If you want to build a name for yourself in the marketing or business industries, guest posting is a great way to start. Aside from the obvious benefits (we’ll get to them in a while), guest posting also helps you hone your writing skills and expand your network. While it’s hard to calculate the ROI of these things, they are valuable without a doubt.
Before we dig into the websites, let’s take a quick look at why you should bother with guest posting in the first place.
Top Benefits of Guest Posting
- Get backlinks to your website
- Increase your authority in your field. When your name pops on a lot of websites where you author articles, your reputation gets an instant boom.
- Get new clients. I can testify to this firsthand: every time one of my articles gets published on SiteProNews or on another website where I contribute, my marketing agency instantly gets 2-10 inquiries.
- Get more social media followers. Most websites will allow you to add links to your social profiles in your bio and that’s a great way to expand your network.
How to Create the Perfect Pitch for Your Guest Post
The fact that all the websites below accept guest posts doesn’t mean yours will automatically be published. In fact, most articles don’t get accepted, especially on top websites that always have strict editorial guidelines.
Here’s what to keep in mind if you want your pitch not to end up in the trash folder of the editor’s email box:
- Know who you’re talking to. Most websites that accept guest posts publish the names of their editors. If you have your eyes set on such a website, spend some time on LinkedIn or Twitter, even connect with the editor if possible. You will find that they often post about what they like/dislike about guest post pitches and that they go into more detail than the official guidelines. This will give you excellent insights into how to approach them. If you really want to succeed, do more than connecting with them: like and/or comment on a few of their posts (make it relevant!) so when your name pops into their inbox it’ll look familiar.
- Do your research. Don’t pitch just…anything. Make sure you understand which topics and which formats the editors prefer. Some websites rave about “how-to” articles, while other prefer storytelling. Similarly, some editors prefer to see the full article from the first email, while others will ask you for an outline first. Also, make sure you don’t pitch a topic that’s been extensively covered in the past. The search button on the website is your best friend!
- Don’t put all your eggs in a single basket. In other words, don’t pitch a single topic. Offer two or three choices. Any more than that is too much and will take up too much of the editor’s time to review.
- Add your portfolio. In your pitch, add a few links (again, no more than two or three) to some of your best pieces on some of the most respected websites in the field. If you have really BIG names in your portfolio, lead with that. Any editor would love to add an already famous name to their list of contributors.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s see the list.
10 Marketing Websites to Pitch Guest Posts to
One final note before digging into the list: don’t pitch the same article to ALL these websites. Certain topics or approaches might fit more than one, but they will definitely not be a great fit for all the websites here. As is the case with any marketing tactic, personalize as much as you can (without getting creepy!)
1. SiteProNews
You definitely know SiteProNews since you are reading this, but have you ever considered guest posting yourself? You can submit articles on (almost!) any business-related topic.
I’ve been a regular contributor here for quite some time now and I love the friendly editorial approach. You’ll love the whole process, so give it a shot. But not before you read the editorial guidelines, of course!
2. G2
G2 is an excellent option, especially if you’re in the XaaS space. They are the name of the game in this industry, so you’ve got nothing to lose.
Based on my personal experience, the editors are strict, but always fair. You’ve got a real shot if you can write well and if you truly have something interesting to say. Editorial guidelines here.
3. Entrepreneur
You’ve definitely heard of this one, right? Everyone who’s anyone has had an article published there or has at least been quoted. Luckily, you don’t have to be Elon Musk to see your name on entrepreneur.com.
However, this doesn’t mean it will be easy. As you can imagine, they are quite selective with their contributors and it will take some time to get your article accepted. More details here.
4. Thrive Global
Not all big names are tough on their contributors. Thrive Global is an excellent choice, especially if you have an inspirational story to post. It’s not all business – more on the personal journey side, but it’s always good to diversify your portfolio.
I published my own story about entrepreneurship on Thrive Global almost three years ago and I still use it in my portfolio because it’s been very well-received.
It’s super easy to post – just create an account and submit your post for approval directly into their CMS. Approval also happens quite fast. Full editorial guidelines here.
5. Business2Community
You can contribute a fresh piece of content or syndicate your existing content on Business2Community. If you choose the former, I suggest you write about something that’s newsworthy or news-related. Your own perspective of a newly released feature of Instagram or Google will get you in through the door. Check out the guidelines here.
6. Mention
Are you a social media expert? If so, Mention is the place to guest blog for. They are a social media listening tool, so you’ll get extra credit if you have your own take on this.
You can find the full guidelines here.
7. Digital Novas
You can pitch articles on social media, content writing, copywriting, SEO, and more on Digital Novas. Pro tip: pitch three to five topics in your email or contact form.
Check out their Write for Us page here.
8. Content Marketing Institute
CMI is not exactly easy to get published on. But it will be worth your while. If you live and breathe content marketing, you should definitely try and get an article published here. Since anyone in the industry knows it’s not easy to get featured on CMI, your reputation will get a significant boost if you succeed.
You won’t succeed without carefully reading their editorial guidelines, though, so here they are.
9. GoDaddy Blog/Garage
GoDaddy has a popular blog and you could get your article featured there relatively easily. Better yet, you can even get paid for it – they accept contributions from both freelancers and guest writers. My personal experience with guest posting for them was quite pleasant, although not fast! But that’s to be expected with a website their size!
Check out the topics they prefer and the writers’ guidelines.
10. Social Media Examiner
As the name suggests, this is an excellent website to write for if you are a social media expert. However, social media is a VERY vast topic, so make sure you really know your stuff before pitching.
Pro tip: they prefer topics about how small or medium-sized businesses use social media. More guidelines here.
One final piece of advice: if you are new to guest posting and you don’t have a strong portfolio (yet!) don’t start with the big guns. Start small, with more niche websites and work your way up to the likes of Entrepreneur or Forbes. Good luck!
