5. #BloggingPrompts: Open yourself up to guest posts

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One thing I wasn’t so comfortable with in the early days of blogging was opening this space up to other bloggers. Seriously, this is my site – get your own. However, I’ve also learnt over time that it’s a great way to promote and market your blog through others’ networks, assist with gaining content you may otherwise have not thought of yourself and the content is generally high quality (we always put the most effort into content we write for others). Lastly, and probably most importantly, it’s an opportunity to help grow a fellow blogger’s site as well.

To attract guest posts, you could include a “be my guest” page on your site or just include a few lines about accepting guest posts within another page on your site – your About Me page, Advertise/PR page etc. Alternatively, write a post about wanting to attract guest bloggers, do a Facebook or Twitter shout out or directly email bloggers you have in mind.

It’s a good idea to give some guidelines on what you’re after. Having a guest post series has worked well on this blog, including the Alphabet Photography Challenge last year. I really should get onto creating another series…

So, are you willing to open up your space to other writers? Do you already accept guest posts?

This mini post is part of a regular microblogging series, #BloggingPrompts.

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#BloggingPrompts blogging Guest Post

Comments

14 responses to “5. #BloggingPrompts: Open yourself up to guest posts”

August 11, 2012

Kelly Brough

I agree that it is a great idea. I guest post on a number of sites and really enjoy it even though blogging is not my main business.

I’d love to have some guest bloggers on my site: the oola blog, though haven’t been sure about the approach since I am a toy retailer with a blog. For some thy muddies the waters, though for me, I want the content to be informative, uplifting and helpful for parents. It’s the place my store gets to show its personality!

Thanks for the tips and a great post. I’m going to get out there and find some guest posts.

Kelly

Reply
1. August 12, 2012
  
  Kel
  
  Good on you, Kelly. Making the approach can be the hardest step. Once it starts, it’s generally fairly easy from there.
  I’m going to write some more on guest posting next week, but my advice for you is to look to bloggers where you can find a mutually beneficial relationship. So maybe another mum in business who’s blog style is in a similar vein to you. Maybe they have a similar sized following on their blog/social media channels. It’s a great way to help each other out. You never know, but it may be the start of a relationship where you’re able to continually support each other’s endeavours with future social media shoutouts, blog posts, business support etc.
  Hope this helps a little. x
  
  Reply
  1. August 13, 2012
    
    Kelly
    
    I look forward to reading your additional posts. I’m definitely building other parts of my business through relationships, so you’re a good motivator on the blog side. Cheers!
    
    Reply
    1. August 17, 2012
      
      Kel
      
      That’s good to hear, Kelly. Blogging has definitely been well worth it for my biz! x
      
      Reply
August 11, 2012

Linda Reed-Enever (@lindareedenever)

At Family Capers we have built ourselves around guest posters and contributors for the magazines. I love it and the diversity it brings but on my own blog I must admit I am more cautious 🙂

Reply
1. August 12, 2012
  
  Kel
  
  I definitely understand your point on your own blog, Linda. I’m much the same. I still only really accept posts from people I feel I have some sort of relationship with – so whether that’s been built in person, on the blog or via social media. Maybe that’s me being a little ol’ fashioned! 🙂
  
  Reply
August 12, 2012

Lisa Wood

I actually get too scared writing for other blog sites, but make myself do it at least once a month!
I would love more regular guest posting on my site – so thanks for the great idea! Will put a shout out and see what responses I get 🙂
cheers
Lisa

Reply
1. August 17, 2012
  
  Kel
  
  Good on you, Lisa. It’s well worth the effort – as you would know!:) But I so hear you on feeling scared about writing for others’. It’s like having the keys to their house for a day!
  
  Reply
August 12, 2012

Be My Guest Make My Day | New Life On The Road

[…] Melbourne Be My Guest Make My Day I was reading about a great tip over at Three Li’l Princesses about Guest Posting! […]

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August 13, 2012

jan

My blog is nearly a year old and so far I have not had any guest blogs on my site or done any on other people’s. I have had several people approach me, but they are not people I know. I do see the benefits and maybe one day it will happen!

Reply
1. August 17, 2012
  
  Kel
  
  Only when you’re ready, Jan. And some bloggers never open themselves up to guest bloggers – and that’s OK too. I guess the beauty of having a blog is that it’s your space and you can do whatever like you with it!! 🙂
  
  Reply
August 14, 2012

Madeline

I’ve had a few guest posters for my Humpday Holiday series and am always happy for more! If anybody is interested it’s really easy – just write about a place you’ve been or a place you want to go to on a holiday. Even just a photo and a few words is enough. http://madanddave.wordpress.com/humpday-holiday/

Reply
1. August 17, 2012
  
  Kel
  
  That sounds like a great idea, Madeline. I might have to take you up on that! 🙂
  
  Reply
August 18, 2012

6. #BloggingPrompts: Make the most of guest posts on your site | threelilprincesses.com

[…] last week’s blogging prompt on opening yourself up to guest posts, a few questions came in, including from Cie and Rhonda, about how to go about pitching to […]

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