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By Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
I thought I was the only one who was reluctant to write guest posts for other blogs – until one of my readers said, “The idea of guest blogging is a little scary. Do you have any advice for that?”
Yes, my friend, I sure do! Here’s how I overcame my fear of guest blogging – and how you can, too.
1. Focus on the benefits of guest blogging. Improving your writing skills, getting to know other bloggers, connecting with different readers, and promoting your blog are just a few benefits of being a guest blogger. I know my writing skills are sharper because of my guest posts here on the Urban Muse – I pay a bit more attention when I write for others than when I write on my own blog! So, if you’re nervous about guest blogging, stay focused on what you’re reaping.
2. Tell yourself that it won’t be difficult forever. The first time is always the hardest…after that, it just gets easier and easier. Whether you’re writing your first guest post or pitching an article to a magazine, you have to trust that it’s time to leave the nest. You can’t succeed if you don’t take risks – and writing is all about taking risks.
3. Do a little digging. The best way to overcome any fear is to learn about it! Arm yourself with knowledge; for instance, Darren Rowse over at ProBlogger wrote How to Be a Good Guest Blogger. But don’t spend more time researching than writing…because procrastination can be The Enemy.
4. Remember that this is a “seedling” risk. Taking little risks, such as writing guest posts, prepares you to take bigger risks – such as submitting your first manuscript to a publisher. To grow as a writer, you need to keep stretching beyond your comfort zone. Welcome new writing or blogging opportunities, especially if you’re just starting out. Writing guest posts is a great way to plant seeds that grow into big strong writing oaks!
5. Focus on balancing your voice with the blog’s content. “Be true to the blog’s purpose, yet bring your unique style, voice and opinion to the content,” says freelance journalist Lisa Horn. To get comfy with guest blogging, think of it objectively – because writers have to be objective about their work. Pull out of your fear. Take a look at the blog you’d like to write for, think about how your voice fits, and focus on the task at hand (not your fears).
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Comments
07.20.09
These are great tips. I can assure you even for some of us that have been writing guest posts for years, we can still get stressed out! I have written a ton of guest posts for sites over the last 2+ years, but the recent round have been for A list blogs (aka Mashable, TechCrunch, Lifehacker). It was really tough and I put a lot of pressure on myself. What got me through was having fun sharing some of the stuff I know that would be a great read for their audience. Always remember who you are writing for and you will get a nice warm welcome!
07.20.09
I read this post this morning on your blog and just scanned it again and it occurs to me that #1 - " ... getting to know other bloggers, connecting with different readers, and promoting your blog are just a few benefits of being a guest blogger." - is essentially what is happening in many respects by having this post published on your blog and also here on the BC network. Just an observation.
07.20.09
Thanks for the comments, Mark and Greg!
@Mark: I agree that guest posting *is* a bit like being part of the Brazen Careerist community.
I want to give credit where credit is due, so I'll put in a plug for my fabulous guest blogger, Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. You can check out her blog at http://theadventurouswriter.com/blogwriting.
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