Guest Post Writing: What to Write, Where to Publish & How to Get Accepted

Guest posting is simple: you write an article, and someone else publishes it on their website.

But if it were that easy, everyone would be doing it successfully.

The truth? Guest blogging has changed.

Once a go-to strategy for building backlinks and boosting visibility, guest blogging has flooded the Internet with low-quality, AI-generated content.

Many websites have tightened their submission guidelines — or shut their doors entirely to guest contributors.

But guest posting isn’t dead. Far from it.

When done right, it’s still one of the best ways to grow your authority, drive traffic, and build meaningful connections in your industry.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to write guest posts that get accepted and deliver real results.

Let’s dive in!

Table Of Contents:

• What is Guest Post Writing?
• Why Do You Want to Guest Post?
• How to Find Guest Blogging Opportunities
• Prepping for Your Pitch
• How to Write an Awesome Guest Post
• Best Practices in Guest Post Writing
• FAQs About Guest Post Writing
• Master Guest Post Writing for Long-Term Success

What is Guest Post Writing?

Guest post writing involves creating pieces of content for someone else’s website. In return, you get exposure, credibility, and sometimes a backlink to your own site.

But here’s the thing — guest blogging today isn’t just about getting backlinks. If you’re approaching it with a “link first, content second” mindset, you’re already losing.

Successful guest posting in 2025 is about writing killer content and building real relationships with publishers.

Website owners don’t want generic, rehashed articles — they want fresh, insightful content that actually helps their audience.

And if you’re an expert with unique, hard-to-find insights? You’re in demand. Some publishers will invite you to contribute — and even pay you for it.

Why Do You Want to Guest Post?

Guest posting isn’t just about slapping your name on someone else’s blog — it’s about strategic growth. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or content creator, guest blogging can help you:

✔️ Build Authority – When your content appears on respected websites, people start seeing you as an expert in your field. It’s one of the fastest ways to gain credibility.

✔️ Reach a New Audience – Guest posts introduce your work to a fresh group of readers who may have never found you otherwise. The right post on the right blog can put you in front of thousands of potential fans, customers, or clients.

✔️ Drive Referral Traffic – A well-placed guest post can send high-quality, targeted traffic to your website. These visitors are already interested in your niche, making them more likely to engage with your content.

✔️ Build Backlinks (the Right Way) – While backlinks shouldn’t be your only focus, a strong guest post on an authoritative website can improve your SEO, helping your own site rank better in search engines. Learn more about the importance of backlinks in building authority and driving traffic.

✔️ Create Industry Connections – Guest blogging isn’t just about content — it’s about relationships. By collaborating with website owners, editors, and influencers, you open doors for future partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities.

The key? Your goals determine your approach.

• If you want authority and traffic, focus on blogs with an engaged, relevant audience.
• If you want SEO benefits, prioritize sites with high domain authority and strong editorial standards.

When done right, guest blogging isn’t just a one-time content exchange — it’s a long-term strategy that helps you grow your brand, expand your reach, and establish yourself as a true expert in your field.

Guest blogging is the third most popular link-building strategy, according to Aira’s State of Link Building report

How to Find Guest Blogging Opportunities

So, where do you look for guest post opportunities? Here are some tried-and-tested methods:

1. Google Search Operators

Google is your best friend when it comes to finding guest posting opportunities. Use search operators like:

“guest post” + keyword
“write for us” + keyword
“guest post guidelines” + niche
“become a contributor” + niche
“contributing writer” + niche
“want to write for” + keyword
“submit blog post” + niche
“contribute to our site” + keyword
“submit content” + niche
“submit post” + keyword
“This post was written by” + niche
“submit an article” + keyword
“contributing writer” + niche
“guest blogger” + keyword
“looking for guest posts” + niche
“writers wanted” + keyword
“become an author” + niche
“become guest writer” + keyword
“submit guest post” + niche
“submit article” + keyword
“guest author” + niche
keyword inurl: “guest blogger”
keyword inurl: “guest post”
allintitle: keyword + guest post
site:[domain.com] + “guest post”

Here’s an example:

Try variations and experiment with different keywords to uncover hidden gems.

2. Follow Popular Guest Bloggers

Look for well-known guest bloggers in your industry and find out where they are frequently contributing.

To do this, search the blogger’s name on Google along with “guest post by.” This will reveal sites they’ve written for, which could also be great platforms for your guest posts.

If you have connections with a guest blogger, ask for an introduction to blog owners for a better chance at securing a spot.

3. Competitor Backlinks

If your competitors are guest blogging, you can find out where. Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Moz to analyze their backlinks and identify guest posts they’ve written.

How to do it:

1. Enter a competitor’s domain in a backlink checker.
2. Look for referring domains that come from guest posts.
3. Make a list of potential websites and start pitching!

4. Social Media Searches

Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook can also help you uncover guest blogging opportunities. Try searching:

• “guest post” + [keyword]
• “published on” + [your niche]
• Hashtags like #guestpost, #writeforus

Many site owners actively promote guest posts, making it easy to find relevant opportunities.

How to Evaluate If a Website is Worth Pitching

Not every blog is worth your time. Before sending a pitch, ask yourself:

• Does it have good website authority? – Check metrics like Domain Authority (DA) or Domain Rating (DR) using Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush.
• Does it get real traffic? – A high DA means nothing if the site has no visitors. Use SimilarWeb or Ubersuggest to estimate traffic.
• Is the audience engaged? – Are there comments, shares, and discussions on recent posts? A silent blog isn’t worth your effort.
• Is the content high quality? – If the site is packed with low-effort, spammy posts, it’s not a good look for you.

By targeting the right blogs and filtering out low-value sites, you’ll maximize the impact of your guest blogging efforts.

Example of a guest post topic map from HubSpot

Prepping for Your Pitch

Before you even think about sending a pitch, you need to lay the groundwork. Blog owners and editors get tons of guest post requests, so if you don’t stand out, your email will end up ignored or deleted.

Here’s how to set yourself up for success.

1. Research the Blog First

Sending a pitch without researching the blog is like applying for a job without reading the job description. Make sure you:

• Read their guest post guidelines – Many blogs have submission rules, such as preferred topics, word count, or formatting. Ignoring these is an easy way to get rejected.
• Check their latest posts – You don’t want to pitch a topic they’ve already covered unless you have a fresh angle.
• Understand their audience – Ensure their readership aligns with your expertise and content.

Here’s an example of CoSchedule‘s guest post guidelines:

2. Engage Before Pitching

Would you be more likely to respond to a stranger or someone who has interacted with you before? Warm up the relationship by:

• Following them on social media – Many site owners are active on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Engage with their content before reaching out.
• Leaving thoughtful comments on their blog – Show genuine interest in their work. It’s an easy way to get noticed.
• Sharing their articles and tagging them – This helps you build goodwill before making an ask.

3. Brainstorm Unique Topic Ideas

Editors don’t want recycled content — they want something valuable and original. To come up with a winning topic:

• Look for content gaps – Are there any important topics they haven’t covered? A fresh perspective can be appealing.
• Check trending topics – Use tools like Google Trends, AnswerThePublic, or BuzzSumo to find hot topics in your niche.
• Make it actionable – Readers love content with practical takeaways. Ensure your topic offers real insights or solutions.

Here are 109 topics from AnswerThePublic for the “weight gain” niche alone:

Remember, quality content is key when submitting guest posts. If you provide valuable insights or actionable advice, there’s a higher chance that similar blogs would be interested in accepting your pitch.

Once you’ve done your homework, it’s time to craft a pitch that stands out!

How to Write a Killer Guest Post Pitch

After you have narrowed down your list of target websites, it’s time to write your pitch.

What’s the secret to getting noticed and accepted?

1. Personalize Your Email

Generic pitches get ignored. Personalization shows that you’ve put in effort and respect the recipient’s time. Make sure to:

• Address them by name – “Dear Editor” or “To Whom It May Concern” screams copy-paste. Find the name of the publisher, editor, or webmaster and use it.
• Mention a specific post – Compliment a recent article and explain why you found it valuable. This proves you’ve actually read their content.
• Keep it short and clear – Editors are busy. Get to the point in a few concise paragraphs.

2. Pitch a Strong, Relevant Topic

Your topic should grab their attention and fit their blog. Here’s what makes a pitch compelling:

✔️ It’s highly relevant – The topic should align with the blog’s niche and interest its audience.
✔️ It offers a unique angle – A fresh take on an old topic or a completely new discussion is ideal.
✔️ It’s SEO-friendly – Propose a topic that aligns with trending keywords and could drive traffic to their site.

Here’s an example:

Subject: Guest Post Idea for [Blog Name] – [Proposed Topic]

Hi [Editor’s Name],

I recently read your post on [specific topic], and I loved how you [mention something specific you liked about it]. It got me thinking about a related topic that could really benefit your audience.

I’d love to contribute a guest post titled “[Your Topic Idea]”, which would cover:

[Point 1] (why it matters)
[Point 2] (practical insight)
[Point 3] (actionable takeaway)

I’ve written for [mention notable publications or your own blog], and I’d make sure the article is engaging, well-researched, and formatted to match your style. Let me know if this sounds like a good fit — I’d be happy to send over a draft or tweak the idea based on your needs!

Looking forward to your thoughts.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Website (if relevant)]

3. Follow Up (Without Being Annoying)

No response? It’s not necessarily a no — blog editors get tons of emails daily. Here’s how to follow up the right way:

• Wait at least a week – Give them time before checking in.
• Send a short, polite reminder – A simple “Hey [Name], just following up on my guest post pitch. Let me know if you’d be interested or if I should tweak the topic. Thanks!” is enough.
• Move on after two follow-ups – If they don’t respond after two nudges, don’t take it personally. Some editors are just too busy, or your topic might not be the right fit.

How to Write an Awesome Guest Post

So, your pitch got accepted — congrats! 🎉

But now comes the real work: writing a killer guest post that impresses both the editor and their audience.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with Your Target Blog

Every blog has its unique tone, structure, and audience preferences. Before you start writing, take the time to match their style.

1️⃣ Look at the writing tone – Is it formal, conversational, or technical?

2️⃣ Analyze the structure – Do they use short paragraphs, bullet points, or detailed case studies?

3️⃣ Check the use of media – Do they use images, infographics, or embedded videos?

If you’re writing for a marketing blog like HubSpot, you’ll notice they favor easy-to-read, educational content with clear takeaways.

A tech-focused blog, on the other hand, may prefer in-depth, research-backed content.

💡Pro Tip: If you’re contributing to a top-tier authority site in your niche, your post needs to be exceptional — on par with or even better than the content on your own blog. Think high-quality, in-depth, expert-level writing that delivers real value without any fluff. These sites expect well-researched, insightful contributions that stand out.

For smaller blogs with a more niche audience, the content doesn’t have to be as extensive, but it should still offer unique perspectives and practical insights that genuinely benefit their readers.

Step 2: Create an Outline Before Writing

A well-structured post is easier to write and more engaging for readers. Your guest post should have:

✔️ A compelling introduction – Hook the reader and explain what they’ll learn.
✔️ A structured body section – Break down the topic into digestible sections.
✔️ Actionable takeaways – Provide real, practical advice.
✔️ A strong conclusion – Summarize key points and include a call to action.

Here’s a sample outline for a guest post on “SEO Trends in 2025”:

Title: The Future of SEO: 7 Trends That Will Shape 2025

Introduction – Why SEO is evolving and why businesses should pay attention.

Trend #1: AI-Powered Search – How AI tools like ChatGPT are changing SEO.

Trend #2: Zero-Click Searches – Why Google is keeping more traffic on its platform.

Trend #3: E-E-A-T Signals Matter More – How to build credibility with Google.

Conclusion – Final takeaways and next steps for marketers.

Step 3: Write a Captivating Introduction

Your introduction should grab attention immediately. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Start with a bold statement, question, or surprising fact – This piques curiosity.

2️⃣ Address the reader’s pain point – Show them why this topic matters.

3️⃣ Preview the solution – Explain what they’ll learn in the post.

For example:

“Did you know that 90% of web pages get zero organic traffic from Google?

SEO is more competitive than ever, and old tactics like keyword stuffing no longer work. If you want to rank in 2025, you need to adapt to new trends — like AI-driven search, voice optimization, and user intent.

In this post, we’ll break down 7 SEO trends that will help you stay ahead of the curve.”

Step 4: Make the Content Actionable and Engaging

Nobody wants to read fluff. Your guest post should teach, inspire, or solve a problem.

Examples and case studies make your content relatable and trustworthy.

❌ Weak statement: “Personal branding is important for freelancers.”

✅ Stronger version: “Freelancers like John Doe increased their LinkedIn engagement by 300% by consistently sharing industry insights and personal experiences.”

Readability is just as important as the quality of your content. No one wants to read a 2,000-word block of text.

Bullet points and subheadings:

• Helps readers scan the content quickly
• Makes complex topics easier to digest
• Improves user experience on mobile devices

Step 5: Follow the Blog’s Formatting Guidelines

Editors love clean, well-structured posts. Here’s what to check:

• Word count – Stick to their preferred length (usually 1,000-2,500 words).
• Linking policy – Some blogs allow 1-2 links to your site, others don’t.
• Call-to-action – Some blogs prefer a CTA, others don’t allow self-promotion.

A strict editorial site may only allow a short bio with a link.

Step 6: Add Internal and External Links

Show appreciation towards the blog owner by linking back to some of their previous posts within yours. This also shows them that you’ve taken time out to familiarize yourself with their content.

You can find suitable links by doing a Google search using “site:domain.com intitle:keyword” which will show top posts related to specific keywords from said domain.

By strategically linking to the host’s related articles, you increase the chances of getting published and building a long-term relationship with the blog owner.

A great guest post doesn’t just promote your site — it adds value by linking to other helpful resources. Cite reputable sources such as studies, surveys, stats, and other data.

Step 7: Craft a Strong Conclusion with a Call to Action

Your conclusion should:

• Summarize key takeaways – Reinforce the main points.
• Encourage engagement – Ask a question or invite comments.
• Include a soft CTA – Direct readers to take action.

Here’s an example:

“SEO is changing fast, and businesses that fail to adapt will get left behind.

By focusing on AI-driven search, high-quality content, and user intent, you can stay ahead of Google’s ever-evolving algorithm.

What SEO trends do you think will dominate in 2025? Let me know in the comments!”

By following these seven steps, you’ll impress blog editors, build your authority, and open doors for more guest blogging opportunities.

Best Practices in Guest Post Writing

Guest posting isn’t just about dropping links and calling it a day. If you want long-term success, you need to play by the rules and deliver real value.

Here are the best practices every guest blogger should follow:

1. Remember, It’s Not About You

When writing a guest post, your main goal isn’t self-promotion — it’s adding value to the host blog’s audience.

A common mistake? Writers treating a guest post like a personal advertisement. They cram it with links, talk endlessly about their business, and forget to focus on helping the reader.

Instead, shift your mindset:

• Write to educate, not promote: Share valuable insights, actionable tips, and unique perspectives.
• Mention your business naturally: If it fits, great. If not, let your author bio do the talking.
• Prioritize the host blog’s audience: What do they care about? What problems are they facing? Answer those questions first.

Let’s say you run an SEO agency and you’re guest posting on a marketing blog.

Instead of writing “Why My SEO Service Is the Best,” write “The 3 SEO Mistakes Costing Businesses Thousands (And How to Fix Them).”

This positions you as an expert while providing value — without a hard sell.

The better your content, the more likely readers will naturally check out who you are and what you do.

2. Write a Killer Author Bio

If you’re guest posting to build backlinks, your author bio is the key piece of the puzzle.

In most cases, it’s the only spot where you can include promotional links to your website, blog, product, or service — so make it count!

Most blogs allow a short bio at the end of your guest post, usually 2-3 sentences max. This is your chance to introduce yourself, showcase your expertise, and include a strategic link.

Here’s what makes a great bio:

✔️ Clearly state who you are and what you do. Keep it short and impactful.
✔️ Include a relevant link. Instead of just linking to your homepage, send readers to a landing page, lead magnet, or blog post they’ll love.
✔️ Add a personal touch. A fun fact or unique detail can make you more relatable.

For example:

❌ Weak Bio: “John Doe is a marketing expert. Follow him on Twitter.”

✅ Strong Bio: “John Doe is an SEO strategist who helps businesses rank higher on Google. Want to boost your traffic? Download his free SEO checklist here: [yourwebsite.com]. When he’s not optimizing websites, he’s brewing specialty coffee and hiking with his dog.”

The second bio is more engaging, positions John as an expert, and includes a compelling call to action.

3. Build Genuine Relationships with Publishers

Want to land guest posts on top-tier sites? Start engaging before you pitch.

Think about it — if an editor already recognizes your name, your chances of getting published skyrocket.

Instead of sending a cold pitch that lands in the trash folder, warm up your relationship with the site owner first. That way, when your email arrives, their reaction isn’t “Who’s this?” but rather, “Oh, I’ve seen this person around!”

Here’s how to get on their radar before you pitch:

• Engage on social media – Follow them, share their articles, and add insightful comments to their posts. A little interaction goes a long way.
• Comment on their blog – Thoughtful comments (not just “Great post!”) show that you value their content and want to contribute to the discussion.
• Join their online events – If they host webinars, Twitter Spaces, or industry meetups, participate and ask smart questions.
• Reach out with value first – Send a short email telling them how their content helped you — without asking for anything in return.

For example: Instead of jumping straight to a pitch, send a friendly message like:

“Hey [Name], I really enjoyed your post on [Topic]. I applied your advice on [specific strategy], and it made a huge difference! Just wanted to say thanks for the valuable insights.”

When the time comes to pitch, your name won’t be unfamiliar — it’ll be associated with genuine engagement. And that gives you a major advantage.

By focusing on relationships instead of transactions, you’re not just landing a one-time guest post. You’re building long-term connections that can lead to more guest blogging opportunities, partnerships, and even paid writing gigs down the road.

4. Promote Your Guest Post Like Crazy

Your job isn’t over once your guest post is published. If you want it to get maximum exposure, help drive traffic to it.

Here’s how to give your guest post the attention it deserves:

• Share it across social media – Post it on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and any relevant groups or communities.
• Tag the blog owner and contributors – This increases engagement and encourages them to reshare it.
• Mention it in your email newsletter – If you have a subscriber list, let them know about your latest guest post.
• Repurpose your guest post – Turn it into a short LinkedIn post, Twitter thread, or even a YouTube video.

For example: Instead of just tweeting, “Check out my guest post on SEO,” try:

“Want to boost your SEO in 2025? I shared 5 cutting-edge strategies in my latest guest post for [Blog Name]. Read it here: [link]”

More visibility = more traffic = more opportunities.

5. Engage with Readers in the Comments

One of the best ways to maximize your guest post’s impact? Respond to comments and engage with the audience.

Most blogs have a comment section, and if people are taking the time to ask questions or share thoughts on your article, responding builds credibility and trust.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

✔️ Reply promptly. Aim to respond within 24-48 hours after the post goes live.
✔️ Be helpful and friendly. Answer questions, provide extra insights, and thank people for reading.
✔️ Continue the conversation. Ask follow-up questions to encourage more discussion.

For example:

Reader comment: “Great post! Do you have any tips for local SEO?”

Your response: “Thanks for reading! Absolutely — focus on optimizing your Google Business Profile, getting local backlinks, and encouraging customer reviews. Here’s a resource with more details: [link].”

This small effort can turn casual readers into followers, fans, and even clients.

6. Avoid Plagiarism (Even Unintentional Plagiarism!)

This should go without saying, but never copy content from other sources. Many sites run guest posts through plagiarism checkers, and if they find duplicate content, your post will get rejected instantly.

Even if you don’t copy word-for-word, be mindful of “idea plagiarism.” If you’re covering a common topic, find a fresh angle instead of rehashing the same advice.

Here’s how to keep your content original:

✔️ Write from personal experience. Share unique insights, case studies, or real-life examples.
✔️ Do your own research. Don’t just summarize other articles — add new perspectives or data.
✔️ Use AI responsibly. AI tools can help with brainstorming, but always rewrite content in your own words.

If you’re using ChatGPT to write your guest post, it will most likely get rejected once the blog owner runs it through an AI detector tool and a plagiarism checker.

The best way to avoid this embarrassment is to use a specialized content writer like BrandWell which guarantees 100% humanlike, plagiarism-free content that bypasses all AI detection tools out there.

You can, however, use ChatGPT to write your guest post pitch or social media posts sharing your latest article.

Learn more strategies on how to use ChatGPT for link building.

Writing a guest post that gets accepted is no easy task. However, by following these guest posting guidelines and understanding what blog editors look for in submissions, you increase your chances of having your content published on high-quality blogs.

Master Guest Post Writing for Long-Term Success

Guest post writing is a mutually beneficial endeavor that requires guest bloggers and blog owners to form relationships and share content for increased domain authority and traffic.

For bloggers and marketers, guest post writing can help:

• Expand Your Reach – Share your content with a new audience and grow your influence.
• Establish Your Authority – Position yourself as a trusted expert in your field.
• Boost SEO – Earn high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites.
• Build Connections – Strengthen relationships within your industry.
• Increase Website Traffic – Drive targeted visitors to your site through referral links.

For blog hosts, publishing guest posts brings:

• Fresh, High-Quality Content – Gain expert insights with minimal effort.
• New Perspectives – Keep your audience engaged with diverse viewpoints.
• SEO Benefits – Improve rankings with well-optimized, valuable content.
• Networking Opportunities – Connect with thought leaders and potential collaborators.

Guest posting isn’t just about scoring a backlink. When done right, it can open doors to new opportunities.

But let’s be real — writing high-quality guest posts takes time, effort, and strategy. From finding the right websites to crafting compelling content that meets editorial standards, it’s a demanding process.

That’s where BrandWell can help. If you want to produce high-quality, SEO-friendly guest posts in a fraction of the time, this AI-powered content marketing platform can speed up your workflow without sacrificing quality.

BrandWell has a keyword research tool to help you find topics to write about, a long-form content writer to generate guest posts in minutes, and a generative AI suite to help you craft your pitch. It’s your all-in-one content marketing assistant!

To start writing your guest post using BrandWell, log into your account and click the  “Write New Post” button in the upper right corner:

Most users input a keyword or topic to generate an article but you also have the option to create a guest post from a YouTube video, podcast episode, another article, or digital file.

Depending on the submission guidelines of your target website, BrandWell offers the following export options for your blog post:

Here’s a guest post that was 100% written by BrandWell and exported to MS Word:

If done correctly, guest blogging can be a powerful tool for building backlinks and growing your online presence. So put on your creative hats, start pitching ideas, and let’s get those guest blogs rolling!

🚀 Try BrandWell today and start publishing guest posts that get results — faster and easier than ever.

FAQs About Guest Post Writing

What is guest post writing?

Guest post writing is the process of creating an article for publication on someone else’s blog or website. It helps the writer establish authority, reach a wider audience, and earn backlinks, while the host site benefits from fresh, high-quality content.

What is an example of guest blogging?

An example of guest blogging is when a marketing expert writes an article for a popular industry blog to share insights and gain exposure. For instance, Neil Patel contributing a post on HubSpot’s blog about SEO trends is a classic example of guest blogging.

How do you write a good post?

To write a good post:

• Choose a relevant topic – Ensure it aligns with the audience’s interests.
• Craft a compelling headline – Make it clear, engaging, and SEO-friendly.
• Provide valuable insights – Use data, examples, and actionable tips.
• Structure it well – Use headings, bullet points, and short paragraphs for readability.
• Optimize for SEO – Include keywords, internal links, and meta descriptions.
• Edit and proofread – Ensure clarity, grammar, and flow before submitting.

How can I start guest posting?

To start guest posting, follow these steps:

1. Identify relevant blogs in your industry.
2. Search for “write for us” or “guest post by” on Google.
3. Pitch blog owners with unique content ideas.
4. Write high-quality, valuable content.
5. Follow the blog’s guidelines and submit your post.

How to write a guest article?

To write a guest article:

1. Research the target blog’s content and audience.
2. Choose a compelling and relevant topic.
3. Craft a well-structured post with valuable insights.
4. Optimize for SEO with keywords and proper formatting.
5. Include a brief author bio with a link to your website.
6. Proofread and submit according to the blog’s guidelines.