How to Secure Placements on High-Authority Guest Posting Sites ( Plus Top 10 Sites)

If you ever felt the thrill of seeing your article featured on a major website, driving traffic to your blog, and boosting your SEO? That’s the magic of guest posting! If you’re wondering how to get started, where to post, and what benefits you can expect, you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about guest posting, including a list of the best sites to submit your content. So, grab your seat and relax while I work you through!

Key Points

Guest posting involves writing and publishing an article on someone else’s website or blog. It’s a fantastic way to share your expertise, reach new audiences, and build backlinks to your site.

Guest posting offers significant benefits. This post highlights several advantages of guest posting, including increased website traffic, improved SEO due to backlinks, and establishing yourself as an authority in your niche. Statistics are used to support these claims, making the case for guest posting even stronger.

Choose reputable guest posting sites for maximum impact. Publishing on high-authority sites like Forbes, HubSpot, and TechCrunch can dramatically enhance your credibility and drive significant traffic to your site.

Crafting a successful guest post strategy requires effort. Landing guest posts on high-authority sites involves a strategic approach. The post details steps like researching the target website’s content style, developing a compelling pitch, and following up appropriately.

What is Guest Posting?

Guest posting, also known as guest blogging, involves writing and publishing an article on someone else’s website or blog. It’s a fantastic way to share your expertise, reach new audiences, and build backlinks to your site. In essence, it’s a win-win: the host site gets fresh content, and you get exposure and SEO benefits.

I remember my first guest post experience. It was exhilarating to see my work published on a high-authority blog, and the traffic boost to my own site was immediate and noticeable. But it wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about connecting with a new audience and establishing myself as a thought leader in my niche.

Why Should You Care About Guest Posting Sites?

Guest posting offers a plethora of benefits. According to a study by HubSpot, companies that blog receive 97% more links to their websites. That’s a massive SEO boost! Here are some key advantages:

Companies that blog receive 97% more inbound links. Boom! Those backlinks are like gold dust for SEO, boosting your website’s ranking in search results.
Guest blogging can generate up to 3x more leads. More leads translate to more potential customers, which is music to any business owner’s ears.
It establishes you as an authority in your niche. By contributing to well-respected websites, you position yourself as a thought leader, someone other bloggers and readers want to hear from.

Free Guest Posting Sites

Alright, alright, settle down! Now that you’re convinced of the power of guest posting, let me show you some top-notch guest posting sites. Here are 10 free guest posting sites that are a great way to get your feet wet and build your guest posting portfolio:

#1. Crazy Egg

Do you want to understand how users behave on your website? Crazy Egg is a leading provider of heat mapping and analytics tools. Their site caters to a data-driven audience, making it an ideal platform for statistically bent guest blogging.

#2. Outbrain

Outbrain is a content marketing platform used by practically every brand, and it has enormous potential for spreading the word about your brand.

#3. Business2Community

Business2Community accepts insightful views from both B2B and B2C perspectives, making it an ideal site for publishing guest posts, ebooks, articles, and other content in these fields.

#4. GoDaddy

GoDaddy is one of the most well-known names in the industry. It’s an ideal site for small businesses to start publishing and gain access to targeted visitors.

#5. Search Engine Journal

Search Engine Journal is a go-to resource for SEO professionals. They welcome in-depth articles on SEO, PPC, and digital marketing. Writing for SEJ has always been rewarding for most people I know, providing excellent exposure and industry recognition.

#6. Content Marketing Institute

CMI is the mecca for content marketers. As the name suggests, CMI is a hub for content marketing knowledge. While their main blog might be competitive, they also have a community blog where you can contribute valuable content.

#7. GrowthLab

This blog by Harry’s focuses on marketing experiments and growth hacking strategies. If you have innovative ideas in this space, GrowthLab is a great choice.

#8. ReadWrite

ReadWrite is great for tech writers. They focus on emerging technologies and their impact on various industries. All articles on IoT trends garnered significant attention and will lead to collaboration offers from tech startups.

#9. Startup Nation

This platform is dedicated to all things startup. Share your entrepreneurial journey, tips, or success stories to connect with a like-minded audience.

#10. Inc.

Inc. is perfect for sharing business growth stories, strategies, and advice. Writing for Inc. can position you as a business expert. My friend’s piece on scaling small businesses was a hit and helped her connect with other business leaders.

Best Guest Posting Sites List

While high-authority sites are fantastic, let’s face it, securing a guest spot on them can be tough. Here is a list of 10 guest posting sites that can supercharge your content strategy (ranked in no particular order):

#1. Forbes

Forbes is the holy grail of guest blogging. Getting published here can skyrocket your credibility. I remember the first time I pitched to a blog, I was nervous but determined. After a few rejections, my perseverance paid off, and my article on digital marketing trends was published. The traffic boost was incredible!

Why Forbes?

High Domain Authority: Forbes has a DA of 95.
Massive Reach: Millions of readers worldwide.
SEO Benefits: Strong backlinks from Forbes can significantly enhance your site’s authority.

#2. HubSpot

HubSpot’s blog is a goldmine for marketers. We can’t talk about guest posting without mentioning HubSpot the marketing powerhouse. Their blog covers various topics, from sales and marketing to customer service. Contributing here can expose you to a massive audience and position you as a thought leader.

Why HubSpot?

Expert Audience: Target professionals in marketing and sales.
High Engagement: HubSpot readers are known for their engagement and interaction.

Download Lamphill’s Checklist

#3. Mashable

Mashable is another fantastic platform, especially if you have a thing for writing about technology, entertainment, or culture. I once wrote an article on social media trends, and the response was phenomenal. It opened up many doors for collaboration.

Why Mashable?

Broad Audience: Reach a diverse audience interested in tech and culture.
Brand Recognition: Being published on Mashable can boost your brand’s visibility.

#4. Business Insider

For those in the business and finance sectors, Business Insider is a top choice. They have a reputation for insightful and timely content. I recall writing an analysis piece on emerging markets which not only attracted a lot of attention but also brought in new business inquiries.

Why Business Insider?

Credibility: Known for high-quality, trustworthy content.
Professional Audience: Reach business leaders and professionals.

#5. TechCrunch

TechCrunch is a must if you’re in the tech industry. Their audience is always hungry for the latest in tech developments and startups. My friend’s piece on blockchain technology for TechCrunch drew a lot of attention and established him as a knowledgeable voice in the tech community.

Why TechCrunch?

Industry Authority: Leading site for tech news and analysis.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with tech enthusiasts and professionals.

#6. Moz Blog

Moz is synonymous with SEO and digital marketing. This SEO giant is a must-consider for anyone in the digital marketing space. Their blog is a goldmine of valuable insights, and scoring a guest post here can significantly boost your SEO cred.

Why Moz?

Niche Authority: Known for top-notch SEO content.
Engaged Audience: Readers who value detailed and actionable insights.

#7. Copyblogger

Copyblogger is a fantastic platform for writers and content marketers. It is a haven for writers and marketers looking to hone their craft. Sharing your experiences and best practices here can connect you with a passionate community and potentially lead to future collaborations.

Why Copyblogger?

Focused Audience: Writers and content marketers looking for improvement.
High-Quality Standards: Known for exceptional content quality.

#8. Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur magazine’s blog is perfect for business insights, advice, and startup stories. Contributing here can enhance your credibility among entrepreneurs and business leaders. I once shared a success story of a startup I consulted for, and it resonated well with the readers.

Why Entrepreneur?

Influential Audience: Reach entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals.
Wide Coverage: Topics range from startup advice to leadership tips.

#9. Smashing Magazine

Smashing Magazine is the place to be if you’re into web development and design. They are known for their high-quality tutorials and in-depth articles. Writing for Smashing Magazine will allow you to share your technical expertise and connect with fellow developers.

Why Smashing Magazine?

Specialized Content: Focus on web development and design.
Engaged Community: Readers who are deeply interested in technical content.

#10. Social Media Examiner

Social media enthusiasts, rejoice! It is your one-stop shop for all things social media. From the latest trends to in-depth tutorials, they cover it all.

Why Social Media Examiner?

Niche Authority: Leading site for social media marketing.
Interactive Audience: Readers who love to share and discuss new ideas.

Download Lamphill’s Checklist

How to Secure Placements on High-Authority Guest Posting Sites

Now that you have a treasure trove of guest posting sites in your arsenal, let’s talk about how to actually land those coveted spots. Here’s my battle-tested approach:

#1. Target with Precision:

Don’t waste your time with a shotgun approach. Identify websites that are highly relevant to your niche and target audience. Relevance is key to maximizing the impact of your guest post.

#2. Become a Content Connoisseur:

Before pitching, immerse yourself in the website’s content. Understand their editorial style, audience interests, and recurring themes. This demonstrates your genuine interest and increases your chances of crafting a pitch that aligns perfectly with your needs.

#3. Craft a Killer Pitch:

Your pitch is your first impression, so make it count! Keep it concise, and personalized, and highlight the value your guest post will bring to its audience. Don’t just tell them what you can write about; show them how your expertise can benefit their readers.

#4. Follow-Up (But Be Respectful):

A gentle follow-up email a week after your initial pitch is perfectly acceptable. But don’t bombard them with messages! Persistence is good, but pestering is a surefire way to get yourself blacklisted.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your guest post ideas! Think beyond the traditional blog post format. Consider infographics, data-driven reports, or even video content to stand out from the crowd.

Finding the Perfect Guest Posting Match

Feeling overwhelmed by the vast landscape of guest posting opportunities? Here are some tools and techniques to help you find the ideal match:

Keyword Magic: Utilize search engines with advanced operators like “[your niche] + ‘write for us'” or “[your niche] + guest post guidelines.” These clever queries can reveal hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Guest Posting Directories: Several online directories compile websites that accept guest posts. Explore these resources, but be cautious as some might require a fee.
Competitor Spy Games: Analyze your competitor’s backlinks using SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush. These tools can unveil websites that your competitors have scored guest posts on, potentially opening doors for you as well.
Social Media Sleuthing: Platforms like Twitter can be goldmines for guest posting opportunities. Follow industry influencers and publications, and keep an eye out for mentions of guest blogging or “write for us” initiatives.

How do I choose a website for guest posting?

Choosing the right sites for guest posting is crucial to maximizing the benefits of your efforts. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the best websites for guest posting:

Define your goals
Identify your niche
Check Domain Authority (DA)
Analyze the audience engagement
Evaluate content quality
Review guest post guidelines
Research the site’s SEO practices
Assess the site’s traffic
Look for networking opportunities
Check for previous guest posts
Gauge the site’s reputation
Test the site’s responsiveness

When I started guest posting, I aimed to boost my SEO and build my authority in digital marketing. I chose a particular blog because of its high DA and engaged marketing audience. Following their guidelines, I pitched a unique article on emerging trends in digital marketing. The response was overwhelming, driving significant traffic to my site and enhancing my professional credibility.

Does guest posting still work?

Yes, Guest posting remains a valuable strategy in 2024, but its effectiveness depends on how well it’s executed. Guest posting can still be a part of a well-rounded SEO and content marketing strategy, but focus on relationships and high-quality content creation rather than just link building.

Is guest posting bad for SEO?

Guest posting is not inherently bad for SEO; in fact, when done correctly, it can be highly beneficial. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances and follow best practices to avoid potential pitfalls.

Conclusion

Guest posting isn’t just about snagging backlinks and boosting traffic (although those are pretty awesome perks!). It’s about establishing yourself as a thought leader, building valuable relationships within your niche, and ultimately, expanding your content kingdom.

So, are you ready to unleash the power of guest posting? Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, and persistent, and focus on delivering high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.

Now it’s your turn! Share your experiences with guest posting in the comments below. What challenges have you faced? What guest-posting victories have you celebrated? Let’s build a strong community of content creators and help each other reach new heights!