Debbie LevenIf you have a website or a blog then guest blogging has to be on your ‘must do list.’ Quite simply, it’s a great way to reach the audiences who will be interested in what you have to say and to draw them to your website. In a nutshell, guest posting is a way for you to share your knowledge via a written blog on someone else’s website.
It enables you to share your expertise and build connections, it enables you to ‘scale up’ your reach for free. If you’re not familiar with guest blogging then, hopefully, that’s given you a flavor. But, let’s dig a little deeper into the detail of how it can help your business.
Guest blogging – why you should do it
1. Builds your reputation and credibility
Your content being accepted by a third party, for sharing with their audience, gives a stamp of authority and validation. No one in their right mind would share shabby content, would they? So, a guest blog gives you the benefit of that third party endorsement with another blogger setting value on your contribution.
2. Targeted visibility – new eyeballs on your business
Smart guest blogging i.e. guest blogging for the right targeted websites will get you more visibility with the audiences that are important to you. One of the best ways to get noticed is by going to those communities that are already established and will have an interest in what you have to say. Makes sense, don’t you think?
3. Builds relationships and helps networking
Guest blogging gives you the opportunity to build relations – with the blogger but also with members of their community. Answering questions in relation to your post is key and it’s a great way to connect with individuals as a first step to building business relationships. Also, engaging with those who share your guest blog via social media gives you another opportunity to connect with people who have shown an interest in your content.
4. More fans and followers
Smart guest blogging means thinking about each post and how that will encourage readers to become part of your tribe. Provide them with great insight and information and then direct them to how they can get more, i.e. via your list, and you can increase the number of fans and followers who want to hear from you.
5. Qualified traffic to your website
Quality guest blogging on the sites that are best suited to your ideal customer will drive qualified traffic back to your website. It’s not a single guest post that counts but consistency of guest blogging to maintain your presence and keep that traffic flowing.
6. Social media traction
Bloggers will work hard to promote content on their site – they want comments and social shares and that’s great for you. It will get you in front of more people but it also helps boost your own social media activity and credibility.
7. New business opportunities and collaborations
More eyeballs on your guest blog opens up opportunities. The more guest blogging you do the more you’ll see these opportunities pop up – from being asked about collaborating on projects to hosting webinars and workshops. It all helps to extend your reach, build your credibility and build your business.
8. More guest post offers
A great guest blog showcases your expertise and demonstrates your writing skill. Do that well and you’ll be asked back to contribute more content time and again. Your guest blog is also one of the best ways for others seeking guest bloggers to identify whether you’d be a good fit for them. It’s a bit of a no-brainer – if they like what you’ve written then they’ll want to share your brilliance with their own audience.
9. Media opportunities
Like everyone else, journalists search online for information, the answers to their questions and experts who can provide insight. Being featured on established blogs gives you a stepping stone to becoming a recognised source of information for journalists.
In a nutshell: guest blogging gets more eyeballs on your business. It’s a way to showcase your expertise and draw people back to your website and encourage them to become a part of your community.
Right, I’m off to do some guest blogging – what about you?
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