Writing guest posts can be a powerful way to build authority and brand recognition as well as provide significant SEO benefits. However, many Internet marketers fail in their attempts to get guest posts published because they simply don't understand the protocols involved. Assuming that you can actually write, the following are 5 critical points that you must meet in order to get your guest posts accepted for publishing on credible, relevant sites:
1.) Study the Host's Requirements
Each site that accepts guest posts has different policies concerning the topics, styles, word counts, format, voice and every other aspect about how a post should be written. You must study these requirements and meet every one of them when you submit your query. If your query demonstrates that you can't be bothered to read their posting requirements, then you can be assured that the reviewing editor won't bother to do more than toss your query in the trash.
2.) Scour the Host's Archives
Once you know exactly what type of writing your potential host is looking for, you'll need to find out what topics and topic slants have already been covered on the site. After all, if you send a query suggesting a title or topic that has already been covered, chances are that you'll not even get a reply from the editor.
3.) Create a Compelling Title and Subject Matter
A lot of writers don't understand that you should always query first, then write the piece upon acceptance. This means that the best way to proceed after you've thoroughly studied your host is to create a compelling title and subject matter for your proposed guest article. Remember that your title must be short but have a serious hook - you've only got one chance to capture your reader, and likewise you've only got one chance to capture the subject of your query.
4.) Write an Effective Query
If you've researched item number 1 above then this should be the easy part because you'll already know exactly how each site likes to receive queries. In general, a query consists of a short letter or email that "pitches" your story idea. You'll need to quickly and succinctly cover:
*Your title and synopsis
*The story arc
*Why you're qualified to write this piece
*Your credentials overall - briefly
*Delivery timeframe and other expectations
If your query doesn't fit on one page, it's too long. Whatever information the host requires, provide it in as short a format as possible, and make certain that your grammar and spelling are dead-on perfect before you hit the send button or drop that query in the post.
5.) Follow Through
If an editor expresses interest, do not keep them waiting - communication should be rapid without seeming desperate, and delivery of milestones or final projects should always be done on-time or ahead of time. Getting a guest post accepted for publishing is really only the beginning of your relationship with the host. If their site is relevant to your industry, you'll likely want to publish a number of posts with them and develop an ongoing relationship,
Following these 5 steps is the best way to maximize on the SEO, authority and branding benefits that guest posting provides. However, not everyone has the skills or time to be able to write a valuable and persuasive post. To have a professional writer develop and submit guest posts on your behalf, call the number at the top of your screen right now. Ask about our professional guest posting service and how we can help get you to the top of your markets and niches.
