by Caroline Buist

Guest blogging: it’s like being invited to someone else’s house party. You get to enjoy the crowd, sip their cocktails, and maybe even charm a few people.

But it also means playing by their rules and not being the guest everyone secretly wishes they hadn’t invited!

Writing a guest blog post can be a golden opportunity to show off your expertise, but if you get it wrong, you could end up looking like that person — the one nobody wants back in a hurry (or at all).

Right then, let me run through the do’s and don’ts of guest blogging. From winning pitches to avoiding cringeworthy no-no’s, here’s everything you need to know to make sure your guest post is an encore and not a flop.

The Do’s: How to Be a Model Guest Blogger

a) Do Your Homework

Before you even think about hitting send on a pitch, get your Sherlock Holmes detecting hat on and do some digging. What kind of audience does the blog cater to? What topics are hot? What style of writing do they love? If their posts are all witty one-liners and you send them a 3,000-word academic essay, your chances of success are slimmer than a bassline at a minimalist techno gig.

Spend some time reading their previous posts. Bonus points if you can reference one in your pitch — nothing says “I care” like name-dropping their greatest hits.

b) Do Bring Something New to the Table

The last thing a blog editor wants is yet another take on a tired topic. If you’re going to write “10 Tips for a Better Morning Routine,” at least make it your routine and not some regurgitated fluff. Share your weird hacks, your quirky insights, or your battle scars.

Think of it this way: if the host blog already has a post on your chosen topic, how can you make yours stand out? Whether it’s a fresh angle, personal anecdotes, or juicy stats, make sure you’re adding value.

c) Do Stick to the Guidelines

Guidelines are there for a reason. If the blog asks for 800 words, don’t send in 1,500 and claim you got carried away. If they want short, snappy sentences, don’t write War and Peace. Treat their rules like the Bible of guest blogging — they’re not suggestions; they’re commandments.

Before sending, double-check everything: formatting, attachments, and anything else they’ve asked for. Mess this up, and you might not get another chance.

d) Do Include a Snazzy Bio

A guest blog post is your chance to shine, but not just in the post itself. Your author bio is your shot to showcase who you are and why you’re worth following. Think of it as your elevator pitch: short, sweet and memorable.

Mention your expertise, plug your website or socials, and keep it relevant to the blog’s audience. But remember — this isn’t your CV. Nobody cares that you got a B in your French GSCE exam back in 2008.

e) Do Promote Your Post Like a Pro

Once your guest post goes live, don’t just sit back and wait for the applause. Share it with your audience, tag the blog in your posts, and get the word out. The host has done you a huge favour by letting you crash their stage; the least you can do is help them get more eyes on their website.

Collaboration is key here. If you make their post a hit, you’re much more likely to be invited back for an encore performance.

The Don’ts: Avoid These Blogging Faux Pas

a) Don’t Be a Spammer

Copying and pasting the same pitch to 20 different blogs might seem efficient, but it’s also the fastest way to get ignored. Editors can spot a lazy pitch a mile off.

Personalise your pitch. Mention why you’re a fan of their blog, what you can bring to the table, and how your post idea fits their audience. Think of it as dating —you wouldn’t propose marriage on the first text, so don’t be overly generic or pushy here either.

b) Don’t Hijack the Blog’s Voice

You might have your own style, and that’s great, but a guest post isn’t the place to reinvent the wheel. If the blog has a chatty, casual tone, don’t go full Shakespeare on them.

The goal is to blend in while still letting a bit of your personality shine through. Read a few posts, take notes on their phrasing, and match their vibe.

c) Don’t Turn It into a Sales Pitch

The quickest way to get ghosted? Treat the guest post like a giant advert for your business or product. Nobody likes a hard sell disguised as content.

Instead, focus on being helpful and building trust. If people like what they read, they’ll naturally want to check out your bio and follow you anyway.

d) Don’t Forget to Proofread

Sloppy writing is the ultimate mood killer. If you’re serious about guest blogging, make sure your post is polished. Typos and grammar mistakes scream “I don’t care,” and that’s not the impression you want to leave with your host or their audience.

Use tools like Grammarly, read your post aloud, or even rope in an eagle-eyed mate to give it a once-over.

e) Don’t Disappear After Submission

Your guest post isn’t a “write it and forget it” deal. Once it’s live, engage with the readers. Reply to comments, answer questions, and show the audience you’re not just a name in the byline.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Ignoring the Audience: Tailor your post to the blog’s readers, not your own agenda.
• Overloading with Jargon: Keep it simple. If you sound like a tech manual, you’ll lose people faster than a bad cover band.
• Forgetting Sources: Back up any stats or claims with credible references. Trust is key.

Wrapping It All Up

Guest blogging certainly isn’t rocket science—it’s about being a thoughtful guest. Do your homework, follow the rules, and offer something valuable. Avoid being spammy, salesy, or sloppy, and you’ll have a winning formula.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go polish up that pitch, whip up some dazzling content, and start charming those editors.

And remember: if you get it right, guest blogging can be your backstage pass to new audiences and opportunities.