When I receive emails from outreach experts who want to submit guest posts, I can tell almost instantly if they’ve done their homework. You’d be surprised at how many people skip the basics. Let me share what I’ve learned over the years about what to do (and what not to do) when reaching out to bloggers for guest posts. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a much better chance of getting a positive response.
Do’s of Contacting Bloggers for Guest Posts
Do Your Homework
- Before reaching out, take some time to familiarize yourself with the blog. You’d be amazed at how many emails I get from people who clearly haven’t read a single post on my site.
- When you send an email to submit a guest post on Socioblend Blog, at least read a few articles to get an idea about the type of content being published.
- Check out a few articles and get a sense of the blog’s tone, audience, and content focus.
- Mention a specific article or aspect of the blog in your email to show you’re not sending mass emails. According to Martech.org personalized emails generate up to six times higher transaction rates than non-personalized emails.
Be Clear and Concise
- When you email a blogger, keep it short and sweet. State your intentions right away: “I’d like to contribute a guest post.”
- Briefly describe the topic you’d like to write about and suggest how it aligns with the blog’s content. Avoid lengthy emails; most bloggers don’t have the time to read through paragraphs of text.
- Boomerang’s study found that emails with 50-125 words have the highest response rate, at around 50%.
Highlight the Value You Bring
- Explain what you can offer the blog’s audience. Whether it’s your industry expertise, unique perspective, or original research, let the blogger know why your content would benefit their readers.
- Mention prior guest post experience or notable credentials. According to the Content Marketing Institute, 85% of successful marketers focus on quality content, not quantity.
Be Professional
- Always use polite language and proper grammar. Address the blogger by their name and not generic “Hey there” emails.
- Thank them for their time and consideration. First impressions matter; if your email has typos or seems disrespectful, you’re likely to be ignored.
- Grammarly reports that emails with grammar errors are 4.5 times more likely to be discarded.
Follow Up Respectfully
- If you don’t hear back within a week, send a follow-up email. Keep it polite and brief, asking if they’ve had a chance to review your proposal.
- Don’t bombard the blogger with daily emails, or you’ll end up in the spam folder. GetResponse showed that sending one follow-up email can increase response rates by up to 30%, but don’t overdo it.
Don’ts of Contacting Bloggers for Guest Posts
Don’t Bargain Excessively
- When discussing compensation, respect the blogger’s fee structure. If they charge a fee, it’s likely for a good reason.
- Negotiating is okay, but be respectful. Asking for massive discounts (like 50% or 80% off) can come across as unprofessional. Remember, bloggers often have set rates for a reason. Aim for a win-win situation by finding a mutually agreeable rate.
Don’t Send Mass Emails
- Sending generic emails to dozens of bloggers is a big no-no. It’s obvious when an email has been copy-pasted, and it doesn’t leave a good impression.
- Personalize your message for each blog you contact. Research shows that personalized emails are more likely to get a response.
Don’t Use Pushy Language
- Avoid words like “ASAP” or “urgent.” Bloggers have busy schedules, and pressuring them with aggressive language is a sure way to get ignored.
- A polite, low-pressure approach works much better.
Don’t Oversell Yourself
- While you want to highlight your skills, don’t make exaggerated claims or overpromise. If you say you have expertise on a subject, be prepared to back it up.
- Stick to the facts and be honest about what you can deliver.
Don’t Be Inconsistent
- If you promise something in your initial email, make sure you follow through. If you say you’ll send a draft by a certain date, keep your word.
- Bloggers appreciate reliability and will be less likely to work with you again if you don’t keep your promises. Edelman’s research found that consistency builds trust, with 65% of consumers saying they’d stop using a brand that didn’t deliver on its promises.
So, these were a few important things that you should know before your start calling yourself an outreach expert. Following these tips will definitely boost your chances of landing a guest post.
