Most of us are on our best behavior when we are guests in someone’s home. Make sure you make a good impression when you are a guest on someone’s blog, too.
You can make it easy for bloggers to use your submissions, and make them happy to do so, by following their guidelines. These tips will help you to be a better guest blogger:
Follow length guidelines. Although most bloggers have some flexibility in post length, stay within their guidelines. Sending 1000 words when they asked for 300 is no better than sending 300 when they asked for 1000.
Proofread your post. Make your submission the best it can be. That means making your post as well-written and error free as possible.
If they ask for the post in a particular format, submit in that format. Don’t send a PDF if they asked for a text file.
Include all requested items. Did they ask for an image to go with the post? Or your photo? Send it as a JPG, GIF or other appropriate graphic file. (Don’t send an image in a Word doc–it will be unusable.)
Give them good link info. How do you want them to link to you from the post? Although the host decides how many links per post and whether they may include anchor text, let them know how you prefer to be linked. Provide a brief author bio.
Respond if they contact you. The host blogger may contact you with questions, possible changes or just to let you know when your post will be published. Acknowledge and respond to any messages.
Consider making any requested changes. Notice that I did not say to make the changes. That is up to you. If the request is reasonable, you might want to make the changes so they will publish your post. If the changes they want are unacceptable to you, then you may want to politely withdraw your submission.
Be polite. Even if the other blogger does something you consider unreasonable or even rude, do not respond in kind. It does not benefit you in any way to sink to their level. And you certainly do not want to be the one who starts a pissing match.
Promote your post. Once it is published, promote the post on your social media accounts and/or your blog. And let the host blogger know that you have done so. They will appreciate it.
Oh, and be sure to say thank you. You did them a favor by providing quality content, but they also did you a favor by presenting it to their audience. Thank them for their help.
Make it easy for bloggers to use your content, and you will be welcome on any blog!