Just recently Amit published a great article on the Best Tips to Raise Traffic for your Website. He pointed out many great ideas that all work in getting people to your blog, such as promotion and exchanging links. I would like to introduce another way that combines those two ways into one: guest posting.
Guest posting is when someone other than the blog owner or publisher writes on a blog. They are a guest writer.
Benefits of Guest Posting
There are many benefits to guest blogging, like backlinking from the guest post to your blog. Google loves backlinks. The more backlinks you have at great ranking sites the better your blog will rank in Google’s searches. Remember, the goal in blogging is to get people to your blog, one way to accomplish this is to rank well in Google’s search results.
Another benefit of guest posting is that you get new readers. Most of the time you will be allowed to place a link in the content of your guest post and/or in an author byline at the bottom of your post, this will bring you new readers.
One of the best benefits of guest posting is the relationship you forge between you and the host. You have given a free article with great content to benefit the host blog. And in turn that host has exposed you to new readers. You both have benefitted in the exchange. And more than likely will want to work together in the future.
How do you get a guest posting gig?
- The first place to start looking is at blogs you already frequent. These blogs are most likely within your niche and you most likely have already started to comment there. If you have not started to comment, start today. You should show an interest in the future host of your guest post.
- You can also start to find blogs in the same or complimentary subject matter as yours. Like above start to comment and begin a relationship with the blogger. This way when you apply to write for him or her you will not be a stranger.
- When you feel you have gained enough knowledge of the blog and can contribute fresh content, email the blogger and/or apply to be a contributor.
- When you are in be sure to follow the guidelines the host has set and check your grammar.
- Don’t forget to reply to comments and share your new awesome content on social media. Also, always write up a simple post on your own blog notifying your readers where you are posting that day.
Guest posting can seem like too much to contribute at first. I mean, who would want to write some of their best work to only give it away to another blog? But that is the whole premise. Giving away your best content is a wonderful way to gain readers and backlinks. It wraps up promotion and link exchange all in one package.
In guest posting everyone benefits and it’s a happy blogosphere for it.
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About AllieRambles
Hey Welcome Allie to ItechCode nice to see you here.
Rizwan,
Thank you. I am glad to be here. Hoping this is just my first guest post here. Amit is very gracious and so are his readers.
~Allie
You do write excellent guest posts; and you make the perfect guest poster – replying to comments as quickly as you can!
I try my best. I did few too many GP’s in a short span, now I need to go catch up on all my commenting.
Firstly it’s a great post made by Allie! And now Guest Posting is my favorite technique to build backlinks. No matter, if it’s time consuming, but it’s very vital,essential and beneficial. Good post!
Kuldeep,
It is time consuming but well worth it. You are right on, it has become beneficial to me also, in so many ways. It is like anything else in life, the more you do it, the better you become and it stops being so time consuming eventually because you get so good at it.
~Allie
It can become time consuming; but the benefits derived from it is well worth the time!
The benefits are 10 fold if you ask me!
Nice and very creative Article… Amazed after reading that guest posting is filled with so hidden Benefits. ..
I too wondered why so many people would take so much time to send their hard work to another blog. But when I started to guest post on my friends’ blogs I found out what all the excitement was about. I have had great success with finding new readers and creating relationships with other bloggers.
~Allie
True. There are benefits when you guest post on other blog sites.
Arsie,
I am finding the benefits to almost be better than social media. I can be on Facebook for hours and not get the responses I get with one guest post.
Thanks for stopping by!
~Allie
Somehow guest posting I feel cannot be compensated for the power of social media. I mean for guest posting you target at around 100 readers or so at a time; but in social media (if the posts go crazy!) then you might be tapping into around thousands or maybe even more. Just my two cents!
I think I may have to have a differing opinion on that. Well, I would actually say it depends on how big the blog is you are GPing for and the size of the social media platform you have.
Guest blogging shows more of what you are capable of. Social media you are just spouting links and polls and sharing.
Indeed.
Thanks for the post really informative yeah guest posting is awesome way to increase backlinks i totally agree with Kuldeep …cheers
Samrat,
I agree with him too. It does seem vital as a blogger to get out there and post on other blogs. I ignored guest posting last year but I won’t this year.
~Allie
Nice Post…Keep it up 🙂 🙂
Harneet,
Thank you so much! And thank you for commenting.
~Allie
Nice post.Guest posting is one of the best way to gain valuable backlinks.Thanks
Gowtham,
I keep reading that Google likes backlinks within posts the best. This shows that the author is willing to back the blog that he is linking to. Therefore, the content of the linked blog must be valuable. Google likes value.
Guest posting is a great way to gain these valuable backlinks.
~Allie
Guest Posting is getting popular day by day..! It’s better than commenting on other sites..
Vikas,
I am starting to think the same way. But don’t stop commenting, they help to create and maintain relationships. And it still gives you backlinks.
~Allie
There are larger benefits to guest posting but commenting is the way to get to guest posting. Unless the author is familiar with your interactions, there still remains high chances that your guest posts get little attention in the first place.
Commenting is important and guest posting too; but neither is a compensation for the other I feel.
Hajra,
You are right. Either get to know the blogger before you submit a GP or be a known blogger and then you will be probably be welcomed to give a GP.
And never give up on commenting. It creates those great links with others.
~Allie
Commenting can have loads of effects; it is like back linking and networking all at the same time. Also, good comments helps establish oneself as a credible blogger.
Hajra,
You can say that again! (Really, I think some bloggers need to hear it again, lol.)
I didn’t mean that, I still use to comment on the website and participate in the discussions. But people have started doing it for bad purposes.
Hey Vikas,
I think, both; commenting and guest posting have different places. I enjoy guest posting but I enjoy commenting, too.
I think commenting on your own guest post is the best way! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! I am very particular when it come to backlinks and I believe guest blogging is one way to create quality backlinks.
Guest posting definitely gives great backlinks. I tried all the other tactics like having my blog link in forum profiles or list type sites. Maybe those are ok for SEO but I get no or little interaction with readers and other bloggers. I never get a chance to prove what I am capable of.
What do you think? I prefer sharing in posts, commenting and social media.
~Allie
I think these things take time and effort. Though guest posting is a great way to get back links; networking also makes a huge impact.
Right, Hajra!
I’ve experienced it. Just two guest posts have given me lots of new readers, followers and the main thing which I love the most is I’ve got so many blogger friends.
Gosh, I wish I could “like” your comments. They add such great value for new bloggers.
Guest Blogging really helps in building readers.
Tricks Tree,
I am just starting to see this effect, but then again I have just started to guest blog this year. I have seen a spike in traffic and comments. Search traffic is great but they rarely comment. Guest posting seems to bring more and better comments to my blog.
Do you agree?
~Allie
It helps in building relationship with new readers, bloggers (especially with the owner of that blog on which we are writing guest post). It give traffic. And mainly, it makes us more confident and motivated.
That last thing you said is probably one of the most important because a confident blogger is a good blogger. When you show confidence, people will come to your site more often. They are attracted to it.
You know, my first post was in my contest. And I’ve got 380+ comments. That’s good enough to increase my confidence in guest posting.
That is very impressive. Do you still have the link to that post? i would love to see it.
Oh come on, you are asking for a link which I’ve spread 1700+ times, already. LOL!!
Seems like a great pakage..
Rahul,
It is. You should definitely get some guest posts out there.
~Allie
Hey Allie,
A guest post about guest post…. nice!
I am such a huge fan of guest posts and just can’t stop doing it over and over again! It is like the writer in me wants to write over and over again! It is funny why I don’t write much on my own blog 😉
Guest posting can have wonderful effects and with the contest post about it I have received such great comments about guest post that I just seem to agree more. Some though worry about going through the extra trouble and the fact that it might be intimidating, but what I’ve realized is that the blogging world is filled with wonderful people! And everybody out there is ready to extend the helping hand!
I couldn’t agree more to everything you mention here! Nicely and clearly stated!
Great seeing you guest posting! Have a lovely day!
Hajra!!
Hey girl! It’s nice to see a girls face here besides mine. I think Amit made a good choice in letting me, a girl, guest post here. He will for sure get a wider audience.
Yep, you have been busy. Now that I am getting to know your blog, I head over there to see when you have a new post up. 🙂 But I almost feel the same way. Yesterday I was thinking I have done so much outside my blog that I need to publish something. Luckily I had an old post that I just needed to polish up and post.
The blogging world is full of so many amazing people, I can’t agree more. And I love that they are from all over the world!!
It can be nerve racking when you press “submit for review” and you wonder if you will be rejected. I have been rejected once. And a few times I had to rework my post but in the end it was accepted.
Thanks for stopping by!
~Allie
Oh yes,
I did read the post title of your latest post in my inbox and yes, it is a little wracking when it gets rejected.
Before submitting in a guest post , I have all my question cleared. I think it might be irritating for the blogger sometimes. I have this whole “list” of questions I feel I need to ask – any ideas in particular, word count, ideas you are totally against or don’t want at your blog… etc. It makes it easier if I just pitch the idea first and submit the post later.
You actually make me think! I have to write something on me blog too! 😉
Hajra,
That is a novel idea! If you are one who likes to GP often have a list of questions you always want cleared before you submit the post.
Great idea!
~Allie
P.S. We do seem like the only girls here though! 🙂
Not any more. Hee hee!
Not a feminist thing but it would be so cool! 🙂
Amrik,
Every backlink is a vote, they say.
Thanks for the compliment and the comment.
I hope Google finds great content this year and rewards bloggers that have it.
~Allie
Do you got any idea about how good will it be for SEO or Google with 1600+ high quality backlinks?
Jane will be happy for sure.
Your contest GP was published in December 2011, right? With all the backlinks it is ranked PR3 already! there is something to be said about backlinking to Comluv right there!
I wish I’d have made those for mine. LOL!!!
Abhi,
I know! Half way thru the contest I had to rethink staying in. I started thinking I could build these links for my blog instead. Jane really knew what she was doing.
Nice Post. Very helpful . Looking for more.
Hursh,
If Amit lets me I would love to contribute more and often. He is a very gracious host.
Thanks for the compliment.
~Allie
hello Allie,
I’ll be glad if you publish a guest post for my site. I’ll be highly honored. Waiting for your positive reply
And I’m waiting for your guest post, too, Allie! After these last two months, I’d love to see you on my blog.
Abhi,
I would love to. I see what fine work you do and can’t wait. Just give me some time to screw my head back on straight after this contest. LOL.
~Allie
Same here, Allie!
I want rest, too. And I think, this one is the last SLEEPLESS night.
Tonight I get to go to bed at normal time and I bet I will crash.
🙂
I’m crashing with my laptop here, Allie! LOL!!
Guest post is a good way rather than commenting on other sites. I also give priority on guest posting. Thanks for sharing this nice guest post
Ahsan,
This year I too have given priority (after my own blog, of course) to guest posting. It is the new rage in blogging. 🙂
~Allie
I think we have somehow given too much importance..eh? 😉
Huh? Well always take care of your own blog first then spread out.
Guest posting is really good, I have done some guest posts and Am glad I did.
Joseph,
Did you see a spike in visits? Do you think guest posting gave you more exposure?
~Allie
Yeah, I saw a spike in traffic and of course, I also got more exposure.
Joseph,
I am glad to hear that. I always like to know our efforts pay off.
~Allie
Yeah, I did just two guest post and I got lots of new readers, followers. It was an amazing experience. It more depends on which blog we guest post.
Yes, it does depend on the blog. I’m sure an older, more established blog will give more traffic than a new one.
I’m still trying to find someone to pay me for my guest posts; that hasn’t been working out to well………
So, where else am I going to find you this week; am I going to get a call in the middle of the night having to come pick you up?
Good luck ma’am.
Bill,
Naw, that was a couple of weeks ago when I celebrated my bday. But it has been a guest posting party for me. LOL. I was on Pinterest too, partying with my new board, “Man Candy”, Saturday night, lol.
Thanks for stalking me.
~Allie
P.S. You did not title you post THAT? OMG! I NEED to go read what you wrote.
Nice post Allie, and I really like your interaction. The way you are coming back after every comment is also very necessary.
Guest posting is growing so rapidly. I too have started receiving emails suddenly even I have not say on my blog to write for me. But this is absolutely a nice way of getting back links.
Sasha,
Welcome! And thank you for the compliment. Unless the host tells me not to come back and respond or the comments seem spammy, I always come back and comment for my host. I believe it is just good practice.
You are right, almost every blog I visit these days will have a guest poster at some time or another. I see them every week.
A good sign you are doing well is when you get requests to write someone else or someone wants to write for you. Be sure to have some guest poster rules in place so they can read them and know what you like for your blog.
You know what I really like about guest posting? All the new people I meet. It is fun.
~Allie
Yeah, I’ve got some guests who don’t reply to the comments. If I wish, then I can remove their links according to my ToS of guest posting. But humanity in me, doesn’t make it happen. 🙂
But sometimes you have to make that decision. Otherwise just any body can come across and just assume they can guest post.
Now I’ve changed my mind and my rules. Now I don’t just review the article but I gather information about the guest as well, like his or her social links and blogs etc.
Yes, Hajra is right. I have removed links when GP’ers don’t follow what I asked them. I did notify first and he came back to follow up.
Yes you are right, at least by adding guidelines for submitting the article I will not receive emails which ask about category, words limit and for re-submission of their article to another site.
Thanks for your suggestion.
I like the concept of having guidelines though I still have to work one for my own blog.
When someone requests to guest post for you be sure they are aware of the guidelines by sending them to them. And then be sure to ask if they read them.
Sasha,
Yep. All the answers can be right there for potential GP’s to reference and actually see if they want to post for you. But I think they still do not read them at times, lol.
I did find that the articles submitted to be got better once I put the guidelines up.
~Allie
Hey Allie,
I missed your article here. Sorry! But it’s really awesome. And I’ve used this trick very well (You know, where). 🙂
Good luck to you for your contest.
Abhi- I was wondering where you were, lol. Glad you came by, you are giving valuable tips to the readers and commenters.
Do you think the guidelines should be specfically for blogs that are trying to run a business or service? Like, I have a personal blog; so I debate this at times.
Any blog should have guidelines. Your blog is your workspace whether it is business or personal and should maintain the integrity you set for for you and your guest posters. So yes, be sure to have guidelines. That GP represents you.
Allie, I agree guest posting is one of THEEE best ways to promote your blog. There is a lot of buzz about guest posting after the Panda update. Its the way to go. About commenting, I recently found out by stumbling upon some interesting blogs where I left some comments. Incidental when I looked at my traffic stats, I realised that large portion of traffic was coming from various blogs where I had left comments. Then it clicked at me and I investigated about commenting. Combine guest posting with commenting, its an explosive combination.
thnx for this featured content It can become time consuming; but the benefits derived from it is well worth the time! nice share
Hi,
Guest posting is the awesome method which can not only build some quality backlinks but also generates good traffic through it. Although their is a good chances of branding and promotion of our blog.
Thanks for the awesome post.
Guest posting is an all-in-one benefits based strategy to build back links and to drive targeted traffic, subscribers to our business website.
All we do is to ensure quality of the submission of guest posts (instead of just doing guest posts submission on niche sites), as it reach both people and search engines to generate unlimited traffic. To become good in guest blogging we can start it fro niche blogs and build portfolios and approach crowded sources would work to drastically improve consistence of back links.
Thanks 🙂
Hi Allie,
Wonderful article, as usual.
The best tip from you that most people would miss here is: Commenting on your own guest post. Most bloggers submit a GP and then forget all about it, not realizing it is as important for them to reply to readers and to answer their questions (if any).
Wrong place to as the question-I am a WAHM mom myself. Would you like a GP from me??
Thanks!
Hey Allie,
Really an useful article, backlink is becoming trend now a days, If you want backlink then ofcourse one of the best option is guest post. Thanks for sharing this information.
Nice Post. Very helpful . Looking for more backlinks…..:)
Thank you very much for sharing the secrets behind guest posting, it was a nice read.
hello allie
nice post.Guest posting is one of the best way to gain valuable backlinks.Thanks
I agree with the title of the post, guest posting is something which helps your blog to get promoted to new set of people and also helps you to get backlinks.