Crafting a Guest Post That Gets Accepted in Three Steps

We all crave a bit of recognition, don’t we? As small business owners crafting content, we seek a nod of appreciation for the hard work we’ve put into researching trends, drafting countless headlines, and tirelessly using the thesaurus. However, the world of guest blogging can seem daunting. You might wonder how you can stand out among award-winning writers who flood the internet with their acclaimed pieces.

Here’s a secret for small business owners venturing into blogging: getting recognition and expanding your network isn’t as hard as you think. The key lies in research, relevance, and relationship-building.

Your college professor was right—connections matter. Even in today’s digital age, authentic relationships remain invaluable. In guest blogging, these relationships are crucial.

Feeling ready to branch out from your own blog and share your knowledge with a wider audience? Here are three steps to help you create a guest post that gets published.

First, research thoroughly. Determine the purpose of your article. Are you aiming to earn a backlink to boost your SEO, share a how-to guide on a beloved hobby, or establish yourself as an expert in your field? Knowing your motive will speed up the writing process and help you choose the right host blog.

To find potential host blogs, use keywords in your Google Search that combine your topic with an indicator of guest posting. This way, you’ll find sites relevant to your content. Once you have a list, assess which blogs are the best fit, much like Goldilocks searching for the right bed.

Avoid pitching to sites that are too large and selective or too small and unestablished. Look for the blog with the right readership and standards. Check out their most popular articles, previous guest posts, backlinks, and word count to ensure it’s a good match.

After selecting your target blog, focus on creating content that stands out. While some host blogs provide word count guidelines, many don’t. Decide on the length by considering both the benefits of long and short posts. Longer posts generally rank better on Google, but if padding your article with unnecessary words affects quality, it’s better to keep it concise.

Use popular keywords to help your host site rank better in search engine results. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find the right keywords. Also, check the host site’s link guidelines. Some may restrict links or have specific preferences. Plan your backlinks strategically, linking to relevant articles on the host site and credible outside sources.

Once you’ve crafted a high-quality guest post, it’s time to build relationships. Personalize your email when reaching out to a host blog. Refer to their content, offer options, and establish your credibility. If you don’t hear back within two weeks, a polite follow-up is fine, but avoid bombarding them. If your pitch doesn’t land, move on and continue creating more guest-worthy content.