Being offered a guest post can be a confusing situation.
It’s like going into someone’s home for the first time; you’re not quite sure about the house etiquette. Should I take my shoes off in the hall? Where do I put my coat? Which chair should I sit in?
With social etiquette very much in mind, I’ve been carefully considering some guidelines for my inaugural appearance on Unmemorable Title.
Courting controversy
First of all, you can’t be too controversial. This isn’t my blog and I wouldn’t want to blight Andrew’s solid reputation as a copywriter by preaching about the death of SEO or some other widely exaggerated claim.
However, you don’t want to be too PC. No one wants to read 500 blah-blah words on how Google loves keyword-rich content. You’ll get bored. I’ll get bored. It’s just not that interesting.
Quality control
Furthermore, there’s an issue of standards. Andrew runs a tight ship here at Unmemorable Title and there’s a lot of excellent content lurking around these WordPress halls. In short, he’s got some SEO game.
As a guest blogger, you want to be able to justify your invitation. Knocking out three hundred words while you’re waiting for the rice to boil on the hob just isn’t good enough. A guest post needs to be insightful, witty and, crucially, entertaining. If only for the fact you’d like readers to subscribe to your own blog when they’re done digesting your digital cameo.
But then again, you don’t want to put too much effort into it. Why spend hours crafting a blog which isn’t going to benefit your own corner of the internet? Let’s say you create the Mona Lisa of guest posts; your greatest work as an SEO copywriter which pulls in ‘href’ juice from around the globe.
Congratulations. But wouldn’t you rather have all those juicy recommendations for your own site? It’s a tough one.
Coffee and after-dinner mints
Finally – and most importantly – you can’t outstay your welcome. There’s nothing worse than a guest blog trying to soak up the limelight with a 1,000 word essay. You’re a special guest star, not a listed cast member. Wrap it up, thank the host and courteously suggest readers pop by your site if they want to read more of your work.
Thanks Andrew.
You can read more of Tom Mason’s thoughts on SEO and social media over on Manchester SEO.
3 comments
Toni Anicic says:
Jun 8, 2010
So you decided to write a guest post about being invited to write a guest post
I like the analogy with being invited to someone’s home for the first time. I had a few guest posts myself recently. The most challenging part is to figure out how does this blog’s readership breads.
It’s easy to write to your audience at your own blog. You know what kind of content they are able to “digest” since your blog and them grew together. It’s challenging to figure out how advanced can you go once you play on someone else’s playground.
As for the Andy’s audience… we can take it, just give us your best shot
.-= Toni Anicic´s last blog ..Google TV and e-commerce =-.
Harrisonamy says:
Jun 11, 2010
Guest posts can be great to get you in front of a new audience even if they don’t have direct SEO benefits.
In terms of respect, I always look at previous posts, check out submission guidelines and make it as easy as possible for them in terms of pre-formatting and submitting a pic if required.
Whilst it’s important to write for their audience, it’s also important to write in your own style and stand out.
Good post!
.-= Harrisonamy´s last blog ..Will Creativity Build or Break your Business? =-.
Bill says:
Apr 5, 2011
There’s nothing wrong with a little guest blog etiquette for review before you take the plunge into this activity.
All the points are valid and can be used to be more effective at this as guest blogging can be an excellent way to build an audience while contributing content that is of value to other publishers
Bill´s last [type] ..How To Refinance Debt