Are You a One-Night Stand Guest Blogger?
Many people will only write a single guest post for any one blog because they are writing the posts only to get the links. They are only interested in one-post gigs. This was always a flawed idea, but with the latest search engine algorithm changes, it is potentially disastrous.
Why are you writing guest posts?
Why would a blogger publish your post?
Are you writing so you can get as many links as possible to your site?
Are you still looking for do-follow links?
Rethinking Time
The rules have changed. When search engines speak, all the little guys listen and take notice. Doing anything for links that pass on authority to your website is now a great way to get your website excluded from search engine results.
To be honest, it was always a pretty spammy tactic. Nobody likes to be used and when you do that you are trying to use the blogger, who knows what you are doing, so his hackles are immediately raised.
A link back to your website is a fair reward for contributing your thoughts, but it doesn’t matter if it is no-follow or do-follow because your main objective is to get people to click on the link and visit your website.
Bad News for the Blog
Having 500 posts from 500 different writers means that there is no consistent voice or message. Consistency is what makes blogs worth reading, without that the readership will be small and irregular.
Educating 500 writers in the blog’s guest posting rules is time-consuming and time is something that bloggers do not have a lot of.
Blog readers expect posts to be written by a few writers who they come to know, in the same way that a newspaper has columns by regular journalists.
Bad News for the Blogger
One-gig posts are not good for the writer either. You may have a link, but that’s it. Your post will soon be buried in the blog’s archives, so your link is not going to get you many readers.
Being promiscuous in your writing is hard work because you are constantly pitching to new bloggers, constantly looking for new blogs to contribute to.
A Better Way
There is a better way.
Guest blogging is alive and well, as long as you do it right:
- You have to have something original to say
- The writing has to be top quality
- You need to work with the blog owner; make a pitch, send a first draft and amend as necessary
Develop relationships with a few bloggers, contribute regularly to their blogs and let the blog readers come to know you. They are far more likely to follow your link if they have read a few of your posts; they are also more likely to go looking for previous posts you written in the blog archives.
There are other advantages to developing long-term relationships with a few bloggers; things that do not happen if you are a promiscuous writer, spreading yourself around.
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Many bloggers will give you an author page, giving you another chance to let people get to know you and enhancing your reputation.
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Bloggers will give you feedback on your writing, which will help you to improve as a writer. It is in their interest as well as yours to improve your writing.
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Guest blogging will also improve your reputation, as you become better known in that niche.
Conclusion
If you are still promiscuous in your writing, forming short-term, superficial relationships with any blogger who will post your articles and give you a quick link, then it is time to reassess your strategy. Long-term, stable writing relationships help both bloggers and writers to develop and grow their audience.
If you are a good writer and willing to contribute regularly to a blog then most bloggers will welcome you. They know you are in it for the long-term benefits of increasing your readership and reputation, rather than just a link to improve your own search engine ranking.
Interested in joining the Compukol Connection guest bloggers team? Visit our Guest Bloggers Program page to apply.
We are pleased to provide you with the insightful comments contained herein. For a complimentary assessment of your online presence, let’s have coffee.
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: ThoseinMedia
Discussion: Why Are You Blogging?
I don’t want to hurt the author’s feelings but he’s candy-coating the truth. Let me dissect part of his delusions based in not having real experience:
(Author) Guest blogging is alive and well, as long as you do it right:
(Author) You have to have something original to say
(Me) Of course! I think the 2,280,000,000 Google search returns (the real number) for “how to blog” just aren’t enough. The internet needs more!
(Author) The writing has to be top quality
(Me) Yes! And letting people judge their own work is the best way to see true quality. I’ve run into blog editors who rewrite my content so much, it reads more like a biography of me, with select quotes pontificating on a subject.
I’m approached by many blogs who me to be involved yet their appearance and standing/ranking tells me that guest blogging for them is my “brand killer.” If you want quality for your blog, then make sure you have a quality blog to start!
(Author) You need to work with the blog owner; make a pitch, send a first draft and amend as necessary
Sure! If I’m getting paid. You want free work, then here’s what I tell blog owners who contact me: I will pass the headline and outline on to you. You get to say “yes” or “no.”
I will not “expand” it by 2,000 words, I will not rewrite it and I won’t wait three months to see it published. Treat me like gold because that’s what you are saving by my writing content for your site for free.
(Author) Develop relationships with a few bloggers, contribute regularly to their blogs and let the blog readers come to know you. They are far more likely to follow your link if they have read a few of your posts; they are also more likely to go looking for previous posts you written in the blog archives.
(Me) Here’s a relationship killer: If you have ads and are obviously earning revenue from your blog, then pay me!
(Author) There are other advantages to developing long-term relationships with a few bloggers; things that do not happen if you are a promiscuous writer, spreading yourself around.
(Me) Sure… if you’re paying me. If not, don’t expect anything just as I don’t expect to be paid.
(Author) Many bloggers will give you an author page, giving you another chance to let people get to know you and enhancing your reputation.
(Me) They don’t work. Click thrus to see who the writer is or see more work are small to non-existent (yes, even on the bigger blogs) Ask for a list of four to six Links at the end of your article under “recommended reading.” If you’re not being paid, it’s a very fair request!
(Author) Bloggers will give you feedback on your writing, which will help you to improve as a writer. It is in their interest as well as yours to improve your writing.
(Me) Unless they are terrible writers who think they’re geniuses and you’re filled with self-doubt about your writing and will listen to anyone who will talk to you.
(Author) Guest blogging will also improve your reputation, as you become better known in that niche.
(Me) Maybe. If it does, it will be with a flood of requests for free work and the drama described above. Pay separates the pros from the… not pros!
By Kaboom J. Schneider
Thanks for your in depth comments.
We are going to have to disagree on most points; I sincerely believe that guest posting without pay has long-term benefits that are greater than the cash payment I could have asked for regarding any one post.
I understand where you are coming from, but think it is a simplistic stance. People do follow links at the end of an article so authors do get hits and followers as a result of any guest post.
Guest posting and writing guest posts for payment are two totally different ball games; writers are free to decide which game they play.
This post is about guest blogging as a reputation-building exercise. It works if you approach it like this.
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Strategy, Marketing & Innovation Forum
Discussion: Why Are You Blogging?
I’m not sure if the blogging you refer to has to do with business owners? I’m not a business owner but I do participate in group forums and in response to topics that interest me in ‘my news’. Just got an invite from LinkedIn to “publish” an article…that was a surprise!
I am working on/have expanded my personal network; after a multi-year detour into health care to care for an elderly parent. I respond to topics of interest. Am I a blogger? Dunno!
By Maxine Simpson
Hi Maxine
Thanks for your comment. I am a business owner myself and I count myself as a blogger. My blog participation is similar to your own, so yes, I would say you definitely are a blogger. Welcome to the club
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Brand & Communications Management
Discussion: Why Are You Blogging?
Very nice and useful. thanks !
By Rajesh Menon
Hi Rajesh
I am glad you found the article useful. Thanks for taking the time to comment
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: WritersWorld
Discussion: Why Are You Blogging?
I hadn’t even thought about this being more than a way to have an interesting chat, with the added possibility of collecting some helpful information, during an intermittent relaxation from my books.
Trouble is, will that spoil it?
By Richard Turner
No Richard, it won’t spoil anything.
Thanks for commenting
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Publishing and Editing Professionals
Discussion: Why Are You Blogging?
Great article! Just “dabbling” here and there when it comes to blogging can get some short-term results, but to really build a network of relationships it’s good to seek out others in the blogosphere.
By Libet Chang
Thanks for reading and commenting Libet Chang.
You are so right, it’s all about relationships. No blogger can stand alone.
Via LinkedIn Groups
Group: Publishing and Editing Professionals
Discussion: Why Are You Blogging?
I promise myself the luxury of a daily post on my blog but my teaching commitments come in the way–what an excuse!
By Chander Mahadev
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment Chander.
I used to teach myself, so I know exactly what you mean. The job expands to fill every available minute of your day