Guest posting is a powerful strategy for creating backlinks, increasing brand exposure, and driving targeted traffic. The thing is, getting accepted can be difficult with so many submissions websites receive. To ensure that your guest post stands out and gets accepted, then it is important to walk the walk of best practices. Here’s how you can write a guest post that gets accepted every time.
1. Research the Blog Thoroughly
Before you start writing your guest post, you need to understand the blog you are targeting. Research the site’s tone, style, and target audience. Read through several of their previous posts to get a sense of what kind of content they publish. Pay attention to the following:
Content type: Does the blog publish long-form articles, how-to guides, or opinion pieces?
Topics: What topics are covered frequently? Are there any specific themes or niches the blog focuses on?
Tone and style: Is the tone formal, conversational, or casual? Mimic the writing style to align with their existing content.
By aligning your guest post with the blog’s existing content, you increase the likelihood of it being accepted.
2. Pitch an Idea First
Do not send your full guest post out of the blue. Instead, start with a pitch. A pitch that catches the editor’s eye is the key to getting your post accepted. Your pitch should be brief and to the point. Make sure to include the following:
Title of your guest post idea: Offer a clear and compelling headline.
Value proposition: Explain why your guest post is relevant and valuable to their audience. How will it solve a problem, provide insight, or entertain?
A brief summary: Provide a short paragraph describing the content of the post, outlining the main points.
Your credentials: Briefly mention why you’re qualified to write on the subject matter.
Make your pitch stand out by showcasing how your post will add value to their readers and fit within the blog’s niche.
3. Focus on High-Quality, Valuable Content
After the pitch is accepted, it’s time to pen the post. Your submitted content must be worth reading, well-written, and relevant. Top-notch content makes a guest post acceptable and ensures its continued acceptability for any future collaborations. Here’s how you can produce top-notch guest posts:
Add new insights: Offer a unique perspective or spin on the subject. Don’t simply rewrite or repeat what’s already been done.
Solve a problem: Focus on practical advice or solutions to common problems your audience faces.
Be clear and concise. Break up your content with subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs for easy readability.
Include data or examples: Incorporate real-life examples, case studies, or statistics to back up your claims and provide real-world value.
Edit thoroughly: A well-edit post shows professionalism. Make sure to proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes before submitting.
4. Submit According to Submission Guidelines
Different websites have unique guest post submission guidelines. Typically, it mentions the specifications in terms of format, word count, desired topic, and sometimes even on submitting your post. Not submitting according to those guidelines is probably the fastest way of getting rejected. To prevent that:
Carefully read the guidelines: some blog posts need a specific word count; others can accept only some particular topics.
Respect formatting: Use the correct heading styles, include relevant images (if allowed), and follow the site’s preferred format.
5. Be Polite and Professional
When approaching a blog for a guest post opportunity, be polite, professional, and respectful in all your communications. Whether you’re pitching an idea or submitting a completed post, professionalism matters. Be patient if it takes some time to hear back, and always follow up politely if needed.
Additionally, be sure to express gratitude for the opportunity once your guest post is accepted. A polite follow-up can help build long-term relationships with blog owners, potentially leading to future guest post opportunities.
6. Include a Relevant Bio and Links
A guest post is a chance to build your brand, but don’t overdo it with self-promotion. Instead, include a brief, compelling author bio at the end of your post. The bio should contain:
Your name and a short description of your expertise.
A link to your website or social media profiles.
A clear call-to-action (CTA), encouraging readers to connect or learn more.
Remember that guest posts are about adding value to the host blog’s audience, not just about promoting yourself.
When you do your research, pitch the right idea, provide high-quality content, and follow submission guidelines, it is possible to write a guest post that gets accepted every time. Focus on providing value, aligning with the voice of the blog, and being professional to increase the chances of acceptance by top-tier websites and have a successful guest posting strategy.