I think Diane's response makes the most sense. A generic email sounds suspicious. What did you choose to do?

Hi DerrAd, personally, I think it's encouraging news. It probably means you've put in enough work on your site to get noticed.

At first, you may find people wanting free guest posting opportunities and that's okay - as long as they are good quality, unique and targeted to your niche. If you decide to accept guest posts, it's worth creating some writing guidelines.

Accepting guest posts can be the first step to generating income on your blog.

I make most of my blog income from guest posts and sponsored posts (around $600 or $700 a month).

Here's a link to my training on this topic: How to Earn Money from Blogs (before you have significant traffic)

I had a message from a legit company, wanting to do guest posts on my site, they wanted to write posts about there products, their website is awesome.... and their products would appeal to my niche audience and are products I would be adding eventually.

I was rubbing my hands together thinking brilliant, as some of the products are over $2,000. When I emailed back asking about a commission my emails went unanswered.

To think they were willing to write great posts on my website promoting their products and not pay me any commission lol.

I just accepted a guest post on my wife from a gu y who.emailed me. The legit ones just want some.exposure which is fine. You can tell the shady emails which I.don't respond to.

as long as you yourself set out your own ground rule you should be fine. Be very clear how many links they can have and be very clear who owns the intellectual property and also whether you can review the content and change it

I know many people accept guest posts for money - people are willing to pay for this to get a link back to their website.

Personally, I have not yet accepted any guest posts and it would need to be a really good reason for me to do it. I would only do it if it was truly helpful for my audience and for my website.

And I would want to approve everything so I know exactly what is posted.

I know it is a very used way to get backlinks and people often get tempted to allow this for a bit of quick money.

But consider the long term. Quality should be your main focus. And if it is a generic request it is likely from an agency where the focus is not on quality but just to sell links to their clients.

And be aware that accepting money for a guest post with the purpose of getting a backlink goes against Google's guidelines. Many people get away with it but you need to know it and take it into your considerations.

Hope this helps.

Think that Diane has answered you question.
Stuart

Hi DerrAd,
I believe that Diane has given you great advice and is quite experienced ☺️

Hi - lots of things to consider here. Did they mention you by name, or your website, or your niche? It may be a generic email they have sent to 100s of people hoping for a response.

You need to ask to see their website, so you can see their previous work. Ensure they are in the same niche and that their posts are of high quality.

If you chose to go ahead, set the ground rules ie the minimum number of words you expect and emphasise it must be original and not already published elsewhere.

Make sure they are aware they are not going to get paid. Ask for the post to be sent in document form, don't allow them access to your website.

They will expect to include a link to their website which is fine. Its generally accepted that you will write one in return, in which you will include your own link.

Hi Derrick / DerrAd
That sounds like good news to me - well done!
I can't offer any sage advice on how to handle this though, will be watching to see what other community members have to say.
Blessings
Louise