Take Your Blog to Celebrity Status - 10 Guest Blogging Secrets

by Blogelina · 63 comments



guest blogging secrets imageHands down, one of the most effective ways to promote your blog these days is through guest blogging.

Ana’s note:

I know, you are too overwhelmed with your own blog.

Maybe this great post by Glen Allsop will help you understand why you should ditch writing for your own blog (well, no, not entirely) and do some guest posting:

In order to make your guest blogging ventures a success, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Follow the blogs you want to guest post for. Get to know them. What content do they publish? What is their overall tone? What seems to be of interest to their readers? As you follow a particular blog, you can keep an eye out for topics that you can write about to add value to that blog.

Look for and respond to requests for posts. Everyone gets busy at times. If you’re following a blog, you’ll probably hear about when the author might be feeling a bit swamped. By responding to a need and using your guest post to help out the blog’s owner, you’ll find more success in having your content published.

Write well. Send a post that is well written and clearly articulated. Check your spelling and grammar. The goal is to have your guest post need as little editing as possible.

Write for their audience. Write your guest post as if you are speaking directly to that particular blog’s audience. If you’ve been following the blog, you’ll know about previous discussions that you might reference or “inside jokes” you might be able to incorporate into your post. Show both the blog author and his or her followers that you’ve been in tune.

Promote their blog in your post. Find older posts that the blog has published and link to them in your guest post as appropriate. This will give readers a deeper experience as they’ll be able to see more information relating to your topic. It will also help the blog owner with their SEO and link building.

Ask! If you don’t submit your guest post to that blog you’re wanting to write for, you’ll never know if it would have been accepted or not. Remember, the worst that can happen is that you receive a “no” to your submission or you don’t hear anything back at all. You’ll be surprised, though, how many times it seems like there is no way a post will be published – and just that will happen!

Make it easy for your posts to be accepted - Include your post in your email contacting the blog owner about writing for them. Save them a few steps by NOT sending them extra emails that they need to respond to. Include your bio, too – give them everything they need to publish your post. That way, all they need to do is hit the reply button and tell you that yes, they will be using your work!

Consider your formatting - Look at how the blog owner likes to format his or her posts. If possible, make use of post styling, adding headers and such as necessary. Again, this makes publishing your guest post that much easier for the blog owner.

Check their “write for us” page – A lot of blogs are adding such pages these days. Reading the guest posting guidelines of a particular blog can help save you time and also help you write a guest post that has a better chance of being accepted and published.

Look at previous guest posts that were published - What were they about? How were they written? Are there any similarities between previous guest posts that you could use to your advantage in getting your guest post accepted?

Now that you have the guest posting tips you need for success, the only thing left to do is apply them.

Think of one or two blogs in your niche that you would like to be published by and start getting your blog noticed!

QUESTION: What is holding you back from guest posting? When will YOU be ready to submit your guest post to Traffic Generation Cafe?




{ 63 comments… read them below or add one }

Facebook Developer September 5, 2011 at 12:36 am

Yay!! You are the bomb, I love these boxes and never thought to download the tutorial or considered it might not be there one day. Now, I am definitely going to save this to my own files, just in case;) Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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Facebook Application Maker May 18, 2011 at 12:05 am

HHi ANNA thanks alot for these secrets i was looking for that very badly. you just made my life easy it will help me to better my keyword ranking.
Thanks

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Ana | Traffic Generation May 18, 2011 at 5:46 am

You’re most welcome. :-)

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Jocuri noi February 8, 2011 at 7:52 am

Is pretty difficult to get great links trought guest post because most of blogs who offer that are low ranked…But if you got a lot of them ,in large numbers..oh that counts.

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jocuri gratis February 2, 2011 at 2:20 am

Nice guest blogging secrets… This post comes perfect for me, i’m planning to start a guest blogging campaign.

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Jocuri Online January 12, 2011 at 7:31 am

Even though I can’t comment intelligently on technical aspects of blogging and internet marketing, I can write a pretty entertaining post.
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Randy Pickard December 4, 2010 at 4:29 pm

Great advice. Also, if a blog or online publisher has multiple editors with published e-mails, select the one that you are most likely to connect with. Research their background and read their recently published posts before contacting them or submitting a guest post.

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Ana Hoffman December 4, 2010 at 8:29 pm

Very good point, Randy; thanks for adding to the discussion.

Ana

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Kathryn Griffiths November 27, 2010 at 8:11 am

I love reading guest posts because it adds a little different flavor to the normal posting habits of the main blogger.

Tanya, this post was well done. I like the idea of promoting the blog of the site owner with internal linking.

Not only was the the information valuable but it was easy to read because of all the “white space” used. Thanks Tanya and Ana!
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Melanie Kissell November 19, 2010 at 1:16 pm

Tristan’s testimonial says it all to me, Ana, that you’re a gal who walks your talk!

Guest posting is savvy and fun and provides a “win-win” situation for both parties involved. Appreciate your tips, expertise, and point of view on guest posting.

Write On!
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Ana Hoffman November 19, 2010 at 3:01 pm

Thanks, Melanie - that’s the only way to make it in life in my books.

I’ve done a lot of guest posting lately and seen first hand what it can do to traffic and recognition.

Definitely a worthy endeavor!

Ana

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Robert November 21, 2010 at 3:32 am

Ana which book? Is it your e-book?
Thank you again for eye opening new possibilities in the area of guest blogging. Full of gems here.

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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 9:20 pm

Hi, Robert - this post is a bit old now and I am not sure where I talked about a book. Can you be more specific? :)

Ana

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Terry Henry November 12, 2010 at 7:07 pm

Excellent article…this is a blog I could read on a regular basis. I have thought using guest post on my own blog, but not the other way around. This is very enlightening.
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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:41 pm

Yes it is indeed very enlightening Terry. I really appreciate what Tanya had done with this post. Great content.

Thanks for coming,

Ana

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Michael B Wilbraham November 3, 2010 at 6:05 am

Really solid information for anyone looking to start guest blogging. I do think however that it is important, as you say, to “be on par” with the blog you intend posting to. Like anything else in life, you need to establish a relationship with the blog owner first, then it will be easier to not only write a post that is in line with the theme of the blog, but will also be accepted.

Do most guest bloggers ask if they can do a post, before actually writing & submitting one, or do they just submit & hope for the best?
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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 11:09 pm

Hi Michael,

Good point on establishing relationship with the owner first which brings me to your question. I think most bloggers ask first before they submit a post which for me personally is better instead of just submitting one and hoping that it will be accepted by the blog owner. It is more formal, polite and professional to ask first and better chances of receiving a reply.

Regards,

Ana

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Kareem Williams November 2, 2010 at 7:43 pm

I feel the same way as Lily,I often read blogs and appreciate great posts, but you kill it all the time, I appreciate that.
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Tanya November 2, 2010 at 1:30 pm

Thanks to everyone who has left comments on this post - it’s been a huge encouragement to me and a great way to kick off my blog tour this month! Ana has some really great readers - as I’m sure she already knows!
Tanya invites you to read: The Blog Tour- Take Your Blog to Celebrity Status With Guest Posting!My Profile

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Alex November 2, 2010 at 11:14 am

Great check list for a successful guest post. This guidelines in my opinion can even help you get your post in front of the approving line.
Many write guest posts but don’t think on what goes or what doesn’t on that specific blog and sometimes their post has a low audience. This does not only make the poster lose his time but it also affects the blogger.
Oh, nice call to action at the end there:P. In my case I think it’s the lack of experience and ideas.
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Tanya November 2, 2010 at 1:24 pm

Great point, Alex - guest posting is about helping your blog AND the other person’s blog, too. Hopefully, this post has helped give you the inspiration to get out there and get some experience!
Tanya invites you to read: The Blog Tour- Take Your Blog to Celebrity Status With Guest Posting!My Profile

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Charlie Holles November 2, 2010 at 11:03 am

Hi Tanya

it is perfect sense to write in tune with the blog owner, which should be no problem if you have followed their blog for a while.

Personally I would want to guest write for someone who I felt was on a similar wavelength to me.

regards
Charlie Holles

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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:40 pm

You can absolutely do that Charlie. I’m sure the blog owner where you’ll do guest posting will be honored.

All the best,

Ana

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Stacy November 2, 2010 at 10:43 am

These are great tips for guest posting, they really make a lot of sense! What’s holding me back from guest posting? For a while I have felt like I was too new of a blogger to guest post. Now I’m going to be backing off on my own blogging with a new baby on the way in the next couple of weeks.

But I am looking forward to exploring this new world of guest posting early next year as life settles into a new sense of normal! :)
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Tanya November 2, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Congratulations, Stacy! The best of luck to you!

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Nick LeRoy November 2, 2010 at 8:14 am

These are some really good points, I think really understanding the audience is key. People get use to a certain ‘theme’ or ‘voice’ and if you submit something extremely out of the norm it will probably get denied.

Writing well is an absolute must. Nobody wants to read non coherent ramblings.
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Tanya November 2, 2010 at 1:27 pm

Exactly, Nick - you want to make sure that whatever you’re submitting as a guest post is something that YOU would want to post on your own blog - and something that you want to be known for having written.

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Moon Hussain November 1, 2010 at 7:00 pm

Woo, that’s a mighty checklist there! This will definitely come in handy as I’m preparing and organizing my own guest posts right now ;)
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Ana Hoffman November 1, 2010 at 8:46 pm

I’m glad you find this blog very helpful Moon. I know this list can definitely help you in your own guest posts.

Have a great day,

Ana

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Richard November 1, 2010 at 5:36 pm

Great tips. I actually got a few emails requesting to guest post on my blog, but it is a drag doing the emailing back and forth just to get a submission. Great tip to just put the submission in the first email.
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Ana Hoffman November 1, 2010 at 8:49 pm

Hello Richard,

Thanks for reading this guest blog. I’m sure you we’re able to gain insights here.

Keep it up,

Ana

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Anne November 1, 2010 at 3:51 pm

I’m just recently getting into guest posting myself, and I can see where it has already increased my traffic. Thanks for the tips; I can see where I can do better!

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Ana Hoffman November 1, 2010 at 8:38 pm

No problem Anne. Hope to see you again.

Take Care,

Ana

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Oliver Tausend November 1, 2010 at 3:49 pm

Hi Tanya,

thanks for this guest post about guest blogging. What you recommend makes perfect sense to me. Well, if you ask me what holds me back, then I say that I haven’t spent much thought on it yet. I’m going to change that now.

Thanks also to Ana !

Take care

Oliver
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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:23 pm

Hi Oliver,

I think this is the right time to consider doing it in your own site so that you can also enjoy the benefits of doing so.

Take care,

Ana

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Daniel Sharkov November 1, 2010 at 12:29 pm

That was a great read Glen! Having a guest post accepted is not as hard as many people believe it is. Although I am far from calling myself an expert in that area, since I have made just two guest posts, in my opinion you need to have quite a bad writing to get an article refused. Performing a research on the blog and the topics is always a good thing to do before submitting an article. It is even better if you are a frequent commentator.
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Tanya November 1, 2010 at 1:28 pm

That’s so true, Daniel - it IS a lot easier to get guest posts accepted than a lot of people think… myself included! I’ve been surprised and encouraged more than once when my posts have been accepted - and even appreciated.
Tanya invites you to read: The Blog Tour- Take Your Blog to Celebrity Status With Guest Posting!My Profile

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Daniel Sharkov from Blogging Tips November 1, 2010 at 1:47 pm

I just noticed I wrote Glen instead of Tanya. I’m so sorry about making that mistake! I had opened another browser window and was writing a comment on another blog. My apologies again!

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Rob Franta - Success Coach November 1, 2010 at 10:29 am

Nice information on guest posting Tanya. This is something I have always wanted to do, however, as you mention, I have so much going on from day to day, I think I want to enlist guest posters on my site instead… LOL
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Tanya November 1, 2010 at 1:29 pm

Rob, maybe you could start out by swapping guest posts? Then it evens things out a bit more… Thanks for commenting!

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Amy Spreeman November 1, 2010 at 10:14 am

Great post, Tanya and Ana. I hadn’t thought about guest blogging for others. I would love it if someone wanted to write a post or two on my site! I haven’t asked anyone yet but I think it would be a terrific way to share knowledge and thought leadership.
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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:25 pm

Yes that’s absolutely right Amy. I’m sure many would love to do guest posting for you.

All the best,

Ana

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Susanna Hess November 1, 2010 at 9:55 am

Hi Tanya,

What a great post on guest posting. ;) Truly, I love it.

I think the hardest part is that very first post, I suppose it’s like anything else in life.

Your tips on how to get it accepted are awesome.

Thanks for packing this one with value!

Susanna
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Tanya November 1, 2010 at 1:32 pm

Glad to help, Susanna! It really does just take that first step - but once you’ve gotten that first post accepted, you’ll be amazed at how motivated you’ll be to write more!

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Tristan November 1, 2010 at 9:52 am

Great stuff, Ana! Guest posting is awesome, and these are fantastic tips. I think anyone with a new blog should write at least a couple guest posts a week.

For everyone else: I’ve already submitted one guest post to Ana and she got back to me within a few hours. She was excited to get my post and was helpful and responsive to what I had to say. All in all, it was a great experience and I’m excited to see the guest post go live.

And I’m already working on another one!
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Tanya November 1, 2010 at 1:33 pm

Tristan, Ana IS awesome to work with! Glad to hear of your success…

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Lawrence Bergfeld November 1, 2010 at 9:50 am

Excellent Blog Written!!! If we apply all that tons of traffic will be ours!!!

Lawrence Bergfeld
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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:37 pm

That’s right Lawrence.

More power to you,

Ana

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Steve November 1, 2010 at 9:24 am

Tanya,
Very nice guest post about the power of guest posting. You do a great job of listing all the requirements to get your blog post easily accepted and what you need to do to expand your reach by guest posting.

I think doing guest posting well (and a fair bit of it) is one of the best ways to grow your blog. Specifically when your blog is young and fresh. An energetic and fresh guest post on an established blog is an absolutely wonderful way to drive some extra traffic and interest.

Thanks for a great post
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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:27 pm

Very well said Steve. That’s why I love guest posting. Tanya made a wonderful list and great insight on this topic.

Carry on,

Ana

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Ryan Biddulph November 1, 2010 at 9:13 am

Hi Tanya,

Wonderful guest post advice here.

Do strict due diligence before attempting to write a guest post. Determine your audience and write relevant, entertaining posts. Never hold back your “best stuff” because everything we do carries our signature.

Thanks for sharing :)

Ryan
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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:32 pm

Hi Ryan,

Thanks for the great comment. You are so right. In every post we need to give our very best because the content of our blogs will reflect on us.

Have a wonderful day,

Ana

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Lou Barba November 1, 2010 at 8:41 am

Hello Tanya,

What a great idea! I hope there are blogs of all sorts that accept guest postings. Even though I can’t comment intelligently on technical aspects of blogging and internet marketing, I can write a pretty entertaining post. My blog is more of a TV or radio show. Do you get paid to post guest posts or is that increase due to increased traffic to your website?

Lou Barba
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Tanya November 1, 2010 at 8:56 am

Lou, yes there are all sorts of blogs out there that accept guest blogs. Find a blog that seems similar to your topic and send the author an email, asking if they accept guest posts. It can’t hurt to ask!

While there are ways to be paid for writing posts for blogs (you can search for blogging jobs through google), for the most part, the purpose of guest blogging is to gain exposure for you, your writing, and your blog.

Thanks for commenting!

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Bill from Life Coach Birmingham November 1, 2010 at 8:39 am

Hi Tanya,

This was a wonderful blog! I appreciate your hard work and effort in sharing these tips and guides! You have gave me so much help in how I could improve my blog, really appreciate the work! Keep it up and all the best for the future!

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Tanya November 1, 2010 at 8:58 am

Thank you for the encouraging words, Bill!

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Bill from Life Coach Birmingham November 2, 2010 at 5:33 am

Your welcome Tanya, it was a pleasure to share my idea’s with you and everyone else on here. Let’s stay in touch! Look forward to hearing more about your posts.

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Tanya November 1, 2010 at 8:29 am

Thanks for commenting, Robert - I checked out your blog and you’ve got a great thing going! If you’re looking for more guest posting, I wonder if it would help you to create a “guest blogging” link and display it on your homepage. That way, people know that they can write for your blog - that you’d actually appreciate it if they did. Just a thought…

Also, further along in my Blog Tour, I have a post planned about putting your blog on autopilot - it might help when life gets too busy to spend much time blogging.

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Andreas November 1, 2010 at 7:38 am

And, of course, reply to comments to keep the discussion going on the blog post to give google a new meal every time they re-visit the page.

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Robert David Strong November 1, 2010 at 7:06 am

Hey Tanya,

I loved the post as it was a step by step process on how to become a gust blogger on another persons blog. I especially liked the idea of “Look for and respond to requests for posts” - and you describe how so many people get busy.

I have learned over the years as I have become more and more busy, I get different emails and it is not that I do not want to respond, it is just I am really busy at that present moment. And there are times that I get so busy with everything else, that there are weeks that go by that I have not updated my blog. This doesn’t happen very often but it has happened and it would have been great for someone to do a guest blog post, maybe in the future….

Again thank you for the great post!

Robert

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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:36 pm

Hello Robert,

You are such a busy man so I appreciate you for taking time to read Tanya’s blog. I’m glad you love it and hopefully you can also apply that in your own blog next time.

Carry on,

Ana

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Lily November 1, 2010 at 5:46 am

Thank you. It was a gentle nudge to remind me to get my own blog up and running and become more involved in writing and connecting with people. I often read blogs and appreciate great posts, but then I fail to comment and let them know how much I appreciate them. So I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you and the great tips that you have shared here.

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Ana Hoffman November 21, 2010 at 10:33 pm

Hi Lily

Thanks for coming and commenting this time. I also appreciate the extra effort.

Take care,

Ana

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