An expert blogging tip from Dan Smith, staff writer and Vice President of Publishing for Know More Media.
Continuing with our discussion about guest blogging, which can be a very fun and fruitful activity for your blog, both in establishing relationships with other bloggers and leaders in your industry, and in helping to promote your blog, promote yourself, promote others, and thus increase traffic to everyone. Guest blogging is one big round of blogging joy for all involved (or at least it can be!). Easton discussed how, why, and where to find guest bloggers, Kimberlee talked about the types of posts your guest bloggers can write, and I’ll discuss how to invite guest bloggers for your blog, and how to become a guest blogger yourself.
Firstly, the tried and true adage: It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask. I can think of very few people who will get mad at you for asking them to write on your blog. Usually, they’ll be glad to feel so appreciated, and maybe they’ll even feel honored that you asked.
So, how do you ask? A simple email, a phone call, a comment on their blog – those are common ways. They keys are:
- Introduce yourself and your blog
- Extend the invitation to guest post on your blog
- Identify a specific topic for the post
- Assure that you’ll give clear author credit to the guest blogger, as well as a link to their blog/website
- Give a timeframe for this guest post, but extend an open-ended invitation so they know you’d appreciate their guest posting at any time
- Provide easy instructions for them to deliver the guest post content to you
- Somewhere in there, I would also explain why you value or admire this person – the reason you’re asking them to guest blog. Honey attracts more bees than vinegar.
- I also suggest that you ask the guest blogger to provide a link on their own blog to their guest post on your blog
How do you become a guest blogger? This is a little trickier because you won’t get much success contacting bloggers you don’t know and saying “Hey, let me guest blog on your blog!” I suggest first going to the bloggers who already know you & your blog and offering a guest post exchange. “I’ve got a cool idea. Why don’t we write a post on each other’s blog? That’d be fun, and give both our readers a new voice and perspective to hear.” Something like that. Or you can frankly say “Hey, if you’re ever looking for some extra content for your blog, I’d love to write a guest post for you.” Aren’t all bloggers on the lookout for free extra content?
Here are a couple of good examples of guest posts:
It is definitely easier to ask other people than to get yourself be asked. However, I also think that staying in the background won't do you any good. Waiting for people to invite you will only result in a waste of time. Sometimes, as you have written, it is better to initiate the idea yourself. You don't necessarily have to be so direct about it.
Posted by: Julie, writer Surefirewealth.com | February 26, 2008 3:23 AM | Permalink to Comment