We’ve already discussed the profitability of marketing collaboration and the different types of this approach. In this article, we will look at one particular technique — guest blogging. It’s the one that caught our attention because we actively use it in our media. By the way, if you would like to author a corporate blog for ZorbasMedia or become a guest author, you are always welcome! For more details, reach our Chief Editor. For now, let’s move on to learning all the nuances of guest blogging.
The essence of the guest blogging marketing approach
Guest blogging, also known as guest posting, is a content marketing strategy where a writer creates and publishes an article or blog post on someone else’s website or blog. In this arrangement, the writer is the “guest” and the website owner is the “host”.
The purpose of guest blogging is to provide valuable content to a different audience and gain exposure, credibility, and backlinks to the writer’s own website or blog. It allows the writer to tap into the host’s existing audience and establish themselves as an authority or thought leader in their industry.
Guest blogging benefits from both sides
Such a marketing strategy as guest blogging can be called a dialogue. It means that for effective work, both sides should receive benefits: the guest and the host. Let’s dig deeper into the benefits for each of these parties.
Guest blogging benefits for the guest
This is for someone who writes author materials and publishes them on third-party sites.
- Increased exposure. Guest blogging allows the guest writer to tap into a new audience and gain exposure to readers who may not be familiar with their work. It helps expand their reach and attract new followers or customers.
- Credibility and authority building. By providing valuable content on reputable websites, guest bloggers can establish themselves as experts or thought leaders in their industry. This enhances their credibility and can lead to increased trust and recognition among their target audience.
- Backlinks and SEO benefits. Guest blogging often allows the guest writer to include backlinks to their own website or blog. These backlinks can improve their website’s search engine rankings, drive organic traffic, and enhance their overall SEO efforts.
- Networking opportunities. Such a technique provides an opportunity for guest writers to connect with other website owners, bloggers, and influencers in their industry. This can lead to valuable networking opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships.
Guest blogging benefits for the host
It is for someone who gives companies or single authors a space to publish their texts.
- High-quality content. Hosting guest bloggers allows website owners to publish fresh, diverse, and high-quality content on their platform. It adds value to their readers and keeps their website engaging and up-to-date.
- Access to new perspectives. Guest bloggers bring their unique insights, experiences, and expertise to the host’s audience. This provides a fresh perspective and helps keep the content varied and interesting.
- Increased traffic and engagement. This approach can drive new traffic to the host’s website as the guest writer promotes their guest post to their own audience. This can lead to increased engagement, longer time spent on the website, and potentially new followers or customers.
- Networking and collaboration opportunities. Hosting guest bloggers allows website owners to build relationships with other industry professionals. This can lead to future collaborations, cross-promotion, or other mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Enhanced credibility and authority. By featuring guest bloggers who are experts in their field, the host’s website gains credibility and authority. This can attract more readers, improve the website’s reputation, and establish it as a go-to resource in the industry.
How to start a guest blogging machine?
Of course, this process will also be different for the two participants in the process: the host and the guest. Choose the right strategy for your role.
From a guest’s perspective
To start a guest blogging strategy as a guest, follow these steps:
Define your goals
Determine what you want to achieve with guest blogging. It could be increasing brand visibility, driving traffic to your website, establishing yourself as an industry expert, or improving your SEO rankings. Clear goals will guide your strategy.
Research target websites
Identify websites or blogs that align with your niche or target audience. Look for platforms that accept guest posts and have an engaged readership. Consider factors such as domain authority, audience demographics, and content relevance.
Study the guidelines
Review the guidelines and requirements set by each target website for guest submissions. Pay attention to topics, word count, formatting, and any specific instructions. Adhering to these guidelines increases your chances of acceptance.
Craft compelling pitches
Develop personalized and well-crafted pitches for each target website. Tailor your pitch to the website’s audience and explain why your content would be valuable to their readers. Highlight your expertise and provide topic ideas that align with their content.
Create high-quality content
Once your pitch is accepted, create high-quality content that meets the website’s guidelines. Research your topic thoroughly, provide valuable insights, and make your content engaging and well-written. Aim to provide unique perspectives or actionable advice.
Include a bio and backlinks
In your guest post, include a brief author bio that introduces yourself and provides a link to your own website or blog. This helps drive traffic back to your platform and improves your online visibility. Ensure the bio is concise and relevant to the content.
Promote your guest posts
Once your guest post is published, promote it through your own channels. Share it on your social media platforms, include it in your email newsletters, and engage with the host website’s audience in the comments section. This helps drive traffic and engagement.
From a host’s perspective
To start a guest blogging strategy as a host, follow these steps:
Determine your goals
Yes, the first step for both sides is similar. Define what you want to achieve with guest blogging on your website. It could be providing valuable content to your audience, increasing website traffic, expanding your network, or enhancing your website’s authority. Clear goals will guide your strategy.
Create guest blogging guidelines
Develop guidelines for guest bloggers, including topics, word count, formatting, and any specific requirements. Clearly communicate these guidelines on your website to streamline the submission process.
Promote guest blogging opportunities
Make it known that you accept guest posts on your website. Promote this opportunity through your website, social media channels, and industry networks. Encourage interested writers to submit their pitches or ideas.
Review and select guest posts
Review the submissions you receive and select high-quality content that aligns with your guidelines and audience’s interests. Ensure the content provides value, is well-written, and offers unique perspectives or insights.
Collaborate with guest bloggers
Work closely with guest bloggers to refine their content, if needed. Provide feedback, suggest edits, and ensure the content aligns with your website’s standards and audience’s preferences. Maintain open communication throughout the process.
Publish and promote guest posts
Once the guest posts are finalized, publish them on your website and promote them through your various channels. Share them on social media, include them in your email newsletters, and engage with your audience to encourage discussion and sharing.
Work on relationships with guest bloggers
Foster relationships with guest bloggers by acknowledging their contributions and promoting their work. Engage with them on social media, comment on their own blogs, and explore potential collaboration opportunities in the future.
Monitor and analyze results
Track the performance of guest posts using analytics tools. Monitor metrics such as website traffic, engagement, social shares, and conversions. Analyze the data to identify successful strategies and areas for improvement.
Continuously improve your guest blogging strategy
Learn from each guest blogging opportunity and continuously refine your approach. Adjust your guidelines, promotion tactics, and collaboration process based on feedback and performance data.
Final thoughts
Done! Now you’re savvy and ready to apply a guest blogging strategy to your marketing strategy. The best thing about this promotional channel is that any company with its own blog can try on both roles. You can open up guest blogging access to partners on your website while you publish your own authored articles on the partner’s website. Sounds like a win-win strategy doesn’t it? Work on your guest blogging strategy and get traffic out of thin air.
If you want to reach new GEOs and audiences, maybe it is all waiting for you on Telegram? We’ve prepared some material about Telegram audiences. What are the messenger’s users like this year? How old they are, what they do, and what they are interested in!
