How to Write Guest Post

Writing a guest post is one of the most powerful and time-tested strategies for building authority, expanding your reach, and driving targeted traffic to your website. Whether you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, marketer, or subject matter expert, contributing valuable content to reputable third-party platforms can significantly enhance your online visibility and credibility. Unlike paid advertising, guest posting delivers organic, long-term benefits—including backlinks, brand exposure, and audience trust—that compound over time.

Despite its effectiveness, many people struggle with guest posting because they approach it as a transactional tactic—focused only on getting a link—rather than as a relationship-building opportunity. The most successful guest contributors understand that quality, relevance, and authenticity matter far more than volume. This guide will walk you through every step of crafting a compelling, high-impact guest post that gets accepted, resonates with readers, and delivers measurable results.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Goals

Before you start writing, ask yourself: Why are you writing a guest post? Your answer will shape your entire strategy. Common goals include:

• Building high-quality backlinks to improve SEO rankings
• Driving referral traffic to your website or landing page
• Establishing thought leadership in your industry
• Expanding your email list or social media following
• Networking with influencers or other content creators

Be specific. Instead of saying, “I want more traffic,” say, “I want to drive 500 targeted visitors from a marketing blog with 100K monthly readers to my lead magnet within 30 days.” Clear goals help you choose the right platforms, tailor your content, and measure success.

Step 2: Identify the Right Platforms

Not all websites are created equal. A guest post on a low-authority blog with no traffic won’t help your SEO or reputation. Focus on platforms that meet these criteria:

• Relevance: The site’s audience must align with your target demographic. A SaaS founder should target tech or business blogs—not fashion or fitness sites.
• Authority: Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or Semrush to check Domain Rating (DR) or Domain Authority (DA). Aim for sites with DR/DA 40+ for meaningful SEO impact.
• Engagement: Look for active comment sections, social shares, and recent updates. A stagnant blog signals low interest.
• Guest posting policy: Some sites openly welcome contributors; others don’t accept guest posts at all. Check their “Write for Us,” “Contribute,” or “About” pages.

Use search operators to find opportunities:

• “write for us” + [your niche]
• “guest post guidelines” + [your industry]
• “contribute” + [your keyword]

Also explore industry-specific directories like AllTop, Feedspot, or HARO (Help a Reporter Out) for curated opportunities. Don’t overlook niche forums or newsletters that accept contributor content.

Step 3: Research the Site and Its Audience

Once you’ve identified a target site, dive deep. Don’t just skim one article—read at least 5–10 recent posts. Pay attention to:

• Tone and voice: Is it formal, casual, humorous, or technical?
• Content structure: Do they use lists, subheadings, case studies, or data-driven analysis?
• Popular topics: What themes generate the most comments or shares?
• Keyword usage: What terms do they target? Use tools like Ubersuggest or AnswerThePublic to uncover related queries.
• Linking patterns: Do they link to external sources? Are those links dofollow or nofollow?

This research isn’t optional—it’s essential. A guest post that feels out of place will be rejected. The goal is to write as if you’re a regular contributor, not an outsider.

Step 4: Craft a Compelling Pitch

Most reputable sites require a pitch before accepting a full article. A strong pitch is concise, personalized, and shows you’ve done your homework.

Structure your pitch like this:

1. Subject line: Clear and benefit-driven. Example: “Guest Post Idea: 5 Underrated SEO Tactics for SaaS Startups (Based on 200+ Case Studies)”
2. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your expertise. Mention your website or social profiles if relevant.
3. Why this site? Show you understand their audience. Example: “I noticed your recent article on content marketing funnels resonated strongly with your readers—I’d love to expand on this with a data-backed guide on lead nurturing.”
4. Topic and outline: Present your proposed topic and a 3–5 bullet outline. Include a clear value proposition.
5. Why now? Tie it to current trends, news, or seasonal relevance.
6. Call to action: Politely ask if they’re open to the idea and offer to send a full draft.

Keep it under 200 words. Avoid generic templates. Personalization increases acceptance rates by up to 70%.

Step 5: Write a High-Quality Article

Once your pitch is accepted, it’s time to write. Here’s how to create content that stands out:

• Hook readers in the first 50 words: Start with a surprising stat, a bold claim, or a relatable pain point. Example: “87% of marketers say SEO is their top priority—but only 12% are using these 5 proven techniques.”
• Use clear, scannable structure: Break content into short paragraphs. Use subheadings (H2, H3), bullet points, and bold text to improve readability.
• Provide original insights: Don’t rehash what’s already out there. Share unique data, personal experience, case studies, or frameworks you’ve developed.
• Include credible sources: Link to authoritative studies, tools, or publications. This builds trust and signals quality to editors.
• Write for humans, not bots: Avoid keyword stuffing. Use natural language and semantic variations.
• End with a strong CTA: Guide readers to your website, newsletter, or social profile—but keep it subtle. Example: “If you found these strategies helpful, I’ve compiled a free checklist for implementing them—download it here.”

Aim for 1,200–2,500 words. Longer content tends to perform better, but only if it adds value. Never pad content with fluff.

Step 6: Optimize for On-Page SEO (Within Limits)

While you’re writing, think about SEO—but remember: the host site controls the final structure. You can still optimize by:

• Using your target keyword naturally in the first paragraph, H2s, and conclusion
• Including related keywords and synonyms
• Adding internal links to other articles on the host site (if appropriate and allowed)
• Using alt text for images you provide
• Writing a compelling meta description (if you’re allowed to suggest one)

Don’t over-optimize. Editors can detect spammy SEO attempts. Focus on readability and value first.

Step 7: Submit and Follow Up

Submit your article in the format requested—usually Word, Google Docs, or plain text. Include:

• Your full name and bio (2–4 sentences)
• Your website URL
• Any links you’d like included (usually 1–2 dofollow links)
• Optional: Headshot or social handles

After submission, wait 5–7 business days. If you haven’t heard back, send a polite follow-up email. Example:

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on the guest post I submitted on [date] titled “[Title].” I understand you’re busy, but I’d love to know if you had any feedback or if there’s anything I can revise. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Always remain professional and patient. Editors are often overwhelmed.

Step 8: Promote Your Published Post

Don’t assume the host site will promote your article. Take ownership of its success:

• Share it on your social media channels with a personalized message
• Include it in your email newsletter
• Tag the host site and relevant contributors on LinkedIn or Twitter
• Repurpose it into a thread, infographic, or short video
• Reach out to your network: “I just published this on [Site]—would love your thoughts!”

Engagement signals to search engines that your content is valuable. More shares = more visibility = more potential backlinks from others.

Best Practices

1. Quality Over Quantity

One well-placed guest post on a high-authority site can outperform 20 posts on low-quality blogs. Focus on fewer, stronger placements. A single link from a site like HubSpot, Forbes, or Entrepreneur carries more weight than dozens from spammy directories.

2. Never Use Spammy Links

Avoid anchor text like “best SEO tool” or “click here.” Instead, use natural, contextually relevant anchors: “our guide to content repurposing” or “the framework I use with clients.”

Also, never submit the same article to multiple sites. Duplicate content can hurt your SEO and reputation. Always tailor each post to the host site’s audience.

3. Build Relationships, Not Just Links

Treat editors and site owners as partners, not gatekeepers. Engage with their content. Leave thoughtful comments. Share their posts. Over time, they’ll see you as a trusted contributor—not a link seeker.

4. Disclose Relationships When Required

Some platforms require you to disclose if you’re being compensated or if links are affiliate-based. Even if not required, transparency builds trust. Add a simple line like: “I’ve worked with [Brand] in the past, but all opinions here are my own.”

5. Track Your Results

Use UTM parameters to track traffic from each guest post. Example: yourwebsite.com/lead-magnet?utm_source=guestpost&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=marketingweekly

Monitor:

• Referral traffic in Google Analytics
• Backlink acquisition in Ahrefs or Moz
• Engagement metrics: time on page, bounce rate, social shares
• Conversions: newsletter signups, downloads, sales

This data helps you refine your strategy and justify future efforts.

6. Avoid Over-Promotion

Your bio and CTA should be helpful, not salesy. Avoid phrases like “Buy my course now!” or “I’m the

1 expert in X.” Instead, say: “I help SaaS founders improve retention through behavioral analytics. Find my free toolkit at [URL].”

7. Respect Deadlines

Missing deadlines is one of the fastest ways to burn bridges. If you need more time, ask early. Most editors appreciate honesty over silence.

8. Repurpose Responsibly

After your guest post is published, you can republish a modified version on your own site—but only after 30–60 days and with significant changes (rewrite, add new data, update examples). Always link back to the original to avoid duplicate content penalties.

Tools and Resources

SEO and Domain Analysis Tools

• Ahrefs: Analyze backlinks, keyword difficulty, and domain authority. Use Site Explorer to check competitor backlink profiles.
• Moz: Measure Domain Authority and crawl errors. MozBar browser extension helps assess page authority on the fly.
• SEMrush: Identify content gaps and track keyword rankings. Great for finding trending topics in your niche.
• Ubersuggest: Free alternative for keyword research and content ideas.
• Google Search Console: Monitor your own site’s performance and track which guest posts drive traffic.

Content and Writing Tools

• Grammarly: Catches grammar, spelling, and tone issues. Use the “Formal” tone setting for professional posts.
• Hemingway Editor: Highlights complex sentences and passive voice. Helps keep your writing clear and punchy.
• Surfer SEO: Analyzes top-ranking content and suggests optimal keyword density and structure.
• Notion or Google Docs: Organize your pitches, targets, and drafts in one place.

Guest Post Discovery Platforms

• Blogarama: Directory of blogs accepting guest posts.
• MyBlogGuest (archived, but alternatives exist): Look for similar platforms like GuestPostTracker or Pitchbox.
• HARO (Help a Reporter Out): Connect with journalists and bloggers seeking expert quotes—often leads to guest posting opportunities.
• LinkedIn Groups: Join niche groups where editors post “Write for Us” announcements.
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/guestposts, r/forhire, or niche-specific communities often list opportunities.

Link Tracking and Analytics

• Bitly: Shorten and track clicks on your links.
• Google Analytics: Set up goals to track conversions from guest post traffic.
• Backlink Checker (by Ahrefs or Moz): Monitor when your guest post links are indexed.

Templates and Swipe Files

Save these templates for future use:

• Pitch Email Template: Use the structure outlined in Step 4.
• Guest Post Bio Template: “I’m [Name], a [title] at [Company]. I help [audience] achieve [result] through [method]. Learn more at [URL].”
• Follow-Up Email Template: As shown in Step 7.

Real Examples

Example 1: SaaS Founder Gets Featured on HubSpot Blog

A startup founder specializing in CRM automation pitched HubSpot with the idea: “How to Automate Lead Qualification Without a Sales Team.”

She researched HubSpot’s top-performing posts and noticed a trend: readers loved actionable, step-by-step guides with real metrics. She included data from her own clients showing a 40% increase in qualified leads after implementing her system.

Her pitch included:

• A clear subject line
• Personalized compliment about HubSpot’s content
• Three bullet points outlining the post’s structure
• A link to her website and LinkedIn profile

She was accepted. The post ranked on page one for “CRM automation for small business” and drove 1,200+ visitors to her site in the first month. It also earned 3 high-quality backlinks from other marketing blogs that cited her work.

Example 2: Fitness Coach Gets Published on MindBodyGreen

A yoga instructor wanted to grow her audience. She targeted MindBodyGreen, known for holistic wellness content.

Instead of pitching “5 yoga poses for back pain,” she proposed: “Why Your Yoga Practice Isn’t Healing Your Stress (And What to Do Instead).”

She framed it as a counterintuitive insight, backed by her experience coaching 200+ clients. The article included a personal story about burnout and a simple breathing technique she developed.

The post was published and shared widely on Instagram and Pinterest. Her email list grew by 1,800 subscribers in two weeks. She later turned the article into a free downloadable guide, which became her top lead magnet.

Example 3: Developer Gets Guest Post on Smashing Magazine

A web developer specializing in accessibility submitted a piece titled: “Why Most Websites Fail WCAG 2.1 (And How to Fix Them in 30 Minutes).”

He included:

• A real audit of a popular e-commerce site
• Before-and-after screenshots
• Code snippets he used to fix issues
• A link to his open-source accessibility toolkit

The post went viral in the dev community. It was shared on Hacker News, Reddit’s r/webdev, and even cited by a major tech publication. He received multiple job offers and speaking invitations.

FAQs

How many guest posts should I write per month?

There’s no magic number. Focus on quality. One strong guest post per month is better than five rushed ones. If you’re building authority, aim for 2–4 high-value placements per quarter. Consistency matters more than frequency.

Can I get paid for guest posting?

Most reputable sites don’t pay for guest posts—they offer exposure and backlinks instead. However, some niche publications, especially in finance, tech, or law, do offer fees ($100–$500). Be cautious of sites that charge you to publish—that’s a red flag for spam.

Do guest posts still work for SEO in 2024?

Yes—but only if done ethically. Google’s algorithms now prioritize E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). A well-written guest post from a credible source on a relevant site still boosts rankings. Avoid low-quality link networks; they’re penalized.

What if my guest post gets rejected?

Rejection is normal. Ask for feedback if possible. Often, editors will suggest a better angle or topic. Use the feedback to improve your next pitch. Don’t take it personally—editors receive dozens of pitches daily.

Can I write guest posts for competitors?

You can—but only if it’s strategic. Writing for a competitor’s blog can position you as an industry leader, not a rival. Just ensure your content doesn’t promote their product over yours. Focus on education, not promotion.

How long does it take to see results from guest posting?

Backlinks may take 2–8 weeks to be indexed. Traffic and conversions can appear within days if the host site has strong traffic. Long-term SEO benefits compound over 6–12 months. Patience is key.

Should I use a guest posting service?

Generally, no. Most services offer low-quality placements on spammy sites. They violate Google’s guidelines and can hurt your SEO. Build relationships manually—it’s slower but sustainable.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with guest posting?

Thinking it’s a shortcut. The biggest mistake is treating guest posting as a link-building hack instead of a content and relationship-building strategy. The most successful contributors focus on adding value—first and foremost.

Conclusion

Writing a guest post isn’t about getting a backlink—it’s about becoming a trusted voice in your industry. When done right, guest posting transforms you from an unknown writer into a recognized expert. It opens doors to collaborations, media features, speaking engagements, and new business opportunities.

The key is to approach each post with intentionality: research deeply, write authentically, and serve the audience first. Don’t chase quantity. Don’t spam low-quality sites. Don’t treat editors as gatekeepers. Instead, build genuine relationships, deliver exceptional value, and let your expertise speak for itself.

Start small. Pick one site that aligns with your goals. Craft a thoughtful pitch. Write a post that someone will bookmark. Then repeat. Over time, your guest posts will form a powerful network of authority, traffic, and credibility that no paid ad can replicate.

Remember: The best guest posts don’t just get published—they get remembered. And in the world of content marketing, being remembered is the ultimate win.