Today I have a super special friend here. Alison from Mama Wants This is here to share her words of wisdom with us! I have been lucky enough to become close to Alison. She’s definitely a friend. Not just an online friend, but a real friend. She’s certainly close to my heart. Aside from being an amazing blogger, she’s supportive, helpful, friendly, and just all around awesomesauce. You can see her all over the blogosphere, though I have NO idea how she does it!
In addition to commenting and supporting all of us and our little blogs, she also writes her own. She has amazing fashion sense, which she showcased in her What I’m Not Wearing to BlogHer post. She is proud of who she is, as she should be, and isn’t afraid to tell us. She is also honest. She isn’t afraid to open up and let us know that we have our feelings hurt too.
Here she is, giving us some advice on guest posting!
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A Guest Post About Guest Posting
Hello! I’m so happy to be here to fill in for my dear friend Kim, while she takes a well deserved break.
I thought it’d be really clever of me to write a guest post about guest posting. At least it makes for a good subject header right?
I haven’t been blogging that long (5 months), but I have written 12 guest posts (this will be my 12th) and 3 articles for World Moms Blog, so I’ve learnt a few things along the way. If you’ve not guest posted before and you’re thinking about it, maybe reading this will help a little.
Or not.
Just humor me.
Why guest post at all?
Writing a guest post for another blog opens up a whole new audience for you. It exposes you to people who previously did not know about your fabulousness. I’ve met many wonderful friends and readers by guest posting.
Guest posting also allows you to flex your writing muscles a little. Challenged to stick to a relevant topic and a deadline, you will find that you’ll be a better writer for it.
How do I find guest post opportunities?
There are a few ways. One is that you’re asked to. Many bloggers host regular columns on their sites featuring guests, and they usually invite bloggers they read and/ or know to contribute something. If you’re asked, before you say yes, think about the following first:
- Is this a blog you want to be featured in? Some bloggers prefer to stay in their niche. Or it could be that the blog is not a suitable association for your blog (e.g. if a blog is about controversial topics and you’d rather stay away).
- Do you have time to write a good guest post? Yes, you do need to put your best foot forward for guest posts. You’re writing for a new audience, you want to impress. By that, you need to invest a little time in writing a great piece.
If your answer is yes, then SAY YES!
The other way, is to ask to guest post. You might think this is a little ballsy or stalker-like, but it’s really not! Some bloggers do a call out for guest bloggers if they have to go away for an extended period of time, and don’t want to leave their blog unattended to. Many blogs have regular guest features and do ask for bloggers to email them should they wish to appear as a guest blogger.
If you see someone asking for guest bloggers, go have a look at the blog, see if it fits you in terms of blog niche, audience, and deadline. If all the boxes are checked, refer to the two points above before you write in to offer guesting.
A few other thoughts
Ask for a topic if it’s not been suggested to you. Most bloggers have a preferred pool of topics they feel are suitable and will appeal to their existing readers. Should the suggested topics be things that you’re uncomfortable with, say so. Create a dialogue and exchange ideas. You want this to work for both of you. Your host will be grateful to you for being so invested in writing a great post for her.
If you’re told you have a free hand in topics, head over to the blog in question and poke around a bit. See what the blogger normally writes about and check out the comments to see what topics resonate most.
Maintain your writing voice. Yes, you may need to adjust your style a little, in some cases, tone down your language and keep the bawdy references to a minimum or zero (or the opposite, if the blog you’re guesting for is all for that). But remain true to yourself. Write from the heart, write what you know.
Be mindful of the deadline set for you. Bloggers who need to be away have to schedule their posts in advance, so if they say they need your post and accompanying pictures a week before, do that. If you need an extension, ask for it well in advance.
On the day your guest post is published, try not to have another post published on your own blog. You can write something to the effect of, I’m guest posting at So and So’s place, so do visit me there.
Be sure to pimp your guest post out as much as possible (without annoying everyone). Facebook it, tweet it. Mention your host, always. Your host will probably do the same by scheduling tweets to promote your post.
Once your post is published, do head over to your host’s blog and comment, thanking your host for the opportunity. It’s not ass kissing, it’s only polite. Also? Remember to reply to comments on your guest post. Again, manners.
Lastly, and this is probably the most important: a guest is someone who’s been offered hospitality by another. Bear that in mind when writing a guest post. It’s not your ‘house’, so do put on your best writing ‘clothes’, mind your manners, be gracious and say thank you. It is a great opportunity to show people who don’t know you, who you are as a blogger and writer.
Happy guest posting!
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Thank you Alison, for sharing such awesomesauce information here!
Be sure to follow her blog and chat with her on twitter!
Kimberly
Latest posts by Kimberly (see all)
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Hi, my name is Kimberly! I am a wife of 1 and mom to 4. I'm a social media addict and book lover. This blog is a raw and honest look at life through my eyes. I capture the moments as I fumble through motherhood, marriage, and my new graphic design career. I am sometimes funny, a bit sarcastic, and always sleep deprived.
Thanks for having me here today, Kim!! Hope you’re having a fab time #missyou
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
Thank you for writing this for me! I loved this post when you sent it to me and am so glad I was finally able to hit ‘publish’ on it!
I did have a great time while away, but I missed you!
Great guest post about guest posting, Alison! Definitely full of good advice.
Thank you Jacqui.
Twitter: GalitBreen
says:
Great tips ladies!
Thanks Galit!!
Great post!! Ive been thinking of guest posting for a while now, and these tips will definitely help!! I cant believe you have already done 12 guest posts. Thats super impressive! I see you around the blogosphere and I will definitely have to go check out your blog!
Thanks Jessica!, I do hope the tips will help. I consider guest posting a way to practice and hone my writing, so I almost never say no when asked. Unless it goes against what I stated up there
Do come by, would love to have you!
Great timing! I have my first guest posting opportunity coming up next week, and I’m so STOKED! Thanks for letting me know all about the etiquette. I had a few questions and this answered all of them. Btw, you’ve only been blogging for 5 mos? Impressive!
Melissa, glad to have helped! Good luck with your first guest post.
Alison,
Once again you have given such great advice! I had no idea how the Guest Posting thing worked. I didn’t know if you could just ask outright to be a guest or not.
As always, wonderful and helpful information! Thank you!
Thank you, glad to have given some useful information there. Yes, there is never any harm asking if you can guest post, but be prepared if the blogger says no, for various reasons. But if you don’t try, you don’t know!
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
Great tips and I totally agree – I think my writing is better when I guest post (oh no, please don’t tell me I’m wrong…).
I’m amazed that you’ve done 12 guest posts already. That’s awesome! Not for me, though. We’ll have to fix that.
You write beautifully wherever you go Robin. And I mean that. You will get more guest post opportunities, I know you will.
Twitter: FarewellStrangr
says:
No, silly. I meant you haven’t guest posted for me, and we’ll have to fix that.
I’ve got several guest posts coming up. 2 more this week, in fact!
Oh haha, duh. How did I misread that?
—Excellent Points, Mama Alison
I continually enjoy reading what you have to say. x
Thank you Kim for your continuous support.
Fabulous information…some of it is common sense – but needs to be said! Thanks, Alison!
Thanks Ann! And you’re welcome!
I swear, Alison can soon start her own seminar on blogging and earn her bucks doing that! Yet, a generous soul that she is, she gladly does this for free!! Thank God for you, Alison.
Alison and I started our blogs around the same time, but there’s where the similarity between us end. Since then, it was like she just zoomed and is now halfway through getting her PhD in blogging, while me… well, um, I’m still here, kind of lost with my mouth hanging open at my Blogging 101 class. LOL.
No, seriously, I blog by Alison’s tips. I trust her that much. She gives sincere and useful advice. And she tells it like it is.
Now, in the spirit of guest-posting… anyone wants me to guest-post for them? Anyone? LOL
That’s an idea, charging! Hehe. Unfortunately for me, when I do something for money, I lose interest. So best not to think about it!
I think you’re doing great Sweaty. Just believe in yourself!
This was so great, Allison! I loved your advice, especially the part about not posting something on your own blog the day you guest post somewhere else. Great stuff!
Thank you Kelley, glad to have shared some useful info.
I haven’t done a lot of guest posting because I barely manage to post a few times on my own blog a week. Your advice is spot on. I found myself early on saying “yes” to everything and then feeling really spread thin. And, yes mind your manners. Excellent post!
Thanks Poppy! It’s basically doing what you would for your post on your own blog, I reckon. Manners are so important!
Alison, I am so glad you shared this with us. I have yet to see a blog post about guest posting and I think this has so much great information in it for newbies as well as those who have written guest posts many times. What a great idea to write this! I love that you are writing about blogging, because you’re taking it several steps further than the typical posts on blogs by helping us to understand and appreciate the world of blogging as a community, as a network of friends. Keep these posts coming! They are so thought-provoking and inspirational.
Thank you Kim, you’re always so supportive! I’m glad you find this post useful. I’m surprised at myself for writing as much about blogging as I have! I will keep them coming as long as I have things to share
Definitely good advice! I think sometimes people forget that manners count in blogland, too!
Alas, that is true. But there are many more out there who are well-mannered!
I was so thick-skinned I asked Bruna If I could guest post for her. That was my one and only guest post so far.
Thanks for the great tips Alison. I have one question: If you ask someone to guest post for you, what is a reasonable time frame to give them, to prepare the post?
Asking to guest post is perfectly okay! And you did great!
As to your question, it depends. I usually ask my guests well in advance, at least 3-4 weeks. The reasons for this:
- Gives them time to block a date in their calendar. Some bloggers have editorial calendars and fixed days they’ve already decided to post e.g regular linkys, WW, etc
- Gives both of you time to discuss a topic if necessary
- Gives them time to write a post
- Gives you time to schedule it accordingly
However, I think 2 weeks is reasonable.
Great rules and guidelines. It is fun to have your writing shown to other people and to find other bloggers that way.
Hi Emmy, thanks! However, I hesitate to use the word ‘rules’ as that implies flexibility. This is one way I handle guest posting and it’s worked for me, but no means is it the only way. So work with what is comfortable for you!
I mean to say ‘inflexibility’!!
Good tips about guest posting. I seem to be doing very well in this area and am thinking of starting a waiting list.
You are, Jess, you’re a very popular guest poster!!
Brilliant! Simply brilliant!
Thank you Paulette!
Great post. Love the theme. And yes manners above all! Spot on, as always. And I hope Kim is having a great time out there on the shore
Thank you Stasha! You are awesome and supportive as always.
I never thought of it as visiting someone’s home, but it’s a great way to look at it! Thanks for the advice.
You’re welcome! Happy to share, always.
GREAT advice – this needs to get around, I think. I know back in the day, when I had my very first guest poster, I didn’t want to seem pushy and ask her to let people know she’d guested for me. So she never did – I don’t think she knew any better. Now I’m older and wiser and wish I’d known better back then.
It’s a learning curve for all of us. I didn’t know much early on either! I learnt mostly from first-hand experience and having seen how others do it.
Great tips!! I always get ridiculously nervous when someone asks me to write for them. While most of the blogs I follow generally have the same audience or same writing/humour as myself, you never know if something I say will be well recieved by their audience.
Also, making fun of yourself on someone else’s blog does seem to work. People like that I think
Thanks Kimberly! That is true, there’s always that little unknown as to how well received your piece will be. It’s worth a try though, right? Haha, making fun of yourself does work, it shows you have a sense of humor
Great tips! I’ve guest posted three times and it’s so much fun! I love bringing in traffic and networking with another blogger. In my blogging world, it’s all about spreading awareness and educating people to help save a life so it’s very important to me.
Thanks Ruth. Guest blogging CAN be fun, and in your case, necessary. So go forth and guest post more!
Twitter: corp2domestic
says:
All great advice! You have done a lot of guest posts missy! Congrats on your 12th!
Thank you Natalie!
Twitter: KirstenPiccini
says:
I loved every thing about this, as a guest poster and someone who has guests every week now, all of this was very well said and important as the guest and the host.
Plus you’re always a perfect guest and host to me.
Thank you Kir, you’ve always been a lovely host and guest.
This is great advice!
great guest post.
Thanks JamieAnne
Great, great advice, Alison!! You are awesomesauce.
Hope you’re having a great vacation, Kim!!
Aw, thanks Jen!
Twitter: bestoffates
says:
I love guest posting but it always makes me feel way more nervous than just writing my own post, so I tend to avoid it when lazy!
You did a great guest post at Smells of Borscht, so I reckon you’ll be fab whenever you do it! No need to be nervous
another great tip. ‘avoid when lazy’ definitely writing that one down since that applies…often.
I don’t think I could guest post. I’d be too nervous and my mind would go blank. Sort of like if someone pointed at me in a crowd and handed me a microphone to talk into. *deer in the headlights*
Thanks for these insightful suggestions about guest posting though!
Some day you may feel differently, you never know!
You are the guest posting Queen, Alison!
I see your face all over the bloggy world!
Haha, thanks Carri, but I think Jess (@mytimeasmom) IS the guest posting queen!
Great tips—I hope to keep them in mind when I am a guest for a certain–you!
Seriously, so true on the helping to amplify, on getting a sense of topic….well done my friend!! Your 12 guest postings have given you seriously expert qualifications!
Thank you Elena!
I always get the down and dirty from you, Allison. But not the “down and dirty” kind of down and dirty. The good kind that leaves me a little bit smarter. You’re awesomesauce.
Hehe, Glad to have been of service!! You’re pretty awesome yourself!
Great tips! And it’s always nice to see Alison out and about, of course.
Thanks Natalie!!
I am so grounded! Totally cheating on my ‘hiatus’ to read this post. Don’t tell my son, please
I couldn’t resist because it is just so timely for me. Great tips. Thank you!!
Haha! I’m sorry you cheated with me.
And you did a lovely first guest post at Kir’s.
Oh these are great tips..and so happy to see 2 of my fav ladies together. xoxo
Thank you Tracy!
Perfect advice Alison!
Very tacktful!
My advice? Make sure you really like the person you’ve asked to guest post. Don’t do it out of obligation or it will show!
Oh yes, very good advice Leighann!
OK. I have a question – I feel like some of the places I’d love to write (and also feature if I ever get around to starting a guest blog day) sort of have their own “circle” and by stepping in, I’m butting into the wrong table at lunchtime, know what I mean? How do you overcome that? I also think it seems really insincere to guest blog on a blog that I don’t regularly visit and support. Someone did that to me once and it was really obvious. She came, she posted and then she never came back. Or ever had much to do with me on Twitter, etc. And I ended up being really annoyed. SIGH. Any advice?
Good questions Krista. I’ll do my best to answer fairly.
1. It is intimidating to try and enter an established blogging tribe. Before I ask to guest post, I’d try and get to know them (the person you want to guest for & his/ her tribe members) better by frequent visits and engagement on Twitter. It seems like a lot of work so if you hesitate to do that, then don’t feel like you have to. Just go ahead and ask anyway. The worst that can happen is that the person says no. If so, just move on. There are plenty of opportunities out there.
2. If you get asked by a blog you’re not familiar with and do not support, or you have a guest blogger who you don’t really know, it’s okay to say no either outright, or tell them you don’t have any slots open until later. In the meantime, perhaps try to engage them on Twitter. If they want to guest on your blog, they should be happy to interact with you. If not, then know that you were right to say no.
Lesson? It’s okay to say no.
Twitter: elainea
says:
I need to get better about asking people to guest post and having them do so! I’ve guest posted a few times and had people at my place a few times too but I kinda forget about it! ha!
Either of you ladies want to do it for me?
(no, seriously, let me know….)
Thanks for the great tips, friend!
You’re welcome dear Elaine!! Hey anytime you need someone to fill a spot, just send me a DM
Twitter: KimberlyAMuro
says:
It is something I’ve put on the back burner, too. But anytime you want someone, send me a message.
Twitter: LIlahbility
says:
Perfect timing! I’m gearing up for my first ever guest post. I will take your suggestions to heart and try to be a good and gracious guest. Thanks for the tips!
Glad to have helped Amanda and good luck with your first guest post!
Twitter: beeswithhoney
says:
Good advice Allison!
You pretty much covered everything I would have included in a list.
Thank you Bruna!
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