A question came up in the CBB challenge group on Facebook about guest blogging. I’ve been blogging since 2007 and often forget that some people are just jumping into this whole blogging for business thing. So, this one is for YOU. 
Secrets to Guest Blogging
I’ve already covered this topic on this blog a number of times so I will highlight links to the original post.
What You Will Learn:
- What is Guest Blogging?
- Why Guest Blog?
- How to Guest Blog?
- How Does Guest Blogging Help YOU?
- Where to find Blogs to Write for?
What is Guest Blogging?
It is simply blogging on someone’s blog. Instead of writing a blog post for your blog you’ll be writing a post for another blog.
Read: Crocheting a Business Blog Tour A crazy 15 week blogging tour where I wrote 15 guest posts for 15 different crochet blogs.
Top 8 Secrets to Guest Blogging Stardom
Before you join the adventure that is guest blogging there are some ground rules. First, be respectful to the host. Second, don’t pitch blogs that you don’t read. Third, respect the host’s audience. Finally, remember you are a guest.
Guest Posting Secret #1: Read The Blog First
I know you’re probably all happy inside thinking about all the great possibilities for your business blog. Before you start pitching other blogs (or worse begging) to include your super duper post on their blog – read the blog first. How will you know what to write if you don’t know the audience?
Guest Posting Secret #2: Comment on The Blog
Another important step is to comment on the blog. Show your interest not only in the audience but the blog owner too. Commenting is the quickest way to get to know another blogger.
Guest Posting Secret #3: Read the Host’s Blog Guidelines
Before you write that super star pitch you should check to see if there are guest author guidelines. Would you want someone writing for you if they don’t even take the time to read your rules?
Guest Posting Secret #4: Prepare a Sample Title, Paragraph and 2 Keywords
You’re a little closer to being a guest on your desired blog. Now it’s time to pitch your idea. Unless stated in the guidelines do not send the entire post. Simply write a sample paragraph with a title along with a couple of keywords that target their readers not yours.
What NOT to Do When Pitching a Blog Post
Click the graphic to go to original post to see the Full-size Graphic.
The Guest Blogging Fails via SeoSmarty.com
Guest Posting Secret #5: Write Non-Promotional UBER Awesome Content
Promotion is for your blog and for your readers NOT for the host’s blog. This post is going to be your best work. Do not include sales copy or no affiliate links. Google frowns on promotional guest blogging and trickery that tries to game their system. Legitimate posts are perfectly fine.
Guest Posting Secret #6: Include Your Bio with Link to Your Opt-in
Here’s a BIG tip for you -> most hosts let you include a biography, a photo, and one link – make that link to your rss feed sign up page or your newsletter opt-in page. I didn’t know this when I started so it was often missing in my earlier posts.
One of the great things about being a guest or a host is the cooperative nature of this type of blogging. They (host) get something – a free day – and you get something – a new audience with a potential to increase your subscribers.
Guest Posting Secret #7: Promote Your Guest Post
After you write your post you need to promote your post (zipped download). (Worksheet I created after reading Michelle Shaeffer’s post 3 Ways to Stand Out and Be an Awesome Guest Blogger)
Share it with your fans, followers, readers, subscribers, and email list. Don’t stop after one day or even one week. Keep sharing the post throughout the year. (Tip: You can auto tweet these in Hoot Suite)
Guest Posting Secret #8: Return Often to Answer Comments
The final secret that will make you a rock star guest is to return often to your post to answer any comments. This shows your host that you care about her audience. Don’t just post and run as it is very similar to link dropping.
Three Things to Do Right Now:
- Make a List of 3 Crochet Blogs You’d Like to Guest Post For (How about some of the Challenge participants?)
- Prepare a Pitch Based on Your Research of the Blog
- Pitch. Ideally You Want to Be a Regular Reader so You know the Blogger before You do this.
Your Turn: Why not pitch a post to me? Add your sample title in the comments below. I just may select a few for future posts.
A couple of things to note for #31CBBC peeps: (all are optional)
- Comments are welcome and encouraged
- Visit the FB group and add your post for the day to the pinned post if you’d like to receive at least 2-comments on your post.
- Join the Crochet Business Blogger G+ Community
- Community Event: Crochet Bloggers Comment-a-thon
- Add your blog url to the #31CBBC linky (not the post url) – this will help you identify who is participating
- As you are visiting other bloggers, take note of any similarities you have or complimentary projects/services you have. This is a great time to jot down the blog name and get to know the blogger behind the blog.
- Don’t stress on writing a post each day. A picture with your thoughts, a video, a top 5 list, or simply a quote on why you like crochet all counts as a post.
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Great post! I’m just starting out pitching guest blogs and love your do’s and don’ts! Thanks for the great resource!
Lisa, thanks. Those Do’s and Don’ts are actually from Seo Smarty.
G’day post Sara, true!
A good reminder or “enlightener” to future guest blogger who are newbies are experienced too!
Cheers! Joanne
Hi Joanne, hi from the states to Australia. Your blog makes me hungry.