Guest Blogging: How to Prepare and Submit a Guest Post

Once you have identified your target list of websites to pitch a guest blog to you will need to prepare for and then submit your guest post.

The requirements of each site and each potential guest blogging opportunity will vary. However, as with the majority of applications, you just need to stick to the rules and apply.

Get to know your Target Website (and/or the Blog Owner)

Start by getting to know the target website or blog. Read their website and blog content and get a feel for what is popular. Think about their style of content and what content get read/gets high engagement and how this might apply to your own potential guest post. Think about who their audience is and what level of the audience they are writing for is at.

Have a look at their other guest blog posts. Who else is writing for them?

If you are preparing to approach and individual blog owner take the time to get to know them and read their content. Follow and comment on their social media feeds so that you are less likely to be a complete stranger.

Read the Guidelines

For websites that openly accept guest posts, you need to review and read their submission guidelines – and comply with them.

For example – does the blog owner want you to pitch an idea or actually submit a full post? What format do they want it in?

Make sure you know what they are looking for before you pitch and/or submit your post.

Make your Submission

Once you have done your research you are ready to make your submission.

In your email to the blog owner as a part of your submission be sure to make it personal and to give a proper introduction to yourself as well as explaining why you want to write a guest post for them. Send links to your website and content and social media presence to boost your application/enquiry.

If the guest post guidelines ask you to submit a topic idea, then (based on your research), pitch a few different ideas so the blog owner has some to choose from.

Alternatively, if the blog owner is asking for an actual blog post – write your killer post (based on your research), complete with a killer headline/title and include images to make your post interesting.

For the sites that don’t have an open invitation for guest posts, but that you would like to target, use the “contact us” information to drop them a line to simply ask about writing a guest post included the above mentioned information.

Finally, if you get knocked back – remember to persevere. Persistence pays off!