Guest posting has become more challenging than ever before, making it harder to get your guest post accepted. There are common mistakes that many people make when guest posting, which actually work against them. By avoiding these mistakes, you can maximize your success with guest posting.
One common mistake is shopping around already completed pieces. Instead of reaching out to editors with a finished piece, take the time to research blogs you enjoy reading and that have a similar audience to yours. Brainstorm ideas that would be useful to their audience and pitch those ideas instead. By showing that you’ve done your research and are willing to provide a helpful piece, you increase your chances of getting your post published.
Using a pitch template is another mistake that many guest posters make. While templates can save time, they often lack customization and can lead to rejections. Instead, use a flexible framework that includes all the important parts of a pitch, such as hooks, post breakdown, sample work, and concluding sentences. This allows for customization and shows that you’ve put thought into your pitch.
Many people make the mistake of only pitching big blogs, thinking that they will get more exposure. However, it’s important to pitch small and mid-sized blogs within your niche as well. These blogs are more likely to notice and publish your post, increasing your chances of success.
Leaving promotion solely to the site is another mistake to avoid. Instead, take the initiative to promote your guest posts yourself. Utilize social media, highlight the post on your profiles, and collaborate with the blog to reach a wider audience. By actively promoting your post, you can increase its reach and exposure.
Neglecting comments on guest posts is a common mistake that guest posters make. Engaging with comments shows that you value your audience and can help drive traffic to your own site. Make sure to respond to every comment and continue engaging with readers even after the post has been published.
Prioritizing quantity over quality when it comes to pitches is a mistake that many people make. While guest posting is a numbers game, quality should always come first. Focus on creating quality pitches that are tailored to each blog you pitch, rather than sending out mass numbers of generic pitches.
Lastly, don’t pitch blogs cold without building a relationship with the blog owner first. Take the time to engage with the blog owner on social media and show that you value their content. By building a connection before pitching, you increase your chances of getting noticed and accepted.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following these tips, you can thrive in the world of guest posting. Remember to pitch original ideas, customize your pitches, engage with comments, and build relationships with blog owners. With these strategies in mind, you can increase your chances of getting your guest posts published and reaching a wider audience.