My guest post today is the lovely Empress from Good Day Regular People. Alexandra is known for her awesome guest posting skills, so what better way than to provide some helpful hints about posting for another blog from someone who does it well!
I am known as a guest poster. I get asked often why I enjoy guest posting so much. It’s true, I do enjoy it. I think my guest posts show that my enthusiasm for being at someone else’s site is evident. I was lucky enough to begin guest posting early into my blogging days. At two months, I had already been a guest blogger on two sites. One opportunity came by way of invitation, the second by my own initiation and submission. From this early start, I was hooked.
Why I Like to Guest Post:
*It develops and expands your writing style
*It takes your blogging friendships to another level
*It helps build community
*It has me write on a topic I wouldn’t think to approach on my site
*I get to be relaxed and a bit like someone else, just like a vacation
*It shows my readers a different side of me, like meeting me outside of the usual surroundings
*It truly is a lot of fun
The Benefits of Guest Posting:
*Increased traffic
*Exposure to a new audience
*Allows you to showcase a side of your writing (or self) that your blog doesn’t
*Ability to gain new followers and subscribers
*Creates a friendship with the blogger that invited you, or accepted your offer to guest post
*You get to introduce your regular readers to a new blogger as well
What I’ve Learned About Guest Posting:
Think outside yourself. When you come across an opportunity to guest post that may not be for you, think about whether it’s right for another blogger you know. If so, forward that contact information to them because they’ll appreciate it.
Just ask. When you see a blog you like, email them a short, sweet note telling them you’d like to guest post for them. All they can say is no. Take the risk.
Use guest posting as a test bed. If you know you want to try writing something “new” that your blog’s niche doesn’t allow, search out a site that will. Say, you like science fiction. Well Google, “Guest Posting for Science Fiction,” and “Submitting Guest Post on Science Fiction,” and “Guest Post Submission on Science Fiction.” Visit those blogs and see if they’ll take a submission from you.
Utilize Twitter. Follow the tweets of a blogger you like. Some bloggers will tweet “looking for guest posts. I’m feeling very generous today.” Respond!
Utilize search boxes. When visiting a collaborative blog you’d like to contribute to, enter “guest posts” in their search box: good chance that everything you need will pop up with one click.
Look for “write for us” and “about us” links. Many community blogs will have a “write for us” link in their top navigation bar. Also, click on “about us.” There will usually be an email address for guest post submissions there.
Check out guest blogger communities. They seek high quality content and a fresh perspective. Very exciting collaboration.
Start out small. Exchange guest posts with a bloggy buddy. You can reach a new audience there that you are somewhat familiar with, in a niche you know well. Consider hosting a guest post once a week at your site. Tweet it out! You’ll meet new people, and bring traffic to your site for others to meet you.
Bring your “A” game. This is the most important thing I can say about guest posting. I would not say to myself, “it’s a free post for them, I’ll just hammer this out in ten minutes.” No, no, no, no, and No.
So, bring it! Provide the awesome content that will have people wanting to know more about you and follow you. Make your host proud. Make your host beam with “look what I found to show my readers!” Be a guest, as in “guest post” and good luck with your efforts!
Please send me an email if you are interested in guest posting at Theta Mom® for TMC Network. Full details can be found on the Network page.
These are some great tips on guest posting. I actually love reading blogs that have a lot of guest poster because I feel like it adds new dimensions to the blogs. I have not guest posted yet but when I am ready I will for sure look back to this post. Thanks!
I’m the same way, SMK. I like it when I click over and see a new face, and I think, “oh, a new blogger to meet.” That’s why it’s so important to do a guest post FANTASTICALLY. It’s a first impression many times.
Thank you for being here.
Great tips from a great lady. Thanks for sharing!
You know, I miss teaching, and I guess this is my way of still doing it. Never thought of it that way. Thanks for stopping, hon.
Thanks so much for the post! I am just getting involved in setting up guest posts and doing it for others, so this was quite helpful.
Aww, thank you, Jenn. I hope you can take away something from here today. ThetaMom provides the best. That’s why she’s my daily stop. Thank you for commenting.
I am so honored to be able to have a GUEST POST here, ThetaMom.
Thanks for all you provide for us, your readers, and for the community of blogging.
You are amazing!
It was fun to be featured here, and contribute to the ThetaMom Community.
I am truly smiling ear to ear today –Thank You!
Nice to see you, Alexandra… {sorry, I’m a cornball, couldn’t resist…}
Great tips!! I’ve hosted a few guest bloggers and I love it because I am able to help them by letting them write in a different venue, but really it helps me because I often can’t think of something to write (or am super busy and can’t).
It’s good to have many heads to stir up your own, isn’t it? Thanks, Jackie.
I think the last point you made is so imporant, you really do need to bring the best you can to a guest post, it’s like an advert for you blog – if people enjoy the post they will be more likely to visit them too!
I like having occasional guest posts – it gives readers a bit of variety and I enjoy doing a guest post now and again too.
It’s a wonderful way to create a spiderweb network.
You just know someone who knows someone…and you do need to put your best out there, for that first impression.
Interesting. I always think of guest posting as something other people do, because they are friends or are connected. I never thought of it as a way to make friends or get connected. As always, you are so smart!
Oh, sunny: if I may call you Sunny. I have guest posted at places I’ve wanted to, just by asking.
All they can say is NO.
So you curl up fetal for 2 seconds, still it’s nothing ventured, nothing gained. xo
This is an excellent post by Alexandra, but I would expect nothing less. She is awesome! Thanks for sharing this valuable information.
Check’s in the mail
These are some great tips. I always freak out when I am asked to guest post for someone. It always ends up ok but I am always worried that their readers won’t like it. I worry too much.
I have never thought about going out and actually finding places to guest post. I may have to try that out sometime.
Put yourself out there. If there is a blog you admire, just ask. Just.ask.
And..don’t think – do.
Also…don’t worry so much. As my good great awesome blogging friend says, “it’s only blogging. Not real life.”
That is so true though!
Great tips!! And I definitely needed it since I’m trying to write a few guest posts right now, but I’m stuck.
Thanks!
Just pick one tip a month, and try it.
You’ll see some fun things happen for you.
The Empress makes a great point…again.
Thanks for the tips!!
Spoken by the one who knows how to work it. Right, mama?
Great tips! I’ve been looking for some guest post opportunities as well as guest posters for my site. I think this is helpful. It is sometimes about gettng outside of your comfort zone.
I would ask you to just try one tip from this post. You’ll see results.
Great tips…while I’m not shy in the least, I always feel weird about stepping up & saying “I want to guest post”. I need to get over that.
Yes, you do.
Quit all that running and get over that.
Oh, the crazy really comes out when I stop running, and nobody wants to see that.
Thank you for the tips!!
I’be been blogging for 5 months now and am still getting to know all of the aspects of it. I love when there’s a guest blog to read, it gives a different flow to blogs. A different perspective for me to consider and absorb.
I’ll have to consider sending out guest post requests 😉
Julie, just pick one tip a month to concentrate on it and work that angle for the month. You will see so much come from it.
Excellent tips! I have only ever guest posted once and I was approached for that one. I never thought of approaching blogs that I love and asking to post for them!
Approach them, ask, offer, answer tweets. NEVER count yourself out. Nothing is gained by not pushing yourself.
Comfortable is nice, but it doesn’t get you growth.
You gotta stretch yourself a little to feel the thrill of a new part of blogging you haven’t ventured before. (that does make sense, people, stop it.)
So great to see Alexandra here! Love her. And these tips are truly helpful for bloggers new to guest posting.
Oh, Kitchy: if I wrote like you, I”d ask for diamonds for my guest posts.
xo
Those are really wonderful tips! She’s clearly got it all under control. I hardly ever guest post (although I just did one and have another next week). I feel terribly uncomfortable with promoting myself, so I always shy away from those kinds of things. I know, I know. It’s dumb to think that way.
You have such a wonderful, warm, real style, I can’t believe you don’t put yourself out there more.
I know, I know, it’s all about the time, but seriously, more people have to know and see how funny, bright, clever, and kind you are.
Toot your own horn, lady!
Look, you’re guest posting about guest posting about…guest posting?
good job Empress…
Thanks, Geeg. Always good to see you anywhere I am.
You are so supportive, and it means the world to me *snif* Tissues, please?
Perfect timing Alexandra! I just posted about looking for guest posters for a newe series called “What’s Your Word?” and here you are telling people how to do it. Perfect! Wonderful tips and ones I need to use as I start looking for places to post and people to guest post on my site. I think it is such a great way to expand our friendships and find new blogs. Thanks for all the great tips!
See this, people? Think I’m going to pass up a chance to be on Mommywords?
Nope. On my way. xo
You are truly the Empress of ALL! Such a wealth of helpful info!! Thanks!!
Tonya:
Thanks, dear lady. My heart always skips a beat when I see a comment from you. xo
Fantastic post Alexandra!
You were one of the first people to welcome me when I began blogging, you’re very supportive and appreciated here.
I just cannot see asking to guest blog yet but I’ll watch for open casting calls lol
Funny lady!
Great tips and advice! I think the most important thing about Guest Posting is bringing FRESH and NEW material! It’s always a disappointment to see where someone is guest posting and they just repost something from their blog into someone else’s. Thanks for the tips!
Fresh and New, you are right. Sometimes, just to fill in vacation time away, a blogger will tell a guest poster, “send me your fave post.”
A popular one works, I think, b/c it may be a new audience for it, right?
Wow, that is a lot of great information! Thanks for the tips, these are all good to know! I guess the guest post is indeed an art. Thanks for this!
OOOh, the mystery man BPD. Why can I never find you..you’re like a game of Marco Polo.
Thank you for stopping in. xo
Great tips from the Empress! I like to guestpost, but have turned down a few who have asked lately b/c I usually need more than a day or twos notice.
I know, and I also appreciate when someone asks and gives me a month set a schedule up. I do, now, say, “I can’t do it for about a couple of months.”
I recently ventured out of my comfort zone and asked to guest post for a couple different sites and they all said yes. In the next couple weeks I’m excited to see how it works out for me. I think my next step will be to have some guest posts on my site. Thanks for the tips.
YAY YOU! I LOVE that you pushed yourself. That’s where you start to see results. And that gets addicting
Great tips about guest posting! Something I need to get into the habit of more! Thanks Alexandra!
Dalia! I’m so happy to see you here. I need to find out what you have been up to, Lovely Lady. Thank you so much for stopping in.
Some great Information from a woman who truly gets around… umm… maybe I should rephrase that.
Dana : )
I know EXACTLY what you mean, your little cute avatar fools No One, Dana.
xo
You always “bring it” Alexandra, always.
Thanks, Yuliya. I love seeing your name wherever I am, too.
Great tips! I really enjoy your bog and guest posts!
hmmm, shoulda said “blog” but if you had a bog I am sure it would be lovely.
As a matter of fact, I DO have a bog.
You should see our backyard right now, after all this snow has melted.
xonatt
and ignore the xonatt.
forgot to delete. xo with no natt
Hey there, Empress, so nice to see you here today. Isn’t Theta Mom awesome? I love everything you have to say. I have only written a few guest posts, but would love to do more in the future. And now, as you know, I have just started to HOST a guest post series on my blog and I am totally loving it. I am so glad I started special Needs Sibling Saturdays, thought I have to say it is more work than I thought it would be.
I am a *little* bit obsessive about writing kick-ass wrap arounds and making sure my guests get thru traffic to their absolutely best posts, so I spend hours researching & combing through their blogs, even the ones I’m already familiar with. Sigh. But, I’m still thrilled by it, so glad I had the insane brainstorm to go for it.
Anyway, just want to say, again, I’m so glad to find your fabulousness here and will happily pass your advice on to any guest posters feeling doubts and qualms.
I hear what you say, Varda. I began a guest funny blogger series. And I spent an hour going through their sites, finding what I think is the best in the archives, then setting up a flattering intro…it is about 2.5 hrs work!
But, I want to do A GOOD JOB.
So exciting about your new series. Guest Posters out there interested in checking this out? She is a top blogger to follow!
So true about bringing the a-game! A sure way to not get new followers if you post something mediocre.
You are the guest-post QUEEN!
AWW, thanks, Chalupa. You know I appreciate how awesome you are to me.xo
I totally agree about guest posting, it’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people. Plus, I don’t know about you but I always put a bit more time and effort into my post for someone else’s blog because I feel pressure to make it really good for them!
I’m the same way. And that is NOT to say that I don’t work hard on my own stuff. My posts take a bit over 2 hrs to do.
But, when it’s for someone else? I spend days reviewing, revising, editing…till it is perfect.
Alexandra knows of what she speaks!
She totally rocks the guest post!!!
She just did an amazing piece for our site, and we welcome her back any, any, any time!
http://tikitikiblog.com/living-la-vida-yerba-buena/#axzz1I0eqqO26
It was an honor to post for TikiTiki, and PEOPLE: I sought this blog out. I found it, loved, and determined that I would wooo them and convince them to give me a try.
You gotta play to win.
Congrats at being featured!
Great tips.
Always great writing!!
Now, are you going to try, L?
On TMC? yikes! That’s a little intimidating.
Maybe once I guest post a few other places first which are coming up!!
Great tips for a newbie like me! I’d happily guest post, but I’d actually love to have someone guest post for me. Would love to share a similar story with another perspective.
I sent you a DM, honey.
I guess I’m just a prude. I have never asked for someone to guest post nor have I guest posted. Maybe it’s time to tear down the walls!!
No, not a prude. You just have to decide if it’s for you or not. I knew I wanted to do it, and so, at 2 mos of blogging, I began submitting my posts to sites I wanted to be featured on.
One was a collaborative teacher’s blog, and another was the LOL site.
I was lucky they liked my posts, and published me.
I WAS THRILLED.
Thank you! I’m actually working on my first guest post right now. I thought it would be easy — not hammer it out in 10 minutes easy, but you know — but I am stressing! What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t fit with her blog? What if I’m boring???
You’ll love it. It’s addicting. To do your best and bring your game is so addicting. I always have a blogger’s high after I do what I think is a really kicka** post.
These are wonderful tips, if I were more confident I would guest post. Perhaps with a bit more experience.
You know what? Try it out with a bloggy friend first. Swap sites on a day, and see what happens.
We have to start somewhere, it’s the only way to get better and learn more.
Good luck!
I love guest-posting…it’s a challenge! You need to write something that others have to approve…which is harder than feeding your own blog. But the results – feedback, comments – are so worth it!
Yes. One big reason I love to guest posts. I work my hardest and learn to edit better.
It is important, IMHO, for blog and writing growth.
You always have the best advice. But here’s a question for you: how can I FIND guest posters? I’m always looking for new writers for “World’s Worst Moms” — but they’re like finding little pearls in a giant oyster bed.
You know what, dear wonderful lady, you tweet out Guest Posters Wanted, and they’ll come. I’ll watch for it, and RT it out, too.
Great tips! Guest posting is exciting! I get anxious, but love the thrill.
Exactly. The thrill is addicting. I always get the blogger’s high the day of.
Great posts! I love guest posting for the reasons you stated above though I hadn’t thought it through before so I’m glad you did. Actually, I guest posted on some big blogs before I had my own blog. Sort of backwards, but it’s what got me into blogging! I’ve continued to guest post here and there and it’s always a really fun day.
It is fun to guest post, isn’t it? Thank you for stopping by, and commenting, Nina. It’s been fun to get to know you.
No one is better suited to write about guest posts than the Empress!
At your service, dear Liz. xo
Alexandra, I have always loved finding out where in the world you were in my reader! Your guest posts always fit wonderfully with the blog you are gracing.
I love guest posting too, but I do agonize over it more than my own posts because I DO want to bring my A game!
You bring your A game whenever you post, at home or off site.
We all know the quality of your stuff, Old Tweener. Never disappointing.
Oh my gosh – I blinked Empress – you’re on TMC twice in a row! Great tips; I’ve guest posted for someone because I responded when she needed peeps and was invited for the Mouthy Housewives and for another one later in April. But all I can say is I extol all those benefits you listed about guest posting.
You are so cool…a Mouthy Housewife. Go, girl!!
I have been honored enough to have the fabulous Empress guest post, and I was truly humbled by the amazing dedication she gave to the piece. Of course, I had to fear my own writing in comparison after that, but I was very excited to have her!
You are too sweet.
Thank you.
You know, BLogHer later picked up that piece? You featured it first. xo
I completely agree. It’s such a big commitment though! I barely have time for my own blog
It IS a huge commitment, and takes dedication, and polishing and reviewing of your skills: that’s why I love it so much.
Keeps me in my game.
Lovely to see you here, and thank you for stopping by, and commenting.
I think this is why I shy away from guest posting—it makes me SO incfredibly nervous. I feel like I’m reflecting on the other peson and what if their readers hate me? Yikes. I love having people guest post on my blog, but I just get all discombobulated when I’m asked. It’s a big deal, HUGE. I’m glad you said that about not hammering it out in 10 minutes though. But I can’t believe someone would actually do it that way!!!
You are wonderful, Alexandra. Such an asset to the blogging community. LOVE YOU!
Kick-ass post!
You da bomb, baby!
This post is so so amazing. So much good stuff in this piece to soak in. I learned a bunch of new tidbits about guest posting. I too am nervous about guest posting. I think “will my post be good enough?” and “will the host hate me if the responses to the post aren’t great?” and lastly “what do I write?”
Thanks for this, my friend. I feel more equipped to do something that would having me shaking in my boots. I agree with Erin, you are definitely an asset to the blogging community. You’ve been one to me and my blog, personally. What would we do without you?
I love you, sweet thing.
Thank you.
“If so, forward that contact information to them because they’ll appreciate it.”
For some reason, this simple sentence is SO you. Always on the lookout for other bloggers. Like I said before, you are one of the big bras in blogdom – super supportive
Mr Gopopgo:
must you continue to harass this innocent, sweet sisterhood of bloggity women, with your bra and viagra pitches.
Please, don’t you have diapers to change?
Or, will you twist that innocent phrase into perversion, also?
*sob* We Samaoan Spammers have feelings too, you know. But seriously…do you need another shipment?