Guest posting is powerful, right?
Every blogger knows the importance and benefits of guest posting.
When I first started my blog, I had no clue how to attract fresh readers and build a profitable business.
Guest posting was my saving grace.
As I write this article, I took an inventory of all the guest posts I’ve written in 12 months and I got 531, all published.
Wow, 531 guest posts in 12 months!
Believe me, I know what guest posting can do for you. However, if you’re not wise, it can be a waste of time and creative ideas writing for other blogs.
I want to share with you the 5 reasons why guest posting might not be right for you. Take your time and study this – it’s going to change your blogging career. Let’s dive in…
1 – No clear goals
Without a clear goal, writing for other blogs all in the name of driving traffic to your website can is a waste of time. You’ve to begin by setting your short and long term goals.
What exactly do you want to achieve? Is it blog readers? Do you want to increase sales? Or are you like me who craves for subscribers like the Deer pants after the water brooks?
What exactly do you desire from guest posting? You’ve got to write your thoughts down. That’s going to chart a new course for you, businesswise.
If you’ve been guest posting and still can’t see the results of your creativity and hard work, I suggest you pull back. Get a pen and paper and set your goal quickly.
2 – Not ready to build an email list
If you’re not ready to build an email list, then guest posting isn’t for you. Period!
Most people who are into guest posting, do it for the wrong reasons. Of course, getting a handful of readers to check out your blog is fantastic, but what is your gain?
Don’t you realize that you’re wasting bandwidth and killing your business? It’s time to reconsider your plans.
You need to start collecting email leads. Out of the 531 guest posts I’ve written, I’m glad because I’ve been able to capture about 503 email leads. Not so BIG, but it’s better than having no subscriber at all.
And these subscribers are all double-optin; based on permission.
In order words, those who subscribed to my email newsletter gave me an open check to send them more valuable contents.
When you write a guest post, don’t link to your homepage, unless you’ve a well-placed optin box with a beneficial list-bait (ebook, short report, membership access and so). Instead, send people to a squeeze or landing page and get them to join your list. Well, if they refuse to join, let them go away. Period!
3 – No exclusive content
Truth be told, every article topic and subject has been addressed by bloggers, freelance writers and you. We’re living in a world where no idea is 100% fresh.
The only secret spice to make your guest posts exclusive is to approach it from a unique angle. Like I always do, I’d pick a common idea and write exclusively on it.
For instance, if I want to write about SEO, I do it differently. Every other blogger and writer would advice you research your keywords first.
Of course, that is a good advice, but it’s been said before, somewhere. What really makes an article or a blog post unique and exclusive is the subheadings.
The bullet points used and the voice of the writer. Whenever you’re writing a guest post for B-list blogs or A-list blogs, garnish the post with your awesome voice. Make your subheadings stand out.
Use thesaurus to find words and synonyms. Instead of using a common idea for subheadings, use the alternative words.
4 – You don’t own a blog
I was shocked a few weeks ago, when I discovered that 65% of my subscribers don’t even have a blog. I mean, they’ve been reading and commenting on my blog posts, but they’re not bloggers in the real sense of it.
I had earlier thought that every blog reader owns a blog. Now, you can’t write a guest post without linking out. No, a reasonable blog owner won’t reject your quality article just because you don’t own a blog, but you’re wasting time.
Guest posting is supposed to be a win/win mutual relationship. The only way to build a brand is to attach it to your domain name.
Guest posting can only work for you if you’re a blog owner. My advice to you is simple: Go and start a blog today. Don’t wait another day or else, the competition would discourage you as time goes by.
5 – You’re not selling anything
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not asking you to add affiliate link to your guest posts. This is forbidden by most bloggers who would accept your guest post.
And I totally agree with them. By selling a product, I mean you should have an offer for the target audience – the readers. Getting featured on a popular blog can result in thousands of fresh readers and buyers to your blog/website.
And most importantly, if you’re a freelancer, you could get hired by potential clients who visit A-list and business related blogs every day.
So, don’t write a guest post unless you’ve a top notch offer for your audience. As a content writer, I’ve used guest posting to attract over 10 savvy clients to my professional services. Don’t write a single word, if you’re not ready to take orders.
Is guest posting right for you?
Only you can answer that question. Let me know what you think in the comments box. What’s your experience with guest posting so far? Are you happy or about to quit? I can’t wait to read and answer your questions. See you ahead!
Image credit: SMART Goal setting by BigStockPhoto.com.