It’s written if you want to get your name “out there”, guest post on a popular blog.
And that’s true.
When the visitors of the host blog read your post, they may click through to read and maybe subscribe to yours.
In many ways it’s a win-win.
The blog author of the host blog gets a break, and the guest writer gains more attention.
Today’s Lesson
I’ve had other bloggers guest post on this blog, it has always gone well and I used the extra time to work behind the scenes, or to complete pending projects.
I also see it as a way of giving back to blogosphere. If I can help another blogger gain more readers, I feel I’m paying it forward.
However, what I see happening on some of blogs, is the comment counts appear a lot lower than when the host author publishes a post.
So I ask…
Are visitors less apt to read and comment on a guest post?
Are those who are loyal to the blog author, only interested in hearing from the blog author and not someone they are not familiar with?
Could choosing the wrong guest writer hurt the host blog?
What if what is shared in the post isn’t accurate? Whose responsibility is that?
If it’s agreed the comments will be answered by the guest writer, and they drop the ball, then what? Should the host author step in?
In the event a disagreement arises and the guest author is attacked, how should that be handled?
And, if it’s a blog with an active comment section, should both the guest writer AND the host blogger be answering the comments?
Whenever I’ve had a guest writer on this blog, before I accept a post, I let the guest writer know they will be responsible for answering the comments. I view the guest writer as a “substitute teacher” and just like in the real world of school, they have “students” counting on them.
Today’s Assignment
If you land on one of your favorite blogs and see a guest post, do you read it or just move on?
Do you have guest posters on yours? Or do you guest post on other blogs?
What have your experiences been?
Care to share?
~Barbara.
P.S. If you’re interested in sharing a blogging lesson with the readers of this blog and would like to be a ‘substitute teacher” (guest writer), just raise you hand and let me know.
It depends on the topic and content, I guess. I am indeed less likely to read guest posts, because while I already know I care (at least somewhat to be subscribed) about the blogger’s opinion, I don’t know if I care about the guest blogger’s opinion. If my friend tells me “I love this movie!”, I would ask “Oh yeah? Why? What’s it about?” If my friend tells me “My uncle loves this movie!”, I would not care as much. If my friend tells me “My uncle’s cousin’s father’s neighbor has an opinion on this movie!”, I probably don’t really give a damn.
I think it has a lot to do with the little introduction made by the blogger too. It’s like being introduced to someone new. If they say “Hey, this is my best friend Josh from college that was visiting from Louisiana”, I would care a lot more than a “Hey, this is some guy that I just met.”
Hi Kelvin,
You bring up an excellent point. Often it’s the introduction that entices us to read on. I don’t know about you, but I’ve landed on blogs where there’s no introduction and unless I look carefully, I assume it’s another article by the blog author. If I do miss it’s a guest post, I end up looking pretty silly when I direct a comment to the host author and not the guest writer.
Kelvin you hit every point I was about to type in your comment. It is all in the blog owner’s ability to sell their guest post just as they would sell their own post. That’s what grabbed their followers attention in the first place.
It also has a lot to do with the topic that the guest post focuses on. I don’t love every topic in every blog that I follow, but if I read something that catches my eye I keep reading! No matter if it is from a guest poster or not!
Hi Heather,
I agree. If the topic is of interest to me, I’ll read it and probably comment, as well. It really comes down to content, doesn’t it?
Hi Barbara
Guest posts – and it’s a no from me.
Why? Because it’s a bit like saying “sorry but I’ve run out of ideas.” or even worse “I can’t be bothered.”
I know that’s not always the case because the guest may have specialist knowledge that we all want to read about, but I usually visit a blog to read what the blog owner has to say.
Hi Keith,
I like your honesty. Although that’s not always the case (Sorry, but I’ve run out of ideas), it does appear some bloggers rely heavily on guest posts instead of sharing their own knowledge.
Hi Barbara,
Very interesting topic! I do guest post, and I do have host authors guest post on my site, too. I would say that, in general, comments are usually lower when another author guest posts on my site. (although not always) There was one time when I suspected that there could have been some negative feedback to the host author, and we discussed ahead of time (I very much believed in her message, and wanted her to know that I would support her through it all – and in the end, everything was neutral or very positive). I’ll sometimes reply a couple of times in the comments section, although I typically leave that to the host author.
What I personally love about have guests on my site – is that I get to know them more personally, just in our preparation for the post. And I find that to be a real gift!
Regarding when I visit another site and it has a guest post up – it will depend upon the content of the article (which, for good or bad, I base upon the title and maybe the first couple of sentences).
Hi Lance,
Funny you should mention how you guest post, as I just read one of yours on a blog I had never visited before. (Great post, by the way).
You’re right about getting to know the guest writer better during the preparation process. A lot is happening behind the scenes with regard to expectations, etc, which also helps in writing a good description of the guest writer.
Well, I have to say that your guest posting has worked here. I read them and maybe not commented on all of them but sure tried to.
I have tried it out and it has not been as successful. I got no comments but the post was still read by many. So, to me, do what feels right for you at the moment. You have a 50-50 chance of success.
Thank you Linda,
That’s true. Some guest posts don’t work out. Although others may read, they may not feel comfortable corresponding with someone they’ve never “met”.
Been blogging for two years now, and I have not once, ever guest-posted. I’ve just never been asked…
But that’s okay. I don’t think my writing style or topics of discussion would be welcome at 99% of the blogs I visit, anyway. 🙂
A wee reminder here – I asked you to guest post on biking architect and you shared you post about how to drive ecologically minded folks crazy….I know that post netted you at least 4 regular readers – although I have found architects and engineers never seem to leave comments. The Architect from St. Lewis who loves your posts and cartoons is always emailing me copies of ones that he thinks are hilarious. Which I think is quite funny 🙂
Ohhh..that’s right.
I FORGOT about that one. 🙂
Hi Friar,
What I’ve found is most of the time, it’s the person who wants to do a guest post who contacts the host blog author, and it’s not necessarily an invitation.
I guest posted once and when I did, Cath Lawson and I decided to “trade” guest posts on the same day.
I haven’t had quality guest posts submitted to my blog yet. In general I find the quality just isn’t there, so that’s a reason not to have them.
But as a reader I have no problem with guest posts. On the blogs I subscribe to they’re usually good quality.
Hi Katrina,
I think some niches are harder to write for than others. Plus, I think it’s important the guest writer has similar beliefs. If we were to have publish a guest post which goes completely against what we’ve built our blog on, it could easily shake up our loyal readers.
I agree. Most guest posts are of good quality.
Great topic! I always feel as if I get fewer readers/commenters on guest posts and it makes me hesitant to put them on my site, but I love to promote new bloggers and to share the insights of others.
Hi Dani,
I’d think if your desire is to help promote new bloggers, (which mine is too), even though your reader counts may drop on those days, know you’re helping others gain attention. It all balances out in the end.
I’ve only ever guest posted here – Thanks Barbara! I’m not sure if if drove up my subscription numbers at all but it was a fun experience and created much discussion. I must say that I really enjoyed the whole process.
I have had three guest posters for my Teaching Tip Tuesday feature and they have been amazing. I’m looking for other teachers to jump in and offer a great tip, lesson, or resource as well.
Myself, I read my favourite blogs every day and that includes guest posts. I wouldn’t click away from a blog simply because someone else has penned it that particular day.
I think guest posts can be a great thing as long as they are not overdone. I’d hate to see a blog become mostly guest posts. The occasional one, or perhaps even a weekly one woudl be fine though.
You’re welcome Chase,
I’m happy to hear you had a pleasant experience when you guest posted here.
I know what you’re saying. Some bloggers over do it with guest posts. If it’s a blog that’s set up that way (with guest posters only) that’s one thing, but when a blogger turns their blog over to others for long periods of time, it can lose it’s appeal.
Oooo, Barbara. You ask so many intriguing questions here that I can’t even read the other comments right now (like I usually do) because I am frightened I will forget all my thoughts! 🙂
First, I do very much believe in the power of the guest post: it’s a win-win for all parties … at least … most of the time.
But I’d like to answer a few of the questions you posed:
Are visitors less apt to read and comment on a guest post? Are those who are loyal to the blog author, only interested in hearing from the blog author and not someone they are not familiar with? I think this really depends on the nature of the post. If the blog author has done a good job of choosing a guest post-er, then he or she should have chosen someone whose writing style and content appeal to their regular readers. That said, I have seen some “disastrous” guest posts where the blog author has NOT chosen well, and the transition is just too jarring. If I am one of the readers who experiences this, I do not comment.
Could choosing the wrong guest writer hurt the host blog? YES!
If it’s agreed the comments will be answered by the guest writer, and they drop the ball, then what? Should the host author step in? I think this again goes back to choosing your guest post-ers wisely and making sure that they are well aware of the role they are meant to take in responding to their posts. Word of wisdom: When choosing a guest post-er, consider how well he or she responds to his/her own readers.
And, if it’s a blog with an active comment section, should both the guest writer AND the host blogger be answering the comments? I think this depends upon the nature of the post and the nature of the comments. I find it quite comforting when the blog author of one of my favorite blogs chimes in with the guest post-er occasionally. I don’t think, though, that the blog author should be the preeminent figure on those days, though. Comments are one of the primo ways that readers/commenters can interact with the post-er and get a real for his/her personality outside of the post.
If you land on one of your favorite blogs and see a guest post, do you read it or just move on? This depends. I recently found a blog through a guest post that this author had written on one of my “regular” blogs. I got excited about this “new” face and what I had read, so I subscribed to this guest post-er’s own blog. Much to my dismay, for the next month, it seemed like I every time a new post popped up in my reader, it wasn’t a “real post” at all. I got annoyed with it and unsubscribed. Lesson learned: Hosting guests is fine, but your reader wants to hear your voice loud and clear … and regularly.
Do you have guest posters on yours? Or do you guest post on other blogs? I have not had any guest post-ers yet because I took a lot of time away from my blog in the winter. I have felt it very important to reassert my voice on my blog and give my readers confidence in me before I begin entertaining guests again. That said, I have some big ideas planned for the summer and will, hopefully, be hosting quite a few new guests over the next few months in ways that I think my readers will love. As for me posting on other blogs, again I have been away for quite some time, but I am just beginning to do this again. It’s exciting!
RAISES HAND: Barbara I have an idea for a post on your site I’ve been thinking of for a while. Might we have a little tete-a-tete about it? Let me know. 🙂
Thank you for a thought-provoking post and the chance to comment (even if it is long-winded).
You’re welcome Chania Girl.
Thank you for elaborating on the questions. I like the point you raised about how a potential guest poster deals with comments on their own blog. That alone could be problematic. I know for this blog, those who comment want to know they’re being heard and if a guest writer ignored any of the comments, I’d be very upset.
Your comment about disastrous guest posts reminds me of one that was done on a big name blog. Some of those who commented brutally attacked the guest writer and the comment quickly started deteriorating. Soon it was all about attacking or defending the guest writer and the message of the post was lost.
P.S. I’ll be in touch with you and we’ll discuss your idea for a guest post. I’m intrigued. 🙂
Wow…
This comment was a guest post in itself! 🙂
I do read guest posts, but it has been my personal experience that my readers want to read my own writing.
Hi Vered,
It sounds like your know those in your community very well. When we’re aware our readers come to hear what WE have to say, it’s probably best not to use guest posts.
Hi Barbara.
People have contacted me to ask if they can guest post and sometimes, like this past month, I contacted people for a theme month. Two out of the four I asked submitted guest posts. In my experience anyway, people don’t wait to be asked. I’ve seen a lot of blogs that advertise for guest posters too. Lol, some people don’t need to guest post — they end up hijacking the comment section.
I’ve had a couple of requests this year. One was regarding a topic I didn’t feel was in line with what I publish on Shades of Crimson and the other, who I said yes to, still hasn’t submitted. I’ve found that comment counts are lower on guest posts and I too feel less inclined to read a guest post on a blog I read regularly. Funny.
When I read a specific blog it’s because I enjoy that blogger. I have to be in the ‘right’ mood or the topic has to intrigue me before I’ll read a guest post on a favourite blog. Still, I like to keep the door open for people to guest post.
Hi Davina,
That’s a fine line, isn’t it? When someone wants to submit a guest post and it doesn’t align with the message we’re trying to convey on our blog. Unfortunately for those, we’re better off being honest and saying “thanks, but no thanks.”
Hi Barbara – I’ve guest posted (here!) and have some pending requests “out there” for guest posts. I think if the subject matter is compelling, guest posting is great. J.D. Roth at Get Rich Slowly has a lot of guest posters, for example. My feeling is if a blogger I know and trust has invited a guest, the message is worthy. And really, it’s not about number of comments at that point. If we do everything with only exposure or reach in priority, that does things to the message.
Hi Betsy,
You’re right. It’s not just about the comments. Often it’s the message which will be shared online forever.
I know when you guest posted on my other blog, the comments were few, but it remains a post that continually gets traffic and the message about dealing with narcissists is helping many.
I’ve done 3 guest posts without very much success. No help for my end but rather help for the guest blog.
Don’t know about the other end of the chain because I’ve never received a guest post.
Hi Brad,
Thank you for sharing your results. Since I only guest posted once, I’m not sure if it helped or not. After three times though, it sounds like you have a good indication it wasn’t too beneficial for you.
Hi Barbara! I’m enlisting more than the usual in guest bloggers this summer because I’m up at the lake working on the rehab so these folks are my relief team. I don’t have problem with reading guest posts on other peoples blogs as long as they are interesting.
Hugs,
suZen
Hi Suzen,
Good point. When we have to be away from the blog for extended periods of time, having guests entertain our readers is a good way to keep the blog alive.
I had a number of guest posters when I went to UK for my birthday 3 weeks last year, because I was in the middle of my first year I felt that I needed to keep the blog active while I was gone. I did put up posts and did not answer comments.
Two of my guest posters brought in more comments and reads than I have ever had since and your lovely highlighting of my blog really got me a push to get subscribers – Thank you again.
I am working on establishing my voice, and I really love to be heard so I am not doing much in the way of guest posting right now.
When Library Girl posts the numbers go up too. I let IT Girl use the blog a couple of times for class assignments and she got good numbers.
Rather a mixed response for a good article.
I am having computer problems right now and that makes me feel rather unable to volunteer for extra duty…and hard pressed to think of what I could write about on your tech savvy spot here 🙂
You’re welcome Patricia,
That’s true. When we’re new to blogging, it’s important to establish our voice in blogosphere. I think if we’re too quick to turn our blogs over to guests early on, not only could our message be lost, but so could our readership.
Hello Barbara,
I definitely read guest posts and here’s why. If I am really into a blog, love the content and have come to trust the author, then I trust their judgment in choosing a guest that will have something valuable to say. =)
Hi Keith,
I hear you. Most blog authors won’t risk letting their readers down by allowing a guest post/writer share unless they feel the post will resonate with their community.
I also like when a guest writer puts a different spin on a topic and gets me to see “the other side”.
Personally, I enjoy reading guest posts. Generally, the guest poster and the blog owner are like-minded, so I an bank on reading something that keeps the flavor of the blog. Plus, you are spot on Barbara, I’ve found new blogs by reading guest posts.
Hi Colleen,
Yes. Most times the blog author and guest are like minded, so readers can expect the same quality of material, and it does help us to find new blogs to read.
P.S. I was on your site and love all of the changes you’ve made, including the blog posts. It’s a great way to incorporate your words with your business and show your potential clients that personal touch. Great job!
Hi Barbara,
I’m definitely a supporter of guest posting. In fact, it was guest posting on a popular blog which earned me my very first readers. I think it’s an excellent way for established bloggers to help beginners find their way and express their voice to a larger audience. I have guest posted twice on different blogs and the response to each post was brilliant.
I always read guests posts on people’s blogs because I am always looking to meet new bloggers and to experience new writing. I personally have never had guest posters on my blog but it is something I intend to do in the future.
Hi Sam,
I’m in total agreement. When a blogger has an established audience, opening up their blog to guest posters is a great way to help the new blogger who is just starting out.
Although some blogs may not be conducive to guest posts, many are.
For the most part it seems the topic will decide who’ll comment or not with a guest post. On my blog, most guest posts haven’t gotten much activity, yet one guest post is one of the most visited and commented on posts I’ve ever had. It just struck people the right way for some reason, and still does.
As for me, I don’t mind a guest post here and there, but I have to admit that when it seems like every other post is a guest post, like Problogger’s site these days, I tend to not read it as often, or to skip most of those posts, because I’d rather it be him, even though I understand how busy the guy gets.
The same goes for those blogs that have multiple writers such as Copyblogger, which might as well be renamed “Guest Blog Central”, since I have no real idea just how many different bloggers they have. The posts come fast and furious, and it’s too hard to keep up, and way too many diverse ways of writing styles for me.
Hi Mitch,
I never thought of that, but you’re right. When a blog publishes so many guest posts with each guest writer posting in their individual “style”, the blog can quickly lose it’s appeal as the blog author’s voice is becoming buried.
If i see the guest post on my favourite blogs, i will only decide to read it if the topic is interesting. I have many guest posters on my blog and also guest post on other blogs. It seems like good to both me and the guest poster. We got benefits from it.
Hi Kok Siong Chen,
Yes. Guest posting can be very beneficial to both the host blogger as well as the guest. From what you said, it sounds like your experience has been very positive.
Barbara,
I never go by the popularity of the blog or the fame of the person behind. Many times, popular bloggers write some philosophical and theoretical stuff that’s difficult to digest and based on the topics presented on the landing page, I might skip or continue – regardless of the popularity.
As for the guest posts, I have never done any guest posting on other blogs nor have I accepted any guest posts on my blog yet. Do I sound anti-social? 😀
Hi Ajith,
No. You don’t sound anti-social. I don’t know if it applies to you, but some bloggers are very possessive of their blogs and prefer not to use guest writers. I know I was that way in the beginning, but now I’m open to accepting guest posts.
And as for guest posting on other blogs, some enjoy it, others don’t. It’s really an individual choice.
I love guest posts. It’s a chance to sample another blogger’s writing before deciding whether or not I want to click on through to their blog. It’s kind of like listening to song samples on a website before deciding to buy a particular band’s CD.
I haven’t had guest posters on my blog yet because I’m concerned that it may just not be worth their while. You see, I would always want them to contribute writing that is as good as anything you’d see on their own blog… but I would also feel bad about them wasting it on mine because I just don’t have as many readers as they’d probably like.
Still, I look forward to the day when I just might be able to have Sara of A Sharing Connection guest on my blog. And Belinda of Halfway Point. And Jannie Funster. And Talon. And yourself, of course. And… and… there’s too many to name! I love ’em all! And what a real privilege it would be! 🙂
Oh, and I have guest posted once. It was a great experience. It was for the aforementioned Sara. She helped make the process as smooth and seamless as possible. And fun. And it was so gratifying to be afforded that privilege to appear on someone else’s blog! And, of course, I would do it again. 🙂
Hi Tony,
That’s a good point. When we read a guest post from someone we’re not familiar with, that’s a great way to evaluate if we want to click through and/or subscribe to another blog.
I’m glad you mentioned the concern about having someone guest post on your blog and you not feeling they’ll get the exposure you hope for. In the event you’re using a guest poster who has a good following and they let their readers know where to find them (their guest post), that can draw their readers to your blog, too. I don’t think it’s so much about how big a blog is, as it is opening your cyber home to your “friends”.
Hi Barbara .. guest posting – if I respect the author, then I probably will read the guest post .. and perhaps subscribe to their blog.
I have just been asked to do 2 guest posts – one on healing and one on how I got started .. so I’ll be bringing you in .. & I have some thoughts in utilising my own blog with my post as to how I got to where I am now (2nd of the two) ..
and I did one of Patricia’s Biking Architect – I enjoyed writing it .. and probably will do more (if she lets me – well she’s asked already) .. but I didn’t get any response .. but again it is an asset to add in to my asset base.
So watch this space …
It could be a good thing – you get seen a bit more around the blogosphere, you have an extra post, and you’re leaving your posting schedule as is .. ie not trying to squeeze extra posts into your own schedule, but not losing out as you’ve written it …. oh yes – I do have loads of prospective posts sitting here .. but 2 a week is enough for everyone to comment on – on my blog.
Commenting – I know I replied to all the comments, as did you, when I asked a question on your blog – so it wasn’t a guest post as such .. but I did feel a responsibility to everyone who kindly answered and commented.
I suppose another type of link in .. would be when asked to write a post .. eg Davina asked me to write about bumping into rhinos .. not literally thankfully – but enough to need to turn round and get away .. I posted on my blog – but perhaps a link across on her blog just for that week .. “I asked Hilary to write about rhinos – and she’s kindly done it ..” or some such phrase – that could be another approach?
& this is long .. sorreeeee … bye – have a good week .. Hilary
Hi Hilary,
No need to apologize for a long comment. What you shared is very valuable.
Like you said, there are ways we can help other bloggers even without using a guest post. Linking to each other is good if they’ve inspired us to write something.
I remember when you answered all of the comments on the post I did where I re-asked the question you asked me. The feedback was fabulous and I commend you for taking the time to address all of the responses.
Have a great week, too. 🙂
Barabara,
What I’ve learned about guest posts:
I expect traffic and comments will drop.
I used to give the guest the option of handling the comments, now I’m clear that they are responsible.
Whenever I’m approached, I give clear criteria for submission.
Regardless of numbers, I always enjoy having guest posters.
George
Hi George,
That’s smart to be clear and upfront with a guest writer with regard to the comments. If for some reason they don’t reply to those who comment, it shows your readers what to expect on their blog, as well.
(first time comment)
I agree with a few of the others. A guest writer doesn’t entirely put me off but I’m slightly less interested. As Keith said, depends a lot on context. Would probably be just as useful to have blog owner make a few comments and point people to the original post on the guest’s site.
Welcome Bill,
Yes. That’s always a good idea. If we’re guest posting on another blog, it helps to move traffic to the other blog if we publish even a short post stating where we can be found for the next day or two.
Barbara and everyone,
I’ve enjoyed the comments here and the interesting back-and-forth between the posters. Good food for thought.
I’m not at the point where I’d want a guest poster since I’m just getting PI up and running and establishing my own voice there. Maybe down the road a bit. As for reading others who guest post, I have no problem with it or leaving comments. There’s room for everyone! 🙂 This is why I feel it’s important to shine the light on others whose work/writing has influenced me.
Have a good week!
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
That’s true. When our blogs are new and we’re building our readership, it may be best to not use guest posters too soon. As our community builds, then we can start introducing them to those in blogosphere who we follow, who inspires us or open our space to an up and coming blogger.
I have to admit, if it’s a guest writer, I don’t usually read it. And, since I have actually written guest posts before, I guess that’s kind of a double standard. For me, at least, I don’t find that my readership really grows that much when I have guest posted in the past. Maybe it’s because the forumns I choose to guest at are so differenent from what I actually write about. In your case, I usually see what the topic is, but for the most part, it’s not you. I like to read what you have to say and I don’t read a lot of “how to blog” blogs so don’t have a lot of interest in adding more to my reader. However, I don’t really have a problem with blogs using guest posts because I think that some people could find something of interest in the post; it adds variety; and it does give the blogger a break!
Hi Debbie,
That can happen; where we don’t see the benefit of a guest post. Having said that though, it is a great way to get our name out there and to also show others we’re knowledgeable in other areas than just that which we blog about.
I know when I did my guest post on Cath’s blog, I got to write about being in business and that was fun since I don’t share my knowledge on that topic expect for in comments from time to time.
For me, I’m done with guest posts. They simply haven’t worked for me despite all the hours in making them even a lot more interesting than articles on my own blog.
The only thing which I’ve gained from them are dofollow backlinks back to my site but I can easily get those by commenting on dofollow blogs.
Till date, months after my best guest post has been written it has only gained me 25 referral traffic. Disappointing ain’t it? lol
Hi Udegbunam,
Thank you for sharing your story. And you’re right. Guest posts don’t necessarily help us gain readers although the potential is there.
I know what you mean about spending hours on a guest post. I think it’s harder to write a guest post than it is to write one on our own blog as we want everything to be perfect since we’re being exposed to a whole new audience.
I have not had too much success getting good guest bloggers with a good message to market match for my readers. Too many people who want to guest post are overly self promotional. I’m gonna keep looking though.
Yes, I have less comments on guest posts, I have definitely noticed that.
Hi Jill,
Depending on the topic, at times it can be difficult to find good guest posters. We hope they think similar to us, so as not to scare our loyal readers away, but yet can write in a manner that keeps our readers interest.
Long comment. I’d like to handle each question. Hehe.
However, what I see happening on some of blogs, is the comment counts appear a lot lower than when the host author publishes a post.
So I ask…
Are visitors less apt to read and comment on a guest post?
Are those who are loyal to the blog author, only interested in hearing from the blog author and not someone they are not familiar with?
I’ll wrap that all up in one question – are you finding this mostly on “big dog blogs”. If yes, I’ll be back with the why.
Could choosing the wrong guest writer hurt the host blog?
What if what is shared in the post isn’t accurate? Whose responsibility is that?
1. Yes. 2. The writer will lose all respect and rep. The host will be questioned. Always try to verify if it is something you’re not familiar with, or at least start with a disclaimer.
If it’s agreed the comments will be answered by the guest writer, and they drop the ball, then what? Should the host author step in?
Absolutely, as best as possible. Then be sure to never invite said guest back without a damn good reason why they dropped the ball.
In the event a disagreement arises and the guest author is attacked, how should that be handled?
If it’s a personal type attack, I as the host would step in to warn them of the policy violation. Otherwise I might step in AFTER I see how the guest handles it.
And, if it’s a blog with an active comment section, should both the guest writer AND the host blogger be answering the comments?
I as the host do; AFTER the guest does, and only if I’m familiar with the topic.
If you land on one of your favorite blogs and see a guest post, do you read it or just move on?
Always the first time. if it’s a bad guest, I might not the next time.
Do you have guest posters on yours? Or do you guest post on other blogs?
1. Yes. 2. No, not yet.
What have your experiences been?
I’ve had awesome guests so far. On the old DSWM blog, a couple of guest posts hit the highest comments count at triple digits each….over 300 on one of them. 🙂
Excellent questions btw, I will redo my comment policy with some of this as a guideline. 🙂
Hi Dennis,
I’m glad you warned me about the length of the comment. 🙂
I first started noticing the drop in comments for guest posts on the big name blogs, but then also noticed the same happening on the smaller blogs I follow. I wasn’t sure if it was a “trend” or what, so watched the activity on guest posts for several months.
Now I’m curious. What’s the why for the big dogs?
I like your idea of starting a guest post with a disclaimer if there’s any doubt, whatsoever, the guest post could be misconstrued.
Good point about watching how the guest writer handles controversy. I think it would also help if the host blogger and the guest communicated via email prior to posting a reply in the event the trolls are on attack.
So Dennis, like me, you’ve had terrific success with guest posters.
I also like your idea of adding some of these guidelines to our comment policy.
Hi Barbara,
I like content, if guest author deliver right content then I don’t have any problem but it’s host responsibility to publish right content. Two-three days ago I dropped on a guest post and look like the guest author don’t have right idea on blogging. He criticize blogspot without even using it. Showing some stat without any prove. It’s really rubbish when you see such a guest post on your daily visit blog.
I never write guest article as I don’t like to sell my product in another shop. Once I get a guest post and that was great.
Arafat
Hi Arafat,
I hear you. When a guest writer is negative, it’s a reflection on them and the host blog. Chances are the readers of the post are not going to click through to their blog nor follow them.
Good point. Guest posting isn’t for everyone, although it could be fun to write a post on a topic outside of our niche and share more of our knowledge.
Hi Barbara .. I’m just trying something .. as I’m not getting comments thru & don’t know why .. so this is just me putting googlemail rather than gmail and seeing if that makes a difference .. I’ll let you know .. byeee – Hilary
Just a heads up Barbara. I’m not getting any new comment notification email @ all despite being subscribed to comments. You might want to check your server settings. It’s probably not sending out emails.
Thank you Udegbunam,
I’m not sure what was causing that problem, but I did switch the plugin I use. I tested it and believe it should not be working fine. If not, let me know.
Hey Barbara,
Nice Post. Guest Posting is one of the easiest and most effective way to get targeted traffic, backlinks, brand awareness etc.
I have done 3 Guest posts so far and i’m really happy with results i am getting.
Thanks for sharing this great Post. Good Stuff.
~Dev
Thank you Dev,
That’s good news your experience is paying off. Although it’s no guarantee, I think it’s well worth a try.
i agree with you Barbara , of course the guest posts a blogger accepts should be related with his blog so that they can blend in without looking odd
Hi Farouk,
That’s very true. A guest post should tie in very closely with our niche or the message we’re projecting. If it’s not, like you said, it could end up looking “odd”.
I listen everywhere that guest post is the best way to increase backlink but i am too lazy to write a post on other blog !
Hi Nasif,
I’ve read that too, but like you said, we need to be inspired to do so. Plus, we need to go through the process of contacting blog authors and asking if they would accept our post.
Hi Barbara,
I look at my blog as my kitchen table, and my readers as those who are sitting at the table with me. I love reading guest posts on my favorite blogs because I trust the authors to introduce me to someone who has the same sort of ideas or wonderful ideas for me to consider.
Because I love reading guest posts, and I love entertaining, I host guest authors on my blog. One guest author had the highest numbers in one day on my blog. I am careful when selecting guest authors so that I know I greatly enjoy their writing style, the way they answer their readers, and we click together.
I am not looking at numbers when I am inviting guests, I am looking at topics and how to present wonderful ideas to my readers. Ideas that have changed my own life somehow, so that I may personally vouch for whomever is on my blog, much like I’d vouch for whomever is at my table.
I have written for other blogs–again though, they are hosts I respect and click with, and the blog is one I am glad to have my name associated with. I feel the author of the piece should be responsible for comments, and the host may step in if the Energy is right.
Hi Joy,
I love your kitchen table analogy. That’s the perfect way of seeing guest writers. Like you said, if the author trusts them enough to have them post on their blog, chances are their article will be just as good as one from the host author.
I say Yay.
Because even in my favorite blogs Sometimes I get monotonous of all posts on same style. I mean let me give you example of Problogger. I read how to make blog better most of the time in there and there are guest posters who submit slightly different kind of articles occasionally and that is a good thing.
Hi James,
Good point. Even our favorite blogger may begin to sound monotonous, hence having a guest blogger from time to time can break that up.
Hi Barbara,
Guest posting has worked for me and I am a newbie to blogging and it has put me out of my comfort zone so to speak but proved worth it due to the amount of visitors I received.
I find a lot of people including myself like a different perspective on a blog that I visit regularly and a different writing style once in awhile.
Also, if guest posting, especially on a blog that gets a lot of traffic it is always a good idea to put your best stuff out there with a lot of great value in order to attract more people to your own blog.
Anna
Hi Anna,
That’s true. If a new blogger is willing to step out of their comfort zone and share their words on a popular blog, it can be a great way to get an initial boost of traffic which may very well stick around.