Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Well, almost. It may help you to know that I am a small fraction Irish. I’m guessing that is why I felt the need to set my featured image to something green. Just a theory.
I’ve taken a small blogging siesta as I’m gearing up for my big first quarter review of my 2014 goals! I’m really thrilled to be working on it but its not ready yet. Please check back soon. I promise it will be up before the end of the month. But today, I have another treat for you. Please read on.
It would seem that my last post on increasing web traffic was a winner. So much that I want to bring you a second part (sort of) on guest posting on other blogs. Pause a second and take it all in. It is all for you!
Disclaimer: I am in no way saying the only reason to guest post is to increase your traffic. You need to let your passion for quality blogging fuel the guest posting mobile. Focus on providing value to your readers first and foremost. If you do this then they will waltz over to your blog and check out your other posts. Focus on networking with other bloggers and see the traffic you may get as a bonus. Consider returning the favor as well (I’ve linked back to their blog in several locations including this post). Please keep this in mind.
In the last month, you may have noticed the emergence of my press page. This was something that I’ve thought about since the middle of last year. Surprisingly enough, it was a timing issue. I decided to hide it away in my idea vault, let it marinate, and let it come back with a vengeance. And it did! At press time, I have guest posted once and been interviewed. Additionally, I have another guest post in the works.
Now, I want to warn you. Finding and reaching out to bloggers can be time consuming. You need a strategy. I repeat: you NEED a strategy.
What I did: I made a spreadsheet of every prospective blog I encountered. I reached out to them one on one, I didn’t blast or spam anyone! While you compile this list, you want to only reach out to blogs who share your niche and be picky! For example, my niche of marketing/design is rather large so I had some nice blogs to target. If this strategy isn’t for you, then I highly suggest checking out My Blog Guest, its a very nice website for finding blogs that need your posts.
My results: The results were mixed. The responses I received ranged from yes, maybe, no, not right now, to a few people who ignored me. However, I got enough positive responses to fill up guest posting availability (that’s the important part). Honestly, I feel that I’m contributing value to the blogging community. For me, its a win/win!
What I’m Doing For You: If you want to follow my strategy, good for you! I’m thrilled I could help you out. In fact, look below! I have included a link to the template for my spreadsheet (its green for guess what!). Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
