearly defined expectations for guest posters. Eg, word count, what is NOT acceptable, posting guidelines and schedules, desired content, etc.
Again, all of this helps guest posters to craft the best possible entry for your blog – in a timely manner on a schedule that works for you.
5. Address the Payment Question: Whether you are offering pay or not, make this clear when you approach others to blog for you. I naturally assume that when I’m approached for blog writing, it’s for pay.
This will save you and the prospect you’re querying a lot of time.
Written by Yuwanda Black from Inkwell EditorialPosted on March 12th, 2008 and filed under Blogging
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10 Responses to “5 Rules to Adhere to When Approaching Others to Write for Your Blog”
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Another great post Yuwanda. Since i have been writing here at bloggingtips and a few other websites i have also had a few initiations for further guest blogging at other sites, which i didn’t expect, but i have found them not to be that suitable.
I think that if your asked to guest blog somewhere, and there is no payment involved, the old WIIFM statement is the only one to go by. At the end of the day, its your time that’s being traded as you rightly pointed, out, so its got to be worth the time and effort should you decide to accept a gig.
Absolutely true Andy..^^..
I know you understand Andy, as someone who has a lot going on. There are many who are happy to blog for free. But established freelance writers, or those with full-time jobs who freelance on the side simply don’t have time for freebie projects.
My blog is somewhat established, yet I’d feel funny asking someone to write for it for no pay. Realizing the value of time, I plod on, writing every post myself (it’s kinda my baby too, so I like to keep her to myself mostly). NOW when I get one-tenth of John Chow or Darren Rowse’s traffic, that will change.
Thanks Russell (dotcomguy) for backing Andy, hence me, up (Yes, I clicked over to find out about you!)
Yuwanda
Do you feel that there are benefits for blogging for nonprofit organizations regardless of pay?
Jason,
How and who you decide to blog for is completely up to you, whether it’s for pay or not. So, if you want to give back by blogging for a nonprofit, that’s wonderful. As for benefits, only you can determine that (eg, do they target your demographic, are you doing it in hopes of picking up paid gigs, or simply because you want to give back, etc.).
I was referring mostly to for-profit blogs that wanted bloggers to blog for free (and again, if it works for you, great!).
Yuwanda
Is there only 5 steps? Maybe you forgot write some?
It looks little not complete, but in fact i agree with you
I like how Splash Press go about their business with a network and this way you can build up and cross promote your content with the different writers.. like who once in a while would’nt mind stepping outside their niche / expert area and writing something different but.. however.. I must admit 100% with on the final point about payment etc as this needs to be clear.
Nice tips / post!