You Scared:10 Nonsense Reasons You Won’t Write a Guest Post
Oooooh lookie all da’ pretty lights!
I wanna be him when I my business grows up.
Who wouldn’t?
Metaphorically in our IM industry, having your name in lights means recognition, influence and a thriving online brand.
Hell, maybe you just wish more people read your blog.
(Don’t we all?!)
There is sooooooooo much buzz around this here topic.
“How to become an authority in your niche”. Or, “how you can build a 100,000 follower blog in a year”.
Uhm, yea…about that.
The main advice these days, and something I personally vouch for, is to write a guest post.
Exposure, recognition, subscribers maybe even make some sales-I’m game.
Just like you were when you first heard the advice.
But will writing your first guest post actually help you, or not?
Write a Guest Post to solve your blogging problems…or not
Writing a guest post has literally been linked to solving common blogging issues, becoming an ‘expert’, dating Kim Kardashian…Oh wait scratch that last one.
You get my drift.
So when you decide to write a guest post, you’re doing so with stars in your eyes.
Hope in your heart and expectations to boot.
Let’s assume for arguments sake you’re a damn good writer.
Why not throw in there that you have your branding down to a T.
Your problems are increasing traffic, and making a name for yourself amongst the “god bloggers” who taught you some of the tactics you use to create your blog.
Writing your first guest post will not solve your problems.
Even if you write a guest post for Technorati or Basic Blog Tips.
Sorry to burst the bubble.
It will however get you more exposure, traffic and perhaps subscribers if done right.
So don’t overthink it and put it on a pedestal.
You Think too much, and guest post too little
Yea, I think we can agree that there are obvious benefits to being featured on a big blog.
I’ll even concede that the process takes a bit of time.
What I can’t give an approval rating for is procrastinating to write a guest post because you’ve drummed up a nonsense excuse.
‘Cus unless your fingaz are broken, every hour of your day is filled up, someone threatens your life or you faint at the thought of it…shut off your mind and write your first guest post.
Write a Guest Post Already
Or else, I’m not gonna be your blogging friend anymore!
Okay, that’s not true.
But I’ll be sad when I don’t see your point of view on my favie blogs.
You have your reasons you say?
Bet I know what they are!
10 Nonsense Reasons you Won’t Write a Guest Post
1. You’re Stingy. If you write great content why give it away for free?
You’re also missing the point. Even “god bloggers” guest post. They do so because they are willing to leverage the receiving audience and offer value. That’s what it’s all about.
Don’t kid yourself. The relationship you build with the host blog and its audience helps you, sometimes even more than it helps the host site.
2. Fear ye the Commenters! What if they heckle my shit?
Then they heckle you. In all seriousness, if you choose a blog that fits your topic the audience is already receptive. It’s not likely your post will be a flop.
But, if you’re writing on a controversial topic like, hmmm, Facebook Promoted Posts, where passionate opinions (and research) back you…
You may get some naysayers. So what?
You won’t melt away. Be gracious. Be honest and have open dialogue.
3. Oh god blogger, I bow to you. Sometimes you have to toot your own horn.
Stop with the ‘they’re better than me’ mentality. If you’re doing what you need to, which is providing real value, you’re just as deserving of readership as they are.
Blogging success is just as much about marketing as it is content. They may be a better marketer, but that doesn’t mean they are better. Stop thinking and write a guest post for pete’s sake.
4. Well what had happened was… “See I had this guest post idea right, but then I got a phone call and I lost my mojo for it”.
Make excuses, or create success.
Simple as that. The guy that’ll get up a 6 am and grind out a 12 hour shift will kick your “8 hours max” ass every time.
5. If they don’t like it, you’ll curl up and die? Yea, no…revisions are likely. Top blogs expect astounding quality. As they should. They have top writers and bloggers contributing, if you’re to join the ranks, keep up.
So, what if you write a guest post, submit it, and are asked for revisions before it’s accepted? You gonna turn them down?
6. I’m just not that good a writer. Then stop blogging.
If your slop is gourmet enough for your poor audience but sloppy-dee slop to the host blogger’s than you need to stop blogging.
Nope, no empathy or encouragement here. I’m sick of reading the crappy content myself. Put us all out of our misery.
Now, if you’re exaggerating, like you probably are with this excuse, try it anyway. All you can hear is no!
Do your research, find an appropriate host blog, follow them, engage the audience through commenting and then submit your guest post per their guidelines.
7. See man! They beat me to it.
9 times out of 10 what you discuss isn’t so niche that no one’s covered it AND there’s a huge blog already in existence for it. So yea, your topic has likely been covered.
Just not by you.
If you thought that way you’d never open your mouth. You’d be terrified of giving any opinion or advice, or posting on Facebook ‘cus someone else said that already.
But you’re not are you?
Write like only can. Your voice is unique.
When you write a guest post find an interesting angle on your topic, or ‘say’ it like only you can.
8. I, I’m, I’m just not ready! “My landing page is down, I hate my blog’s background, blah, blah, blah”.
But are you blogging?
Unless you refuse to blog on your own blog than you’re just talking yourself out of guest blogging.
True, it may not be perfect. If you’re waiting on perfection before you start you’ll wait forever.
9. They’re da enemy! Play nice with the competition.
Blogs in your exact category are not your enemy. If you’ve properly positioned yourself against the competition, your angle is unique from the host blog you’re considering.
So play nice! It’s a great feeling having online friends who can relate to what you deal with every day in your business. Don’t shun them.
10. There’s just no time I tell ya! “I don’t have time” is a nice way of saying no.
If you don’t wanna write a guest post. Cool.
Then don’t spend time researching it and reading posts about it, secretly envying the guest author for having the gumption to do what you won’t.
All these so called reasons for not writing your first guest post all have one thing in common, fear.
Fear that you’ll take shine away from your blog, fear that you aren’t good enough, fear that you won’t be welcome.
Facing fear though is the only way to overcome it.
In business, when you’re that scared of something it’s usually a worthy risk.
Take the risk.
Write a guest post…AND submit it!
What has been your experience guest posting?
Share with us in the comments. Oh, and don’t forget to +1 and tweet this.
*Hugs*
Lata…
Hey, hey! I’m Mys, a branding copywriter. My blog is about Non-yawn inducing Branding and Business Truth. Sometimes honesty is brutal, but I always poke a little fun in there somehow! I build small business personalities through copy and consulting. Check out my FREE resources when you need to know how to engage your audience with your unique voice. Connect with me socially for updates tailored to entrepreneurs with moxi!
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Ah, yes, the guest blog post!! Something that I know I should do — but still haven’t done.
At this point, I don’t think it’s fear holding me back (not yet though — it may kick in later down the road. But, my blog is new and my primary goal right now is to be consistent!! Consistent in posting and consistent in creating videos!
I’ve found myself in the past doing too much at once, and I’ve quickly burned out. So, once I get a format down pat — my next goal is to guest post!
Also, I don’t know what the “rules” of guest posting. Is there a playbook?? Ha. For example, can I submit a post to someone else’s blog that has already appeared on mine??!!
But, I’ll get there in due time! Thanks for the post.
Cheers,
JK
Jennifer Kennedy recently posted..Women and Video + How to Get Into the Game
Hiya Jennifer!
Yup, I hears ya. Consistency is paramount.
The golden rule is, if you have a couple hundred unique visitors a month, give or take some, you need to slow down posting to your own blog. Use the time to then post on others blogs.
Reasoning? You get more views, recognition and subscribers back on your site. Plus the social proof and of course, all important relationships.
Plus, what’s the point of being consistent when no one is really seeing your great content? It takes time to build a following. Leverage someone else’s targeted subscriber base to build your own.
As far as the etiquette goes, you can offer to post on any site accepting them. If you already have a relationship with a blogger, reach out to them via email or video : ), and ask if their audience would like your post idea.
If you don’t yet have a relationship, subscribe to their rss, comment on their posts, share their posts-for 2 weeks straight. Interact with them on Twitter or wherever they are the most active. Then once the 2 weeks are up and you have a post idea, follow their sites guidelines for guest posting. They are usually clearly stated on the site under contact us, write for us something like that.
I understand your point. Goes into the there’s no time reasoning. And honestly you may be pressed for time. We all are. But instead of watching that hour of tv, outline a great GP idea.
If you set the goal for once a month I doubt that’s unattainable. Take the leap. You’ll be glad you did, and your blog traffic will thank you.
Mys Palmer recently posted..Social Media Tools-Engagio Review
Guest posting is good and builds your blogging business to better levels. Credibility in your niche is recognized
Guest blogging is GREAT. Works really well when you have a strategy in place!
Hey Mys! I wanna do this, but where do I go to guest blog? Do I ask other bloggers to host me? Do I invite them to my blog first?
Marnie recently posted..Gardener as Repurposer?
Hey Marnie!!!
You can do a search for guest posts and your keyword. I found this search query online last year and it works so try it out.
So my search would be branding, or marketing, or entrepreneurship as the keyword. So type your keyword into Google search bar and copy and paste the rest. Don’t paste the quotation marks. See what pops up.
” PUT YOUR KEYWORD HERE guest post wanted OR contributor wanted”
Yes, you are looking for other blog to contribute to. Build the relationship first if you don’t have one already. Subscribe to their rss, comment on their posts, share their posts-for 2 weeks straight. Interact with them on Twitter or wherever they are the most active. Then once the 2 weeks are up and you have a post idea, follow their sites guidelines for guest posting. They are usually clearly stated on the site under contact us, write for us something like that.
If you need anymore help Marnie be sure and email me! Have a great weekend.
OMG Mys, that photo is horrible. I thought what the heck… I was scared but mostly from the photo and not the topic. lol…
Yeah I’ve guest posted but no, I don’t do a lot of it. I admit having been super nervous about it the first time and I was invited to write for a guys blog. So I did and man he critiqued it to death that I almost pulled out. Afterwards it received the most comments any of his posts have and was still up there at the top of the list when he quit blogging last year.
I will still write one from time to time but it’s time consuming because I’m more aware that they are my readers. Sure, I’m not sure what they may think so I’m more cautious.
Either way, I think people need the experience so I say go for it.
~Adrienne
Adrienne recently posted..How To Build A Responsive List (dofollow)
LMBO! lol
I thought it was fitting. Sorry I scared ya!
Adrienne I think you’d make an excellent guest poster. Especially because your focus is engagement, hello!
But I get it if you choose not to.
The thing is, building relationships can and often does exchanging ideas beyond a comment on a blog. You know that. So guest posting is just as much about engagement as it is traffic and subscribers. Plus no one says what you say like you do. Share that.
I can’t tell you how many times I may have heard some advice and brushed it off. Then someone else offers it and it clicks!!!
You can be that for another bloggers audience. It’s really powerful.
Yea the revisions can be scary and intimidating, but remember, they know their audience. It’s not a rejection. It’s about making the post the most valuable you can for people who are targeted, and therefore almost guaranteed, to be interested in your own offer/blog.
I hope you try again I love ya voice my lady. It’d be great to “hear” it in a different setting!
Enjoy your weekend!
Mys Palmer recently posted..Social Media Tools-Engagio Review
Hi Mys
Yeah that was a pretty freaky photo. Is that what fears us?
Actually I was asked to write a quest post about my blind cat for a pet site. It was well received by them and I go back months later and if I didn’t have the actual URL they put it on, I would never been able to find it. Kind of turned me off as to how they didn’t even have a way for people to even find subjects they might be interested in. They weren’t that important of a pet site to just push their contributors aside. It might have provided a few visits to my site, but not anywhere near the effort I put into it. If things had been different as to archive the subject I might have considered going back and offering to write for them again.
That was my experience and I will just be a little more selective in who I will agree to write for. Since they were the ones that came to me. If I had gone to them, I would have just chocked it up for experience.
Great post.
Mary
Mary Stephenson recently posted..Making Major Changes (dofollow)
Always fun reading your blog Mys! And guest posting is a very interesting topic. Love your take on it – if not the ugly picture! LOL
~Robin~
Robin J Emdon recently posted..Free Life Coaching and errrrr One Million Dollars – Interested?
Hiya Robin!
Thanks so much. I really appreciate that. I do try so I’m glad my effort is being received well. Yay!
I know, that picture was a doosey! Lol
Guest posting is always a bit jarring at first but the payoffs are SOOOOOOOOOO worth getting over ourselves and jumping right in.
See ya round. Enjoy your week Robin!
Hi Mys,
I think guest posting is one way in which you can get new readers and followers for free. It is clear that the post should be helpful and of a very good quality for readers of the blog to which you write. I have practiced in the past guest posting with some blogs related to fitness, and the truth is I got very good results. Great Post!!
Hey Juan,
Glad you made it over from bizsugar. Thanks for that. Seriously, thank you.
The benefits outweigh the negative voices in our head saying “you can’t/shouldn’t/don’t have time to/aren’t good enough to guest post”.
Keep up the guest posting Juan. Have a great Tuesday!
Hey Mys,
It’s a pleasure.
I like to help those who always have the “can’t” in their minds. I remember Hery Ford quote: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
Big hug!!!
Wow, what a picture ya’ go there, Mys.
Ahem, (refocuses) – Yes, guest posting is a kick but way to kill several birds with one stone. But I think its best for building strong, long-lasting relationships.
As I begin to guest post more, I’m learning that not every blog you guest post on will send you loads of traffic and subscribers. However, one thing you can count on almost 100% of the time is a virtually unbreakable relationship with the webmaster – which leads to many more opportunities for exposure and a building more brand recognition.
Totally great post. I’m glad I saw it over on BizSugar. It was enjoying to read and HEY this is my first comment on your lovely blog, Whoop!
Keep the great content coming,
Ti
Ti recently posted..How to Promote Your Blog Like A ‘BOSS’ (Right After You Launch It!)
Lol, shock value!!!!
I know. That’s sooooo, so true Ti. You won;t always get the benefit numbers wise. Some guest posting opportunities just don’t leave much room for your own links and promotion (outside of the author box) but you still get the most valuable benefit…the relationship.
Now, what you do with it is up to you.
Glad to have you my dear, se ya round?
Enjoy your week Ti!
Hi Mys,
I’m honestly thinking of printing you post and putting it next my laptop. I’ve read a lot of posts on outreaching to other bloggers, building connections, guest blogging and yet I’ve still haven’t written any guest posts.
Thanks Mys for writing this post, I actually see my self in all 10 reasons you mentioned here. It’s amazing how well you know how a lot of beginner bloggers think
But your post has convinced me that it’s time to actually implement all the tips and tricks and tactics and etc. I’ve read so far.
I can’t remember who said this but the words were “Your fear of regret must be bigger than your fear of failure”.
Have a great day Mys, and once again this the best post on guest posting I’ve read since I started as a blogger.
~Philip
Philip recently posted..WordPress SEO: The Ultimate Guide (dofollow)
Hey Phillip!
Wow! Now that’s the kind of comment that makes a girl’s day…
I humbly appreciate your very kind words.
You know what I love to do when I connect with a post? I print it out and I write key points down on sticky notes and stick ‘em round my laptop and work station.
I’ve had to spring clean quite a few time to make room for new awesome reads but I definitely recommend it. A small dose of accountability ya know?
Anyhoo, I’ll be very happy to support your upcoming guests posts so you know I’ll be on the lookout.
Go guest post already!
Have a great weekend Phillip…
I just published a post about guest blogging by a guest blogger, Mys, but now I think I should’ve asked you to write it for me instead; this is hilarious! (and so true)
Ana recently posted..4 Sobering Reasons You Should Avoid Guest Blogging
Heading ova to read it now!
Ana! Careful now…I may just faint, and wake up to myself typing a post tailor made for your audience!
I actually was holding this for another GP opportunity but the site’s calendar got full, sad face. I’ve got a bagillion more where that came from so whenever you’re ready for me, I’D. BE. HONORED! Talk soon, enjoy your weekend okay!
Hi Mys!
Thanks for taking a minute to stop by my place on the web!
I really like your site here. As soon as I’m done with this comment, I’m going to be digging around a little bit.
Great post, btw. Guest blogging is an important piece of the puzzle. I haven’t done any myself, though. I fall into the “I’m not ready” category, as well as just not being sure exactly how to ask.
I’ve really started working at reaching out to other blogs and starting to build some of those all-important relationships, so I’m moving in the right direction. Now I just have to get off the dime and just do it (said in my best Nike voice).
I like the consistent call-to-action to get out there and get guest posting. That’s awesome!
Thanks for sharing! I hope you have a truly outstanding weekend!
~Barry
(dofollow)
Barry Overstreet recently posted..Unique Selling Proposition Tip #4: White Collar Product At A Blue Collar Price
Hey Barry!
No worries your website’s awesome, but you know that already…
Ooooh what’d you find on your hunt? Lol
Thanks for hanging round and checkin’ me out. I know my stuff (most of the time), I think.
Anyway thanks bunches for the vote of confidence. This post has gotten a lot of attention. As topics on blogging, guest posting or commenting usually do.
If you’re not ready, then when is now a good time? Plus, it’s not the askin that you need to worry about. See, the sites you’re interested in already say they welcome contributors, am I right? So once you’ve spent some time being genuinely interested in the conversations the blog’s host has it’s just a matter of finding a topic, writing the shit out of it and then sending it over via the sites guidelines.
There are no magic gate codes or the perfect gp pitch email. Seriously. Your email should be short and sweet and they should already know your name (from commenting, twitter convos etc). Something as simple as “Hey “insert god blogger’s name here”, ya know I’ve been seriously reading (a bit bordering on stalking) your fantastic blog and it hit me…I have a post idea that the “XYZ” audience would eat up. Titled “Insert your bomb dot com title here” (hint list posts or social media how to’s w/ a spin are ALWAYS great ideas).
At this point you can say you’ve attached it, emailed it via the web form, whatever the blog’s guidelines are. If they just want the idea before the complete submission. End your correspondence with when you can have it written up by, “let me know your thoughts”, and close out.
So, you know what I’m going to say already…don’t you?
Go Guest Post Already!
So far my weekend is relaxing which is AWESOME! You have a fantastic weekend too Barry. Catch ya later.
Yes, I’ve finally made it here to comment, so there!
I don’t have a problem with any of these, but I do want to comment on point #1. The beginning of it is good; the rest of it is, well, slightly suspect.
Although I won’t discount that it’s possible one could get some traffic or notoriety from guest posting, I would caution that you might not get anything from it at all.
I’ve written some guest posts here and there. Most have gotten very little attention; one got over 160 responses. From that post, I got almost no traffic to my blog, and it was a highly ranked blog I posted on.
In other words, it probably takes tons of guest posts to really do oneself any good. Even if you help promote the posts, which I’ve done often, probably the best you’re going to get is a backlink, which will work great if the blog you’ve guest posted on is ranked fairly well.
That’s all I have; probably quite enough. lol
Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Dealing With Our Own Irrelevance (dofollow)
What up though!
Thanks for pokin your face round the MP community my friend, your uhm, colorful opinions are sincerely missed
!
Mitch, you’re right, not all guest posts bring in surges of traffic. So no the point isn’t suspect, both are true.
I’ve had high profile posts bring in subscribers, sales and traffic within a couple of days. It depends on the host site and the audience. For example, my post over on handmadeology brought me hundreds and hundreds of visitors and several sales all over the $100 mark (on average, a couple were less, most were even more). Because that audience is passionately craving a solution. So they don’t just read that blog. The blog’s information is a lifeline to them. So when they saw the post and that I knew what the hell I was talking about, they went to my sites to learn more and did what I told them too, buy now! lol
Anyway, I fully see your point. Some site’s visitors are just reading because of the outstanding free tips they can get and then try and DIY based on piecing the puzzle together. It’s the audience you need to survey, just as much as the blog. Some hosts don’t even let you promote. They’ll only allow their own links throughout. In those cases you’re just getting exposure AND the all important relationship.
It does take consistency to see results. The marketplace is different and ever changing, your strategy for guest posting should as well. But I can’t say I haven’t seen amazing results. Sorry that wasn’t the case for you. I’d say tweak your strategy, GP when you launch something, and choose those sites VERY wisely.
Mys..Out! lol
Guest posting has never been a strategy for me. I’ve only ever guest posted when requested, or to help someone out if they were in a jam in some fashion. The post I did write that got lots of attention was about blogging on a blogging site, as I always tailor the content to the blog, but when I did the analytics only a few people came to my blog from that one. But commenting on other blogs during the same time period brought in tons of traffic; just sayin’…
Mitch Mitchell recently posted..Better Blogging, Part One (dofollow)
Okay, you got me motivated I sent out my first request to guest blog
Awesome Liudas!
Just make sure it’s the best stuff you’ve written yet!
Mys, Mys, Mys … I came looking for you on your blog because we haven’t been in touch and I was wondering what Wonder Girl was up to. Well, she’s tweaking people about guest posting. Oops, caught me! Yes, I do so periodically, but not as often as I’m asked. I admit it’s one of the first things to fall off the list when I “get busy.” But your little a–kicking will change that, promise. Stay feisty, Ms. Mys …
Sharon O’Day recently posted..Mamas, Don’t Let Your Daughters Grow Up to Be Clueless (dofollow)
Hey Sharon. Long time my dear! Oooooh, I’m tellin’!
You definitely need to get your fingaz in gear and guest post more Sharon. Your writing is awesome to the 2nd power. Don’t deprive us. I’m so glad to have you back round MP and I will definitely be making my way over to your corner of the net.
You know it!