Getting your work published on popular industry blogs is like finding the golden ticket for content creators. High-authority guest posts bring traffic, links, credibility, and new fans.
But if you’re not an established name, landing these coveted spots is easier said than done. Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to score guest post victories consistently.
Why Guest Posting Matters
Before we dive in, let’s highlight why you should make guest posting a top priority:
Exposure – A single byline can put your writing in front of thousands of new readers. Expand your reach exponentially.
Backlinks – Quality sites pass tons of link juice. This lifts your website’s domain authority for better SEO.
Leads – Use guest posts to funnel visitors to your site, captures emails, build your list.
Relationships – Connecting with influencers and followings in your space leads to opportunities.
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of our foolproof system for guest post domination!
Phase 1 - Identify Target Websites
Your success starts with finding ideal blogs and news sites to pitch your writing to. But how do you pinpoint ones likely to say YES?
Option #1 – Google Search Operators
Google is your best friend here. Run various keyword searches using special operators:
“your topic” + “contributor guidelines”
“your topic” + “submit guest post”
“your topic” + “accepting submissions”
“your topic” inurl:contributors
Look for terms like “Write for us” “Guest Writers Wanted” etc.
Dig through search results, company/blog sections titled something like “Contributors” or “Guest Posting” and identify solid matches.
Option #2 – Monitor Competitors
Research who the top creators in your niche are guest posting on. Look them up on Google and Semrush to surface backlinks.
Then explore each of those sites as targets!
Option #3 – Recognize Patrons
Look through blog posts you enjoy from sites you want to write for. Scroll down and look to see who commonly engages via comments, shares etc. Those hyper engaged people often get guest posting opportunities.
Phase 2 - Vet Targets
Have a list of 10-20 potential blogs/sites to pitch? Great! Now narrow to the best fits.
Run prospects through this checklist:
● Recent guest contributor activity
● Niche relevant
● Site reputation/visibility
● Domain Authority/Traffic
● Content Production levels
● Comment engagement
Filtering for the sites that meet all those criteria ensures you focus your efforts where they’ll pay dividends!
Phase 3 - Warm Up Your Prospects
You’ve identified your Blue Chip targets? Don’t pitch them yet! Doing so with no previous connection is a rookie mistake.
First, actively engage with the site and build familiarity. Here are some workable strategies:
● Share posts on your social channels
● Comment thoughtfully on recent articles
● Email the editor praise for specific pieces
● Reply to contributor’s social media posts
Building even minor rapport makes pitching 100X more effective vs going in cold. Who knows? You may even score opportunities without having to pitch at all!
Phase 4 - Craft Next Level Pitches
Alright! Now that you are familiar with the sites and editors you’ve warmed up, it’s GO TIME! To translate pitches into bylines you must master communicating your value.
Here’s are battle tested email templates:
Subject Line Formula =
[Site Name] Article Pitch – [Post Topic]
Email Body Formula =
● Express Familiarity
“Hi [Name]! I’m a big fan who’s read [X contributions] and loved [specific pieces]. As a [your credentials] I’ve followed your site for awhile now because I really enjoy [micro level thing they do well] with your content and think you provide so much value to [niche].
● Detail Your Idea
I’d love the opportunity to write something for your amazing site as well around [possible topic or angle]. I have a particular angle in mind focusing on [overarching theme] with a specific emphasis on providing [type of value – tips/analysis etc.]. Here’s a quick summary:
[2-3 sentence synopsis]
● Note Additional Value
On top of incredibly thorough, well-researched advice content grounded in [Y years experience/data], I can also provide [additional asset – infographics/tools/videos] to go with the post to really make the content standout and grab attention!
● Thank + Time Request
Please let me know if you’d be open to exploring this topic idea further! Even if the timing/fit isn’t right yet I’m so appreciative of the work you do and hope I may have an opportunity somewhere down the line. Thank you and looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
[Your name]
Now send 5-10 of those out per week and watch your hit rate soar! It’s a numbers game, don’t get discourage with a few no’s. Stick to that pitch format and site approach framework and the acceptances will blow up quick!
Example :
Subject Line: SEO Sandwitch Article Pitch – Exploring “How to Optimize SEO of any Website”
Hi [Editor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m Nihal, and I’m a big fan of the insightful content on SEO Sandwitch. Having read numerous contributions and particularly enjoying the in-depth analysis of SEO strategies, I’ve come to appreciate the valuable insights your site provides to the SEO community.
As a seasoned digital marketer with a focus on SEO, I’ve followed your site for a while now because I really enjoy the meticulous approach you take in delivering valuable content to your audience.
I’m reaching out because I would love the opportunity to contribute to SEO Sandwitch with an article centered around the topic of “How to Optimize SEO of any Website.” My idea revolves around providing a comprehensive guide on optimizing the SEO of a website, covering essential strategies and best practices. Here’s a quick summary:
In this article, I aim to delve into the key aspects of website SEO optimization, offering actionable tips and insights for both beginners and experienced marketers. From on-page optimization techniques to the latest trends in off-page SEO, the article will serve as a go-to resource for anyone looking to enhance their website’s search engine visibility.
To complement the content, I can also provide engaging infographics that visualize the optimization process, adding an extra layer of value to the readers.
I understand your time is valuable, and I appreciate your consideration of my pitch. Even if the timing or fit isn’t perfect right now, I’m grateful for the work you do, and I hope there might be an opportunity for collaboration in the future.
Thank you for your time, [Editor’s Name]. I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Best regards,
Nihal
Phase 5 - Over Deliver With Your Post
You got the green light to contribute, nice job! Don’t pat yourself on the back just yet though – now comes the hard part…
Writing something truly exceptional.
Giving editors what they expect won’t get you recurring opportunities or standout exposure. You must overdeliver.
Here’s what sets great guest posts apart:
● Strategic headline – Hook readers!
● Relatable lead example
● Authoritative voice – Back claims
● Easy takeaway value points
● Carefully chosen hyperlinks
● Multi-media – Videos, gifs
● Bonus downloadables – Checklists, guides
● Comment on post – Immediately!
If you build posts tailored specifically to each blog using that blueprint your analysis and advice will be in demand everywhere!
Now Get Out There and Start Landing Bylines!
Alright, that wraps up our complete guide to strategically growing your guest posting portfolio! The process does involve effort – vetting prospects, relationship building, crafting exceptional content.
But the hard work pays off big time in the form of:
● Backlinks
● Direct Referral Traffic
● New Readers
● Professional Connections
● Personal Brand Awareness
So take these proven strategies and run with them! Feel free to reach out below with any specific questions. Now get pitching and enjoy all the benefits elite guest posting has to offer. Write on!
Leave a Reply