For readers who are new to the concept of guest blogging, it simply means writing and publishing your article on someone else’s website or blog. The host blogger will usually include a link back to your blog at the end of your post. It’s a great way to connect with new readers and get your name out (particularly if you are new to the blog scene). Read my post on 5 Reasons Why You Should Be A Guest Blogger. It’s not an easy task selling your blog post to influential bloggers who can do wonders for your web traffic. If you have not been having much luck, you may be guilty of committing some of these fatal mistakes.

1. Your Post Sticks Out Like A Sore Thumb

Before you contact the host blogger on your proposed topic, make sure you do your homework first by visiting their blog or website to check out their current contents. If you are pushing for greater usage of digital and social media while your host blogger is a strong advocate for traditional media. It’s likely that your post will never get published.

2. Hello, Are You In The Correct Era? 

Host bloggers look for quality guest posts that are relevant and current. Value add by submitting articles that address a sizzling hot topic that their readers will be interested in. Writing an introduction article on Myspace is not going to get you anywhere. Unless of course, you are writing to social media silvers. Start by reading some of the current posts on the blog, check out what the most popular posts are and read the archives for topic ideas.

3. Bad Boys Are Not Welcomed 

Host bloggers will usually have a set of guidelines which they expect their guest contributors to read through and follow. If you are not playing by their rules, you can’t blame the host blogger for not accepting your article.

4. Did You Pass Your English Class?

Popular host bloggers are usually very selective of the content language that goes onto their blog. Guest posts are written in really bad English hardly stand a chance. It is a basic courtesy to ensure that your guest posts are free from grammar and spelling errors before submission.

5. You Bore Me To Tears! 

No one likes to read boring facts or descriptions that can easily be obtained through Wikipedia. When you write a travel post, inject personal experience, sentiments & afterthoughts of a place that you have visited. Enthusiasm can be felt in written articles so showcase it fully. A dull drab that goes on forever with no character is likely to be rejected.

6. A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words

Many host bloggers will request for a least 1 picture to support your article. Submit relevant photos that help to articulate the points that you hope to bring across to your readers. Irrelevant, low resolution and horribly taken shots can seriously sabotage your entire effort. 

7. Excessive Self Promotion Is A Huge Turn-off

Experience host bloggers are able to sniff a self-promotional crap within seconds. Your article should be your main traffic driver. Focus on delivering a good piece and resist the temptation to sell yourself. Reserve that for the eventual sign off at the end of the post.

8. Make It Easy To Post

Submitting your guest post in a readable and post ready format reduces host blogger’s inertia to have it published. This is particularly effective when the host blogger is running late on schedule and need to post an article urgently.

Summary

It’s never too late to learn from past mistakes. Keep the above points in mind when drafting your next guest post and may your article get published!

You may also like to check out my posts on other interesting social media topics here.