Written by Danica on 12.31.2015

The Etiquette of Guest Blogging

In blogging, the first thing to keep in mind is that your blog is your domain. When I say your “domain”, I’m not referring to your url; I’m referring to your own space. It’s kind of like your home is your own custom space in your neighborhood. Well, the Worldwide Web is one big huge […]

When we enter the realm of guest blogging, we are essentially entering someone else’s space. Writing a guest post for another blog is good for you; we’ve discussed the reasons why you want to submit guest blogs to other sites. But when you engage in this practice, you want to use proper etiquette in order to build lasting results-oriented relationships. Think of your guest blog opportunities as such: your friend who owns a nice house in a nice neighborhood is having a party where all of their nice friends are coming. This friend has invited you to meet and talk with all of his friends freely. You have been given an honorable position here and should thus take it seriously.

Alright, let’s get to the nitty gritty of what it means to take the honor of guest blogging seriously. First of all, it is expected that any “home” will have its own “house rules”. By the same token, every blog you post on will have certain rules. If you have done your due diligence and researched the blog where you wish to guest post, you will likely be familiar with the rules of the site. You will have reviewed the existing content and noticed the overall theme and use of language, etc. You will have noticed if other guest bloggers are promoting their site through links in their article or if they are promoting through an author bio box.

First rule of thumb: Follow the House Rules

As we discussed in reasons you want to be a guest blogger, there is something in it for you. Clearly, we as humans do things because we get something out of it. So to say you should be more interested in giving as a guest blogger than in getting sounds a little contradictory. However, the point to this rule of thumb is to offer high quality content and information to the readers of another blog. Don’t be overly promotional and don’t overtly lead readers into leaving comments on your posts. Remember the old saying “Do Unto Others” and make this your mantra for guest blogging. Post in a way that you would want someone to post on your site….because in time, they will!

Second rule of thumb: Give without Expectations

Guest blogging is about giving and receiving, no doubt. Part of guest blogging is to deliver without expecting to earn the whole of the readership of the blog you’re posting on. You may walk away with nothing more than a link (and a bit more experience, which is priceless). The key word in this rule of thumb is “deliver”. When accepted as a guest blogger, be careful to promise on what you can deliver with a clear head. The last thing you want is to promise more than what you are capable of. In doing so, you hurt yourself the most in the long run.

Third rule of thumb: Deliver on your Promises

There are nuances to guest blogging that one learns over time. These tips for guest blogging are a few of the most important things to keep in mind as you travel down the pathway to the party at your friend’s house. Don’t be a wallflower!

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