Posting relevant, high-quality content on other reputable websites in your industry is one of the most effective ways to improve your own site’s search engine optimization (SEO). Submitting guest posts not only provides a valuable backlink to your site, but also presents an opportunity to connect with a new audience and showcase your expertise.
What is a Guest Post?
A guest post is an article or blog post written by a contributor who is not affiliated with the publication. The author provides their expertise on a topic relevant to the publication’s audience. The guest post is then published on the site with attribution to the author.
Why Submit Guest Posts?
Here are some of the key benefits of developing an effective guest posting strategy:
1. Backlinks
Backlinks are one of the top ranking factors for SEO. By contributing content to authority sites in your niche, you can earn high-quality backlinks that signal to search engines that your site is trustworthy and valuable. The higher the domain authority of the site you guest post for, the more SEO juice your backlink will carry.
2. Brand visibility
Guest posting raises awareness of your brand and positions you as an industry thought leader. By demonstrating your knowledge in front of a new audience, you can drive traffic back to your site. Include a brief author bio with a link back to your site to maximize visibility.
3. Relationship building
Approaching relevant sites to contribute a post opens the door to building relationships with influencers and partners in your field. Nurture these relationships and you may unlock future opportunities for collaboration.
How to Find Guest Posting Opportunities
Finding great sites to pitch your guest post to is the first step. Here are some tips:
Look to Competitors and Complementary Sites
What other authority sites in your niche accept contributor posts? Reaching out to direct competitors likely won’t be fruitful, but complementary sites in your industry are great options.
Leverage Online Tools
Tools like BuzzStream, Pitchbox, and BuzzSumo contain databases of sites accepting guest posts. You can research opportunities by keyword and domain authority.
Check Site Guidelines
Thoroughly read a site’s editorial guidelines before reaching out. Pay attention to preferred topic areas, word count, and contributor requirements.
Search by Influencers
Identify key influencers in your market and explore their sites. Authors are more likely to publish posts from those they know and trust, so getting on their radar is key.
How to Pitch Sites for Guest Posts
The key to getting your post accepted is an irresistible pitch. Follow these tips:
Choose a Compelling Topic
Look at trending themes on the site and current events in your industry to find timely, on-brand ideas. Pitch posts that align with the site’s goals and fill gaps in their content.
Draft a Specific Title and Headline
Summarize the core focus and unique angle of your post in a short, descriptive title and attention-grabbing headline. This gives the editor a snapshot of what you plan to cover.
Highlight Your Expertise
Quickly explain who you are and establish your credentials on the topic. Assure the editor you have experience and credibility on the subject to provide value to their readers.
Include an Outline
Lay out the structure of your article and key points you plan to cover. This gives the editor insight into how you’ll craft a compelling post tailored to their audience.
Writing a Guest Post
Once your pitch lands, it’s time to write a stellar guest post. Here are some writing tips to maximize the impact:
Know the Audience
Research the site’s readers. Write using language and style that resonates with their target demographic.
Follow the Guidelines
Adhere to all requirements set forth in the site’s editorial guidelines for contributors. Stick to word counts, tone guidelines, and SEO tips.
Make it Skimmable
Break content into clear sections, bite-sized paragraphs, and lists so readers can easily skim and digest. Use subheadings and bullets.
Include Internal Links
Naturally link back to authority content on the site you’re writing for, which helps readers navigate to relevant pages.
Insert Visuals
Images, data visualizations, charts, infographics, etc make posts more engaging. Ask the editor if they have graphic needs.
Feature Examples
Use case studies, expert quotes, and specific examples to illustrate key points and make the post more concrete for readers.
Link Back to Your Site
At minimum, include a brief author bio with a link back to your website to generate SEO value. Don’t over-optimize anchor text.
Promoting Your Guest Posts
To maximize visibility for your article, here are some quick tips:
- Share on social media when it goes live. Tag the site and editor.
- Link to the post from relevant pages on your website like Services or Resources.
- Highlight it in your email newsletter or blog.
- Repurpose the content into other formats like a slide deck or video.
- Monitor engagement and clicks from the post to your site.
Getting your guest post promoted directly by the site provides even greater benefits. Ask the editor if they will share the piece on their social channels or link to it in their newsletter.
Guest Posting FAQs
How do I write a guest post that converts readers?
To boost conversions from a guest post, focus on writing high-value content that solves a specific pain point for the site’s audience. Include a strong CTA back to your site for readers looking to learn more.
What types of sites should I guest post for?
Prioritize sites with high domain authority and search traffic that align with your target customer base. Most guest posting will be on industry blogs, but also look for opportunities in high-traffic magazines and niche sites.
How much should I focus on backlinks vs. audience building?
Finding sites specifically to earn a link has diminishing returns. The best results come from viewing guest posting holistically for awareness and relationship building, with backlinks as an added benefit.
How do I scale my guest posting efforts?
Create templated pitches and set aside dedicated time weekly to research new opportunities and reach out to sites. Maintain a pipeline spreadsheet to track open opportunities. Automate follow-ups.
How often should I guest post?
Aim to have at least one guest post live every 1-2 months. Be careful not to over-optimize by publishing too frequently on the same domains as this can seem spammy.
Conclusion
Executed strategically, guest posting can significantly expand your brand’s reach and authority. By providing value to new audiences, demonstrating your expertise, and earning high-quality backlinks, guest posts will take your SEO efforts to the next level. Focus on building relationships with sites and influencers to develop ongoing contributing opportunities.
