I'm not going to sugarcoat this.
Guest blogging is much more difficult than it used to be.
Here's what you are up against:
- Stringent Editorial Standards: Top blogs are protecting their quality like rabid pit bulls. If you are not the best then you don't get in. Period
- Stiff Competition: Almost everyone knows that a slot on an A-List blog can jumpstart their blog. Bloggers can pick from dozens of quality posts not just one.
- Time: Your schedule is busier than ever. You barely have time to write posts for your own blog, let alone write a guest post. Now every moment counts, wasting time writing guest posts that get rejected isn't an option.
So, you are stuck. You need to guest blog but it's getting tougher to get noticed.
Many get discouraged by multiple rejections and assume that guest blogging is more hassle than it's worth.
This is a wrong assumption.
I Almost Gave Up
Early on, I focused on Guest Posting as a reader attraction strategy. I gambled that the best way to attract quality traffic was to borrow it from other high-quality blogs. But it was difficult at first. Dozens of my posts were rejected or ignored.
I almost gave up until I realized the secret to getting my guest posts accepted.
You see, the real challenge is standing out from the crowd before you email your guest post to the blog owner.
Writing exceptional comments is the best way to make a distinct impression.
I'm not talking about glad-handing the blogger with praise.
Instead, I'm referring to laser-targeted comments that show your understanding of the blogger's perspective, audience, and value.
The Art and Science of Exceptional Commenting
Last year, I wrote a quick post on this topic but I wanted to give you some more insights into my "method".
I've experimented with various comment auditioning techniques. I've discovered that there is an art and science to the process.
The Art:
Picking the Right "Host Blogs"
Select your host blog based on the quality of its audience not its size. Your guest post will attract readers to your blog and you want to make sure that it attracts the right readers.
Take the time to study your host blog's audience.
Is the comment section filled with new voices are the same 4 or 5 regulars? Are the posts enthusiastically shared and re-tweeted by a large number of "sneezers".
These clues will point to the type of audience that may start reading your blog.
Have the Right Style and Voice
You'll get more of your posts accepted if you match your guest post's style and voice to the host blog. The goal is to amplify your host blog's message.
The key is to blend your voice with the general style of your host blogs. It's tempting to disregard your host and write a post that fits perfectly on your own blog. But, you'll find that your post will either get rejected or worse - bomb.
This balancing act is an art.
There are no hard and fast rules for doing it right. You just have to keep experimenting until you find the perfect mix for your blog of choice.
The Science
Auditioning for a guest post starts with getting the attention of the blog's author. Sometimes you can just send in your guest post directly to the author via a contact form. Other times, you will need to get creative.
I've found that smart commenting is the best way to get on your blogger's radar screen.
When you comment remember to:
1. Use the Author's Name:
It's personal and WILL catch the eye of the blogger scanning through their comments. It's also polite ☺
2. Be a Regular:
Stop by often to leave your thoughts on posts that you've enjoyed. The blogger will begin to recognize your contribution and remember when you send in your guest post request.
3. Be Specific:
Make sure that you comment on a specific point or question from the post. Simple "This is great" isn't going to cut it. You need to show the blogger that you've actually read and thought about their posts.
4. Study the Posts:
Look for holes in your host blog's editorial that you can feel. Review their past posts to get a feel for how they address reader problems.
5. Become a Blog Archaeologist (Help People Connect the Dots):
Get thoroughly acquainted with your host blogs past posts. You want to be able to refer to other posts that can be a resource for readers. The blogger will see that you are an asset for their readers and feel more comfortable with you posting on their blog.
6. Expand on Topics on Your Blog:
This is a great technique. Whenever you have a different perspective, write-up a blog post that explains your point of view. Refer (link back) to the first post that sparked your interest. Your post will show up in the host blog's trackbacks and capture the attention of the blogger.
You Can Do This
I've talked with hundreds of bloggers and nothing is more terrifying than guest blogging. However, you can do this if you take small steps toward your goal. Hopefully this post gave you a few pointers.
Tell me, what's holding you back from guest blogging? Leave your comment below and let me know what's on your mind.