In the world of SEO, it’s often said that Google’s guidelines and actions don’t always align perfectly.
Take guest posting, for example. This strategy has long occupied a gray area in Google’s rulebook. Initially, guest blogging was embraced as a legitimate way to boost SEO, with no public pushback from Google. However, things shifted in 2014 when Google cautioned against guest posting purely for link-building purposes. Matt Cutts, a well-known voice in the SEO community, famously declared that guest posting for links had reached its end.
Yet, the popularity of guest posting hasn’t waned. The challenge is that many link builders still target the wrong types of links. This is evident from the sites frequently highlighted in top-ranking posts that list “guest posting sites.”
We conducted a thorough analysis of over 700 sites (Analyzed Tazul, who has more than a year of experience in SEO, and Nazrul, who brought additional insights to the project). We performed a quality check on these sites, so you don’t have to.
The methodologies we follow in 2024
To build an effective guest posting strategy, we started by compiling a list from top guest post lists. We also used Ahrefs’ Content Explorer to find additional sites, focusing on those with clear indications they accepted guest posts, such as URLs or titles with terms like “contribute” or “write for us.”
Once we had our list, we manually reviewed each site based on the following criteria:
- Domain Rating Above 50: Sites with a strong domain rating indicate higher authority and credibility.
- Monthly Organic Traffic Above 5,000: Sites with substantial traffic are more likely to deliver valuable exposure and engagement.
- Dofollow Links: We prioritized sites that provide dofollow links, ensuring that these links contribute to SEO efforts rather than just linking to government sites.
- Author Names Displayed: Quality sites clearly display author names rather than generic terms like “admin” or “guest,” which often signify lower quality.
- Website Quality: We checked for E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signals and ensured the content was well-written and high quality.
- Engagement Metrics: We looked for sites with active comment sections or social media interactions, indicating that the content engages its audience.
- Content Freshness: We assessed how frequently the site updates its content to ensure it remains relevant and up-to-date.
- User Experience: Sites with a clean, professional design and easy navigation are more likely to attract and retain visitors, enhancing the impact of guest posts.
We aim to keep our list up-to-date. If you come across any posts that seem to fall short of these qualifications, please let us know. Mail On (contact@intechsea.com)
150+ High-Quality Guest Posting Sites for 2024
The Best Ways to Identify Quality Guest Post Sites
Guest posting can effectively drive traffic, enhance visibility, and boost your brand. However, it’s important to approach it correctly. When selecting guest post opportunities, aim for high-quality, relevant sites while ensuring the durability and strength of your post. There’s nothing worse than having your post on a site that gets affected by an algorithm update. Typically, company websites provide more reliable backlinks than publications.
Here’s how to find lasting and valuable guest posting opportunities.
Assessing Site Relevance
Choosing sites relevant to your niche is vital for effective guest posting and SEO. Links from these relevant sites help search engines recognize your site’s contextual relevance, boosting your chances of ranking higher.
Additionally, guest posting on relevant sites can attract traffic. This, in turn, might lead to better-converting customers. However, this outcome largely depends on how widely your post is seen.
Must Check Domain Authority or Rating
Third-party metrics such as domain authority (DA) and domain rating (DR) serve as indicators of a site’s authority, similar to Google’s page rank. Aim for guest posting opportunities on sites with high DA or DR. For context, the median DR in our analysis was 74.
Tools like Moz’s Link Explorer and Ahrefs’ Site Explorer can quickly provide authority metrics. While Majestic’s Trust Flow is another useful tool, remember that these metrics aren’t identical to Google’s Page Rank. Sometimes, sites may show inflated DA or DR for various reasons, so additional checks are essential to ensure you’re choosing quality sites.
Relevance VS Authority
When evaluating guest posting opportunities, understanding the distinction between relevance and authority is key.
Relevance refers to how well a site aligns with your niche or industry. Posting on relevant sites ensures that your content resonates with a targeted audience, which can enhance the value of your backlink. Relevant links are beneficial because they indicate to search engines that your content is contextually appropriate.
Authority, on the other hand, measures a site’s credibility and influence, often reflected through metrics like domain authority (DA) or domain rating (DR). High-authority sites are generally more trusted by search engines, which can positively impact your SEO if they link to your content.
In summary, while relevance ensures that your guest post reaches the right audience, authority helps improve your site’s search engine rankings. Balancing both factors is essential for a successful guest posting strategy.
Must Check Traffic
Organic traffic is a valuable metric provided by many SEO tools, though it’s important to remember that these figures are estimates, not precise counts. Sites with higher organic traffic are often of better quality since they’re likely ranking well and attracting visitors.
However, traffic alone isn’t a perfect measure. A site might have a high traffic count due to a single popular post that’s unrelated to your niche.
To assess organic traffic, use Ahrefs’ Site Explorer. This tool not only gives estimated traffic numbers but also shows an organic traffic graph. This graph includes date stamps for major algorithm updates, helping you spot any drops in traffic that coincide with these updates. A significant traffic dip around an algorithm update could indicate potential issues with the site’s quality or SEO practices.
Understanding Traffic Dips
Traffic dips can occur for various reasons, but recent algorithm updates often focus on content quality. When a site’s traffic drops around the time of an algorithm update, it may signal issues with content relevance or quality. This is because search engines are increasingly prioritizing well-crafted, valuable content in their rankings. If a site’s content doesn’t meet these quality standards, it’s likely to see a decrease in traffic.
Evaluate audience engagement
When evaluating guest posting opportunities, audience engagement provides insights into the site’s authenticity and its potential impact on your content. Genuine engagement signals that the site is actively managed and connected with its audience.
To assess this, check the site’s social media profiles or look for comments and interactions directly on the site. For instance, if a site’s Twitter account has not posted anything in over a year and shows minimal interaction with followers, it could indicate low engagement levels.
Similarly, if the site’s blog has few or no comments on recent posts, this might suggest limited audience interaction. Such indicators help assess the quality and effectiveness of the site for your guest post.
Signs of Poor Audience Engagement
Another red flag for poor audience engagement is when social media links on a site lead to empty or inactive profiles. This suggests that while the site may have been designed with social media integration in mind, the owner hasn’t invested time in managing these accounts.
For example, if you find social media icons on a site that link to profiles with no posts or recent activity, it indicates a lack of attention to detail and engagement. This lack of active social media presence can reflect poorly on the site’s overall credibility and effectiveness for guest posting.
Check content quality
Evaluating a site’s content quality is vital to ensuring it remains in good standing with Google’s algorithm updates. Start by examining the site’s overall content library. For instance, a site that primarily covers technology should not feature unrelated topics like gardening or fashion. Such discrepancies can signal that the content might not be focused or relevant.
Next, assess the quality of the writing. Articles should be well-researched and thoughtfully written. For example, if a post about the cost of a medical procedure lacks research links and doesn’t provide substantive information, it could indicate a focus on link-building rather than valuable content.
A well-researched article should include relevant data and references, contributing to the site’s credibility. If a site consistently publishes content that is poorly researched or off-topic, it may be prioritizing backlinks over quality. This can negatively impact its reputation and search engine rankings.
Check for E-E-A-T Signals
When evaluating a site for E-E-A-T (expertise, authoritativeness, trustworthiness, and experience), there are key steps to follow. Start by examining the authors’ credentials. Look for information that confirms they are knowledgeable and experienced in their field.
A site lacking clear E-E-A-T signals might have poorly presented author information. For example, if a site does not provide details about its authors or their qualifications and its About Us page offers no additional insights, this could be a red flag.
Next, seek evidence of the site’s authority and trustworthiness. Check for industry recognition or references from reputable sources. A site with strong endorsements and positive mentions from other authoritative sites generally signals higher trust and expertise.
Lastly, trust your instincts. If a site appears unprofessional or lacks the expected quality, it’s better to move on. Once you’ve found a suitable guest post opportunity, locate their contact details and use a well-crafted outreach email to make your pitch.
Inspect Backlink Profile
When evaluating a site for guest posting, inspecting its backlink profile is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experience:
1. Use Backlink Analysis Tools
I always start by using tools like Ahrefs or Moz. They offer a clear snapshot of a site’s backlinks. For instance, I once evaluated a site for a guest post and discovered it had an impressive number of high-quality backlinks from industry leaders. This gave me confidence that my post would be valuable there.
2. Check for Quality Links
Look for backlinks from reputable sources. For example, a site I considered had links from well-known tech blogs and industry publications. This suggested a strong, trustworthy site.
3. Assess the Link Diversity
Diverse backlinks are a positive sign. I once encountered a site with a variety of link sources, from news sites to niche blogs. This diversity indicated a natural and healthy link profile.
4. Identify Toxic Links
Watch out for spammy backlinks. I once found a site with numerous low-quality links from dubious directories. This red flag made me cautious about proceeding with my guest post.
5. Review Anchor Text
Examine the anchor text used in backlinks. On one occasion, I noticed a site with a natural mix of branded and generic anchor texts, which suggested a well-balanced link profile.
6. Monitor Link Growth
Check the link growth pattern. I once worked with a site that showed consistent, gradual link growth, which was a good sign. Sudden spikes in links could indicate questionable tactics.
7. Check for Disavowal
Ensure the site doesn’t frequently use a disavow file. A site I reviewed had a disavow file, but it was used sparingly, indicating that while the site was cautious, it wasn’t plagued by spammy links.
By applying these steps based on my experiences, you can better assess whether a site is a good fit for your guest posting efforts.
How to Find Guest Posting Sites With The Help Of Google Search
To discover guest posting opportunities, you can use specific Google search operators. These operators help you find sites actively seeking guest posts or contributors. Here’s a list of useful search queries:
- “guest post submission guidelines” + SEO
- “guest post submission guidelines” + digital marketing
- “guest post submission guidelines” + content marketing
- “guest post submission guidelines” + PPC
- “guest post submission guidelines” + social media
- “guest post submission guidelines” + website optimization
- “guest post submission guidelines” + SEM
- “guest post submission guidelines” + affiliate marketing
- “guest post submission guidelines” + email marketing
- “guest post submission guidelines” + marketing strategy
- “contributor” + SEO
- “contributor” + digital marketing
- “contributor” + content marketing
- “contributor” + PPC
- “contributor” + social media
- “contributor” + website optimization
- “contributor” + SEM
- “contributor” + affiliate marketing
- “contributor” + email marketing
- “contributor” + marketing strategy
- “submit guest post” + SEO
- “submit guest post” + digital marketing
- “submit guest post” + content marketing
- “submit guest post” + PPC
- “submit guest post” + social media
- “submit guest post” + website optimization
- “submit guest post” + SEM
- “submit guest post” + affiliate marketing
- “submit guest post” + email marketing
- “submit guest post” + marketing strategy
- “insurance blog” + write for us
- “insurance blog” + guest post
- “insurance blog” + submit guest post
- “insurance blog” + contribute
- “insurance blog” + guest author
- “insurance blog” + submit article
- “insurance blog” + write for us guidelines
- “insurance blog” + guest posting
- “insurance blog” + contributor
- “insurance blog” + submit post
- “guest post” + SEO
- “guest post” + digital marketing
- “guest post” + content marketing
- “guest post” + PPC
- “guest post” + social media
- “guest post” + website optimization
- “guest post” + SEM
- “guest post” + affiliate marketing
- “guest post” + email marketing
- “guest post” + marketing strategy
- “write for us” + SEO
- “write for us” + digital marketing
- “write for us” + content marketing
- “write for us” + PPC
- “write for us” + social media
- “write for us” + website optimization
- “write for us” + SEM
- “write for us” + affiliate marketing
- “write for us” + email marketing
- “write for us” + marketing strategy
- “become a guest author” + SEO
- “become a guest author” + digital marketing
- “become a guest author” + content marketing
- “become a guest author” + PPC
- “become a guest author” + social media
- “become a guest author” + website optimization
- “become a guest author” + SEM
These search queries can help you find various sites that are open to guest contributions, making it easier to identify suitable platforms for your content.
Sites That I Found On SERP
Here are some sites from the search results for the query “guest post submission guidelines” + SEO:
- Search Engine Journal – Search Engine Journal Guest Post Guidelines
- Search Engine Land – Search Engine Land Contributor Guidelines
- Moz – Moz Write for Us
- Ahrefs Blog – Ahrefs Guest Post Submission
- Neil Patel – Neil Patel Guest Post Guidelines
- Semrush – Semrush Guest Post Guidelines
- Content Marketing Institute – Content Marketing Institute Guest Post
- Social Media Examiner – Social Media Examiner Write for Us
- MarketingProfs – MarketingProfs Guest Post Submission
- Smart Passive Income – Smart Passive Income Guest Post Guidelines
- SEO.co – SEO.co Write for Us
- SEO Expert – SEO Expert Guest Post Guidelines
- SEO Hacker – SEO Hacker Write for Us
- SEO Toolkit – SEO Toolkit Guest Post Submission
- SEO Blog – SEO Blog Write for Us
- SEO Chatter – SEO Chatter Guest Post Guidelines
- SEO Insight – SEO Insight Guest Post
- SEO Agency – SEO Agency Write for Us
- SEO PowerSuite – SEO PowerSuite Guest Post Submission
- SEO Marketing – SEO Marketing Guest Post Guidelines
- SEO Juice – SEO Juice Write for Us
- SEO Strategies – SEO Strategies Guest Post Submission
- SEO Trends – SEO Trends Write for Us
- SEO Insights – SEO Insights Guest Post Guidelines
- SEO Experts Blog – SEO Experts Blog Guest Post Submission
- SEO Growth – SEO Growth Write for Us
- SEO Guide – SEO Guide Guest Post Guidelines
- SEO Authority – SEO Authority Write for Us
- SEO Resources – SEO Resources Guest Post Submission
- SEO Tips – SEO Tips Write for Us
These sites provide guidelines and opportunities for contributing guest posts related to SEO. But Must Check DA, Traffic, Content Quality & E-E-A-T Signal. (Our team will give stats soon.) Or contact@intechsea.com.
How to Write an Email to a Guest Blogging Website for Fast Approval?
To write an effective email for guest blogging opportunities, you’ll want to be concise, professional, and persuasive. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Subject Line:
“Guest Post Proposal: [Your Topic] for [Website Name]”
Email Body:
1. Greeting:
- Address the recipient by name if possible. For instance, “Hi [Recipient’s Name]” or “Hello [Recipient’s Name]”.
2. Introduction:
- Briefly introduce yourself. Mention your name, your blog or website, and a short sentence about your background or expertise.
Example: “I’m [Your Name], a [Your Title/Expertise] at [Your Blog/Website].”
3. Purpose:
- State why you’re reaching out. Be clear that you’re interested in contributing a guest post to their site.
Example: “I’m writing to propose a guest post for [Website Name]. I’ve been following your site for a while and admire the content you publish.”
4. Pitch Your Idea:
- Offer a brief summary of the topic you want to write about. Explain why it would matter to their readers.
Example: “I’d like to submit a post on [Proposed Topic], as I think it will provide valuable insights on [Brief Description of the Topic].”
5. Showcase Your Value:
- Highlight any relevant experience or expertise. Attach links to your earlier work if relevant.
Example: “I’ve created similar content for [Other Websites or Blogs], and here are a few of my previous posts: [Links to Your Work].”
6. Call to Action:
- Clearly state what you’re asking for and offer to provide more details if needed.
Example: “Please let me know if you’re interested in this proposal or if you have any specific guidelines. I’m happy to provide more details or adjust the topic if needed.”
7. Closing:
- Thank them for their time and consideration.
Example: “Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to your response.”
8. Signature:
- Include your full name, contact information, and any relevant links to your website or social media profiles.
Example: “Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Website/Social Media Links]”
Example Email:
Subject: Guest post proposal: tips for effective digital marketing
Hi [Recipient’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], a digital marketing specialist at [Your Blog/Website]. I’m writing to propose a guest post for [Website Name]. I’ve been following your site for a while and admire the content you publish.
I’d like to contribute a post on “Tips for Effective Digital Marketing,” which I believe will offer valuable insights on the latest strategies and best practices in the field.
I’ve written similar content for [Other Websites or Blogs], and here are some of my previous posts: [Links to Your Work].
Please let me know if you’re interested in this proposal or if you have any specific guidelines. I’m happy to provide more details or adjust the topic as needed.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your Website/Social Media Links]
Tools That Help You Will at Guest Blogging
When diving into guest blogging, having the right tools can make a huge difference. Here are some essential tools to help you manage and maximize your guest blogging efforts:
- BuzzStream: This tool helps you find and manage relationships with bloggers and influencers. It’s excellent for tracking outreach and follow-ups.
- Ahrefs: Use Ahrefs to analyze backlink profiles and find potential guest posting sites. Its Site Explorer and Content Explorer features are valuable for identifying high-quality sites.
- Moz: Moz’s Link Explorer helps you assess the authority of potential guest posting sites by providing Domain Authority (DA) and other key metrics.
- Google Search Operators: Utilize Google search operators like “guest post submission guidelines” or “write for us” + your niche to discover relevant guest blogging opportunities.
- Grammarly: This writing tool ensures your guest posts are free from grammatical errors and have a polished, professional tone.
- Pitchbox: Pitchbox automates the outreach process and helps manage relationships with potential guest post hosts, saving you time and effort.
- Hunter.io: Hunter.io helps you find email addresses for outreach, making it easier to contact blog owners and editors directly.
- SEMrush: Use SEMrush for competitor analysis to find where your competitors are guest posting, which can reveal new opportunities for you.
- Google Analytics: Track the performance of your guest posts and measure the impact on your site’s traffic and engagement.
- Yoast SEO: If you’re managing your own blog, Yoast SEO helps optimize your content to ensure it aligns with SEO best practices, which can be useful when crafting guest posts.
These tools will help streamline your guest blogging process, enhance your outreach efforts, and ensure your content reaches the right audience.
How to Write an Effective Guest Post That Attracts Traffic
Writing a guest post that captures attention and drives traffic to your website involves more than just crafting compelling content. It’s about aligning with the host site’s audience and following best practices to make your post stand out. Here’s a guide to help you write a guest post that not only resonates with readers but also boosts your website traffic.
Understand the Audience
Before writing, research the host site’s audience. Understanding their interests and pain points will help you tailor your content to their needs. This alignment increases the likelihood that readers will engage with your post and visit your site.
Craft a Captivating Title
Your title should be both engaging and relevant. Use compelling language and include keywords related to your topic. A strong title draws readers in and sets the stage for the content that follows.
Write an Engaging Introduction
Start with a hook that grabs attention. This could be an interesting fact, a provocative question, or a relatable story. An engaging introduction encourages readers to continue reading and increases the chances of them clicking through to your site.
Provide valuable, high-quality content.
Focus on delivering content that is useful and informative. Offer practical advice, unique insights, or in-depth analysis. High-quality content adds value and encourages readers to visit your site for more information.
Use clear, accessible language.
Write in a clear and straightforward manner. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the audience, and break down complex ideas into easily understandable parts. This approach makes your content more accessible and engaging.
Include Relevant Examples
Enhance your content with real-life examples or case studies. Examples help illustrate your points and make the information more relatable. They also demonstrate your expertise and add credibility to your post.
Add Visual Elements
Incorporate visuals such as images, infographics, or charts. Visuals make your post more engaging and can help clarify complex information. They also make your content more shareable and attractive to readers.
Optimize for SEO
Integrate relevant keywords naturally throughout your post. Use effective meta descriptions, headings, and alt text for images. SEO optimization increases the visibility of your post in search engine results, driving more traffic to your site.
Include a Strong Call to Action
End with a clear call to action (CTA). Encourage readers to visit your website, subscribe to your newsletter, or follow you on social media. A strong CTA directs traffic to your site and helps convert readers into potential clients.
Proofread and edit
Before submitting, thoroughly proofread and edit your post. Check for grammar errors and typos, and ensure clarity. A polished post reflects professionalism and improves your chances of acceptance.
Follow Submission Guidelines
Adhere to the host site’s submission guidelines. This includes formatting requirements, word count limits, and any other specific instructions. Following these guidelines demonstrates respect for the host and increases your likelihood of being published.
Engage with Readers
Once your guest post is live, actively engage with readers by responding to comments and participating in discussions. Engagement can drive additional traffic to your site and strengthen relationships with potential clients.
By following these strategies, you can craft a guest post that not only attracts traffic but also enhances your website’s visibility and authority. This approach has proven successful in increasing my clients’ website traffic and establishing their presence in their respective industries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, guest posting remains a powerful strategy for driving traffic and enhancing your online presence, despite the evolving guidelines and challenges. By focusing on high-quality sites with strong domain ratings, substantial organic traffic, and relevant content, you can leverage guest posts to build valuable backlinks and engage with targeted audiences effectively.
Our thorough analysis, incorporating insights from Tazul and Nazrul, highlights the importance of selecting sites with high E-E-A-T signals and robust engagement metrics. This approach ensures that your guest posts not only reach a broad audience but also contribute meaningfully to your SEO efforts.
As you navigate the guest posting landscape, remember to balance relevance and authority, check traffic trends, and assess content quality to maximize the impact of your contributions. Keep refining your strategy, stay updated with industry changes, and continue to engage with quality platforms to see sustained growth and increased traffic for your website.
