How To Write A Guest Post That Doesn’t Suck
Apr

Over the last 6 months or so, in an attempt to get more traffic and new readers to my blog, I have been trying to leverage other peoples audiences. Otherwise known as guest posting.
Guest posting is not a new concept and over the last several years, it has become an incredibly popular way for new bloggers (or anyone) to get more exposure in the blogosphere.
The concept is pretty straight forward. You write an article, submit it to another blog, and sit back and enjoy your newfound traffic. Sounds great, right?
If only it worked that well. Well… it can, but you have to do it right.
Anatomy Of A Guest Post
If your goal is to get your name/business/brand out there, wouldn’t it make sense to submit only your very best work? Do you think that submitting a half assed post to another blog is going to help you or them? Unfortunately, many, many people do just that. Why do you think the Web is filled with more trash than a Kid Rock concert?
Done correctly, guest posting can be one of the strongest forms of traffic generation. Done poorly, your results will be…well..poor.
Over the last 6 month or so, I have submitted a number of guest posts to some high traffic, well known sites. My results varied greatly and I couldn’t figure out why. While some of these posts generated hundreds of visitors, some generated fewer than ten.
So why the huge disparity in my results? I was writing in the same style as I always have, I put a lot of time into each post, and I thought the quality was very good.
Well, there was a critical point that I failed to learn prior to submitting these posts. I didn’t understand their audience nearly enough.
For my guest post on HowToMakeMyBlog.com, I wrote what I thought to be a well thought out and helpful post about keyword research, but apparently nobody else did. Fail.
Given the fact that Mario averages between 20,000 and 50,000 visitors each month on his site, I could have gotten much more traffic than I actually did. It was my own fault for not understanding his readers interests.
Just because you write a post about how to play tennis and submit it to a tennis website doesn’t always mean that your message will resonate. This holds true for any topic.
Know their audience well before submitting. Take the time and actually read some (this means more than one) of their posts. Your results will be much better.
Anatomy Of A Sucky Guest Post
Over the last two months, I’ve been fortunate to receive a number of guest posts from my readers and other folks I’ve met online and although most have been very good, there have been a few sucky ones and I’ve had to outright reject a few train wrecks as well.
As it turns out, not everyone is a good writer. And that’s OK.
However, if you want to be taken seriously, you need to work on a few things:
- Your spelling. This irritates me to no end. We all have spell check don’t we? I can forgive you if you misspell one or two words, but ten??? Come on now. What’s even worse is the improper use of words like lose and loose. It’s really not that hard people. I see this one every day and have to wonder how it’s possible. Here is a great post from The Oatmeal about misspelled words. My sentiments exactly…
- Your lack of originality. Please don’t rehash the top 10 best SEO plugins for the millionth time. Please don’t tell me how to increase my email newsletter subscribers again. How about using that little thing called your imagination? What a concept. Show some of your creative juices off. Stand out and get noticed.
- Fragmented sentences. If your sentence fails to make sense, you are either a sub-par writer or you may be using a fragmented sentence. There’s your weekly English lesson…
- Sentences that make no sense. I received a guest post that included the following sentence “when I discovered more how to adapt to my current job description, I was relieved. WTF is that? Please double check your entire article before sending it off. Many times, the accepting blog owner will not catch your mistake(s) and now the Web has yet another poorly constructed article…
- You don’t reread your post before submitting it. Nobody gets everything perfect the first time. There are bound to be errors. It’s your job to find them, so I don’t have to.
- You make demands. This happened to me once. I got an email from a fellow blogger who told me he would be happy to provide a guest post on two conditions: 1) I pay him to have it transcribed into audio because he didn’t want to actually write a post and 2) I put a link to his site above the fold in my sidebar and with specific anchor text. If Darren Rowse asked me for this, sure no problem. This guy was NOT Darren. The point is-don’t be an asshole. We’re not as important as we think we are.
- Your post title sucks. We all know by now that post titles are every bit as important as the content. Why? Because nobody will ever read your post if the title is boring. By the way, I am definitely guilty of writing weak headlines too. Take some time and really think it through. Here is a great article from CopyBlogger about the importance of headlines.
- Your bio is boring. After reading an interesting or inspiring post, I want to read something interesting or inspiring about the author. Take the time to make it unique and fascinating. We all know that you enjoy Internet marketing and blogging. Tell us something about YOU!
- You forgot sub headings. Nothing says boooring like seeing a 1,500 words all in one block. Break up the post with catchy subheadings, bullets, bold font, and photos. Don’t forget that these titles should be attention grabbing as well.
- Your choice of photos is weak. We’ve all done it, but I’m tired of seeing cheap stock photography on every other post online. It’s lame. What’s even worse is seeing low quality photos or ones that don’t fit with the concept of the post. Photos should draw the reader in and get them thinking. I have spent 2 hours trying to find a single photo before. Yea it’s annoying to spend all that time, but I feel like it has worked to my advantage. Try it out.
Ok, Know-It-All, So What DOES Work?
I am far from the expert on guest posting, but I have spent a great deal of time learning about how to effectively use it. I also know what I look for and find acceptable in a guest post.
If you want to learn from people who have done a TON of guest posting, check out Karol Gajda’s interview on BlogCastFM or get Onibalusi’s free eBook about it. Both of these guys have dominated the world of guest posting!
What I can tell you is to focus on a few things that will get you better results:
- Write the absolute best post you are capable of and give it away. It sounds crazy and many people scoff at this idea (myself included). However, if you currently have 500 monthly readers and you write a post that will change the world, why put it on a site that will only reach 500 people? Share it with a blog that will get in from of 10,000 or 20,000 readers. It will be excruciatingly painful to give a post like this to another blog, but it works.
- Make sure you find the right audience. Would you submit your post about the best way to create passive income to TheArtOfManliness? No, but it happens. Make sure you understand their readers and be perfectly clear about why you are writing for their blog. To get more traffic is not a good answer..
- Don’t duplicate an idea that has already been beaten to death.Writing about Twitter apps and WordPress themes is fun, but it’s been covered more thoroughly than Charlie Sheen’s descent into reality television.
- Don’t spam out your post. For example, I just received a guest post submission that was all about earning money with network marketing. Do you think that person read my blog first? I think not either. Point being-don’t just send out your post to as many sites as you can find. Take your time and choose the best ones.
- Spell check.We often hear that we should write like we talk. That may be all fine and good, but at least try to spell “wut up dawg” correctly.
- Become an insider FIRST! When I say insider, I don’t mean that you should know what kind of toothpaste Pat Flynn uses. I’m referring to getting on his radar. Who do you think has a better chance of getting a guest post submitted? Me (an unknown) or Onibalusi, who leaves a comment on every one of his posts? Your job is to find a way to introduce yourself into their circle, even if it’s just a little. You want them to know your name. I actually have reached out to Pat several times and although he did respond, he didn’t have the time to help me with my requests. Why? He’s super busy and he doesn’t know me.
If you are serious about attractive droves of new readers to your site, and of course you are, then guest posting is a great way to do it. Take the time to do it right and you will reap the rewards. This is truly a win-win situation. The host blog gets a (hopefully) awesome post and you get more exposure.
If you have any strategies or tips that you would like to add, please feel free to share them in the comment section.

Onibalusi Bamidele
This is SUPER EPIC Steve,
And it shows you know what you’re saying. Based on what you write here I really doubt if anyone will ever want to reject your guest posts. I love your point about giving your possible best and that is what many people don’t know. I first tried to submit a guest post to Problogger and it was rejected, the next thing I did was understand their audience and what works and the next 2 guest posts I submitted was consequently published. Once you know the blog’s audience and you give your best, the sky is the limit.
You’re also right about getting on a blogger’s radar as it will make things easier for you. I will easily get a quality guest post live on Jonathan Volk’s blog because he knows me than on most other blogs. As a blogger, we get a lot of emails and getting one from a familiar person ensures we READ and process it fast. Getting on the radar of a blogger is like making yourself one of his priorities.
Thanks so much and have a great day,
-Onibalusi
Steve
Hey Onibalusi,
Thanks for reading. You’ve been someone I have been watching for a while now. I see your comments all over the place and I still can’t believe how much success you’ve had, given your age. While most guys your age are playing XBOX, you are writing, building relationships, and creating a successful business.
Of everything I wrote about, I think the most important thing is knowing who you are writing for. It’s so easy to get caught writing guest posts that are not specifically targeted to a particular audience and we think because it’s a very good article, it will be popular. Not so.
If we really want to make guest posting an integral part of our traffic strategy, we need to start forming relationships with other bloggers. While it will be hard to build good connections with the big name bloggers due to the sheer volume of requests they get, it may make more sense to reach out to those who are not quite at that level yet.
One thing I didn’t mention was that getting an article posted on a site that has a very strong community can do wonders. Some blogs, although receiving tons of traffic, have a wide range of readers who come from lower quality sources like StumbleUpon. They leave short, pointless comments and offer little value to the author.
Going to a site like Pat’s, where his readers LOVE him is a much different story. He has a real sense of community and has thousands of loyal readers.Another great example of this is Steve Kamb’s blog, NerdFitness.com.
Benny
You mentioned on my recent post you were just about to write about the Shawshank Redemption also, well before I saw this post I was thinking to myself “I wonder how I could guest post on Steve’s blog?”. The I turn to Twitter and there was this RT from Onibalusi.
I enjoyed an insider’s view on the type of stuff you get. I would love to hear stories from people like Onibalusi, Darren, and Pat, who get a ton of guest posts request. I bet they have some amusing ones.
I do agree that bad spelling is horrible. I hate it when people mix up your and you’re and their and there.
And demands?? Wow!! The nerve of some people. That person must not have read anything about how to guest post. I highly doubt anyone would accept his request.
I wish I had some personal insight to guest posting. I just sent out my first guest post two days ago so am crossing my fingers. If it gets accepted great. If not, then it’s not the end of the world. I did ask the blog for a brand new Ferrari though. So we’ll see.
Steve
Benny,
I’d be interested to hear more about your story. I’ve thought about trying to contact popular bloggers for guest posts, but I really like meeting “new”people and those with a great story to tell.
The only issue I have with going after the “A” listers is that everyone already knows their stories because they’ve been interviewed so many times. I plan to start a Podcast soon and may consider it then.
I’ve been lucky so far because most of the guest posts I’ve received have been quite good and I’ve gotten to meet some awesome people.
Good luck with your guest post, hopefully it gets accepted!
Benny
I agree it would be hard to get A listers to guest post on your blog. I think they would be more likely to do an interview.
Podcast would be great! I’ve thought about the same thing but haven’t gotten to the point enough to take action on it. Focusing on other things first.
My story? Sure I’d love to tell you more about my story. I feel like it’s like yours. In a job that I can’t stand. If you met me, you’d think my life is picture perfect. Nice car, house and all the material goods that I want. However it’s that big purple elephant stuck in my life that I need to get rid of and then everything would be great. That’s the short short story.
Steve
I think interviews are the way to go as well. I just haven’t taken the time to get it up and running. Feel free to write up a guest post detailing your plan to get out of your 9-5. I’m definitely up for hearing the long version 🙂
Sounds like you are working hard on your online business, keep at it!
Benny
Thanks Steve! I’ll get working on that guest post for you.
Nomadic Chick
Some really good tips here! Though, I am public enemy #1 for sentence fragments.
For some reason, I think they pack a punch in creative writing. Maybe not always blogging or guest posting?
Meh – screw it She used fragments. In front of everybody. See how effective that was? 😀
Steve
Hi Jeannie,
Sentence fragments are more of a pet peeve for me, but you’re right, they can have a place and work well.
David
Quality post here, anyone who wants to get some traffic to their site should consider guest posting.
Out of all the points you made, I would say that knowing your audience and having a good title are the keys to successful guest posting. I would also add that finding a way to mention your blog or yourself in the guest post without coming off as spammy is a great way to generate traffic from a guest post.
Getting a high traffic site to accept your guest post can be a challenge, but like Steve says, getting involved on the blog will help you get noticed.
Steve
Hey David,
Guest posting is very powerful! I have heard a number of people tell me that they are afraid or nervous about guest posting and I can understand that it might be out of their comfort zones. However, the worst thing that can happen is getting rejected. That’s not such a bad thing.
I have found out the hard way just how important post titles are. I’ve had a few really good articles flop because I didn’t spend enough time crafting a great title. I still struggle with it too!
James M
I put up a guest post at a fairly popular blog over a month ago, and saw a total of 10 visitors come over, even though the post drew over 10% of the total views for the month. Rather disappointing to me, and I’m not entirely sure where I went wrong. You made a lot of good points here though and I’ll re-read what I wrote and see if I managed to create my own problems.
Hope this post gets read often because it’s one of the better ones I have read about this very topic recently.
Steve
James,
Thanks for the compliment! Send me a link to your guest post and I will take a look.
Marco Lee
Truth be told. I still haven’t delved into doing any guest post.
I’m considering it and…. you guys are already scaring me with all the criticisms. Lol
It’s fun though, and sometimes we all need to learn from those mistakes and failures (especially in regards to guest posting)
Steve
Hey Marco,
Sorry to scare you off 🙂
Seriously though, write a great post and get it out there. If it doesn’t get accepted, so what. Keep trying. Eventually, you WILL find a blog that likes what you have to say.
Keshav
I agree about putting out your best post as a guest.
I once submitted a guest post to ollin (just before he became famous) http://ollinmorales.wordpress.com/2011/01/17/my-biggest-fan-the-role-of-a-partner-in-a-writers-life/#more-4090
I was worried if it will come up to his standards. Ollin was very helpful and with very few changes (including the Heading), it looked very nice.
The picture was also selected by him, I think a blog owner understands picture selection better and should probably select it.
Lastly, a blog owner can openly suggest changes/edits before he publishes the guest post. That way, he’s comfortable with the style and your (guest author) post goes to the public.
Steve,
I love the guest posts coming up on your blog. They are well written and inspiring. And they make this blog more valuable. Also you should put out a post (or in the sidebar) with links to your own guest posts across the internet.
Steve
Keshav,
Submitting your best work definitely makes sense for both parties. As far as my guest posts, I always choose the images and will edit the post to keep the quality consistent. I actually end up spending an hour or more just editing and finalizing each guest post.
I’m glad you are finding inspiration in thee posts as this is my intention. I’m also getting ready to create a page with links to my guest posts. Thanks for the suggestion.
Adrienne
Ouch Steve… I saw me in a lot of what you said we shouldn’t do but you already know that. LOL!!! Maybe that’s why I’ve been so nervous about writing guest posts. I would never call myself a quality writer although I do get a lot of compliments from my readers that they like the way I express myself. But that doesn’t mean my writing style would flow on everyone’s blog.
Doing the research and learning what others expect should be very important when writing for other people’s blogs. I know that before I move any further along in this area I have a lot of learning still to do.
But thanks for your honesty and telling us like it is. It helps to learn these things before we jump off the deep end.
~Adrienne
Steve
Adrienne, you are too hard on yourself! Your guest post is just fine 🙂
You seem to be a very sincere and positive person and that’s more important to me than a few typos..
I’m looking forward to seeing the reaction to your post tomorrow!
Adrienne
We are all way too critical of ourselves, at least I know I am…
I appreciate that Steve because I was really really nervous. So, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow and sending ALL my traffic here. Guess people are really going to learn a lot more about me then.
Thanks again for all your help and support. It truly does mean a lot. Hope you are having a great day, I sure am..
Steve
There is really nothing to be nervous about. The worst that can happen is that your post is rejected. You’ve got a good blog, a successful business, and a great outlook on life. Writing a less than perfect guest post should be the least of your worries 🙂
Paul Wolfe
Hey Steve
Good points on guest posting.
Another point to add into the equation – I think I saw Pat (Flynn) write about this – is to wirte a post for your blog that’s related to the guest post, and then publish it the same day that the guest post goes live.
I think this was how I got introduced to Pat – he did a guest post for Kim Roach and when I followed the link from his guest post, the first post I got to had a welcome for readers from Kim, and was on a similar subject. That way the engagement for the readers is carried over….it’s something that I’ve been guilty of NOT doing when I’ve guest posted. (Though so far I’ve only done 6 or 7 guest posts).
For anyone wanting to guest post, your point about ‘becoming an insider’ is absolutely critical.
Keep on keeping on.
Paul
Steve
Paul,
That is a great point and it’s something that I have failed to do. It makes perfect sense though to have a great (and on target) post of your own waiting on your blog for those who click over from the guest post to see.
Thanks for the tip.
Justine
Two thumbs up for this post! The anatomy of guest post that sucks is true! I believe that guest bloggers should read this article before they do proceed or continue to what they are doing. I think that guest posting is a do or die stuff – do it perfectly or you die if it sucks.
Steve
Justine,
Thanks for the comment. Guest posting can be very powerful and if you et a reputation for submitting crap, it’s going to hurt you big time.
Kathy
Well let’s start with what’s wrong with Kid Rock?
I have been procrastinating writing guest posts (including taking you up on your very kind offer!) for a very long time. I’m not very prolific on my own blog; and only post about once a week in a good month. So I am amazed by the bloggers who are able to do this. My problem is that I sweat every word. You may not feel it’s reflected in the end product, but if you saw the stains on my keyboard you’d believe.
Now, after reading your post, I think I’m ready; I’m armed and I terrified all at the same time. Expect a submission soon. Please be gentle.
And by “kid rock” you did mean young musicians, right?
Steve
Kathy,
I have to assume you are kidding about Kid Rock 🙂
I had no idea that you (or anyone) would be stressed out by writing a guest post. After reading your and Adrienne’s blogs, I never would have thought it would be an issue. I guess I learned something new!
I’m looking forward to reading your post and I promise not to be too harsh 🙂
Michael Chibuzor
Hello Steve, I love this post. Guest blogging is SUPER cool and when done correctly, it can bring out the best. I have written for few websites and I really got the real juice of traffic I needed. Your tips and advice are great and I’m going to share with my readers.
I have a decent guest post I think your reader would love. Let me know what you think.
Have a glorious day.
Steve
Michael,
Guest posting on other sites is HUGE! It has brought plenty of good traffic to my site. I’ve actually been a slacker lately and haven’t written much.
If you want to email me your post, I will gladly take a look! Thanks
Send it to steve@endingthegrind.com
Michael Chibuzor
Thank you steve,
Check your email then, I have emailed my guest post and I hope you publish it soon. I would be more than willing to be a part of your reputable blog.
Abby
Great post, although now I’m worried that the guest post I submitted to you was the motivating factor behind this specific post. Ugh!
Putting my self doubt aside, there are some great tips here that I plan on coming back and reading once again. I can imagine you get quite a few requests from people looking to chip off a piece of your success, and now you have a direction to point them when asked what you look for. With that said, email me if you have issues with mine 😉
Steve
Abby,
That’s funny, but it’s true. Your post was so painfully awful that it inspired me to write this article!
I actually wrote this post long before I read your post 🙂
I do get a few requests, but I love it! I actually wish I got more. I think a lot of people are afraid to ask for help, which is a shame because I really want to help them. Maybe I’m not making myself approachable enough…
Mathy
Hi Steve,
I like this post good tips but sometimes it’s not as easy and simple as you say. If you follow all those steps it’s still down to the other person to connect with you. It’s definitely two ways.
Steve
Mathy,
It’s definitely not easy and it will help your chances significantly is you have some kind of relationship with the other blogger. Of course it’s not so cut and dry and that wasn’t the point of the post. My goal was to offer some guidelines for wriitng guest posts that will do well.
By the way, you should sign up for a Gravatar when you have a chance.
Mathy
Hey Steve,
Thanks for the response. I already have a gravatar not sure why it’s not showing.
Steve
Mathy,
That’s not the first time I’ve seen this happen. You could probably try deleting it and then setting it up again.
If you comment on a lot of blogs, you’ll definitely want your face showing up 🙂