Now I've started, I know I can approach the writers for future posts if they have time. It was going to be a monthly thing, but I haven't had time to follow up this month.
So if you want to get a guest post on your site, how do you go about it?
1. Establish your site.
When you start a new blog or website, especially if it's your first attempt, you might find you're not totally happy with your site after the first few weeks. You might make a few tweaks here and there, or completely change your focus.This is perfectly acceptable, but this isn't the right time to be looking for guest writers. What you need to do is find your feet before you ask anyone to write for you. There's no point expecting people to write a guest post for you if you're not sure whether your site will be around in a month or two.
You don't have to "make it big" or get hundreds of subscribers before you can even think about getting guest writers for your site. Just be sure that this is what you want to write about before you start approaching people.
2. Network with other sites.
To find people who might be able to write for your site, you'll need to do a bit of networking. Connect with bloggers at your level, and exchange comments. It's a two-way thing - you can't expect everyone to come to your site if you never go to theirs. You can read my thoughts on this in post a comment, get a comment.As you start reading other sites, look at which sites are publishing posts that you enjoy. Make a note of the best ones. As time goes on, you should have a list of your favourite sites.
3. Think of some guest post subjects.
Regular guest writers might think up their own content. If you're submitting posts to other sites, you might not have the opportunity to ask what you should write about.However, if you're looking for people to write for your site, make it easy for them by coming up with a few things they could write about. Perhaps you have a few posts that you never got around to writing. Collect your best ideas together, ready for the invitation.
4. Approach the writers.
Send an email to each writer you want to write a post for you. Keep your email short and to the point. Basically, you'd like them to write a guest post for your site - are they interested?Don't write a long email with loads of unnecessary information. Don't list the subjects you want them to write about in your initial email. Don't email several people in one go - send separate emails. It's more personal and prevents someone from clicking "reply to all". And don't ask too many people at once - you don't want guest posts to become more frequent than your own posts.
The rest is up to you.
If you can find people who are willing to write for you once in a while, or even as a one-off, it's up to you to establish a good relationship with them. Be friendly, open and honest and you should be on the right track.What do you think?
Do you think your site is ready for guest writers?Have you had any guest writers yet? Do you want to find some?
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Tags: guest posts, guest writers, networking
Posted by Ben on April 23, 2008 20:44 / Edited: April 23, 2008 22:25
Comments
Thanks for the comment, ettarose. What I do is read the post to make sure I'm happy with it. Essentially I take on the role of an editor when I have people writing for me. If I have suggestions to make it better, then I will suggest them. Sometimes the author is OK for me to edit it directly. I have to be happy with the post before I make it public. If the post doesn't do very well, I guess we tried. Some of my posts don't get a lot of comments or views and sometimes I'm surprised by this, but the truth is that people aren't always around to read the latest content. Knowing your audience - when they are around and what they will comment on - is the key, but of course it's harder for a guest writer to know someone else's audience. That's why it's a good idea for the site owner to suggest ideas for a post to write. :)
Interesting post. I've recently posted a invite for my readers to submit guest spots. I had quite a few interested replies but only have one definite post coming my way.
I recently guest-posted myself, but in response to a personal invitation. So maybe that's the way I should be going instead of just putting out a general call.
I definitely think that your blog needs to be established and you need a good pool of readers and commenters before featuring guest posts. Your readers need to know that you yourself are a committed blogger before you ask them for help!
Catherine, I do think that a personal invitation will be likely to get results: people are so often reluctant to put themselves forward, risking rejection. On the other hand, if a blogger sends an email and invites one to guest-post, perhaps with a few suggestions for topics (as Ben does), that's a less intimidating for your potential guest.
And I completely agree with your last paragraph. A blogger will lose readers if he/she brings in guests too often -- if that's not the pattern that's established from the get-go.
I'd add a note, too, that an example of committed blogging will make guests more likely to come on board: no one likes to feel they've been asked to guest-post simply because the primary blogger is running out of steam or looking to off-load the chorse -- and that does happen, quite often!
Catherine - yes, I do think that a personal invitation is better than giving anyone the opportunity to apply. In addition to what Jen says in comment #4, some people might think there's no point applying as loads of others may do the same. Leaving it to someone else is something I've seen a lot of and it's possible for everyone to think that everyone else will do it, so nobody does anything! Jumping in and showing people you want THEM to write for you is much more likely to get responses, I reckon.
Jen - I agree, if a blogger builds up regular readers and then features a guest post or two, they're much more likely to succeed. Guest blogging benefits everyone - the host, the writer, and the readers. It's well worth doing. :)
Thanks for the comments.
I was asked to write a guest post. I have to admit I was very flattered. I do think it puts pressure on the author to come up with a great post. I hate the fact that the post I wrote only got four comments. On the other hand it received 23 diggs. When you have someone write a post for you do you expect a lot of positive comments? What if it does not get a lot? Would that have you think twice about having that person guest post again? I know, lots of questions.