Why writing a guest post is still a good idea

You might be wondering if it's worth it to do a guest post.

The answer is yes.

There have been reasons to do a guest blog post since before black-hat SEO started ruining the concept, so good riddance to that rubbish. Forthwith, some reasons to do a guest blog post.

Presence

Two months ago you launched a new product that was six months in the making. Adoption was good, but not so outstanding that you can release some user numbers. The next product release won't be for another 6–9 months, and you're afraid that you're losing a little momentum in the marketplace. Since a news article is unlikely, hit up a target publication as a way to keep in the forefront of your prospective users and investors.

Thought leadership

Are you trying to establish your company in a crowded niche? Maybe trying to create a niche where there is none? Writing a guest blog brings more credibility than a post on your own blog and helps to support you as a thought leader in your space. Be sure that the blog topic aligns well with the worldview and vision of your company. A blog post about an unrelated topic is a missed opportunity.

Community

Participating in the conversations that matter to your industry is another great benefit of a guest blog post. Sometimes it's the opportunity to ask a question of the community and spark a discussion. Or it might be the opportunity to highlight other people and companies who are doing great things. The key here is being able to build or grow a community which will help your company succeed. Guest posting is also a great way to introduce your company to a new community or explore new markets. Not sure how your product will be received in another industry? Do a guest blog post to gauge the reaction.

How to get coverage

Most blogs tend to have a submission-guidelines page. Follow their guidelines carefully and write a post that the publication will be interested in. A finance publication won't publish your zen relaxation tips, because it's not on their beat and unlikely to interest their readers. Find the publication whose audience overlaps with yours, and write something genuinely useful to them.