If you’re looking to get your guest post published on a high-quality site, you’ll need to reach out to the site’s owner or editor. But cold emailing can be tough, and it’s easy to get discouraged when your emails go unanswered.
The way to stand out in your guest post outreach is to personalize your email template and follow a structure so you can be sure to include all the important information. That is because a generic template will make it clear that you’re just mass-emailing bloggers and not taking the time to build a relationship.
However, know that guest post outreach is all about building relationships, and you need to experiment.
How to Write a Successful Guest Post Pitch
There are no hard and fast rules for writing a successful guest post pitch:
- Do your research — Guest posting is all about relationships. Take the time to read a few blog posts on the site you’re targeting to get a feel for their voice and style. This will also give you a chance to come up with ideas for posts that would be a good fit.
- Check the site’s guest posting guidelines — Most sites that accept guest posts will have specific guidelines on what they’re looking for. Make sure you read and understand these before you start writing your pitch.
- Keep it short and sweet — No one wants to read a long, rambling email. Get to the point and be clear about what you’re offering.
- Make it personal — A personalized pitch will stand out from the dozens of generic emails the site’s owner gets every day.
- Include all the important information — Be sure to include everything the site’s owner will need to know, such as your post idea, a link to your blog, and your contact information.
The Subject Line for a Guest Post
Subject line or opening line is your first and only chance to make a good impression and convince the recipient to click on your email.
A question is a great way to start a subject line because it piques curiosity and compels the recipient to read on to see what the answer is.
Eg: Do you accept guest posts?
It is a great subject line because its specific and tells the recipient exactly what they can expect from the email.
Here are a few examples of non-question type subject lines that could work well for guest post pitches:
1. Guest Post Idea: [Topic]
2. Guest post pitch: [Topic]
3. Guest post request: [Topic]
4. Do you accept guest posts?
Guest Post Email Format
Your guest post email must include:
1. Clarity Over Why You’re Reaching Out
When reaching out to a site owner about a guest post, it’s important that you make it clear why you’re emailing them. The last thing you want is for your email to be mistaken for spam.
Your email body should start with a sentence or two explaining why you’re reaching out.
For example, “I recently read your post on Guest posting tips and I wanted to reach out and see if you’d be interested in a guest post on the same topic.”
This explanation not only shows that you’ve read their blog and are familiar with their work, but it also shows that you have something valuable to contribute. And above all, it is crystal clear.
2. What’s In It For Them?
The next part of your email should explain what’s in it for them. Guest posting for SEO is a two-way street and it’s important to make sure the site owner knows what they’ll be getting out of it.
For example, you might say something like,
“As a guest poster, I would promote the post across my social media channels and I’m confident that it would help drive traffic to your site.”
3. A Clear Call-To-Action
The final part of your email should be a clear call to action. Guest posting pitches are often ignored because the site owner doesn’t know what the next step is.
Make it easy for them by including a sentence or two that spells out exactly what you want them to do. For example,
“If you’re interested, I’ve attached a copy of the post and I’d be happy to make any revisions you suggest. Please let me know if you have any questions or if you’re interested in publishing the post.”
This call-to-action is clear and concise, and it gives the site owner a specific way to respond.
Guest post outreach templates
#1. A website that you know is accepting guest posts
When we know that a site is open to guest posts, we can be a little more direct in our pitch. And you can use the below template in that case:
Subject line: Guest post pitch – The ultimate guide to tax for freelancers
“Dear {Name},
Do your readers know enough about tax for 2022? Our small-business tax specialists can help.
We’d love for you this to appear on your site and are offering it as an exclusive.
I’ve attached a sample of the post below. Contact me today if you’re interested in publishing the post or want more information on why we’re the tax experts that small businesses trust.
Yours sincerely,
{Your Name}”
#2. A website you’re contracting with a request
If you are not sure whether the website you want to contact accepts guest posts, it’s best to start with a more general request. This doesn’t mean your email will be less effective – on the contrary, by being more humble, you increase the chances that the website owner will respond positively to your request.
Subject line: Guest post request – The ultimate guide to tax for freelancers
Dear {Name},
I don’t know whether you accept guest posts, but we have prepared an in-depth guide to tax for freelancers that we think would be the perfect fit for your audience.
I’ve attached a sample of the post below. Please let me know if you’re interested in publishing the post or want more information on why we’re the tax experts that small businesses trust.
Yours sincerely,
{Your Name}
#3. Pitching a guest post to a blog
When pitching a guest post to a blog, focus on how our post will benefit the blog’s readers. And explain that you understand the blog’s audience and that you have something valuable to contribute.
Subject line: Your readers will love our 2022 tax tips
Dear {Name},
I’m Robert Smith from Tax Connect. We’re all fans of your freelance blog and love your approach to making things simple for freelancers. In fact, many of us have used your tips to help us in our careers.
We’ve created an in-depth guide with everything a freelancer needs to know about tax for 2022.
I’ve attached a sample of the article below. If you’re interested in publishing the post or want more information on why we’re the tax experts that small businesses trust, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
Yours sincerely,
{Your Name}
Types of guest post email templates
Templates For Outreach/Introduction
Template 1
Hello, [Name]
I’ve been a subscriber of [Blog Name] for some time now – and I especially enjoy reading to [Blog category/section/series name] on daily basis.
I’ve been working on an idea for a post about [blog idea] – and it struck me that this would be a great fit for your audience. Recently, I’ve had several successful guest posts on major blogs including [Blog Name], [Blog Name] and [Blog Name] – which you can see here:
LINK #1
LINK #2
LINK #3
The working headline for the post is [title] although I’m open to changing it up if need be.
I feel that the post would be especially relevant to your readers because [State how it will help the readers]
The summary of the postof post is…
[Bulleted list or paragraph summary of your blog]
Although there are many such blogs out there that covercovers the same thing, I haven’t seen a lot of posts that walk readers through [main key point] very well. For that reason, I think your readers would find it very useful.
What do you think? Should I write it up and send you a draft?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Template 2
Hi [Name],
My name is [your name] from [company]. I’ve been following your blog since 2012.
Your recent post [blog topic] really resonated with me. I thought it was something my audience would appreciate, so I shared it with my social media and email subscribers.
I wanted to get in touch with you to discuss [topic] further and see if we can work on something similar together.
If you’re interested we can set up a phone call this week to discuss starting a collaboration that would bring value to both our audiences.
Best,
[Your name]
Template 3
Hi [Blogger Name]
I first want to start off by saying I’m a huge fan of [Blog Name] – you may have noticed my comment from your last post. LOVE that post. I literally printed it out and have it sitting on my desk as a reference.
Anyway, I was checking out some of your other posts and noticed that you published a guest post from [Other Guest Blogger Name].
It got me thinking: I’d love to be your next guest author!
Here are a few topics that I think [Blog Name] readers would get a ton of value from:
Topic #1
Topic #2
Topic #3
To give you an idea of the quality that I bring to the table, here are a few posts that I’ve recently published:
Link #1
Link #2
Let me know what you think. : )
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 4
Hey [First Name],
I’m [Your Name], and I write at [Your Business Name or Website]. I’m also a regular contributor at [mention a popular blog in your space].
Anyway, I’m writing to you because I have some really interesting content ideas that I strongly feel will be perfect for [Blog Name]’s audience.
I can send you the topics I have in mind if you’re still open to new guest authors.
I appreciate the time and am reallyand really looking forward to working together.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 5
Hi [Name],
I went through your website and read several blogs and I feel they touch the realm of my work and expertise. I genuinely appreciate the awareness you are creating with the meaningful content on your website. I would very much like to be a part of it through guest posting.
I would like to introduce myself as an Editor with [Your Business Name]. We provide [Your Business Main Services]. I write about [Your Area and Expertise].
You can find the samples of some of my published works below –
Link #1
Link #2
Link #3
Here are a few topics that I think [Blog Name] readers would get a ton of value from:
Topic #1
Topic #2
Topic #3
In case youcase if you don’t like the topics, we can always switch to something more suitable.
I’m excited to hear back from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 6
Hello [Name],
I’m [Your Name] and I’m a digital marketer and technical writer for [Your Business Name].
I’m passionate about exploring and writing about innovation, technology including cloud computing, VoIP and digital marketing trends. I also manage my personal blog at [Your Personal Blog Name] where I actively share my thoughts on digital marketing, lifestyle and trending technologies.
The reason I’m reaching out is to ask if you are accepting guest post. I understand the need for unique and well-researched content, and I am also very passionate about any topic or subject that I write about. Is it still room for me to write some actionable and useful content on [Blog Name]? 🙂
I’m interested in submitting a guest post for [Blog Name] on the following topic:
[Blog Headline]
Awaiting your positive reply,
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Twitter/LinkedIn profile]
Template 7
Hi [Name],
My name is [Your Name], a startup founder from [Country]. I’d like to contribute a guest post to [Blog Name]. Here are my previous writing samples, for your reference:
Link #1
Link #2
Link #3
Here are some guest post ideas I had in mind:
Topic #1 [Summarize it in a paragraph or two]
Topic #2 [Summarize it in a paragraph or two]
If you like any of the above ideas, I’ll write up everything and send it according to [Blog Name]’s guidelines, paying special attention to the tone of the blog in general (shouldn’t be too hard, I’ve been a reader for over a year now).
What do you think? Will your other readers find these topics interesting?
Thanks for your time,
[Your Name]
Template 8
Hi [Blogger’s Name],
[Compliment Here]
I’m writing to submit a guest post to [Blog Name]. The post’s headline is [Catchy headline here] and the article will include:
[Article Summary/Outline]
I’ve noticed articles on this topic are particularly popular with your readers.
To let you know a little bit about me, I’m a professional [name of your job]. I’ve previously written for [names of other blogs you’ve written for] and you can find samples of my work here:
Link #1
Link #2
Let me know what you think. I’m excited to hear back from you!
Best wishes,
[Your name]
Template 9
Hi [Blogger’s Name]
My name is [Your Name]. I discovered your website from [Source] and thought it the perfect opportunity for me to reach out to you.
I have become a fan of your work and enjoy reading your content. I specialize in (Your Niche) and I believe my writing style and yours matches perfectly.
I would love to be a contributing writer for your site/ pitch my guest post idea. I’d like to write an article entitled (Guest Post Title) as I believe it will resonate deeply with your audience and give very valuable information and a fresh point of view on the subject matter.
The article will explain [summary] and provide details on how to [summary].
I’ll be a great contributor for your blog/website because (list your best strengths and previously published work].
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to working with you!
All the Best,
[Your Name]
Template 10
Hi [Blogger’s Name]
My name is [Your Name] and I’m dropping you a line to see if you accept guest bloggers on [Name of Blog]. I write about [state your topic or what you do for which company or website] and thought an article about [Topic Idea] would be a good fit for your blog.
Here are some examples of my guest posts:
Link #1
Link #2
The post will be original and high-quality, written just for your blog (that your audience will love) and will not be posted elsewhere.
Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to working with you!
Thanks,
[Your name]
Follow-up Email Templates
Follow-up Templates can be used after sending an article pitch or a Guest Post Outreach Email in order to increase the response rate. They help to nudge the busy blogger to respond to your email.
Template 11
Hey [Blogger’s Name]
Just a quick follow up in case you’ve missed my email.
If you’re short on time right now — no worries. I won’t bug you about it again.
Thanks.
[Your Name]
Template 12
Hi [Blogger’s Name],
This is [Your Name] checking in about the guest post pitch I emailed a couple weeks ago.
I bet you are super busy now due to [holiday, event or anything that is topical and makes sense], so I thought I’d email.
Thanks.
[Your Name]
Template 13
Hey [Blogger’s Name],
I didn’t hear back from you. Just wondering, did I do something wrong?
I know you’re interested in publishing high-qaulity and informative guest blogs (One or Two Existing Samples) on your site.
Thanks.
[Your Name]
Email Templates When Your Guest Blog is Published
After your Guest Post is published on a blog, it is always a good idea to send a thank-you email to the blogger. This will help you to build a good relationship with the blogger, which can lead to more opportunities in the future.
The following are some sample thank you emails that you can use.
Template 14
Hi [Blogger’s Name],
I just wanted to say a big thank you for publishing my guest post on your [Blog]. I couldn’t be happier! 🙂
I’m delighted that the readers here seem to have received the post well, and it has been a real pleasure responding to all the great comments.
I’ve also shared the blog on Twitter[ Social Media Channel Name]. Here is the link to tweet – [Link]
Wishing you the very best!
[Your Name]
Template 15
Hi [Blogger’s Name]
Thank you for publishing my guest post. I really appreciate that.
I hope your readers will enjoy reading the post.
Just tweeted it via [Your Twitter handle] or tweet link
I’d be happy to answer any comments regarding this article.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Guest blogging is an effective way to build your online presence, grow your website traffic, and improve your SEO. By using Guest Post Outreach Templates, you can streamline the process of reaching out to bloggers and increase your chances of getting your guest post published.
