When guest posts make sense

Nov 14, 2011 | Better Blogging

You don’t have to write every post just because it’s your blog. If you’re considering having some guest posts, there are two rules:

  • Every post, including every guest post, should add value for your readers.
  • Every post, including every guest post, should help build your brand.

Keeping those rules in mind, here are some ideas about when a guest post makes sense.

Guest posts make sense when they build your credibility. A friend of mine runs a company that sells security software in a niche market. They frequently publish blog posts by industry experts. Think of it as “quality by association,” plus the posts deliver a lot of value.

Guest posts make sense when they build traffic. When another blogger posts on your blog, his or her regular readers are likely to visit. That increases traffic on the day of the post and there’s a permanent increase if the visitors like your blog and return.

Guest posts make sense when they free up some of your time. When you publish a guest post, you only have to edit it. You don’t have to conceive the idea, then develop it and write it, too.

Bottom Line

If a guest post delivers value to your readers and helps build your brand, it’s probably a good idea.