Still writing each and every post for your blog by hand? Then perhaps you should connect with guest bloggers. Allowing others to produce content for your blog will free up resources and time that could be spent elsewhere, such as marketing your blog.
But where exactly do you find guest bloggers?
Third-Party Broker Sites
One of the easiest ways to find guest bloggers is to use a third-party broker site, such as MyBlogGuest.com. These sites connect guest bloggers with blog owners who are in need of content. After setting up an account, you can browse through a list of guest bloggers, choosing the one(s) that are best qualified for your particular blog. Of course, there are several other third-party broker sites out there, so don’t limit yourself to only using MyBlogGuest.
Recruit from Your Blog
Another option is to recruit guest bloggers directly from your blog. Many blogs already utilize this tactic, including special forms on which guest bloggers can apply. To do this, create a link at the bottom of your blog with anchor text along the lines of “write for us,” “guest bloggers needed,” “guest bloggers apply here,” “become a guest blogger,” etc. This link should take the user to a form page where he or she can submit their credentials.
Social Media
Don’t underestimate the power of social media when recruiting guest bloggers. Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and even LinkedIn are powerful tools that can yield countless guest blogging connections. Just search around for freelance bloggers and authors, and if they appear to be a good prospect, contact them directly with a proposal.
In the message, provide the user with your blog’s URL and ask him or her if they’d be interested in writing guest posts. Not everyone is going to respond to your proposal, but even if just 1 out of 5 users respond, it will make all of your hard work well worth it.
Become an Authority Figure
Sometimes you can attract expert guest bloggers without ever lifting a finger. Rather than actively seeking guest bloggers, let them come to you. If you’re able to establish your blog as a leading authoritative figure in its respective niche, some experts may wish to contribute.
Provide Incentives
Last but not least, try offering an incentive for users to guest blog. Keep in mind that Google prohibits the buying and selling of links; therefore, the incentive should be non-monetary, such as a backlink pointing to the guest blogger’s own website. Even if guest bloggers aren’t paid for contributing to your blog, they may still create new content for it just to get a backlink. It’s you-scratch-my-back-and-I-scratch-yours kind of deal.
Have any other blogging tips that you would like to share with our readers? Let us know in the comments section below!
Image attribution: https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorow
I’ve found some great guest bloggers through my own blog.
I predominantly use social media to find guest bloggers. I’ve had great success there.
For some reason I’ve always been a tad nervous about the guest bloggers. I’ve recently given them a try and am very happy to have started these partnerships.