How to Write A Guest Post Pitch That Gets Accepted Every Time

Guest posting is generally creating content and eventually publishing it on the website of another person. It is frequently done to create more visibility for a company in the online space.

On the business front, guest posting is advantageous.

This is because it increases the number of people advertising content on a website. Thus, the business reaches new audiences and new clients.

It also increases the online authority of you as the guest post writer and also the business in the online space.

Guest posting, in a way, also builds your freelance writing portfolio. This is especially so with those who are just starting out. Well, gaining visibility will be a challenge for any newbie out there and this might dampen their spirits.

However, guest posting is a smart strategy to build your freelance experience. Strategically choose blogs that are popular with your target audience and start guest posting there.

If you are one of the veteran freelancers and you think you have been doing mainstream writing for too long, then try out guest posting. This will provide a break from your normal routine and you'll be trying new ventures so to speak.

However, the challenge that arises is writing a guest post pitch that gets accepted every time. For all freelancers out there, you can all attest to the fact that it takes an enormous amount of effort to capture the attention of most editors. It is always a situation that resembles the splitting of hairs.

Regardless of the above, we all have to take cognizance of the important role of setting a captivating pitch. A captivating pitch will see to it that you don’t only get noticed, but also get legitimacy and approval to write the post.

Before you embark on writing a guest post, there are important aspects you should consider.

1. Outline Your Individual Purpose

It is important that you figure out why you want to pitch for a guest post. Is it so as to get high-end clients? Or just a means of breaking off from conventional writing?

Whatever the reason, you have to point out the specific purpose as to why you are doing so.

You also have to consider how to make your story unique from others.

2. Identify the Right Sites

After identifying the main reason you want to write a guest post, the next task is to identify the right sites.

The guiding factor will be in your area of interest or the line of business that you are in.

Also, the target audience will play a major role in the determination of the right site.

3. Familiarize Yourself with the Site and the Guest Posting Guidelines

This will give you a rough idea of what the editor expects. It will help you prepare yourself accordingly as per the set-out guidelines. Thus, make a point of visiting the website and reviewing the guidelines.

Ignoring this would ultimately spell doom for you as it may imply to the editor that you cannot follow basic instructions. It will also imply disinterest on your part.

We also do not have to mention the impact it will have on your chances of being chosen by the editor to write the guest post.

4. Pick a Topic of Interest

The topic you choose should have a direct relation with what is being posted on the site. It should also be relevant as far as the target audience is concerned.

If you think you can write what you feel like and actually think that you could go contrary to this, well, we all know what will happen or let’s just say your chances to write the guest post will be like looking for snowballs in hell. A sure way on how to make your story unique is by choosing a unique topic of interest.

For a fact, there is nothing like the perfect pitch. However, there is an ideal pitch that would get your guest post accepted. Let’s consider some characteristics of an ideal pitch

5. Give a Strong Introduction

As a writer, you have to explain who you are and what you do. This will enable the one reviewing your guest post to discern as to whether you are indeed qualified as far as the content you are going to pitch is concerned.

It is also vital to mention past contacts with the editor.

The main aim here is to make a real connection with the editor. Let him/her know that you are indeed a person that matters. This will make the editor conclude that you are better placed to understand what the readers are looking for since you have a connection with him/her, perhaps a direct or indirect one.

6. Give Compliments

You should in a sense say what you actually mean, and actually mean what you say.

What I'm actually getting at is that you should be real with the editor. If you sincerely like the work that he/she is doing, then compliment them accordingly.

Give credit where it's due and as far as positioning yourself better is concerned, reach out to those blogs that you sincerely respect.

This will enable you to truly convey your thoughts and feelings, and any form of flattery in your pitch will be genuine.

7. Outline Your Purpose of Writing

This is done after introducing yourself. It generally entails giving a clear statement of why you are writing.

It is standard procedure, and it shows that you are courteous. It is important to note that this should be done right before you start pitching. It will help the editor to get into the right mindset.

Point out that you are cognizant of the fact that the editor accepts guest posts and thus you are reaching out to do so. This will put the right impression in the mind of the editor as he/she will note that you actually read their blogs.

8. Root for Your Article

This is, in essence, gathering up support for your article in the face of the editor and the readers too.

This requires an explanation as to why readers will love the article.

Give a sneak preview of the guest post. Of course, it should be detailed, brief and concise. Anything contrary will spell doom as the editor may just brush you off.

9. Mention and Share Your Masterpieces

After rooting for your article, share some of your completed works.

You can do this by posting links to your works. The editor will visit some of the links just to get a glimpse of your capabilities. If they also happen to be in top blogs then you are better placed.

This will also serve as an extension of gathering support for your capability as a writer.

10. Conclude By Asking Directly For What You Want

Editors are busy people and many at times have a lot on their plate. You don’t want to come off as a person who is adding more to this ‘plate’. Thus, you should be as direct as you could be. Refrain from beating around the bush. Get to the point.

This enables an editor to know how they will respond to your request in the quickest time possible. On the contrary, if you are not direct, the editor may have a hard time getting to know your intentions. As such, they may postpone responding to your request.

Here’s an example of a direct inquiry: “Would this article be ideal for your blog?” or “Kindly let me know if my post would be ideal for your blog and I’ll start working on it.’’

11. Have Courtesy

It’s important to sign off on a friendly note, especially if you have a connection with the editor.

You can actually sign off this way: “Cheers” or “Thanks a bunch, I’m looking forward to your feedback”

This will instill a picture in the mind of the editor that you are looking for a long-term relationship.

Guest contribution by: Lori Wade a freelance content writer who is interested in a wide range of spheres from entrepreneurship to online marketing. If you are interested in writing, you can find her on Twitter or Google+ or find her in other social media. Read and take over Lori’s useful insights!