Guest posting is a valuable strategy, but how do you get started?
Guest posting on an external blog is one of the most valuable content-related marketing strategies you can undertake. You’ll get brand visibility, since you’ll be able to build and display a guest author profile. You’ll improve your reputation, getting a platform for thought leadership. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll have an opportunity to build links to your site, which forward referral traffic your way and simultaneously increase domain authority (DA), so you can rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
But most content marketers find themselves in a dilemma when they decide to pursue guest posting: they don’t know how to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics.
Pick Your Publisher
First, you need to choose a publisher. Obviously higher-profile publishers, with high DA and lots of regular visitors, are more valuable than their lower-profile counterparts. However, they also tend to be more restrictive about who they work with, and what types of posts they accept. You’re better off starting low on the totem pole and working your way up, targeting publishers that are very specific to your niche, or local publishers, which won’t present much competition—and will be happy to have your work.
Come Up With a Pitch
Next, you’ll need to come up with a pitch. Don’t think of this primarily as a way to boost your brand image; instead, prioritize the needs of the publisher and their readership. Look at what types of content do well on this publisher’s site, and figure out a topic that works for this publisher as well as your needs.
Write a Cold Email
Finally, you’ll need to present your pitch to the editor. Try to find the editor specifically on social media, or on the company’s contact page. If their information isn’t available, you may need to use the generic, all-purpose contact information for the publisher. Be polite, direct, and concise—and make sure you emphasize why you think this post will be good for their readership.
If you’re interested in starting your own guest posting strategy, or if you’re interested in learning more about link building and SEO, reach out to us today for a free consultation!
