Last updated on August 23rd, 2023 at 11:29 am
Received wisdom is that guest blogging is a good idea. A guest post can help increase website readership and traffic, and can be an excellent way of baby writers helping one another.
Being a bright sort of chap-chapess, you probably know this better than I do. I mention it now because I’m getting more and more requests, through the contact page, from people who would like to submit a guest post to A Bit About Britain. It is not necessarily flattering. Some of these proposals clearly have sinister intent and are promptly consigned to the spam bin. Some individuals have made no attempt whatsoever to look at what A Bit About Britain does, not even glancing at the ‘About’ page, which is, frankly, absurd (and discourteous). Reviews of fluffy bunnies or handbags aren’t really what we do (but if you want to write about hares in British folklore or the British leather industry, that may be of interest). Then, there are the poor souls that, sadly, haven’t a clue how to address a request, punctuate, or even spell, which is rather depressing. (“Hello, my name is Pandora, I rite quality stuff and wood like to let you have article’s about whatever you want.”) Which leaves a few serious requests from genuine people who make sensible suggestions, provide a link to their own website or blog, and say “How about it?”.
This is of interest. I’d welcome a few compatible guest pieces, scattered throughout the year, from writers who aren’t too proud to exhibit their work here, and who might be desperate enough to accept an article from me in return. Indeed, in expectation of the rush of applicants, I have even created a page setting out a few guidelines for guest posting. Actually, I have read that it’s a good idea to do that; it saves a lot of time.
So, if you would like to write a guest article for A Bit About Britain – perhaps a historical event, an account of a visit, or a walk, for example – and perhaps also accept an article for your website in return, please get in touch via the contact page.
If you would like some guest posts on your blog it is you that should approach a potential guest poster rather than the other way round.
I delete all such requests. Probably because when I look at them in details they appear to be spam of self promoting. Not a mutual sharing of common interests.
I certainly agree with your second paragraph, CP.
Ah, yes. I get those often too — and they’re never really relevant or there’s always a string attached. Your guidelines are good ones and make sense. My sense if if that if you like what someone proposes, we (your loyal following!) will!
Very kind of you to say so, Jeanie! x
You penned this beautifully. Perhaps those people should be required to read this post before submitting a guest post? Well, perhaps not, but hopefully they’ll get your ‘drift’ in the guidelines. I often get the ‘read my post’ and ‘follow my blog’. It’s a bit gruff.
Thank you, Jennie! A lot of spammers, of course, just want you to click their links.
Yes!
Good of you to put out an invitation Mike.
I know – don’t know what came over me, Derrick 🙂
Hi Mike – like everyone above … my feeling is – it would be unwise … much easier to keep control and your standards high. Stay safe – Hilary
Oh, I’m not planning on dropping standards Hilary!
Same here; like probably most fellow bloggers, I get a similar assortment of requests, and every now and then have accepted one or two.
My favourite guest poster is of course my Mum – her posts are usually big hits with my readers; she is more popular with them than I am 🙂
Very good idea to set up guidelines for guestposting. I shall have a look at them right away.
Yes, we need to sort the wheat from the chaff!
I’ve had that kind of spam before.
This is a great idea. I get these strange requests as well from time to time. Your guidelines are clear and easy to follow.
Thanks, Darlene – we just need to sort the wheat from the chaff!
I am a bit surprised to read that someone would send another blogger — especially someone with whom they have established no relationship — a request to submit a guest post. However, I have never been much of a self-promoter. I have nothing to contribute to your excellent blog other than an occasional comment in response to yet another well-written, funny, informational, and inspirational post by you, Mike. Cheers!
It happens, Will. Thank you, as ever, for your lovely, supportive, comment!
Seonded. You have a high standard on your blog so any articles you approve will meet with approbation, I am sure nd if it spreads the word, all the better.
I get those kinds of requests as well. You have to wonder if they ever work. I’m going to pop over to the guidelines to see if I can oblige.
Look forward to progressing this, April.
Well, you have the final decision.But, whatever you decide, please don’t let Pandora open her box! There wont be an OED left to save you!