In the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing, guest post submissions remain one of the most effective ways to build backlinks, drive traffic, and establish your authority. But here’s the thing: it’s not as simple as sending a pitch to a random blog.

Over the years, I’ve mastered the process, and in 2024, guest posting is more strategic than ever. If you want to ensure your guest posts get accepted and deliver value, this guide is for you.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to nail guest post submissions in 2024, based on what has worked for me.

Why Guest Post Submissions Still Matter in 2024

Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let’s address why guest post submissions are still relevant in 2024. The simple answer? Backlinks are still a core ranking factor for SEO, and guest posts are one of the best ways to earn high-quality backlinks.

Beyond just links, guest posts help you:

• Build relationships with industry leaders.
• Reach a new, targeted audience.
• Enhance your personal brand and authority.

Now, if you’re ready to skyrocket your guest post efforts, follow these steps closely.

Step 1: Research Quality Blogs in Your Niche

The first step to successful guest post submissions is finding the right blogs. Trust me, sending your pitch to random blogs is a waste of time. Instead, focus on quality websites that are relevant to your niche, have a strong domain authority (DA), and have an engaged audience.

Here’s what I do:

1. Google Search Operators: Use search queries like “write for us + [your niche]” or “guest post guidelines + [your niche].” This gives you a good starting point.
2. Ahrefs Content Explorer: This tool allows you to find websites in your niche that accept guest posts, filtered by DA and traffic.
3. Competitor Analysis: Check where your competitors are guest posting. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to analyze their backlink profiles and find opportunities.

Step 2: Read and Understand Their Guidelines

Most blogs have guest post submission guidelines. Ignoring these is a surefire way to get rejected. Whenever I find a potential site, the first thing I do is read through its requirements.

Key things I look for:

• Word count preference.
• Specific content style or tone.
• Anchor text and backlink guidelines.
• Any specific content topics they’re seeking?

This not only saves you from rejection but also helps tailor your pitch according to their expectations.

Step 3: Craft a Unique Pitch

Now that you’ve identified target blogs, it’s time to send a pitch. Trust me, this is where most people fail. Sending a generic, templated pitch will get your email trashed. I’ve refined my pitching technique over the years, and personalization is key.

Here’s my approach:

1. Personalize the Greeting: Address the blog owner or editor by name. You can usually find this in the ‘About’ section or via LinkedIn.
2. Highlight Your Value: Instead of making it all about you, focus on what you can offer their audience. Mention how your content can fill a gap in their current posts.
3. Suggest Topic Ideas: Come up with 2-3 potential topics that are relevant to their blog. Make sure these topics haven’t already been covered extensively.
4. Include Writing Samples: If possible, provide links to some of your previously published articles.

Example Pitch:

Hi [Editor’s Name],

I’m Azam, a digital marketing enthusiast with five years of experience. I’ve been following your blog for a while, and I particularly loved your recent post on [Mention a relevant article].

I’d love to contribute to [Blog Name]. Here are a few topic ideas I think your audience will enjoy:

• [Topic 1]
• [Topic 2]
• [Topic 3]

Please let me know if any of these topics resonate with you, and I’d be happy to provide a detailed outline.

You can check out some of my previous work here: [Link to samples].

Looking forward to your thoughts!

Best regards,
Azam

Step 4: Write High-Quality, Unique Content

Once your pitch is accepted, the next step is writing a high-quality guest post. This is where you need to shine. Remember, your guest post submission is a representation of your expertise.

What I focus on:

• Original Content: Never submit duplicate or spun content. It’s a quick way to burn bridges.
• In-Depth Research: I always back my points with data or case studies. It adds credibility to your content.
• Formatting: Use subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs to make your article more readable.
• Internal Links: Wherever possible, link to the host blog’s previous content. It not only adds value but also improves the chances of acceptance.

Pro Tip: After writing, I use tools like Grammarly and Hemingway App to ensure my content is grammatically correct and easy to read.

Step 5: Follow Up Professionally

After submitting your guest post, it’s crucial to follow up if you haven’t received feedback within a week or two. Don’t be pushy, but a polite nudge can help.

My go-to follow-up template:

Hi [Editor’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to check in on the status of my guest post submission. I’m excited to hear your feedback and make any necessary revisions.

Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from my side.

Best,
Azam

Step 6: Promote Your Guest Post

Once your guest post is live, the work doesn’t end there. I always make sure to promote the post across my social channels, email lists, and other platforms. This not only drives traffic to your guest post but also strengthens your relationship with the blog owner.

Ways I promote my guest post:

• Share on Social Media: Post on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, tagging the host blog.
• Mention in Newsletter: If you have an email list, mention the guest post in your next newsletter.
• Repurpose Content: Create graphics, quotes, or short videos from your guest post to share on Instagram or YouTube.

Step 7: Track the Results

Finally, it’s crucial to track the results of your guest post submission. I monitor the backlinks, referral traffic, and even the SEO impact of each guest post.

Tools I use to track results:

• Google Analytics: Check referral traffic from the guest post.
• Ahrefs: Monitor the backlinks and their impact on your SEO rankings.
• Google Search Console: See if the post has improved keyword rankings for my website.

Conclusion

Guest post submissions in 2024 remain a powerful strategy to grow your online presence, build backlinks, and drive targeted traffic. 

By following these steps, you’ll increase your chances of not only getting published but also delivering valuable content that resonates with your audience.

Let’s get started on those guest post submissions!

FAQ’s about Guest Post Submissions