If you’re reading this, chances are you’re writing a guest post or thinking about it. Welcome to the ultimate guide to crafting compelling guest posts! Whether you aim to expand your reach, build your brand, or simply share your expertise, writing a guest post is a fantastic way to achieve those goals.
Gone are the days when you could just crank out mediocre guest posts to gain links. Readers and search engines see right through that! To truly connect with audiences, you must craft compelling content that grabs attention and delivers tangible value. In our distracted digital age, this is no easy feat flooded with guest posts screaming, “Read me!”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from finding sites that accept guest blogs to tips for making your content stand out. Guest posting isn’t just about putting words on someone else’s site; it’s about creating value for both you and the host site’s audience.
Step 1: Choose the Right Blog or Website
The foundation of writing guest posts starts with choosing the right host. Taking the time upfront to select your target blogs or websites carefully will pay dividends later.
Here are five tips for picking ideal hosts:
- Relevance – The blog should closely align with your industry, niche, or area of expertise. Guest posting in unrelated niches dilutes your message.
- Audience – Prioritize blogs read by your target customer personas and decision makers you want to reach.
- DA and traffic – Higher domain authority and traffic blogs lend more credibility and exposure. But mid-tier sites can deliver results, too.
- Guest guidelines – Thoroughly read and follow all guest submission guidelines provided. This shows respect for their site.
- Existing content style – Read several posts to assess site tone, length, topics, and more to tailor your post accordingly.
Take the time to research and pitch 5-10 potential target sites that meet your criteria. Follow up diligently with each guest and secure guest posting opportunities.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself With the Blog
Once your guest post offer has been accepted, immerse yourself in the blog content. Set aside at least 30-60 minutes for this research, more if possible.
Go through both the current posts and the content in their archives. As you’re reading, ask yourself:
- What topics, angles, and formats perform well here?
- What content seems to resonate most with their readers?
- What value do they expect guest posts to provide?
- Has this specific angle been covered already?
Make notes on post length, structure, imagery use, linking strategy, etc. Get clear on content gaps where you can provide a fresh perspective. This upfront research is invaluable for crafting guest posts that feel like a natural fit rather than blatant self-promo.
Step 3: Decide on a Compelling Guest Post Topic
With deep knowledge of the blog and its audience needs, apply your creativity to identify a winning topic. Brainstorm a list of 5-10 ideas from different angles about your products, services, expertise, or industry. Then, whittle down based on several key factors. Look for ideas that fill content gaps by addressing questions or issues hosts haven’t covered before, providing that missing angle that the readers want.
Focus on educational posts rather than promotional posts, giving high-value advice, tips, or domain insights while avoiding overt marketing that speaks about you. Plus, prioritize actionable takeaways and tactical “how-to” guest posts that teach a skill and inspire readers to change their behavior.
Also, consider entertaining or unique approaches that use humor, personal stories, contrarian viewpoints, or creativity beyond the typical guest post while aligning with what readers already love about the blog.
Refine your ideas list further based on what you perceive will help their audience the most. Then, compose a suggested guest post topic paragraph to insert into your pitch email for increased response rates. You can craft compelling guest post topics that deliver value by brainstorming thoroughly yet strategically based on the blog’s goals and audience.
Step 4: Craft an Attention-Grabbing Headline
Source: Adobe Stock
Your headline makes or breaks whether readers will click and engage. With journalistic flair, write short, impactful headlines using these headline formula ideas:
- List headlines: “5 Ways X Can Help Achieve [Benefit]” or “7 Common Myths About [Topic]”
- How-to: “How to [achieve some outcome] in just X Steps.”
- Question headlines: “Is X Truly the [Superlative] Way to [Accomplish Something]?”
- Direct headlines:” The Proven Method for Overcoming [Problem]”
- Benefit-focused: “How X Helped My Business [Achieve Some Result]”
Effective titles should highlight the central benefit readers will gain regardless of your structure.
Here are five tips for irresistible headlines:
- Concise titles under 65 characters perform best
- Leads with numbers/lists intrigue readers to click
- Include 1-2 primary keywords naturally for SEO as well
- Commands like “Boost Leads With X Tactic” engage more than passive voice
- Use emotional triggers to pique reader interest and urgency
Getting the headline right guides the entire framing of your guest post. Spend ample time crafting until you have one that hooks and resonates.
You can also make your headline more creative and enticing using unique characters and symbols. This can make your headlines look more attractive to readers and possibly increase the click-through rate (CTR). You can check out one of NOBS resources to see the ALT code key table to see shortcuts to typing various symbols and characters.
Step 5: Write a Powerful Intro Paragraph
A great intro paragraph is crucial in convincing readers that your guest post warrants their time. It should motivate your readers to scroll down and read further into your content. Otherwise, you lose them. There are several elements to crafting an impactful introduction. Specifically, open with an eye-catching stat, shocking fact, illustration of the problem, or compelling question on your broader topic to make it more compelling.
Moreover, clearly state the core benefit upfront within the first 1-2 sentences of your guest post and clearly call out the specific goal or transformation readers will achieve. Plus, quickly explain your angle’s relevance, timeliness, or deeper ramifications to readers’ lives to build that connection fast by highlighting why this matters to them.
If tackling an existing topic, clarify specifically what new advice, research or undercover techniques you’ll reveal, defining your unique angle. This can help capture your readers’ attention right away.
Finally, end the intro paragraph with a call to action or clarify why taking action now is critical for readers to create urgency. Setting reader expectations upfront in this first paragraph is crucial for framing and guiding readers to the key insights that led them to click on your guest post in the first place.
Step 6: Structure Your Content Clearly
Reading long blocks of dense paragraphs has become archaic. Today’s readers demand easy and scannable texts. Use these structural tactics:
- Subheaders – Categorize advice into logical sections centered on one idea each. Dropping in subheads every 3-4 paragraphs improves flow.
- Numbered or bulleted lists – Key steps, tips, pros/cons, and the like are all prime spots for formatted lists. Skimmers appreciate this format.
- Short paragraphs – Chunk details down into small paragraphs 3-4 lines long rather than intimidating walls of text.
- Examples and stats – Reinforce ideas using concrete examples, client testimonials, or credible statistics sprinkled when relevant.
- Bold key terms – Format 1-2 vocabulary words or phrases in bold to allow them to pop while readers scan.
- Transitions – Use bridge words like “Firstly, “In addition”, and “For instance” to guide readers from point to point.
Strategically format your post to facilitate understanding while giving readers signposts to latch onto during quick scans.
Step 7: Sprinkle in Visual Assets
Text-heavy posts, no matter how compelling, can still cause reader fatigue. Therefore, visual assets should be strategically inserted to give an all-important mental break while showcasing key ideas visually. Specifically, photos should be inserted every 2-3 paragraphs to break up blocks of text, using high-quality, varied image styles like charts, conceptual photos, etc., for maximum impact.
Visualize tricky statistics or concepts through colorful infographics and graphs to simplify complex data. Short, one—to three-minute videos where you educate through screen recordings or interviews are also highly engaging and interactive. Also, consider pulling out tweetable nuggets of wisdom and featuring them in quote blocks to add a punch. All visuals should directly reinforce core advice rather than random, pretty pictures.
Be sure you have the right to legally use any images, and choose ones that align with advice over generic stock photos to hold readers’ interest better as they scroll. Strategically integrating quality visual assets gives readers’ eyes a rest while creatively bringing your central points to life.
Step 8: Insert Links Strategically
Links boost article credibility by referencing reputable sources and prior related content. But balance is crucial—too many becomes distracting, while too few seems dubious. Smart link placement artfully strengthens key assertions in your post. Here’s where to prioritize links:
- Benefit claims: Any benefits promised to readers should link to tangible evidence like case studies and research.
- Stats used: Credit any hard statistics or data from reputable publications via links.
- Tools or resources: If you mention products, tools, or vendors, link to their site so readers can readily access them.
- Relevant posts: Link 1-2X to your own content only if highly relevant to amplifying points. Avoid self-serving links that offer little value for readers.
- External references: Quote and link out to other authoritative sources such as major media sites and influencers.
Ideally, aim for 6-10 links spaced evenly throughout your post content. Hyperlinking key phrases organically earns clicks versus aggregating links at the end.
Step 9: Conclude With a Call-To-Action
Don’t end your post abruptly without a clear resolution. Instead, close the loop with the reader by revisiting your opening hook and offering clear guidance on the next steps. Specifically, conclude with a call-to-action, which can take several compelling forms. You can recap your central argument briefly in a summary, reminding readers of what they stand to gain.
Close with one final, actionable application tip that links back to the key benefit you promised upfront. Then, consider posing an open-ended question inviting responses or opinions about their main takeaway. Tie back to an engaging anecdote shared early on to bring the story full circle. Or paint a “new world” vision achievable if readers apply what they learned, spurring them to imagine future possibilities.
Finally, provide links to helpful tools, downloads, or services that continue assisting readers even after they finish your article. Getting readers to take action beyond your post creates further engagement opportunities.
Step 10: Proofread Thoroughly
Nothing unravels great advice faster than typos, missing images, dead links, and a lack of professional polish. Before submitting your guest post, scrutinize every aspect:
- Scan grammar – Run the entire post through this automated grammar checker, catching misspellings and punctuation errors.
- Read aloud – Verbally saying the post aloud catches awkward phrasing easily missed visually.
- Check formatting consistency – Confirm the proper format of all titles, subtitles, links, and images.
- Review tone – Give your post one last read-through, specifically checking if the tone stays aligned with what’s valued and expected.
- Request feedback – Have 1-2 colleagues further review your draft for areas of confusion as a final quality check before publishing live.
While tedious, line editing saves reputational damage from preventable oversights after posting in public digital space forever. The high caliber and error-free polish tighten content authority.
Guest Posting Service
A guest post service is a strategic marketing approach where businesses publish content on third-party websites to build backlinks, enhance SEO, and increase online visibility. These services focus on placing well-written, relevant articles on authoritative sites within the business’s niche, improving search engine rankings, and driving organic traffic.
Guest posts help build brand credibility, showcase expertise, and attract a broader audience. Additionally, they provide valuable backlinks, which boost domain authority and website rankings over time. By leveraging guest post services, businesses can expand their digital footprint efficiently.
An example of a company that offers guest post service is Softlist.io. It offers a comprehensive platform for discovering the best productivity tools and solutions to help businesses enhance performance and efficiency. Their guest posting service focuses on providing high-quality backlinks through authoritative sites, improving SEO rankings.
The platform also offers a curated selection of software reviews, exclusive deals, and top product recommendations to assist users in making informed decisions. With Softlist.io, businesses can save time and resources while benefiting from detailed content on productivity and digital marketing tools.
3 Great Benefits of Guest Post Service
Increased Website Traffic
Guest post services offer an invaluable opportunity to reach an established audience of the blog on high-authority websites, driving targeted traffic back to your site. By publishing on sites that accept guest posts, you can tap into a broader audience and attract new readers and potential customers who are already engaged with the content.
These high-quality guest posts not only boost your online presence but also increase your credibility in your niche. When choosing sites to guest post, it’s important to focus on platforms that align with your brand, avoiding sites that aren’t relevant or lack authority.
The blog that will be published should include links to blog posts on your website, which not only drives traffic but also strengthens your backlink profile, enhancing your SEO and overall online visibility.
High-Quality Backlinks
By utilizing guest post services, you can use guest blogging as a powerful strategy to publish content on reputable platforms and gain valuable backlinks to your website. These backlinks are seen as signals by search engines, indicating that your site is credible and trustworthy, which plays a crucial role in boosting your SEO rankings.
For guest bloggers, writing and publishing high-quality content on authoritative sites not only helps in building these backlinks but also enhances your site’s visibility in search results. Regarding guest blogging SEO, acquiring these backlinks is one of the most effective ways to improve your website’s domain authority and help it rank higher on search engines like Google, driving more organic traffic to your site.
Brand Authority and Credibility
Regularly contributing valuable content through guest post services can establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry. It boosts your credibility, making your business or personal brand more trustworthy in the eyes of potential clients and partners.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of crafting compelling guest blog posts is essential for any writer looking to build authority and gain valuable exposure. If you want to write and explore guest blogging opportunities, it involves writing relevant blog topics that resonate with your audience while aligning with the host’s content.
Whether you’re a seasoned contributor or a potential guest blogger, using a template can help streamline the process and enhance your chances of success. By optimizing your guest post for SEO and focusing on delivering value, you can earn quality backlinks that will boost your site’s visibility.
Don’t forget that a simple Google search for “ultimate guide to guest blogging” can help you discover new platforms for successful guest blogging. A well-executed guest posting strategy enhances your visibility and drives traffic back to your own site. Embrace the art of guest posting and watch as it opens new doors of opportunity and growth for your brand.
Ready to take your guest blogging to the next level? Start reaching out today and position yourself as a sought-after guest blogger! Read our other blogs to learn more about guest posting and subscribe for deals and discounts on selected software.
FAQs
What Is a Guest Blogging Strategy and Why Is It Important?
A guest blogging strategy is a structured approach to contributing content to other blogs to reach a broader audience, build relationships, and enhance SEO. It is important because it helps increase your brand’s visibility, drive traffic to your website, and improve search engine rankings through quality backlinks.
How Can I Find Guest Post Opportunities?
To find guest post opportunities, use Google to search for blogs that accept guest posts in your niche. You can use search queries like “guest post guidelines” or “write for us.” Additionally, networking with other bloggers and joining online communities can also help you find suitable opportunities.
What Are the Key Elements of a Successful Guest Post Pitch?
A successful guest post pitch should include a brief introduction about yourself, your guest post idea, and how it aligns with the blog’s audience. Be sure to demonstrate your expertise and include samples of your previous work. Always tailor your pitch to adhere to the blog’s guest post guidelines page.
How Do I Ensure My Guest Post Is Good for SEO?
To ensure your guest post is good for SEO, focus on providing high-quality, relevant content that engages the audience. Use keywords naturally throughout your post, include internal and external links, and follow the blog owner’s guidelines for guest post links.
What Should I Include in My Guest Blogger Bio?
Your guest blogger bio should be concise and highlight your expertise and accomplishments. Include a link to your website or social media profiles, and a brief call-to-action encouraging readers to connect with you. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impression and drive traffic back to your own platforms.
How Can I Effectively Pitch a Guest Post to a Blog Owner?
To effectively pitch a guest post, research the blog thoroughly to understand its audience and content style. Personalize your email, clearly outline your proposed guest post idea, and explain why it’s valuable to their readers. Respect their guest post guidelines and be professional in your communication.
What Type of Content Typically Works Well for Guest Blogs?
Content that works well for guest blogs includes how-to guides, listicles, case studies, and opinion pieces that provide value and insights to the audience. It should be original, well-researched, and aligned with the blog’s existing content and tone.
How Can I Become a Successful Guest Blogger?
To become a successful guest blogger, consistently produce high-quality content, build relationships with blog owners, and engage with the audience through comments and social media. Track your guest blogging efforts to understand what works and continuously refine your approach.
Why Is Guest Blogging Considered a Good Marketing Strategy?
Guest blogging is considered a good marketing strategy because it allows you to reach new audiences, establish authority in your industry, and build quality backlinks that enhance your site’s SEO. It also fosters relationships with other bloggers and opens up collaboration opportunities.
