How to Guest Post

(source)

Sometimes a blogger needs a break. And sometimes they go on vacation!

Since I’ve only been blogging for about a year there are a lot of things in this world I’m new too and sort of stumbling my way through. One thing is Guest Posting.

Guest Posting is a good way to cross-promote. Writing a post for another blogger can bring in new readers to your own website, plus give that blogger a break from posting.

It’s also fun to write something different once in awhile. Sometimes as a blogger you get used to routine and doing a Guest Post (or hosting one) is a nice way to change that.

I’ve been lucking to write a few guest posts for some bloggers I admire:

The first was over at Run Eat Repeat.

Leah over at Leftovers for Lunch was one of my first attempts. I made a big faux pas and did not promote my post on my own blog. Ooops! Live and learn. I realized that mistake after the fact when I saw what other bloggers were doing.

Carla was gracious enough to let me share my story over at Mizfit Online!

I’ve also been lucky to host some Guest Posts on my own site. Skinny Emmie wrote a great one. My boyfriend Michael wrote a great series about cycling too.

(source)

Here are some tips for writing a really good Guest Post for someone:

1. Contact bloggers you read on a regular basis and offer to write something for them.
2. Have some ideas to share with them. It doesn’t have to be something they always write about. If it’s a blog about running but you’re a cyclist offer your expertise! Cross-training is always good.
3. Don’t be a flake. Don’t promise a guest post and never write it. That’s always a bummer.
4. Proofread your post before emailing it.
5. Include photos, preferably personal photos that go well with the story.
6. If someone is writing a Guest post for you, offer to write one for them in return at a later date. Swapping is good.
7. Make sure what your writing is something that can appeal to a large audience. But don’t worry about being DIFFERENT. Different views and opinions are good and create dialogue.
8. Have a creative title. Sometimes titles are hard to come up with. But in order to really shine and bring new readers in, the title needs to POP.
9. Promote the guest post. Promote it with a link on your own blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
10. At the end of your guest post include a short bio with a link to your blog, Twitter account and Facebook Fanpage. Encourage new readers to contact you.

I have a few great guest posts lined up soon!

If you’d like to write a guest post for 110 Pounds and Counting, contact me here.

Thanks for reading!