This post was written by Deb
Guest Blogging: It’s a Win-Win Situation
May is guest blogging month at my blog Freelance Writing Jobs. I thought it would be a nice way for my "regulars" and some invited guests to showcase their writing. They always have such wonderful tips when they comment, I invited them on to the front page. While it was meant as a three year anniversary celebration, it became clear there were many benefits to having others guest blog. Moreover, the guest bloggers are experiencing some cool bennies as well.
Benefits of Having a Guest Blogger at Your Blog
- It frees you up for other things - Though I didn’t plan it that way, this couldn’t have come at a better time. A little over a week ago I found myself sick for a few days. The kind of sick where you can’t raise your head off your pillow. Having guest bloggers allowed me to be sick without worries about losing traffic.
- It offers your readers another perspective - Other bloggers have other ideas, many times these are things you’d never think of. They also might have a different point of view. Having a guest blogger will give your readers something else to think about and learn new angles and techniques.
- It gives you new ideas - Do you know how you might visit other blogs and get ideas after reading someone else’s posts? The same thing happens when someone else guests blogs for you.
- It allows you to turn your readers on to something new - Your readers will appreciate learning about a new blog or blogger.
- It’s good for traffic - Though my traffic is steadily rising, the last couple of weeks has it through the roof.
- You get good backlinks -Your guest blogger will no doubt link to his post on your blog - and his followers might too.
Benefits of Being a Guest Blogger
- It allows you another outlet for your writing - Another outlet means a whole other audience. It’s my experience that other bloggers’ communities are very respectful of their guest bloggers and are interested in what you have to say.
- It helps you get your name out there - If you’re trying to establish yourself as an authority you’ll want to put your name out there. Guest blogging is a great way to do this.
- It drives traffic to your blog - You’re sure to gain some new readers through your stint as a guest blogger. As long as your name and link are up there, others’ will be visiting for a long time to come.
- Your subscribers will go up - After reading your guest blog post others will want to subscribe to your blog.
- It gives you confidence - About a year ago I offered to guest post for Darren Rowse. This is very unlike me, I was very nervous. My traffic is no where near Darren’s, plus what would his readers think? My guest post (about blogging for others) was well received and it gave me the confidence to write for other blogs as well. It’s a good feeling knowing that others outside your community enjoy what you have to say.
Have you guest blogged or brought in a guest blogger? How well did it work out for you?
May 20, 2008 | Filed Under Guest Blogger
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11 Responses to “Guest Blogging: It’s a Win-Win Situation”
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I’ve really enjoyed the guest bloggers at FWJ this month. They’ve had such diverse topics & opinions. I think it was a great idea.
I tend to guest post a *lot* and for various reasons. Some for credibility and noteriety, some for traffic, some to help a friend, some for fun, some because I just want to.
I will caution one thing to those who will guest post for free - know what you’re getting into. Guest posting is fine, but there needs to be an ROI.
For example, my guest post at FWG brought in zero traffic. None. Zip. But I didn’t expect any either - I wanted to post, Deb needed a post, and I was helping her because one day, she’ll help me.
Other blogs drive different amounts of traffic, and I watch for these things. While it may be uncool to ask how many people might read the post or what the usual traffic is, remember that unless you’re just in it for the fun, it’s still business to a certain degree.
It’s important to know *why* you’re posting and what your returns will be. And it’s important to know that you’re doing this because it’s a mutually beneficial relationship in some way, not just a one way street.
Cheers, Deb
@Del - The guest bloggers have been interesting and diverse. I think I’ll do this every year becasue I’ve been turned on to some amazing people. I’m going to be looking for guest bloggers for all my blogs when I go to BWE in September in case anyone is interested.
@James - I’m sorry you didnt get any return traffic but not sorry I invited you to guest blog - and any time you need the favor returned, just ask. Also, maybe because you’re one of “the regulars” and some of my regulars are your regulars you already got the traffic from the times you commented?
This was (is) an interesting experiment and I learned so much about my blog and my readers these past few weeks.
@ Deb - Oh hell, don’t be sorry! I didn’t expect any because people know me on your blog already. I suspect we share a certain percentage of regulars, and those that we don’t have already considered me one of yours. I knew going in that this was a personal choice
And hey. I like you.
It’s funny that your own traffic spiked - what do you think made the difference?
@James - The spike in traffic seems to be threefold:
1. My guest bloggers are linking back to their posts.
2. Lots of stumble power on the guest posts.
3. I made Writers Digests 101 Best Websites for Writers again this year and they just posted the announcement.
I’d be interested in learning how the other guest bloggers fared. I’m going to have to do a bit of investigating…
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Deb,
I definitely got a spike in traffic — and five subscribers to my newsletter before noon. So, it was worth it for me. But then again, I like to dispense information on freelancing to the “perfect target market,” which we share.
And, anytime you need a guest post, count me in (don’t forget me come September). As I’m not into social media marketing, things like guest posting are right up my alley.
Yuwanda
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