Seven Tips for Getting Your Guest Posts Published

I’m trying to break Leo Babauta‘s record. Leo became an A-list blogger, gaining over 100,000 subscribers on his blog Zen Habits by writing for other blogs.

I’m trying to do the same.

Guest posting is the single most effective way to increase the reach of your blog. In addition to writing daily posts for this blog, I usually write a few posts per week for other blogs. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.

Photo credit: Stephanie Watson (Creative Commons)

I’ve guest-posted for Problogger, Ken Davis, Erica Cosminsky, Bryan Allain, Laura Click, Kyle Reed,  Spence Smith, Randy Elrod, and others. Today, I have a guest post on Michael Hyatt’s blog.

I’m a believer in guest posting. It’s the secret to taking your blog to the next level. And here’s the kicker: anyone can do it.

As an addendum to my “Seven Steps to Writing a Succesful Guest Post” (featured on MichaelHyatt.com today), I’ve come up with some tips for getting more guest posts published on other sites.

Guest Post Tips

Every blogger who wants to grow her influence can begin by practicing these habits that lead to more successful guest posting:

1. Be polite

Don’t ever underestimate the discipline of being courteous. Say “please” and “thank you.” Show respect. Don’t be too pushy. Ask someone to be a guest on his site; don’t demand it, and don’t act like you’re entitled to it. The best guest bloggers are polite.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask

The worst they can say is “no” right? I’m surprised by how many bloggers sabotage their own efforts before they even begin, because they’re afraid to make a big ask. Why not just go for it?

I’ve been surprised by how people have responded when I’ve put myself out there and made an audacious, albeit polite, request.

3. Write quality content

Spending time writing good content and being known for your quality will make your pitches to other bloggers a lot easier. It really is about the content.

Good writing has a way of being found. While I had to begin by asking people to guest post, now people are starting to ask me.

4. Be persistent

If at first you don’t succeed, try again. That’s it. Simple, right? (It’s harder than it sounds.) If you’re easily discouraged, you may find it hard to guest post.

5. Add value

Write content for other bloggers that they need. I’m amazed at how many people try to write for themselves on someone else’s blog and end up missing the mark.

Other times, they write on a topic that’s already been covered in a previous post. A little research can go a long way.

6. Have a good-looking blog

This sounds superficial, and it is, but presentation really matters.

These days, you can get a nice-looking website for cheap. It’s worth the cost to give your readers the impression that you’re a reputable provider of content. They’ll see your website first before they read it. This will also lead to influential bloggers taking you more seriously.

7. Serve before asking to be served

The best way to network is to serve people. Don’t begin a relationship with a blogger by asking for a guest post. Begin by showing interest. Share her content on Facebook or Twitter, leave a few comments, send an encouraging email. Then, go for the ask.

For more of the “nuts and bolts” of guest posting on other blogs, read this: Seven Steps to Writing a Successful Guest Post

Also, this course has been helpful to me: Guest Posting for Quality Links and Targeted Traffic by Chris Garrett

If this is the first time you’re reading this blog, read the about page and see how you can subscribe. If you’re interested in guest posting on this site or having me guest post for you, send me an email.

What other tips for guest posting goodness do you have to offer?

*Photo credit: Stephanie Watson

Disclosure: Some of the above links were affiliate links.