Today’s Blog Challenge is about sharing your story. We all have unique stories and important messages we want to share with others. These stories go beyond the everyday; these stories explain how we became who we are and how we want to help people. But those stories can only impact others when they are shared.
In the noisy online world of blogs, websites, and social media, how do you get your message heard? The key is being proactive. First, you have to provide valuable content that people want to read. But the second part of this is reaching out to those who will invite their audience to hear your message.
Whether you share the same worldview or want to carry on a debate over a topic, guest posting can provide those looking to share a message with opportunities to expand their own message while helping others build a larger platform.
The question is how to go about finding guest posting opportunities.
Here’s my plan:
Create a list of five to ten people or websites for which I would like to write.
Before reaching out to someone about a possible guest post, it’s important I know where my content fits into what she is doing, I need to start looking at sites that I find interesting and/or entertaining. There are some authors I’ve already connected with, and some other sites I have visited that might be possible options.
Research each person or website by reading their content regularly.
In order to know if my ideas would fit with what is posted on these sites, I need to review what they’ve posted. By familiarizing myself with their content, I’ll have a better idea if a guest post would be mutually beneficial.
Interact with others on the site through posting comments and sharing content.
As I narrow down my list of possible sites, I will begin interacting with other readers on the site, and hopefully, the blogger/website manager. A person or business is more likely to value a guest post from someone they have at least a general relationship with, so interacting with him and his readers prior to discussing a guest post goes a long way.
Develop ideas for possible topics that would provide value to that person or website.
After reviewing content and getting a feel for what readers value, I can start to develop ideas for possible articles I could write as a guest post. Once I have a list of several ideas, I will be able to present thoughtful and researched articles to the other person or website.
Write a pitch.
Once I have established a relationship with the blogger or website, and have created quality pieces that I believe can benefit the other site’s readers, I will craft a professional, yet friendly, pitch letter to reach out to the blogger or website manager about the possibility of providing a guest post.
I admit the concept of asking someone to allow me to write for them is a bit intimidating, especially if that person already has a large platform. However, in order to accomplish my writing goals, developing relationships with those already doing what I want to do will be a huge advantage. I want to thank them for their influence on my development by providing their readers with additional value.
In the meantime, if you write about creativity, writing or career development, feel free to shoot me an idea if you’re looking to do a guest post.
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