Welcome to What’s On Your Mind – a place to share your thoughts on issues near and dear to a blogger’s heart! Each week, I’ll select a topic and post a few questions for discussion. To participate, just leave your response in the comments!
This Week’s Topic: Guest Posting, Guest Hosting
Have you ever been invited to write a guest post for another blog and wondered if you should consider the offer?
Have you thought about featuring guest bloggers on your site but weren’t sure how to proceed?
This week, it’s time to share your thoughts and experiences with guest posting (where you write a post for someone else’s blog) and guest hosting (where you publish someone else’s article on your blog)! I’ve read about the pros and cons of each, and heard about cases where things go both well and poorly. What's your take on the topic?
I’m happy to report that my experiences have been positive so far. As a matter of fact, I’ll be featuring my first guest blogger this weekend, so be sure to stop by. You'll not only learn some fabulous tips on improving your blog, but you'll also see a winning guest post in action!
Now it’s your turn to share. The official questions are below, but as always, you are welcome to discuss anything that is relevant to this topic.
Have a fabulous day - I look forward to reading your thoughts!
Questions
1. Have you ever considered writing a Guest Post for another blog? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever considered featuring a Guest Post on your blog? Why or why not?
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Hmm...I've never done either. I've been featured on other blogs before but no official guest posting. I guess I didn't ever really see why people did it, other than for fun...what do you think are the pros?
ReplyDeleteI found you through thirsty thursday, I'm hosting a weekly saturday linky if you wanted to add it to your blog hopping list! I'd love for you to stop by and link up :)
Hi Candace
ReplyDeleteThere are several reasons bloggers write guest posts for other blogs:
1) They want to grow their audience or expand their reach.
2) They want to promote their blog, themselves, or a product or service.
3) They want to establish or build credibility by associating with an established blogger.
4) They have a great idea for an article that doesn’t really match their niche.
5) They have more material than they can currently publish on their blog.
6) They are trying to build their links to establish or increase their page rank.
7) They’ve been invited and want to establish goodwill with the invitee!
IF this fits into the marketing strategy for your blog – IF you are willing to take the time to write a well researched, UNIQUE article that is well suited (in terms of subject matter, style, etc., for the blog you are submitting it too) – than by all means, give it a try! Many bloggers, like myself, would welcome a well thought out query and article!
However, if you don’t have the time to do it – if you don’t feel the need to do so – etc – that’s perfectly fine too! I wish I was able to participate in more of the opportunities I receive. At the end of the day, however, we each have to decide what is the best use of our time based on our goals and priorities for our blogs!
Thanks so much for letting me know about your party – I will do my best to check it out! :-)
Wow!
ReplyDeleteYou gave lots of good reasons! I never thought about it much before. I have been featured on other blogs, though.
Hi Ramona ~ Furry First Friday is up. :) I nearly forgot with everything going on. It'll be up throughout the weekend. Hope you'll link up.
ReplyDeleteI've never done either. I don't write anything "serious" enough to guest blog and I have just never asked anyone to guest blog on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI have done both. My experiences have been mostly good, so far. If you accept the offer to guest post on someone's blog, don't flake out. Stand by your commitment. Write an intelligent, unique post. That is what will intrigue people to come visit you. Tutorials will pull more people to your site than a general overview. At least that has been my experience.
ReplyDeleteIf you invite guest posters to your blog, make sure you have clearly defined the expectations you have. Always have a back up post. Most times, people don't mean to flake out; but, life is busy and things get forgotten. Even if your posters don't mean to leave you hanging, you will be no less up the creek without a paddle, so to speak. Always have a back up and hope you don't need it.
When we moved in April, it was incredibly nice to have people post things on my site while I was 'out of commission'. It made my site stay current, even if some of the posts were more fluffy features and reposts than nitty gritty tutorials and ideas.
When you start out, do guest posting and hosting for fun. It will make it a lot easier to do and you'll get the hang of the technicalities while still enjoying it. If it stresses you out, don't do it. If you need to back out, let the host know ASAP so they can make adjustments.
I am part of a blog that features 4 moms so guest writers have never been talked about with us since we have 4 writers.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, I think it would be interesting to guest blog for someone. I never thought about it but I enjoy writing a lot and that would be why I would do it.
I do think it's interesting to read blogs and then see guest posts from others. Sometimes people think of topics that the owners never would have thought to write about.
Stopping by from the Alexa Hop.
Liz @ www.allinonemom.co
I had forgotten about Furry First until I saw the comment above. OK- it's a weird day. Looking at your blog I only could read a half post. Bottom of screen was dark blue with white stars. Very nice but could not read through it.
ReplyDeleteGuest posting: - I think it is a great idea. It does all the things you mentioned, building links, finding new readers, builds goodwill, and can be a nice change of pace for the regular readers if not done too often. I know people who do it when they are on vacation or need a break, just so readers do not drift off to another blog. We are creatures of habit. If your regular content is not available readers will look elsewhere.
I know some blogs do it once a week. That is fine as long as the content matches the needs of the regular readers. If I go to a crafting blog and see a guest post about finance I may not bother. If I go to a sewing blog but the guest post is on a different type of crafting I will continue to read. I'll even read a guest post trying to subtly sell me something if the subject manner and way it is presented is interesting. If I trust the blog owner the guest post holds more credibility to me.
I have not done any because life is hectic and I am not even doing my own blog as I desire.
I have guest posted, It is a wonderfully happy thing to be asked to do, like going for brunch without the food LOL
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have the traffic to ask a guest to blog for me...someday :)
In a way when we link to other blogs this is a type of guesting as we are promoting someone else.
I have guest posted on another blog in hopes of getting more followers. I didn't get any. It was very disheartening.
ReplyDeleteThough I am wanting some guest posters while I am on vacation since I won't have as much time to write posts.
Hi Becca
ReplyDeleteYou don't necessarily need to be a "serious" writer to guest blog, per se (although you should obviously put your best foot forward if you are going to submit a post for someone else). I think a more important way to look at it is assessing what you CAN provide and finding a blog that is a good match for your talents.
For instance, I visited your blog and I saw that one of your interests is cooking. Based on your current blog posts, you could consider submitting a unique recipe, cooking tips, or menu planning tips to a food related blog - just an idea of how to match what you're already doing with what's out there!
A crafter could create a special project to share on a crafting blog. A Wordless Wed participant could share their best photography tips - or their photography challenges - on a niche blog.
Guest posting isn't for everyone - but don't rule yourself out because you aren't "serious" enough! :-)
I have and I have helped out vacationing bloggers.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Friday!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2011/06/dazed-and-confused-and-looking-for-chocolate/
Krista
ReplyDeleteThank you for your FABULOUS feedback! One of the things I want to emphasize (you mentioned it, I mentioned it, but I want to make sure everyone is picking up on it) is that a guest post needs to be UNIQUE content. Google penalizes for duplicate posts and content - so be sure that whatever you are writing / receiving is NEW!
I also agree that it is important, if you are working with guest posters, to define your expectations. Many blogs who regularly seek or use guests posters have clear guidelines posted on their blogs for this very reason! I would LOVE to get to this place as I would DEFINITELY love to feature guests from time to time, but haven't had the time to do so - if you're in my boat, another alternative is to contact bloggers directly who's style and interest match your own and ask them if they would be interested. By prescreening them yourself - particularly if you've been reading and following them for awhile - you increase the chances your experience and outcome will be positive! :-)
HI Liz,
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear more about your multi-teamed blog! I have seen a few like that in my travels and think that if you have the right team it could work well! :-)
You also make a great point - a guest writer can add new perspective and fresh insight to a blog!
Hi Dogsmom
ReplyDeleteSorry you had trouble seeing my blog this morning! I am planning on moving to WordPress soon and hopefully things will run more smoothly then! :-)
You make some great points about the cons of guest posting. A good thing done well - in moderation - is a plus. Too much of a good thing, however, and you lose your voice on your own blog!
Hi Fuegita
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing - I'm sorry your guest posting experience didn't live up to your expectations. Don't give up. Success is not always measured in numbers. It's nice to gain new followers but even if you didn't:
* Did you make a new contact with the blog host?
* Did you gain exposure to new readers?
* Did you improve your writing?
* Did you learn something new during the process?
I would objectively assess what you think worked - what didn't - and focus on coming up with a new strategy the next time round! :-)
Hi! I'm already a follower and am now an email subscriber via Feed Me Friday!
ReplyDeleteI promote guest blog on BloggerBroadcast.com, and all for it. It is good for many reasons and you've listed them here. :-)
ReplyDeleteFollowing from the weekend blog hop! Tina @ Tech Tools 4 Mom
ReplyDelete1) Yes, I've written guest posts for a few different blogs. Mainly because it helps draw traffic and I'm typically a fan of the blog that hosts me.
2) I've accepted guest posts on different blogs I've run. I think it is important to network with others within your niche and give your readers a new perspective.
i have been a guest blogger a couple of times. the idea was initially fun because you usually have a few requirements to meet, which makes it challenging. but i found that it is actually quite stressful, lol! still enjoyed it and would do it again!
ReplyDeletefollowing thru the finding new friends hop.
my blog is mainly a style blog, but i also love food and all things fun and crafty :)
rockoomph.blogspot.com
@rockoomph
All good reasons listed here . Hugs and happy Friday
ReplyDeleteThis is something I have considered so it is an interesting post. I am a new follower from the blog hop. Have a lovely evening.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mccormickmadness.com
Hi, thanks for the hop. I'm your newest follower :) Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteI'd love for you to stop by if you have time:
http://gooeyhandsnmomscrafts.blogspot.com/2011/04/wednesday-hops.html
http://whisperedthoughtsbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/04/blog-hop-question.html
I've been invited but didn't think I had the skills to deliver something read worthy and traffic worthy.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've been offered but declined for now.
ALoha!
Stopping by from the blog hop. I'm your newest follower! Would love a follow back!
ReplyDeleteI always follow back. Just leave a comment telling me what you followed on and I’ll return the love.
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I'm following from the blog hop. I hope you'll follow back at http://sonyashappenings.com
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Guest posting, guest hosting, both are great in my opinion ... as is this G post! Blessings :)
ReplyDeleteI have submitted a few guest posts and am thinking about offering my first guest host this Summer. I think it is a great way to share fresh ideas and get new eyes on each others' blogs. As long as each person is responsible and meets the others' expectations (which requires some good communication!) I think it's fun all around.
ReplyDeleteHiiii, found you through the blog hop & I'm your newest follower! I've never participated in guest hosting but would like to do that as I grow my blog. ;) xoxo!
ReplyDeleteI've done both, several times. I think that it is a great way to help out your blogging friends and get more exposure for your own blog. I used to have A Fabulous Food Friday slot on my blog every week. I would help my friends find new readers and get some great recipes in return. :)Thanks for joining us for our Spotlight Saturday Blog Hop. I'm already a follower! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteyes I have done it a lot. I helps a lot with SEO but is sooo time consuming! I love guest bloggers too.
ReplyDeleteNow on our community we have it to where if you post your blog post under our blog section we tweet it and post it to facebook. It's a win/win. People come to my site, you get your SEO tags in, and people go to your site. So it's kind of like Guest posting but you don't have to come up with new material lol
Mandie
http://time4mommy.com
I have done both, and have been happy with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for participating in last week’s Wednesday Window @ Frugality Is Free. I hope you’ll stop by to link up your favorite blog post this week as well.
Wow. Another great subject to ponder. I've done one quest post and a lot of links to posts that I'vefound compelling.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I don't do this.
I will definitely give it some thought, though.
Thanks for linking up. You really do make me think about my blog.
Thank you for that.
A+
I've done both. For me, the point of guest blogging was for further exposure and challenging myself to write for a new audience and with a strict deadline. Getting posts written ahead is a struggle for me, but when I know someone is waiting for me to follow through, I'm much more likely to get it done early.
ReplyDeleteI've also had some guest posters during difficult family times. For instance, my husband was overseas for two weeks about a year ago. Knowing I'd be busy with the kids, I lined up several posters to have a break about 2x a week. Again, good exposure for the blog and a great chance to network with other bloggers.
I have done a couple of guest blogs and it was fun. Thanks for linking up to the NOBH glad to have you join us
ReplyDelete