13 Reasons To Guest Blog

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Image courtesy of istockphoto/jgroup

If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t have started this blog without first guest posting for a number of blogs.  For a long time.  Maybe even so long that I would’ve just done that instead.  (I digress.)

By guest blogging, I would have seen some benefits by:

  1. Gaining blogging experience
  2. Establishing authority
  3. Developing relationships
  4. Allowing the opportunity to share perspective
  5. Testing the water to see whether it was something I enjoyed
  6. Improving blog writing skills
  7. Increasing influence
  8. Learning online rules and practices
  9. Adding to industry reputation or brand building (self or company)

Now that I have a blog, I know that the benefits include all of the above and also lead to:

10. Improving SEO (search engine optimization

11. Increasing blog traffic

12. Creating valuable back links from other websites

13. Reaching a new audience and growing a community

Thinking of Guest Posting?

Whether you have a blog or not, you probably know that guest blogging helps you in all of the above ways.  Because of that, you may decide you want to guest blog.

It may have nothing at all to do with any of these reasons.  You may have something to say.  You don’t want to go through all of the work of creating and maintaining a blog.  And maybe it’s just something that is on your mind.

If any of these reasons are valid.

This is your chance.

Because I also know that readers enjoy multiple perspectives, I have always tried to include a variety of thought leaders on this blog.  Interviews and features have spanned all parts of the political and business spectrum and also included best-selling fiction authors.  I’m often asked whether I agree with everyone and every idea featured.  Answer:  no.  That would be impossible.  You can’t hold opposing views.  At least not outside the confines of an institution designed to help with that.

I do, however, try to feature interesting perspectives.  I know the audience.  I’m focused on topics like leadership, creativity, innovation, productivity, business strategy, personal development and success.

With all of that in mind, I have developed a list of guidelines for guest posting.

Guidelines

Subject.  The subject of the blog post should be one that fits the blog.  For this blog, that means themes about leadership, creativity, innovation, business strategy, personal development and success all work.  It may also be something related to publishing, writing, digital technologies, or books.

Style.  You want your post to be in your own voice.  Have someone proofread it before submitting it.  Ask that person whether it sounds like you.

Length.  My guideline is “be effective.”  That leaves it up to you, but I generally feel that posts longer than 900 words are pushing the limit.  Many effective posts are 300 words.  Also, I’ve found that bullet points work well (though I’m still learning to use them more).

Originality.  The blog post must not be duplicated anywhere else.  You cannot post it in two places.  You can start the post on your own blog, including a paragraph and linking it to the full post here.

Visuals.  If you have any artwork, pictures, graphs or outlines that you can add to the post, it helps engage readers.  Just make sure you have permission or copyright to these before using them.

Comment.  After the post is published, you should share it with your own social networks.  A few months ago, I interviewed Jill Geisler about her terrific book “Work Happy.”  When it went live, some readers asked questions in the comments section.  Jill just jumped right in and started answering them.  That type of engagement makes a very successful post.  You should be prepared to add to the discussion.

Submissions for this blog:

If you are interested in guest blogging on Leadership Insights, click here.

Have you considered guest posting for a blog? Have you guest posted somewhere? Any reasons I missed? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Please note: Your e-mail address will not be displayed. I do reserve the right to delete comments. See my comments policy.
  • MJGottlieb

    Wow! 2 of my favorite guys in 1 place (JP & Skip)… I think this was an excellent post to bring some clarity to a bit of a tougher subject than some people may think…

     To Skip and JP (John Paul), your blogs are very clear right from the jump (“Leadership Insights” and “Money Dummy Blog”) and you are both laser targeted in your focus. The good thing is, being that I know you both a bit personally, I don’t hesitate that you do the same when it comes to picking a guest to add value to your platform.

    I do however see that some others try to get guests for many other reasons like you mentioned Skip  and I think people need to be very careful about guest posting if they are trying to use it as their own unique voice. Opinions may vary like you say which is fine so long as it stays on topic.

    A great interviewer or reporter needs to give the subject room to express themselves while at the same time controlling (for lack of a better word) the direction of what is being discussed. Skip you possess the ability to do both (write and interview) which is why I enjoy your blog so much. It’s one thing to spit out information, it’s quite another talent altogether to keep the content engaging and evoke an emotional response which is how we get people to remember things being that emotion is very powerful for memory retention.

    Again, great relevant post. What else would I expect! :-) Best- MJ

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks for the support, MJ. I am glad to find John Paul’s blog, too. Your insights into the relevant content are appreciated. I am seeing that already.

  • http://www.johnpaulaguiar.com John Paul

    Quality guest posting is a give and take from the giver and the getter.

    If done correctly, both bloggers benefit in many ways. But as good as guest blogging is, you need to know what your goals are with your blog before you open it up.

    If you are trying to brand you and what you know as an expert, then you need to go soft on the GP’s since your readers want to read YOU not someone else.

    But if your just running a blog as a way to make money and share info but not looking to be the go to expert, then letting the GPs fly free is fine as long as the content is targeted and on point.

    Great tips Skip

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      John Paul, appreciate the expert advice. Thanks for stopping by.

      • http://www.johnpaulaguiar.com John Paul

         Anytime Skip.. even tho I wouldn’t say “expert” let’s say “Helpful” :)

  • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

    It’s great your opening up your blog for guest posts! I have guest posts on several blogs during the last couple years. I have found it really benefits both party’s. I’ll start thinking about a post I can write that would fit your site.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Thanks, Dan. Appreciated.

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    Awesome Skip! You’ll be seeing a guest post submission from me this weekend.

    As for have I guest posted before… Yup, I’ve gotten out to 6 or 7 different blogs with a few more coming up in the next few weeks. It’s something that I’ve really started working towards.

    One other reason to guest post: It gets you out of your comfort zone.

    You have to ask someone permission. It can be difficult. You may face rejection. You may have to try multiple times. But in the end, you’re better off than before.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Why am I not surprised that you have done that and that you also are such a prolific commenter? I don’t know how you do it, but it motivates a lot of people in the blogosphere. I like the “comfort zone” add, too.

      • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

        Haha, thanks Skip. It’s encouraging to know that what I do helps motivate others.

        Some days I don’t know how I do it either. I just set aside a part of my day to read and comment on others blogs. Guess I get through a lot and do a lot of commenting.

        • http://danblackonleadership.com/ Dan Black

           Joe,

          Your doing a great job with reaching people through your blog and life. Keep at it my friend. Your going to make a huge difference in millions of life’s.

  • Steve Pate

    This is great advice for approaching any major new endeavor.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I hadn’t thought of that perspective, but now I see your point. Before jumping into something, if you can find a way to test the waters first, all the better.

  • http://intentionaltoday.com/ Ngina Otiende

    I started guest posting a few months ago and I agree with everything you’ve mentioned! it’s such a great way to create and strengthen relationships, build an online presence and improve as a person and writer.

    i don’t know if I’ve understood your first paragraph well. I think you’d reap more benefits when you have your own blog when you are guest posting? That way, people have a place to find you, you have a place to practice your craft and such.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Ngina, thank you for the comment.

      Yes, my first paragraph may leave some questions. What I mean is that I may have been content to promote ideas via numerous other blogs versus my own. A ‘platform’ does not necessarily need to be your own blog, and can be a series of posts in various places. Keeps you from having to worry about all the ongoing issues & costs, too. I don’t believe that everyone must have their own blog. I’ve seen people write for various other sites and be hugely successful (and, by some standards, more successful financially that way).
      Just more things to think about. If I was starting over, I would likely blog for others for a year or so before I went on my own.

      • http://intentionaltoday.com/ Ngina Otiende

        i agree with you, there many different kinds of platform and a blog is just one of them. (Not every writer is a blogger) I’ve just never considered guest-posting as a platform in itself.

        But I do see what you mean in the bigger context. Certainly a fresh way to look at things..and much cheaper too, both financially and time-wise :)

        • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

          I think that the definition of a platform can be very broad. For instance, long before I started this blog, I had a platform. That platform, in turn, made establishing an online blog platform easier because of all that went into it. Guest blogging would have added to that platform, enhancing it. Of course, we could always ask Mr. Platform himself–Michael Hyatt what he thinks.

          • http://intentionaltoday.com/ Ngina Otiende

            :) oh yes Michael would have the perfect answer. i haven’t gotten around to reading his book yet. but from the reviews and what everyone is saying, it’s a great one.

            I hear you, guest posting would have enhanced your ‘non-blog’ platform. that’s absolutely true.

            Looking forward to submitting a guest post.

  • Michelle Colon-Johnson

    Skip, I love your blog today!You offer wonderful advice and tips that I will share with others.You have inspired me to start puttting these things in place in my own world (as I promised you in prior dialogue). Wishing you a Magical Monday, my friend! ~Michelle

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Michelle, thank you for that comment. Drop in anytime with comments that are complimentary! Seriously, glad that it helped inspire you to do more of what you do so well already.