How to Evaluate Guest Blogging Opportunities in 2019

If you're looking to elevate your writer's platform, establish your expertise, and build supportive alliances, guest blogging is an effective strategy to consider.

In fact, according to Leo Babauta, creator of the hugely successful blog, Zen Habits, “Guest posting is by far the best way to grow an audience.”

 

Over the years, guest blogging has allowed me to present my work before thousands of new readers; garner paying clients; and promote my business without the associated expense of marketing.

And you can too.

But, in order for guest blogging to “advance your swagger“ and take you to new levels, you should know what to expect and how to align your blogging goals accordingly.
 

So many blogs so little time...

 

With the abundance of blogs that accept guest posts, the challenge exists in knowing where and how to concentrate your efforts for optimal results.

I've got you covered.

Today's post will take the guess work out of guest posting, simplify the process, and help you to "work smarter, not harder."

 

All blogs are not created equally...

 

A preliminary Google search will reveal hundreds of blogs that accept guest posts in various niches and industries. That doesn't mean you should blindly target each of them.

Here's a case in point. Though I have had the good fortune to blog at many of the "top dog" sites including: Men With Pens, Pro Blogger, Tiny Buddha, Kikolani and Lifehack (and enjoyed it immensely) my post at Pro Blogger back in 2011 was the bomb!

It yielded 69 comments, hundreds of Tweets, and offers of business from 3 new clients within 72 hours. It gets even better.  About four years after that, an executive who read the archives subsequently hired me for a ghostwriting gig that was pretty lucrative.

It works if you work it!

 

Here are some important things to consider:

 

 

Your goals will dictate your game plan. Think strategy.

• The reputation of the site (Google Page Rank, "Top Blog Designation," etc.)
• Are you seeking to be paid?
• Can you include a generous Bio?
• Promote your products?
• The size of social media followers
• The level of interaction with readers

Additional recommendations for success:

• Do your homework. Read the "Guest post guidelines" and adhere to them.
• Strive to be original; it will give you a more competitive edge.
• Think quality, not quantity. It's better to be published at six authority sites than 20 blogs that are barely known or not highly regarded.
• Check the archives to prevent duplication in topics.
• Have a Bio on hand that puts you in the most positive light (and an attractive headshot).
• Always be respectful in your interaction. A guest post is an opportunity not an entitlement.
• Proceed with caution: some blogs actually "charge" to have your work appear on their sites. In a "Ripley's-Believe-it-or not-moment," I discovered this recently. Of course, they did not have this disclosed in their initial guidelines. Upon learning this, I withdrew my submission.

IN CLOSING 
 

To enhance your experience and get you off to a good start, here's a list of sites that accept guest posts in 2019:

 

https://www.websitehostingrating.com/list-of-200-websites-that-accept-guest-posts/

 

Considering a guest post?  Pen & Prosper would love to review your work.

Here are the guidelines:

http://penandprosper.blogspot.com/p/guest-post-guidelines.html

 

Your turn.

 

Thoughts? Questions? Do you guest blog?

How was the experience?  Would you pay to guest post somewhere?

 

 

Image credits: Pixabay.com