Land your first guest post to build your credibility
You're focused on building your own business, so why would you write for someone else?
How do guest posts grow your business?
Guest posting helps you to build authority and trust with an audience. It's a way to engage in authority marketing.
Your guest post on an industry blog demonstrates your expertise. It's easy enough to declare that you're for real, but why should a prospect believe you? With guest posts, your prospect doesn't need to take your word for it. The blog owner or editor has implicitly stated that you know the business.
Ready? Let's go.
Find target publications
You know that you can build your authority by guest posting, but where? Not just anywhere. Your sister's mother-in-law might have a gardening blog, but posting there won't build your authority as a financial planner.
The first step is to identify relevant publications, and Google is a great way to do this. Search "guest post opportunities" + "your industry." If you're lucky, some kind soul already wrote an article like "32 Personal Finance Blogs Where You Can Submit Guest Blog Posts." If not, you'll at least get hits on specific blogs that accept guest posts.
You can also start from the publications that you already follow, but stay away from large publications. This is your first guest post, and they're not as likely to take a chance on you. The exception here is if you have a connection: take a look at LinkedIn. Someone in your network may be able to make an introduction. Don't be afraid to ask.
2. Do your research
Every great pitch starts with research. Now that you have a list of target publications, it's time to take a more in-depth look at each one. Read some articles. Check them out on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Find the name of the person you'll be addressing in your pitch if you can. Take a few notes on the kind of content they publish, especially other guest posts. (Can't find any guest posts? Check that they accept them — not all blogs do.)
Most publications that accept guest content have a page explaining what they want. Following their guidelines helps you avoid the reject pile.
Before you start your pitch, have 1-3 article ideas for the target publication. (Remember that guest posting requires original content, unlike content syndication.) Not only will you be easing the editor's job by laying it out, but you also won't find yourself at a loss if the pitch gets accepted! "Thanks for accepting my offer to guest post, but ... uh... what do I write about?" is not the best way to build a relationship with a publication.
Next, you'll turn your research into a pitch.
3. Pitch your article
It's time to send the pitch!
A great pitch should include:
A personalized introduction where you talk about what you can do for the publication is not the place for a template. Talk specifically about this publication. Explain how your article would fit into their existing content.
Link to 1-2 portfolio pieces that are most relevant to this pitch. Don't ask the editor to read through your whole portfolio. They probably won't. Instead, do the work for them. Identify pieces in the same niche as the publication to make yourself an obvious fit.
Detail your plan for promoting this post on social media after they publish it. Make yourself a valuable partner in marketing the content. Focus on at least two networks: the one where the publication engages with readers the most and where you are the most engaged with your people.
Then, do a good proofread on your pitch and send it! You did it! You pitched your idea. That's the first step in landing a guest post and cultivating your authority. Even if your first pitch doesn't turn into a guest blogging opportunity, it's gotten you closer.
Guest posting to build your business
Content marketing is a powerful way to grow your business, but only when your audience trusts you. Guest posting for blogs, online magazines, and other publications effectively builds your credibility. When prospects see you as an expert in your field, they're more confident taking the next step with you.
Learn more about getting your first guest blog post from Ruthie Bowles, founder of Defy the Status Quo. Watch our livestream here and make sure to hit subscribe to get notified each week for when Marketing. A Tiny Bit Smarter goes live.
