Have you ever dreamed of earning a living as a writer but felt like you didn’t have the audience or platform to succeed? Writing guest posts for popular websites could be the key that unlocks both an audience and additional income. With the right strategies, anyone can leverage guest blogging to grow their readership and supplement their income.

Guest blogging allows you to get your expert advice in front of new eyeballs while simultaneously boosting your personal brand. If done correctly, it’s a win-win for both you and the site hosting your content. In this guide, I’ll outline the exact steps to find great sites to pitch, write posts they’ll love, and leverage each piece of content to bring in more potential clients and customers.

TL;DR

• Research top sites in your niche
• Craft a compelling pitch email unique to each site
• Write 1,500+ word, answer-heavy posts to provide value
• Promote each post on social media for extra exposure
• Leverage the backlinks and traffic for future opportunities

Selecting Target Publications

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

Don’t wait for sites to approach you – take initiative by carefully selecting targeted publications with large, relevant audiences. Begin by making a list of 10-20 websites, blogs and online magazines at the top of your industry. Analyze their traffic, readership demographics and how frequently they publish guest contributions. 

Also consider sites run by people you’re connected to on LinkedIn who would be more open to a personal recommendation. Sites accepting unsolicited pitches will often have a ‘contributors’ or ‘write for us’ page disclosing their interests and submission process. Do your research to tailor compelling pitches directly to each.

Crafting the Perfect Pitch Email

With targeted sites in hand, it’s time to draft customized pitch emails highlighting why you and your proposed post are a perfect fit. Start with an attention-grabbing subject line. In the body, quickly introduce yourself and your qualifications before clearly proposing a specific article idea with a draft title and 150-word overview. 

Reference related posts they’ve published and show how yours will provide similar value to their readers. Kindly request to discuss the opportunity further and thank them in advance. Timing is everything, so aim to send pitches on weekday mornings.

Guest Blogging Tools and Strategies

Incorporating the right tools can streamline your guest blogging workflow. Here are some proven technologies to consider integrating:

Pitch Tracking with Yesware

Yesware lets you send targeted emails to potential hosts and tracks pitch opens and clicks. Use customized metadata on pitches to follow up more strategically based on expressed interest over time. Seeing engagement stats empowers data-driven outreach.

Maintaining an Idea Bank with Roam Research

Build out a connected second brain in Roam for constantly capturing and refining potential post ideas. Link related concepts to easily pull from your bank when new opportunities arise. The graph database helps cross-pollinate your ever-expanding expertise.

Social Promotion with Buffer

After writing your masterpiece, set up a recurring Buffer schedule to effortlessly spread the word across profiles for weeks. Customize copy and images for each network with analytics to monitor engagement over the promotion timeframe.

Taking Client Work with Trello

For professional bloggers, Trello‘s boards allow collaborative project tracking with clients. Build out scope, timeline and assets in real-time together while assigning next steps for a seamless process from concept to launch.

Guest Post Example: How to Use Google Workspace Like a Pro

Digital specialist Sarah E.’s post on using Docs, Sheets and Slides advanced features for improved productivity was picked up by Lifehack.org, generating over 1,500 reads. She promoted tips from the piece on workload optimization through calendar management on LinkedIn where it led to new client inquiries from small businesses.

Leveraging the right tools unleashes your writing potential for greater income and reach. Where will your posts take you?

Writing Captivating Guest Posts

Crafting posts with resonant messaging and multimedia elements boosts reader engagement. Focus on generating true value through informative, solution-driven content. Weave in relevant stats, expert quotes and digestible lessons. And bring concepts to life with compelling visuals.

Consider watching a short YouTube video “How To Instantly Upgrade Your Life” on transforming perspectives for success.

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Visual storytelling draws audiences in through multiple senses. Get outside perspective by having others review rough drafts. Their objective feedback helps tighten structure and refine confusing elements before publication. And be sure to proofread thoroughly yourself for any errors that might undermine your professionalism.

Submitting polished, impactful pieces shows hosts you prioritize quality and audience experience over speed. This positions you as a valuable long-term contributor and establishes trust for future opportunities.

Promoting for Maximum Reach

Ensure you get full exposure by thoughtfully promoting each post on social media. Craft a distinct thumbnail and title optimized for each platform along with a 2-3 sentence description highlighting the most compelling takeaways. Post the link with a personal comment thanking the site for publishing your work the day it publishes. 

Then create a series of follow up posts on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter throughout the following week with interesting facts, visuals and calls to action directing readers back to the full article. Engage comments by answering questions to build rapport in your niche. Your promotion earns the site traffic while growing your platform.

Leveraging Each Opportunity

Celebrate your accomplishments while always looking to the future. Share your published pieces on your author biography pages, consultancy website and LinkedIn profile to substantiate your expertise. Search your article’s title and topics regularly to monitor where it ranks and how readers interact. 

Compile social metrics, backlinks gained and emails collected into portfolio materials highlighting your capabilities. Approach relevant organizations, conference coordinators and potential clients to introduce joint opportunities using your guest posts as proven qualifications. 

Continuously learn and improve each subsequent piece based on feedback to raise the value you bring with every contribution. Success builds on small consistent wins – keep optimizing!

Actionable Steps for Guest Blogging Success

For Beginners:

• Start small by reaching out to newer blogs and websites just starting to gain traction. They’ll be more open to new contributors.
• Offer to write one guest post at no cost to gain experience and build your portfolio. Promote it thoroughly on social media.
• Focus on quality over quantity at first. Spend extra time editing one great piece per month rather than rushing multiple lower-effort ones.
• Niche down by choosing a very targeted topic you’re extremely passionate and knowledgeable about. This will make your pitches more enticing.

For intermittent bloggers:

• Set a target of 3-5 fresh posts per quarter on your calendar to stay in a routine of continuous learning and networking.
• Diversify by including larger sites alongside smaller ones. Vary publication types like blogs, magazines and news sites.
• Consult professional freelance writers in your industry for feedback on your pitches and posts to enhance your materials over time.
• Use analytics tools to identify popular evergreen article topics with ongoing search demand as focus areas.

For experienced pros:

• Consider ghostwriting for clients or businesses looking to build out a library of educational resources.
• Pitch curated roundups, case studies or tool/app reviews sourced from your extensive industry network and expertise.
• Explore collaborative post opportunities like Q&As, workshop recaps or co-author interviews that expand your reach.
• Build an email list and sell complementary digital products/services through your website and social platforms.

The path is unique for all, but with persistence informed by experience, blogging income is attainable at any stage of your writing journey.

Common Guest Blogging Mistakes to Avoid

• Too Broad Topic Choices: Focusing on general subjects means more competition and less demand. Pick evergreen, long-tail keywords with search volume your niche cares deeply about.

• Subpar Writing Quality: Rushed or lazy posts won’t engage readers. Invest ample time in research, structure, flow and proofreading each submission.

• Missing Deadlines: Being unreliable tarnishes your professional reputation. Send pitches months ahead and give yourself buffer time to deliver well ahead of promised due dates.

• No Post Promotion: Don’t expect sites to do all the marketing work. Create distinct promotions for each platform and consistently follow up over 1-2 weeks.

• One-Time Contributions: Sites want to forge relationships, not one-night stands. Pitch several post ideas upfront and continuously offer new concepts to become a go-to resource.

• Too Many Rejected Ideas: Track topics sites accept to refine your process over time. Don’t be discouraged, just calibrate angles or sites that align best with your expertise.

• Just Self-Promotion: Provide tons of value first without plugging your services. Readers and sites will naturally be receptive to connect later organically.

Avoiding these stumbling blocks keeps you on the path to guest blogging success. Learn from mistakes, get feedback, and continuously enhance your materials and process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started with guest blogging?

Begin by brainstorming 5-10 of your top expertise areas. Research the most relevant publications and craft customized pitches for each.

What types of articles should I write?

Focus on long-form, highly informative posts providing 500+ words of value on specific workflows, tools, or problem-solving strategies.

How often should I contribute to sites?

For most sites, 3-4 posts per year establishes you as a consistent resource without overburdening them. Pitch seasonal topics in relevant months.

What if my pitches are constantly rejected?

Analyze feedback and hone your approaches. Source newer or smaller sites as you grow. Reach out to specific editors on LinkedIn for their perspectives.

How do I promote each post effectively? 

Craft a promotion strategy targeting each relevant platform. Consistently follow up for 1-2 weeks with fresh highlights bringing readers back to the full post.

How long should each post be?

A minimum of 1,500 words provides ample space for thorough explanations while still respecting readers’ time. High-quality posts of 2,000+ words see great engagement.

When is the best time to pitch articles?

Most editors are less busy on Monday and Tuesday mornings. However, needs vary by publication so always check individual guideliines.

How do I know what topic ideas sites want? 

Analyze existing content for topic patterns and follow site owners on social media to see current pain points or interests.

Can I include links and calls-to-action in my posts?

In general yes, but do so judiciously. Primarily focus posts on providing value versus self-promotion.

What if a published post needs updates – who owns it? 

Unless negotiated differently, the publishing site retains full rights and control over the published article. Offer updated information diplomatically.

Put Your Writing to Work

In summary, guest blogging is an achievable way to generate meaningful side income and expand your platform if you’re willing to put in focused effort on the right publications. Start taking action by selecting your first group of target sites to research thoroughly. Then craft meticulously personalized pitch emails to stand out from the crowd.

Commit to regularly producing and promoting high-quality, long-form posts providing exceptional value for your readers over the long run. View each challenge or rejection as an opportunity to enhance your materials based on feedback. Lift others up in your industry while carving out your niche as a go-to expert. With persistence and passion, your writing can absolutely be leveraged into opportunities that excite you.

Get started on your path today by drafting pitches for your top three identified sites. Remember – small, consistent wins fuel success over time. You’ve got this!

Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into leveraging guest blogging to boost your income and influence. Be sure to subscribe to the Rhodes Brothers YouTube channel for more helpful content on optimizing your remote work and monetizing your expertise online. Wishing you much success with your writing ventures!

Resources List

Books:

• Your First $1000 by Joanna Wiebe

Blogs:

• Problogger
• Freelance Writer’s Den
• Lindsay Van Someren Academy
• The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn

Tools:

• WordPress for content and blog hosting
• Blinksale for expanding revenue
• Buffer for social scheduling
• Grammarly for tight editing
• Trello for project management
• Pitchbox for targeted outreach
• IFTTT for workflow automation

Guest Blogging Cheat Sheet

• Research the top 20 blogs and websites in your niche
• Audit each site’s submission guidelines and ideal post types
• Craft a template for highly customized pitch emails
• Develop a bank of at least 50 potential post idea concepts
• Select your first 5 target publications to approach
• Send personalized pitches to the top editor at each site
• Track your outreach and reapproach outstanding sites monthly
• Maintain thorough notes on site preferences in a database
• Write long-form, highly informative posts of 1,500+ words
• Focus on thoroughly solving specific problems for readers
• Incorporate relevant stats, expert quotes and digestible lessons
• Humanize content with explanatory videos, images and narratives
• Receive thorough feedback on your drafts before submitting
• Arrange batch social promotions the week of and week after posting
• Promote across 5+ relevant social platforms each time
• Monitor engagement and trackbacks to each post over 3 months
• Document and share achievements with new potential outlets
• Offer additional free resources to hosts that publish your work
• Follow publishing schedules and deadlines punctually
• Express gratitude and look for other opportunities with each site
• Constantly learn and expand your specialties and online network