Secrets to Successful Guest Blogging

First of all, link building is not dead. This is like saying you can’t have links to any websites aside from your own. We know it will never happen. Getting a link back from other sites will always be one of SEO’s main goals, and Google will always value this because in the first place it helps Google bots crawl the web much faster.

My favourite link building technique is guest blogging, for the reason that it doesn’t only give the opportunity to plant links, but also to share to a larger audience and improve my author rank. And although many were alarmed with Matt Cutts post about guest blogging losing its value, I know it is far from dead.

In this article, I will share to you the right process to successful guest posting – from prospecting to getting your article published.

Prospecting

Our team uses a tool called Scrapebox. It generates URLs from Google, Bing and Yahoo in seconds. It makes prospecting much faster and easier.

But in my case, I prefer doing things the hard way. What I do is go to Google, search for anything related to my niche and list down all the websites that appeared on the first and second page, then I will search another term, and do the same process.

I will then visit and analyze those sites, check the about page, blogs, guest post guidelines (if any), services and even analyze who their target audience is. Based on those analyses, I will then think of topics to contribute – something that will fit them, something that will benefit their readers.

You may ask, what if they don’t accept guest post? You wouldn’t know until you asked the owner or the team, or they have a specific page telling that they don’t accept guest blogs.

Lastly, take note of contact details. Try to get email addresses first. Contact forms should only be your second option.

But, why do I prefer the longer version?

Simply because the top results are quality blogs, and writing for quality blogs is the number 1 rule in guest blogging. Using a tool is okay, I’m all for that. But, sometimes, it also lengthen the process because it generates even the low quality ones.

Pitching

Now, it’s pitching time.

Before you pitch, take the time to know things about your email/ message recipients by visiting their social sites or personal blogs, and stalk them in a good way. In this way, you’ll be able to adjust the tone of your voice.

Warning number 1: Avoid guessing. I have a blogger friend who’s name is Jess, and she’s a “she,” but this guest blogger called her “Mr. Jess”.

Warning number 2: Do not ever say, “Dear webmaster.” Just don’t.

Simple detail but it could ruin everything when done wrong.

I mentioned all these stuff because the number 1 rule in pitching is to make it personalize. Call that person by name, mention some personal stuff that will catch attention, or congratulate for a job well done. Then introduce yourself, but try to make it short.

Next, go to your main point. I find it effective when I give short explanation about the topic I’m planning to write, and how the readers would benefit from it.

And last, say something like, “Thank you, it will be an honor to write for your amazing readers.”

Tips for keeps: Make your email short, direct to the point, and credible.

Writing your post

Your efforts shouldn’t end with the pitch, work even smarter by writing the topic you proposed. Here are the things you should do for your article to be accepted and published.

• Write high quality articles. High quality means useful, informative and shareable.
• Link to reputable sites. It looks spammy when you’re only linking to your site, so try not to be too selfish.
• Interlink. I’ve said it before, I’m going to say it again. Editors will most likely interlink, so do this for them instead to save their time and show that you know about their site.
• Write for the audience. If you’re guest posting for sites with business owners as readers, you may want to sound more professional.
• Build up your social following. I know you want to promote your website, but putting your social URLs in your author bio is helpful too. Readers will be able to easily reach out to you.

Conclusion

Guest blogging will always be a huge part of internet marketing, and it’s still one of the most effective strategies to better rank both on Google and people. This technique will stay, it’s how we implement that will change everything.

What do you think?

What do you think about guest blogging? What are some of the strategies you’re still using to increase your approval/ acceptance rate? Let us know by commenting below.