What? – Guest posting lies! 
The best advice I’ve ever received as a blogger is this, “write guest posts to promote your blog.”
Get ready because I’m going to blow your mind here. I’ve been quiet for a long time and I guess I’ve to speak out.
When I started my blog, I didn’t know much about writing for other blogs.
But when I discovered the potentials of guest posting, I immersed myself 100% into it.
And I must say the journey has been fantastic. I’ve met influential industry leaders as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s a great feeling of success.
After reading this article, you’d discover that you’ve been lied to. It’s important that you listen and read this post from start to finish until you “get it.”
I’ve written over 531 guest posts. So, I know what I’m talking about.
10 lessons from writing over 531 guest posts in 12 months
A lot of people including established bloggers are scared to pitch their guest post idea. It’s funny, but that’s the truth.
Even my mentor who has authored over 3 books, all selling through Amazon isn’t confident enough to submit guest post idea. You know why? Because, he’s been fed with lies and countless others have, too.
See if these 6 lies about guest posting pique your mind. I hope you make a change today. Don’t forget to leave a comment below. I’d be glad to know what you think.
1. Lie #1: You must write catchy headline
The headline is important. Yes I know. But can I tell you something shocking? Learning how to write a catchy headline takes time.
I can write a decent 1000+ words guest post within 20 minutes, but it takes more than 20 minutes to brainstorm a good headline.
Don’t allow poor headline stop you from writing a guest post article. When you pitch a guest post idea to an editor or a blogger, kindly ask them to help you craft the headline that is suitable to their audience.
If the guest post is truly helpful and evergreen, a wise blogger or editor would help you out.
When you come across a headline that resonates with you, pause and study it. Write down your observations and use it when you write.
Even when I thought my headline was superb, I often get a tweak from a blogger or someone who cares. No one is perfect, yet.
Get started promoting your blog. Go ahead and write a weak headline for all I care – a time would come when you’ll master it. Don’t allow this lie to eat you up.
2. Lie #2: You must write quality content
Photo Credit: Sheknows
I recently wrote a great article (according to comments I got) at grow with stacy. In that post, I made it clear that quality content doesn’t exist. Well, a lot of people would try to challenge me – but I’m so confident of that statement.
Let me tell you something. Before we started blogging or writing online, over 10 billion articles have been written, almost covering every topic and subject you could ever imagine.
Most of these articles are published on article directories and content mill sites.
The truth of the matter is that we’re all rewriting. Every blogger is an article rewriter. All the ideas in your head aren’t new – someone, somewhere must have addressed it, professionally. Take it or leave it!
When you hear bloggers or writers talk about quality content, just know that they’re using the wrong word/phrase. They ought to say, we write/accept relevant and helpful articles.
Quality content doesn’t exist. But helpful and valuable content do exist. So, stop striving to write that quality content. Just give helpful advice and lay out your steps in a practical way. That’s what guest posting is all about. Don’t dwell on this lie.
3. Lie #3: A-list bloggers aren’t friendly
Who says that A-list bloggers aren’t friendly?
They’ve fed you with lies. On the contrary, successful people are the most humble and friendly people I’ve ever met. Although I’m no longer aspiring to be a blogger, I’m already in it.
But in my first 12 months of running an active blog, I’ve been able to connect and network with Super Affiliate Bloggers and Business Bloggers like Zac Johnson, John Chow, Georgina (Problogger), Brian Clark, Chris Brogan, Anna Hoffman and so on. In fact, most of them have hired me to write for them, personally.
In case you don’t know, A-list bloggers are happy to connect with upcoming bloggers. They are eager to offer advice. I wonder why some bloggers complain that getting a guest post published on A-list blogs is a difficult task – Well, I don’t think so.
Don’t live with that lie. Successful people want you to succeed as well. They want to send targeted readers and buyers to your website.
If only you can allow them help you. How? Pitch them a guest post idea today. Follow them on twitter and appreciate their hard work. They want to support you because, “success without a successor is failure.” – Anonymous
4. Lie #4: It’s difficult to write a good guest post
Let me check properly. On my list here, the 4th lie that is flying the blogosphere is funny. Someone met me and said, “Michael, how are you able to write good articles when you’re not an English citizen?”
Wow, that question is encouraging. It makes me believe that you can do it. Whatever you set your mind to do can be done.
There is no time to complain. It’s not difficult to write a valuable guest post. Although, it’s not as easy as it seems. All you must do is to study the audience who would read your article.
Study the blog you want to write for. See the most popular posts. What makes them unique and comment-stacked? Now, read a few of the top articles and use your common sense to craft a much better one. (1) Begin with the headline.
(2). Write your introduction (lede). (3). Use subheadings to make reading fun. (4). Make sure your paragraphs are not more than 4 lines.
(5). Write from your heart. (6). Do not try to edit or proofread while writing – you’ll kill your creativity. (7). Come back after 10 or 15 minutes and proofread for spelling and grammar errors. Isn’t it simple?
5. Lie #5: You must pitch your idea first
Do you know that 85% of A-list bloggers don’t have enough time to review a pitch, before the real content? They’re looking for writers and bloggers who can submit articles that are truly beneficial to their readers.
Most folks are still waiting for the right time to pitch their content. I don’t know why they should wait in the first place. Plunge in and submit your completed work. This works for me and for most successful guest bloggers.
Even when I started contributing to FreelanceSwitch.com – I pitched my first article idea, but for subsequent articles, I would just write and send to them. This can only work if you know what the target audience is looking for.
The worst response you can get from an editor or blogger is “No.” Get up and move on with your life. It’s never the end of the world and with every rejection; you’ll learn a life’s lesson that you can’t get from a University Professor.
6. Lie #6: You’ve to be everywhere
Well, you don’t have to be everywhere to succeed online as a blogger. Being everywhere has its upsides, though.
Even though I’ve been featured at several authority blogs, I still believe that being at the right places is the best strategy.
Guest posting isn’t all about quantity, or writing for every blogger out there. You must select who you write for and the benefits you would get.
Would you like to get published everywhere, or would you prefer to be featured at blogs where your target audience is active? Read up 50+ ways to grow your blog.
If you’re a freelancer, the best thing you can do to grow your clientele base is to appear at the right blogs, not everywhere. As a freelance writer, I wouldn’t want to guest post on a freelance writing blog, owned by a freelance writer who is also looking for clients.
It’s a waste of time.
Of course, I can write on such blogs just to build relevant links to my blog pages, but when I need clients, I know I should write for business related blogs, SEO blogs, Franchise blog, Entertainment Blogs, Magazines and Media portals.
Those places will get you fresh and high paying clients almost immediately.
Guest posting hack
Don’t allow sentiments to come between you and taking your blog to the next level. A lot of people would try to obscure your vision and make you give up.
If you’ve a passion to grow your business no matter the model, guest posting could be your saving grace. But you must DITCH the lies and embrace the truth.
What exact lie is holding you back from growing your business? Please share your thoughts below. Share this post as well, if you enjoyed it. Thank you.