Jay Leno, Oprah, Conan, Jimmy Fallon. They all have one thing in common: they host talk shows on television. One of the most important aspects of their shows is incorporating live guests. They interview the person, allow them to contribute to the program’s validity – and help to add a wealth of information to the talk show as a whole.
Bloggers do the same. We have our blog (aka the talk show), and we’re constantly producing content. From time to time we also conduct a talk show “interview” by incorporating guest posts in our content. Not only does a guest post increase blog content, but it also allows others to get interested in your blog through the writing and validity of the contributing authors.
Much like the best talk shows work to attract the biggest stars – bloggers must work to attract authors for their blogs.
Attracting Blog Celebrities…
1. Create an Information Page – On your blog, be sure to display a prominent page with information pertaining to guest posting. Include post requirements, what you expect, how they should write, what you’ll give in return in way of links and biographies, and any other information you deem important. This info/faq page will also cut down on the amount of information requests you receive on a daily basis – from interested guest posters.
2. Email Your Readers - It’s always been important to include the biggest fans of my blogs in the content. Take the time to email your top contributors and/or readers, and ask if they’d be interested in providing a guest post for your blog. Many will find this a great opportunity, as it’s always fun to see your work get shown on your favorite blog. In your request be sure to include a link to your guest post information page, and include how the guest post will benefit them.
3. Reward Your Guest - In exchange of guest posting, writers are rewarded with links and advertising for their own sites/products – as well as background information about the author. Take the time to include these benefits on your information page, as it’s important to share what you’re willing to give back. The more value your guest post includes – the more it will attract guest posters.
The Success of Your Blog “Show”
As mentioned previously – it’s important for bloggers to take the time to begin attracting guest authors. Not only will it increase content production, but it also allows for readers to experience other personalities and information on your blog.
In my experience with managing online communities – after I’ve taken the initial steps to attract guest authors, no further work is usually needed. After you spend some time creating your guest post “marketing plan,” you’ll be surprised at how many guest posts and content will start flowing into your Inbox from enthusiastic writers.
Talk show hosts such as Jay Leno & Oprah have crafted empires – and much of it comes from the interaction with their celebrity guests. Take the time to treat your blog guests like the blogging superstars they are, and you’ll be rewarded with excellent contributed content.
What ways do you attract guest posts?
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
Read more about Christian 
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Another very good post with lots of awesome ideas. Thanks!
E-Mailing readers is the strategy I use and it works fine. Often I get replies to my “Thank You” mails and some readers are interested in guest posting.
I never ever tried having a guest poster on my other blogs (their niches are different).
it’s so nice that you use the talk show host as an analogy for the guest bloggers
Cheers,
Meg
Twitter: smartboydesigns
April 29, 2009 at 7:42 am
For my own personality – creating analogies and connections is a great way for me to learn.
Hopefully – I’m transferring this into my writing, and that the connections aren’t too heard to understand.
Hi Smart Boy, Great post! I have just been through the “guest post” call out. I had good response, in fact sometimes you can get too many and you don’t know when or where to stop the interviews (as in the Talk Show). What’s your thought about posts that are not in your niche? I usually ask that they try to keep the post in “make money” mode, every once in awhile you’ll get one that’s so far off of what the topic is I’m never sure what to do with it. I also have a problem when the person entering their post has a great post but throughout the piece are more than two links to their site or sites. It’s almost on the verge of spam when it’s peppered with links, that’s when I usually email and ask that they please take out a few links…not sure of the etiquette on this but I think if it’s your blog you are the king of that domain. (I must admit I stole that line from a great blogger friend of mine, who has that on his “about” page.) What’s your thoughts on when and if you should ask your guest to tone down the post of links? Thanks for a great post . jj
Hi, nice post. I have been pondering this issue,so thanks for writing. I’ll definitely be subscribing to your site.
I have started asking for guest bloggers from my site already.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi,
I am beginning to feel more and more useless and left out in the blog race. Although, I totally agree with the above sharing, I can remember it and dream about it. I am a person who has very limited knowledge about computers and blogging.
My son who is not into blogging helped me start my blog and left me to deal with it on my own. It was a great struggle I had to put up with by mostly asking friends or relatives to help me with my blog once in a long while. There was a point of time when I almost gave up on my blog. Then I pulled myself up and pushed myself to continue writing with the belief that if the contents of my write up are good, readers will naturally want to read disregarding the outlook and features in my blog.
Thank you again for this superb sharing Christian. I have enjoyed reading this article as well as the others.
Serene Low
Twitter: smartboydesigns
May 7, 2009 at 3:12 am
It’s great to hear of all your successes in continuing your blogging skills – the level of motivation you’re putting out for your blogs is awesome. Thanks for reading, and keep up the excellent work!
Very nice blog. I totally agree with your thoughts.
Great idea!! ^^
I’m trying to do the same way with my blog, too..
Really thank you for writing this great post.. ^^
Thanks Priscilla. Looking forward to seeing how you integrate guest posts into your blog.
Thanks Priscilla. Looking forward to seeing how you integrate guest posts into your blog.
Great posts can really help your blog, though sometimes some oppose on this. Rewarding them can be a great way of attracting. You will just be surprised of the amazing articles for guest post you get everyday in your mailbox.
Thanks for the tips!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
October 10, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I’ve been able to use these efforts on some of my own blogs, and it’s amazing how many guest post requests you’ll receive. I enjoy guest posting, and think it’s all part of growing a blog.