[specialbox]Bonus: Guest posting is a great way to grow your blog — if you do it right. I've created a quick video training and a downloadable eBook to show you exactly how to land the guest posts that will grow your blog (click here to download).[/specialbox]
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 follow his example, and I'm almost there.
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.
I've guest-posted for Problogger, Ken Davis, Erica Cosminsky, Bryan Allain, Laura Click, Kyle Reed, Spence Smith, Randy Elrod, and many others, including a little blog by Michael Hyatt.
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), I've come up with some tips for getting more guest posts published on other sites. And if you want more details, I've recorded two bonus videos and compiled a downloadable eBook to walk you through them for your own blog.
Every blogger who wants to grow her influence can begin by practicing these habits that lead to more successful guest posting:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
You might have noticed a theme in here: Be awesome — both to your audience and to the influencers you're connecting with. As you share your best work and serve people generously, you'll become known and you'll earn the trust of your fellow bloggers and their tribes.
Bonus: Are you ready to apply these tips to your own blog? Click here to get step-by-step advice about how I executed this strategy, and how you can do it too.