By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
I thought I was the only one who was reluctant to write guest posts for other blogs – until one of my readers said, “The idea of guest blogging is a little scary. Do you have any advice for that?”
Yes, my friend, I sure do! Here’s how I overcame my fear of guest blogging – and how you can, too.
1. Focus on the benefits of guest blogging. Improving your writing skills, getting to know other bloggers, connecting with different readers, and promoting your blog are just a few benefits of being a guest blogger. I know my writing skills are sharper because of my guest posts here on the Urban Muse – I pay a bit more attention when I write for others than when I write on my own blog! So, if you’re nervous about guest blogging, stay focused on what you’re reaping.
2. Tell yourself that it won’t be difficult forever. The first time is always the hardest…after that, it just gets easier and easier. Whether you’re writing your first guest post or pitching an article to a magazine, you have to trust that it’s time to leave the nest. You can’t succeed if you don’t take risks – and writing is all about taking risks.
3. Do a little digging. The best way to overcome any fear is to learn about it! Arm yourself with knowledge; for instance, Darren Rowse over at ProBlogger wrote How to Be a Good Guest Blogger. But don’t spend more time researching than writing…because procrastination can be The Enemy.
4. Remember that this is a “seedling” risk. Taking little risks, such as writing guest posts, prepares you to take bigger risks – such as submitting your first manuscript to a publisher. To grow as a writer, you need to keep stretching beyond your comfort zone. Welcome new writing or blogging opportunities, especially if you’re just starting out. Writing guest posts is a great way to plant seeds that grow into big strong writing oaks!
5. Focus on balancing your voice with the blog’s content. “Be true to the blog’s purpose, yet bring your unique style, voice and opinion to the content,” says freelance journalist Lisa Horn. To get comfy with guest blogging, think of it objectively – because writers have to be objective about their work. Pull out of your fear. Take a look at the blog you’d like to write for, think about how your voice fits, and focus on the task at hand (not your fears).
Are you interested in inviting guest writers to your blog? Check out 5 Tips for Inviting Guest Bloggers to Blog for You – Susan wrote it for my blog, Quips & Tips for Successful Writers. If you have any thoughts or questions, I welcome your comments below!
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger who created and maintains a series of Quips and Tips blogs: Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, Quips and Tips for Achieving Your Goals, and Quips and Tips for Couples Coping With Infertility. She’s also the Feature Writer for Psychology Suite101.
Great "tips", Laurie!
As always, much appreciated. I need to do more guest blogging. What I really need to do is find the time! Any tips for that?
Wow, talk about perfect timing! I was recently invited to be a guest blogger, and was just about to get started writing. Excellent advice here, as always. Thanks!
Excellent tip about spending more time writing than researching! I love the research side of things – but it's so dangerous, you can spend hours and hours and… !
thanks for the advice.I would like to guest-blog more often and need to learn to get comfortable with it.
Thanks for this! We tell our clients to branch out and promote their blogs in many ways, including guest blogging. For new content creators who aren't necessarily confident in their writing, this post will do wonders for them! Thanks so much!
Sara @ iGoMogul
Thank you for the 5 steps. I know that I am one that fears guest blogging. I have a question what do you write about on a guest blog? I know Susan was gracious enough to guest blog about a writing portfolio because that is what I had asked her to write about. Do you ask what the host blog wants you to write or do you suggest topics you want to write about? Thank you for the advice.
Guest blogging seems like a great idea. Mary, I have some ideas for finding time!
1) DUMP silverware into the drawer, do not sort (this gives you 1 extra minute to guest blog)
2) Don't clean pots that only had boiling water in them or that you can wipe out with a clean cloth (5 more minutes
3) Exercise in the morning, which will give you more alert good concentration in the afternoon (15 minutes)
4) Forget the mess or delegate. A messy house = at least 30 more minutes to blog
5) Cook a big batch of burritos and freeze the extras = 1 meal with no cooking = another 30 minutes
Total extra time-1 hr 26 minutes. Now get guest blogging!!
@Jennifer — laughing
I've had really good experiences writing guest blogs. It's an interesting way to think about my subjects (music and creative practice, and sometimes, travel) for readers with differing backgrounds, or whose backgrounds I may not know.
I love these tips, and under five I would add–ASK the person you are guest blogging for to define for you what they are looking for. If they are not clear–don't guess.
If you are a travel writer or a wanderer, I'm looking for some guests to talk about a book or movie that inspired them to travel. Contact me at verabadert at gmail.com
Thanks for all your comments — it's nice to know that the tips were read and appreciated
Yes, I think it's really important to know what the host blogger is looking for. For instance, my Quips & Tips blogs are very specific — I only post tips-based articles.
Finding time is ALWAYS a challenge! Man. I like Jennifer's suggestions — especially the one about housework. It can wait.
Laurie
I quite appreciate and agree with your view point. It is a really effective guideline that you have given here. Thanks for sharing such great thoughts.