There is one thing you are not doing when you pitch a guest post that’s costing you the opportunity.
Look, there are so many skills you need to master in order to run a successful business. And dusting off your megaphone and getting your name out there is one huge part of the gig. This whole publicity thing is like a job in its own right. We know that.
So if we know that, then we also know that guest posting (placing your content on a strategically aligned website) is one great way to promote your business online. I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say it’s necessary. And, for some of us, it’s a necessary evil. Emphasis on the word evil…like the fruits of the devil. We’re terrified to put ourselves out there. And so many of us don’t even know where to start.
Finding the outlets that speak to your ideal client, kind of a daunting task.
Writing a pitch is no small feat.
I promise to cover those in another [two] posts. (Thanks for the ideas)
But even if you do know how to structure a pitch and are knowledge on the influential sites in your market, as far as your outreach, there’s one thing you might not be doing that could make all the difference. It’s something so simple, there’s no wonder you never thought to do it. You might even think that by the mere fact you’re writing a pitch this little bit is implied.:
Make the ask.
At the end of your pitch, in summation, simply write, “May I please write this article [insert article title] for [insert name of site]?”
This little addition to the end of your pitch reminds the editor why you’re writing. It’s a humble little question that’s BEGGING for a yes, particularly if you’ve written a decent to good to great pitch. If your pitch sucks, this isn’t going to save it. But this question will give the editor something to respond to.
Try it out and let me know what you think. How does it feel? Does it seem to work for you? Hang any guest post opportunities that come up in the comments below! Can’t wait to hear.