February 21, 2008

5 Simple Rules for Getting Great Guest Posts for Your Blog

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 11:31 am

An Email

relationships button

A call came. Actually it was an email, it asked whether I might have time to help a blogger who needed a guest post on his blog. The request was honest and cordial.

I got that email. I had time, and I agreed.

I’m always intrigued by the opportunity to write for a new audience about new ideas. Mashing my ideas with a new venue is fun. It brings back the risk and the thrill of blogging. Guest posting always seems to inspire a blog post I wish I wrote for here — which is a good thing. Please check out the blog post I wrote.

Rational Networking, More Mind, Less Time, More Connections.

Are you wondering why I wrote that post for him and not for you?

5 Simple Rules for Getting Great Guest Posts for Your Blog

So you might be wondering would the same technique work for you? Well, it might. If you want increase your chances of getting me or another blogger to guest post on your blog, follow these simple rules.

  • Ask with a smile. It’s an honor to be asked. It’s not nice to be ordered. Give a blogger a chance to be generous. People like to be generous.
  • Be yourself. Don’t pretend. Make the request in your own voice as you might invite someone to an event you’re planning. If you’re asking a blogger who doesn’t know you, explain why you’re asking. A honest statement of your thoughts is impressive. Don’t sell the idea or exaggerate your esteem. Bloggers can tell if you actually read their blog or just say you do.
  • Offer some ideas. You know your audience better than anyone who is guesting ever will. You know the best place where your guest might make the best contribution.
  • Allow time. Bloggers are busy people. If you offer enough to time do a good job, any blogger is more likely to say “yes,” to you offer.

    • Be gracious. If for some reason, the blogger can’t say “yes,” be pleased that he or she took the time to consider your request seriously. Your response to a “no,” could the first step in a great relationship. It lets the blogger know that you can see things from his or her point view.

As I write this, I’m about to ask a select group if they will consider a guest post on my blog in the near future. You can bet that those are exactly the things I’m going to do.

Have I left some key points of this list? Feel free to add them.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz!!


Filed under Basics, Successful Blog, Writing |



C'mon. Let's talk!

14 Comments to “5 Simple Rules for Getting Great Guest Posts for Your Blog”

  1. February 21st, 2008 at 2:47 pm
    Robert Hruzek said

    Good tips, and as always, graciously given, Liz! I deeply appreciate the guest posts you’ve allowed from little old me.

    And by the way, I’d always welcome one of your wonderful stories about “lessons learned from life” here at the Middle Zone!

  2. February 21st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
    Lin Burress said

    Hi Liz,

    It’s interesting that I should find your post today on my RSS feed. I’ve been reading a great deal of posts lately discussing the wonderment of guest blogging, and have since opened my own blog for guest bloggers.

    I also have a few bloggers already in mind to approach with an offer to do a guest post on my blog, but I’m always open for direct requests, and now have a “write for us” page set up.

    Liz, you do great work here, and I love following along and learning as I go. :)

  3. February 21st, 2008 at 5:40 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Robert!
    Thank you for all of your contributions. They’ve added both fun and wisdom to this little blog.

    Are you asking for a guest post? :)
    Hmmm

  4. February 21st, 2008 at 10:52 pm
    Solo Business Marketing said

    Wonderfully smart tips, Liz.

    Please allow me to share your rules with someone who’s recently started a blog, doesn’t know how to proceed, and believes that I’ll immediately take time out of my schedule to help him succeed.

    That approach doesn’t work, at least not with me.

    Your terrific style and grace in person and in this space will produce an overflow of guest bloggers in no time.

    Wishing you well,

    Shirley

  5. February 22nd, 2008 at 5:52 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hey Shirley!
    Great to see you again!
    Please share the rules as far and wide as you need to. They’re here so that people can use them to get things done more fluently.

    I have folks who come to me with the same sort of expectations. It’s as if they suppose that I’ve been sitting idly waiting for their request.

    I’m delighted if this helps!
    Thanks for your kinds words. I think the word grace applies equally to you as well. :)

  6. February 22nd, 2008 at 5:54 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Lin!
    Great guest posts can do wonders to add variety and new perspectives to a blog. Chosen with care and thought they can ease the load and be a huge benefit. Good luck!

  7. February 22nd, 2008 at 10:16 am
    The Writing / Editing Job Roll » 02/22/2008 Writing Jobs and Links said

    [...] 5 Simple Rules for Getting Great Guest Posts for Your Blog [...]

  8. February 24th, 2008 at 5:25 am
    Jason Holden said

    I used to guest blog on The Small Business Blog (www.sme-blog.com).

    I was lucky enough that Stefan let me cut my teeth as it were on his blog for 12 months before my own went live, it also got me addicted to this medium for communication.

  9. February 24th, 2008 at 9:41 am
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Jason!
    That’s another great way to use a guest blogging situation. You got to try on the medium. They got great content and support. You were both lucky. :)

  10. February 24th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
    Sunday Link Love | Writer's Resource Center said

    [...] 5 Simple Rules for Getting Great Guest Posts for Your Blog [...]

  11. February 25th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
    NatzG said

    Mmmmm…I’ve only just come across the concept of “guest blogging”. I love the idea! And of course your rules make perfect sense.
    I want to say that “you mean, people don’t do that as a matter of course?”, but well, I guess there are alot of rude people out there :-) .
    I’m really enjoying reading your blog :-) . Thanks Liz.

  12. February 25th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
    ME Liz Strauss said

    Hi Natz!
    Welcome!
    It’s a fine idea, isn’t it? Everyone wins.

    I have to say that folks I know are most polite and gracious. Other folks can be a bit unaware of their first impression. :)

    Thanks for the kind words.
    You’re not a stranger anymore.

  13. March 20th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
    The Freelance Writer's Blog said

    Liz:

    Congratulations on being one of the Top 100 Freelance Blogs. I’m visiting your site as a result of that list (I’m on it too, Inkwell Editorial).

    FYI, I’d love to do a guest post on your blog when y’u're ready to open it up for that.

    Continued success.

    Sincerely,
    Yuwanda

  14. November 24th, 2008 at 7:59 am
    60 Helpful Blog Posts for Freelance Writers and Bloggers | Freelance Writing Jobs and Other Stuff said

    [...] 5 Simple Rules for Getting Great Guest Posts on Your Blog at Successful Blog [...]

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

C'mon Let's Talk!