How to Submit a General Guest Post

In the fast-moving digital world, your voice needs the right platform to be heard. One of the smartest ways to reach new audiences, build authority in your niche, and strengthen your online presence is by submitting guest posts. Whether you’re a new blogger, a business owner, or an experienced writer, knowing how to submit a general guest post can open doors to valuable opportunities.

Submit a General Guest Post

Guest posting is more than just writing for someone else’s blog. It’s about creating content that benefits three parties at once—the readers, the website owner, and you. When done right, it can increase your visibility, improve your search rankings through quality backlinks, and connect you with communities you might never have reached otherwise.

But here’s the challenge: the internet is crowded with content. Editors and blog owners receive dozens—sometimes hundreds—of guest post pitches every month. To stand out, you need more than good writing skills. You need a strategy that covers research, personalized pitching, and content that matches the host site’s voice while delivering genuine value to readers.

Understanding Guest Posting

What Is Guest Posting?

Guest posting, sometimes called guest blogging, is the practice of writing and publishing an article on someone else’s website or blog. The idea is simple: you contribute valuable content to a platform that already has an established audience, and in return, you often get recognition, an author bio, and a link back to your own site or profile.

Think of it as a mutually beneficial exchange:

• You get exposure, credibility, and traffic.
• The website owner gets fresh, high-quality content without spending extra time creating it.
• The audience gets informative, engaging material that fits their interests.

Unlike paid advertising, guest posting is a more organic way to grow your presence. It relies on trust—between you, the host site, and its readers.

Why It Still Matters

Some people think guest posting is outdated, but in reality, it’s more important than ever. Here’s why:

1. SEO Benefits – When you submit a general guest post to a reputable site, you often receive a backlink. Quality backlinks remain a top ranking factor for search engines, helping your site’s visibility.
2. Brand Authority – Being featured on respected platforms positions you as a credible voice in your niche.
3. Targeted Traffic – Instead of hoping your audience stumbles upon your site, you place yourself directly in front of a community already interested in your topic.
4. Networking – Collaborating with site owners and editors can lead to future writing opportunities, partnerships, or even paid projects.
5. Long-Term Value – A well-written guest post can continue to attract readers and traffic for months—or even years—after publication.

Guest posting isn’t just a marketing tactic; it’s a relationship-building strategy. Done consistently, it can be one of the most sustainable ways to grow both your personal brand and your online reach.

Laying the Foundation

Before you even write a single word for your guest post, you need a solid plan. Many writers skip this stage and end up wasting time pitching to the wrong websites or sending poorly targeted ideas. The truth is, successful guest posting starts long before you hit “send” on your pitch email.

Research and Organization

The first step is to get organized. Create a simple tracking system—this could be a spreadsheet in Google Sheets or Excel—where you list potential websites, their contact details, submission guidelines, and the status of your pitch.

Your sheet might include columns like:

• Website Name
• URL
• Domain Authority (DA) – a quick metric to judge site quality
• Editor/Contact Name
• Submission Guidelines Link
• Topics Accepted
• Pitch Status (Not Sent / Sent / Accepted / Declined)

This keeps your outreach structured and prevents you from pitching the same site twice or losing track of follow-ups.

Vetting Targets

Not every blog that accepts guest posts is worth your time. Here’s how to identify the best ones:

1. Audience Fit – Does the site’s audience align with the people you want to reach?
2. Content Quality – Are the articles well-written, informative, and up-to-date?
3. Engagement – Check if posts get comments, shares, or discussions—signs of an active readership.
4. Reputation – Search the site’s name + “review” or “scam” to avoid low-quality or spammy platforms.

Finding Opportunities

To find websites that accept general guest posts, you can use targeted Google search operators such as:

• “write for us” + general” OR “write for us” + blog
• “guest post” + lifestyle
• “submit a guest post” + [your topic]

You can also explore social media groups for bloggers, LinkedIn searches, or curated lists of guest posting sites.

Quality Over Quantity

It’s tempting to pitch as many sites as possible, but quality matters more than volume. A single guest post on a respected site with high authority and an engaged audience will give you far more value than ten posts on low-traffic blogs.

Preparing Your Pitch

You’ve found the right websites—now it’s time to convince their editors that your guest post is worth publishing. This step is where most writers fail, not because their ideas are bad, but because their pitch is generic, rushed, or doesn’t match what the publication is looking for.

Study the Blog

Before you pitch, take time to understand the host site’s style and audience. Ask yourself:

• What topics do they cover most often?
• How formal or casual is the tone?
• Do they prefer listicles, how-to guides, or opinion pieces?
• Are there recurring themes or series?

By analyzing the site’s most popular posts, you can identify what resonates with their readers and tailor your pitch accordingly.

Familiarize Yourself with the Brand

Building a small connection before pitching can make a big difference.

• Comment on their articles with thoughtful feedback.
• Share their posts on social media and tag them.
• Join their email list to understand their updates and priorities.

This shows you’re not just another random email in their inbox—you’re genuinely engaged.

Crafting a Personalized Pitch

When you’re ready to reach out, personalization is key. A strong pitch email should include:

1. A Clear Subject Line – e.g., Pitch for [Blog Name]: “10 Creative Ways to Boost Home Productivity”
2. A Friendly Greeting – Address the editor by name if possible.
3. A Short Introduction – Who you are, your expertise, and why you’re reaching out.
4. 2–3 Tailored Topic Ideas – Brief descriptions of each, showing how they fit the site’s audience.
5. Links to Your Work – Published articles, your blog, or portfolio.
6. A Polite Closing – Invite them to reply if interested, and thank them for their time.

Example opening:

Hi [Editor’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], a [Your Role] who writes about [Topic/Niche]. I’ve been following [Blog Name] for a while, and I love your recent piece on [Specific Article]. I’d love to contribute a guest post that aligns with your audience’s interests. Here are a few ideas…

Link Samples & Establish Authority

Editors want to see proof you can deliver quality work. If you don’t have published guest posts yet, link to your own blog posts or even high-quality LinkedIn articles you’ve written. The goal is to show them you can match their standards.

Following Submission Best Practices

Once your pitch is accepted, the real work begins. Many guest post opportunities fall apart at this stage because the writer fails to follow the website’s submission rules. Editors are busy—they don’t have time to reformat sloppy work or chase you for missing details. If you want your article published quickly, following best practices is non-negotiable.

Follow Guidelines Strictly

Every site that accepts guest posts has its own set of rules—usually found on a “Write for Us” or “Guest Post Guidelines” page. These may include:

• Word Count – e.g., 800–1,500 words
• Formatting – proper headings, bullet points, or HTML formatting
• Image Requirements – whether you should include images, and their dimensions or copyright rules
• Link Policy – how many links you can include and whether they should be nofollow or dofollow
• Content Scope – topics or themes they will or won’t accept

Ignoring these rules is one of the fastest ways to get your post rejected.

Know What to Avoid

While some sites welcome promotional content, most prefer you keep self-promotion to your author bio. Avoid:

• Dropping affiliate links without permission
• Overstuffing keywords to “game” SEO
• Linking only to your own website without citing other credible sources
• Copying or rewriting existing articles (plagiarism will kill your credibility instantly)

Post-Approval Process

Once your article is accepted, expect an editorial review. The editor may:

• Request small revisions for clarity or tone
• Adjust formatting to match their blog style
• Schedule your post for a specific publish date

Be quick and polite in your responses—it shows professionalism and helps maintain a good relationship for future opportunities.

Exclusive vs. Syndicated Content

Some publications will require exclusive content, meaning you can’t publish it anywhere else—even on your own site. Others may allow syndicated content—a piece you’ve already published elsewhere, with permission. Always confirm this before submitting your draft to avoid misunderstandings.

Writing the Guest Post

Once your pitch is approved, it’s time to deliver an article that not only meets the site’s expectations but also delights their readers. A strong guest post isn’t just about words on a page—it’s about aligning your message with the host site’s voice while adding unique value.

Match the Blog’s Tone & Format

Every publication has its own style. Study a few recent posts on the site and pay attention to:

• Sentence Length & Complexity – Do they prefer short, punchy sentences or longer, detailed explanations?
• Voice – Is it formal, conversational, humorous, or expert-focused?
• Formatting – How they use headings, bullet points, images, and callouts.

When you match their tone, your post feels like a natural fit—making it more likely to be accepted without heavy editing.

Add Value, Not Just Words

The most successful guest posts solve a problem or answer a question the audience cares about. Avoid filler content. Instead:

• Offer fresh insights or examples from your own experience.
• Include actionable tips readers can implement right away.
• Use data, research, or credible sources to back up your points.

Your goal is to make readers think, “I’m glad I read this.”

Include Strategic Links

Links are valuable for SEO—but only when used wisely.

• Internal Links – Link to other relevant posts on the host site to keep readers engaged.
• External Links – Cite authoritative sources to strengthen your credibility.
• Self-Links – Include one or two links to your own site, but only if they are truly relevant and allowed by the guidelines.

Avoid overlinking—too many links look spammy and may get removed.

Craft an Effective Author Bio

Your author bio is often the only place you can promote yourself directly. Keep it concise (2–3 sentences) and include:

• Who you are and what you do
• Your area of expertise
• One or two links (to your website, social media, or newsletter)
• A touch of personality—something memorable about you

Example:

Sarah Johnson is a freelance content strategist who helps small businesses grow through storytelling. When she’s not writing, she’s hiking mountain trails or perfecting her homemade pasta. Connect with her at sarahwrites.com.

After Submission & Follow-Up

Submitting your guest post isn’t the end of the process—it’s the beginning of building a long-term relationship with the publication and its audience. How you handle the post-submission stage can determine whether you’re invited back or ignored in the future.

Respond to Feedback Promptly

Editors may suggest changes to improve clarity, tone, or formatting. Respond quickly and professionally:

• Thank them for their feedback.
• Make the requested edits without unnecessary pushback.
• Return the updated draft within the agreed time frame.

A cooperative attitude makes editors more likely to work with you again.

Promote Your Post

Once your guest post goes live, promote it like it’s your own:

• Share it across your social media platforms.
• Tag the host publication when possible to give them visibility too.
• Include it in your email newsletter.
• Mention it in relevant online communities or forums (where allowed).

This not only drives more traffic to the post but also shows the editor you’re invested in its success.

Engage with Readers

If the site allows comments, check back regularly to reply to readers. Answering questions or thanking people for their input helps build trust and makes you more memorable to the audience.

Leverage Internal Link Strategy

If you have multiple guest posts published across different platforms, link them together when relevant (as long as it’s allowed). This builds your authority across related topics and strengthens your SEO footprint.

Maintain the Relationship

Don’t disappear after your post is published. Send a quick thank-you email to the editor and express interest in contributing again. You can also:

• Suggest follow-up topics.
• Share performance results if the post gets significant engagement.
• Keep engaging with their content even when you’re not pitching.

Guest posting is most powerful when it becomes a recurring collaboration rather than a one-time event.

Conclusion

Submitting a guest post is more than sending an article to a random blog—it’s a strategic process. From researching the right websites to crafting personalized pitches, following submission guidelines, and delivering high-value content, every step matters.

When you approach guest posting thoughtfully, you don’t just get a backlink—you build relationships, establish credibility, and open doors to future opportunities.

The key is consistency. Start with one or two well-researched pitches, refine your process based on feedback, and gradually expand to more publications. Over time, you’ll find that guest posting can be one of the most sustainable and rewarding ways to grow your presence online.

So, pick your first target site, prepare your best pitch, and take that step—you never know which guest post might change the trajectory of your blog, brand, or career.

FAQs

1. What’s the ideal guest post length?
Most sites prefer posts between 1,000–2,000 words, but always check the specific guidelines.

2. Can I submit the same content to multiple blogs?
Generally, no. Most blogs want exclusive, original content.

3. How many topic ideas should I pitch?
Two to three well-researched ideas are usually enough to show range without overwhelming the editor.

4. What if I don’t hear back after two weeks?
Follow up once politely. If there’s still no response, move on to the next site.

5. Can I include affiliate links or promote my product?
Only if the guidelines explicitly allow it. Most sites prefer promotional content to be in your author bio.

6. How do I choose sites with good SEO value?
Look for high domain authority, engaged readership, and a clean backlink profile.