How to Pitch Guest Posts in 10 Steps

Guest posting is one of the smartest ways to grow your authority and get in front of the right audience. But most pitches never get a response. This guide walks you through how to write a pitch that’s worth reading, one that shows you’ve done your homework, brings value to the table, and makes editors want to hit reply.

So, you want to land a guest post on a reputable site. Smart move.

Guest blogging is one of the most powerful tools for building authority, boosting SEO, and getting your name in front of the right people. But most pitches get ignored.

Not because your ideas are bad, but because your approach probably is.

I’ve written and pitched guest posts for years. I’ve been ghosted, rejected, and published on sites I never thought I’d get into.

This guide is what I wish someone gave me before I started.

Why Guest Blogging Still Matters

Guest posting is a practical way to build credibility, expand your reach, and connect with the right audience. It gives you a platform to share your expertise, build trust, and attract traffic without relying on paid promotion.

What it can do for your brand:

• Build authority on topics you want to be known for
• Drive targeted traffic to your site
• Earn high-quality backlinks to improve your SEO
• Grow your network in your niche

Need proof?

Buffer
Leo Widrich, co-founder of Buffer, wrote 150+ guest posts to promote their product. No ads. No shortcuts. Guest blogging helped grow Buffer to 100,000 users in just nine months.

Nomad is Beautiful
This travel blog boosted its SEO and organic traffic by strategically guest posting on high-authority travel sites. The result? A 20% lift in organic traffic—without changing a thing on their own site.

If you’re serious about long-term growth, guest posting is still one of the most effective plays in the content game.

The 10 Steps to Guest Post Pitches That Get Accepted

Writing a great article is only half the job. If your pitch doesn’t grab attention, your content won’t make it past the inbox. Here’s how to pitch guest posts in a way that gets noticed and accepted.

1. Do Your Homework

Before writing a single word of your pitch, read the blog.

Yes, actually read it.

Look at:

• The topics they cover
• The tone they use
• The format they prefer (Listicles? Deep dives? Thought leadership?)
• Their audience; Are they speaking to marketers, founders, designers?

A pitch that doesn't fit the blog’s style will be ignored in 3 seconds flat. This is like walking into an interview with no idea what the company does. Don’t be that person.

2. Find the Right Person

“Dear Sir or Madam” will send your pitch straight to the trash.

If you didn't bother to find the right person and their name why would they trust you'll do a good job with research and writing?

Use LinkedIn. Use the site’s “About” or “Contact” page. Look for the managing editor or content manager. If all else fails, use the blog's general contact form and personalize everything else.

3. Engage Before You Pitch

Don’t just show up in someone’s inbox asking for a favor.

Comment on their posts. Share their content. Add value before you ask for something.

When your name is familiar, your pitch becomes a lot harder to ignore.

4. Nail the Subject Line

Keep it simple and specific.

Good: “Guest Post Idea for: 5 SaaS Onboarding Mistakes to Avoid”

Bad: “Collaboration Inquiry”

Make it easy for them to know what you’re offering before they even open your email.

5. Write a Hook That Isn’t Boring

Start your pitch with something personal, timely, or interesting.

Example:
“I've read your post on B2B email automation and couldn’t stop thinking about how few marketers talk about post-trial onboarding sequences. It sparked an idea…”

You’re not writing a press release. Show you care.

6. Pitch 2–3 Solid, Relevant Topics

Don’t just ask, “Can I write for you?”

Pitch 2–3 strong headlines that fit their blog. For each one, include a short 1–2 sentence summary of what you’d write and why it matters to their audience.

Bonus points if you refer to gaps in their current content.

7. Include Social Proof Without Bragging

A one-liner like “My work has appeared in [Name], [Name], and [Name]” gives you credibility fast.

Link to one or two examples of your writing. Don’t attach a PDF or Word doc. Editors don’t have time for that.

8. Make the CTA Easy and Clear

End your pitch with something like:

“If any of these ideas sound like a good fit, I’d love to write a draft for your review. Thanks for considering!”

Short. Respectful. Professional.

9. Follow Up the Right Way

If you don’t hear back in 7–10 business days, follow up once. Keep it short:

“Just checking in on my guest post pitch below. Would love to hear your thoughts.”

If you don’t get a reply after that, move on.

Harassing editors never works.

10. If You Get a Yes, Overdeliver

When someone accepts your pitch, send in your best work.

Follow their guidelines. Meet the deadline. Make the editor’s life easier and you’ll earn repeat invites and referrals.

Also: share the piece after it’s published. Link the blog, comment back, engage with the audience. Guest posting shouldn't be a one-and-done game. It’s a relationship, a connection, a bridge. Don't burn it.

Final Thoughts

Guest posting is not about begging for backlinks or sending the same pitch to every editor you can find. It is about having a clear strategy, focusing on quality, and building real relationships.

When you take the time to pitch with care, editors will pay attention. When you offer real value, readers will remember your name.

Keep showing up with useful, engaging content, and you will become someone editors are happy to hear from.

Now go write a pitch that gets a real yes.