Guest Posting: How to Get Noticed Without Begging for Attention
Why Bother With Guest Posting?
If you've ever wondered how to get free exposure, backlinks, and credibility without spending a dime on ads, guest posting is one of the best-kept secrets in digital marketing. But let’s be real—most people either:
- Overlook it because it sounds time-consuming
- Try it once, get rejected, and never look back
- Have no idea where to start and assume it’s not worth the effort
But I’m telling you—if done right, guest posting can skyrocket your authority, drive traffic, and open doors you didn’t even know existed.
I’ll be the first to admit—I haven't guest-posted in the traditional sense. I haven’t reached out to blogs and said, “Hey, can I write for you?” But I have done a version of it.
I once wrote a post about a company on my own site, and in return, they shared it inside their Facebook group. That was free exposure, a new audience, and an instant credibility boost. It worked, and honestly, it made me realize that guest posting doesn’t have to be limited to blog-to-blog exchanges.
It’s all about leveraging someone else’s audience to build your own—without being a spammy marketer who slides into inboxes with desperation dripping from their keyboard.
The Benefits: More Than Just a Backlink
Guest posting isn’t just about dropping a link and calling it a day. Here’s why it works:
✅ Exposure: You get seen by an entirely new audience who wouldn’t have found you otherwise.
✅ Authority Boost: When you publish on a respected site, some of their credibility rubs off on you.
✅ Backlinks: Google loves high-quality links, and guest posting is one of the best ways to build them.
✅ Networking: You’re now on that website owner’s radar, which could lead to future collaborations.
For me, backlinks and exposure are the biggest wins. Google doesn’t rank a website just because you publish content. It ranks you based on how credible your site is. And what makes you credible? Other sites linking to yours.
That’s why guest posting is a long-term SEO strategy—you’re building digital credibility one post at a time.
Finding the Right Sites (Because Not All Are Worth Your Time)
Let’s be real—not all guest posting opportunities are created equal.
Some sites will:
❌ Never approve your post
❌ Have zero authority themselves (meaning a backlink from them is useless)
❌ Accept guest posts from anyone, which makes them spammy and bad for SEO
So how do you find the right sites?
1️⃣ Check Their Authority – Use tools like Moz, Ahrefs, or even a quick Google search to see if the site is legit.
2️⃣ Look at Their Audience – Is it a good fit for your niche? No point posting about RV travel on a site about weight loss.
3️⃣ Engage First – Don’t just cold pitch. Comment on their posts, share their content, interact on social media. Make them notice you before you ask for anything.
For me, if I were to start guest posting today, I’d go straight for the RV niche. That’s my bread and butter. I’d look at RV forums, travel blogs, and even lifestyle sites that talk about road-tripping.
It’s all about strategic placement. The right site will give you a real boost, while the wrong one is just wasted effort.
Should You Accept Guest Posts on Your Own Blog?
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? It depends.
If you’re just getting started and your site doesn’t have much authority yet, guest posts can help you fill in content gaps and attract outside traffic. But if you’re already building a brand, you have to be super picky about who you let post.
Personally, I think it could be a game-changer for my RV website. A few high-quality guest posts from real RVers would not only bring fresh content but also help with rankings.
If you’re thinking about allowing guest posts, set some ground rules so you don’t turn your site into a dumping ground for low-quality content:
✔ Only accept guest posts from people who know the topic.
✔ Require original content (no copy-paste junk).
✔ Make sure they link to reputable sources.
That way, you get all the benefits without tanking your site’s credibility.
Final Thoughts: Why Guest Posting is Worth the Effort
Look, guest posting isn’t the fastest way to get traffic. It’s not a quick hack. It’s a relationship-building and authority-boosting strategy.
And in the long run? That’s worth more than a thousand spammy backlinks.
So if you’ve been sleeping on guest posting because it seems intimidating, start small. Find a niche-relevant site, engage with them, and offer up a killer post that actually adds value.
Who knows? One guest post could be the spark that puts your site on the map.
Recent Comments
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Brad, that’s probably the best way for outreach because I haven’t found ANYONE to guest post for.
I’ve made comments on my favorite YouTuber’s videos and even emailed back n forth with some. I do have some possible future spots on podcasts(pending).
Honestly, most influencers of any notoriety don’t pay attention to noobs.
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“Great insights on guest posting! I love how you emphasize that it’s more than just backlinks—it’s about building credibility and relationships. The tip on engaging first before pitching is especially valuable. Definitely makes me rethink my approach to leveraging other audiences!”