10 Ultimate Guides For Guest Blogging That Work
Guest blogging is a powerful way to promote your website or blog. 
No matter the niche you’ve chosen, guest posting on niche-specific and high trafficked blog can grow your blog.
When I started blogging, I had no clue how to drive traffic.
A friend who didn’t have a clue what to write about dropped an idea in my mind.
He said, “Michael, why don’t you write a helpful article and submit to another blogger?”
“I’m so sure they’d accept it. He said.
He was trying to encourage me into guest blogging. And since I started writing for other blogs, it’s been blissful.
My blog’s readership has grown tremendously. My organic traffic has also skyrocketed. I want to share the 10 ultimate guides for guest blogging that work.
1. Believe in yourself
Do you believe in yourself? This is the first assignment you must settle in your heart. Guest blogging is a personal decision.
Those who can’t believe in themselves will find it difficult to write quality articles. It doesn’t matter what blog you’re targeting (A-list or upcoming blogs), the same mindset of “believe” applies.
Confidence comes when your work is valued. And nobody is going to place a value on you, except you start believing in your writing.
2. Start with upcoming blog
Ideally, you should start with upcoming blogs. The reason is because top blogs have some strict guidelines, which might not be suitable for beginners. But when you start off with upcoming blogs, those with PR2 – PR3 attributes, you’d learn vital lessons on a daily basis.
Second, it’s also easier to get approved on these types of blogs. Because the blog owner wants fresh contents – and may not have the time or skill to write continually.
3. Reply to comments
When your guest post is approved, the journey doesn’t end yet. You’ve to create time out of your busy schedule to reply to comments. There is a tendency that readers would leave a comment, or ask questions.
It’s your duty as the author to answer these questions and throw more lights unto blurred sentences. And besides, replying to comments can build your relationship with a blog owner faster. Don’t just submit a guest post and abscond.
4. Read niche blogs and e-books
If you want to be extremely productive, then you must read niche blogs and e-books. There are authority blogs out there, which are manned by industry experts. For your strategies and tips to be authentic, you’ve to measure it with the advice of an expert.
Well, that’s not a rule. But it wouldn’t hurt to be sure of a topic, before writing about it. So, find blogs in your niche. Subscribe to their RSS or Email newsletter. Then read and jot down ideas. You would need the ideas for your next guest post.
5. Write a catchy headline
In a guest post, the headline is the most important element that stands out. A catchy headline can bring in more clicks, readership and engagement. The truth is, my best performing guest posts had powerful headlines.
And because blog owners want you to impress them, a great and sticky headline is guaranteed to get your guest post approved and published. Do you know how to write a great headline? Learn headline tips here.
6. Use subheads and bullet points
Most writers and bloggers make the mistake of padding their contents with irrelevant words and phrases. You don’t actually need those elements to be successful at guest blogging. The best thing is to use subheads and bullet points to convey your message.
Guest posts that are formatted using short paragraphs, bullet points and subheads will definitely get more reads and engagement. Try it!
7. Mention the blog owner’s name in your article
I personally use this strategy to get my guest posts approved at A-list blogs. Everyone has ego. A little pat on the shoulder can go a long way to motivate someone.
How would you feel if someone mentions your blog URL and even calls you by name? It’s a simple element but when you mention the blog owner’s name in your article, you’d get accepted almost immediately.
8. Reference quotes and images
To avoid plagiarism and copyright infringements, reference every quote you use on your guest post. Also, the images should be properly credited. Depending on the site you got the photo from; make sure you don’t attribute ownership to yourself.
Respect other author’s creativity and hard work. It pays to stay on the defense side than been the one attacking.
9. Call to action
Before concluding your guest post, make sure your blog’s URL is added. Majority of the A-list blogs out there can allow 2 or more self-serving links to your website. Since the links are do-follow, use anchor texts to make it SEO friendly. Please don’t add affiliate link.
And if it’s possible, when you submit a guest post, try using an anchor link within the article itself. Preferably, above the fold area can strengthen your SEO ranking in search engines.
10. Take action now
It’s not enough to know the potentials of guest blogging, you’ve to take action. Most people keep procrastinating, and wonder why their blog/website isn’t growing. The only difference between a successful guest blogger and the person who is still at the teething phase is ‘action.’
Challenge yourself to write your first guest post today. Start with upcoming blogs. Then scale it through from there. See you ahead.
Photo Credit: Charlottepurdy
Posted in: Blogging
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