Question from a subscriber: “I want to start writing articles as a guest blogger to attract new clients. How do I get started?”
Guest blogging is when you write a blog on a one-time or periodic basis for a publication as a way to get known as an expert in a particular subject. You do this as a non-staff writer, or guest writer.
Although you usually are not paid for guest blogging, you get exposure to the periodical’s audience – often in the tens of thousands.
Periodicals accept guest submissions because 1) they get content for free 2) industry practitioners offer different views, often more insightful than reporters.
Take these actions TODAY:
- Find the right publication. If you want to attract new leads who are likely to be qualified, go to your best clients and ask them what magazines or journals they read.
- Follow the publication for a while to get a sense of what types of articles they publish. Follow them on social media to get a sense of what engages best with their following. Then contact the editor-in-chief and pitch an article. If they take guest articles, usually they will state this on the website.
- Start small until you build up your reputation as a writer. Word travels quickly. You won’t be blogging for the Wall Street Journal day one. And I would argue, that wouldn’t be ideal anyways. Usually a small trade publication with a loyal following or a local daily news is a much better target audience for an advisor.
- Before you write the blog, get the editorial guidelines in writing. You need to know what they allow and do not allow before submitting the draft.
- Make sure you clarify to the publication that you will need additional time for your compliance to approve the copy before it is published. Usually you submit your draft, the publication’s editors propose changes, and then you submit your final draft. Compliance will have to review the proposed changes before you send the final draft.
- Make sure you can include a byline. Most publications won’t allow you to overtly pitch your services, but you should be able to state your name, your company, your role, and how to reach you (offer up your website or LinkedIn page).
Yeah?
Yaaaaah.
BOOM – there you go, today’s marketing tip for ya!
-Sara G
If you are finding this newsletter valuable, please feel free to support its production by making a $20 contribution via this PayPal link or via Zelle to sara@saragrillo.com.
- I am an outsourced CMO for companies who need regular, full service marketing – blogging, social media posts, newsletters, etc.
- I am an hourly consultant for those who just need one-time or recurring guidance
- People hire me as a ghostwriter to write content for a project fee
- I have a social media training program
- I have a book about what to say on LinkedIn messenger
Just letting ya know, in case you need me at some point.
-Sara G
