As a content creator, you’ve probably faced tough decisions before. What should you write about next? Which post deserves a featured image that’s more than just a stock photo of a laptop? And, most importantly: Should you accept guest posts on your blog?
What are guest posts, you ask? No, they’re not uninvited party crashers who take over your blog for the night (although that would make for an interesting story). Guest posts are articles or pieces of content written by someone other than yourself – typically another expert in your field – that are published on your blog.
Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s dive into the good, the bad and the ugly of accepting guest posts. So grab some popcorn and join us as we break down whether or not to roll out the red carpet for guest bloggers.
The Good: Benefits of Accepting Guest Posts
1. Fresh perspectives
As much as we hate to admit it, sometimes our ideas run dry. Or worse, our content can start to sound repetitive and monotonous. Inviting guest bloggers can breathe new life into your blog by providing fresh perspectives and unique insights.
2. Increased credibility
Guest bloggers often come with their own set of credentials and expertise. By featuring their work on your site, you’re essentially giving them a stamp of approval – which reflects positively on you! Plus, it shows readers that you value different opinions and have connections within your industry.
3. Expanded audience reach
When a guest blogger writes for your site, they’re likely to share their masterpiece with their own followers – which means more eyeballs on YOUR content! It’s like having someone else do your marketing for you. And who doesn’t like free publicity?
4. Networking opportunities
Collaborating with guest bloggers opens the door to future partnerships, collaborations, or even business opportunities. You never know where a single guest post could lead!
The Bad: Drawbacks of Accepting Guest Posts
1. Quality control
When you open your blog up to guest posts, you’re also opening the floodgates to a wide range of writing styles and quality levels. While some guest bloggers might knock it out of the park, others could leave your readers wondering if they accidentally stumbled onto a middle school writing assignment.
2. Time investment
Guest posts might seem like an easy way to fill your content calendar, but don’t be fooled! Reviewing submissions, editing articles, and coordinating with guest bloggers can be time-consuming – and that’s before you even hit “publish.”
3. Potential for spammy content
Unfortunately, there are some less-than-stellar individuals out there who might see your blog as an opportunity to promote their own agenda or drop self-serving links throughout their post. You’ll need to keep a sharp eye out for any suspicious behavior.
The Ugly: How Guest Posts Can Affect Your Blog (and Your Sanity)
1. Conflicting opinions
While it’s important to showcase various perspectives on your blog, sometimes a guest blogger’s opinion might clash with your own brand values or messaging – potentially turning off loyal readers.
2. Disagreements over edits
Some guest bloggers may take offense if you suggest even minor edits to their work – leading to uncomfortable conversations or damaged relationships.
3. Plagiarism concerns
Although rare, it’s not unheard of for a sneaky guest blogger to submit someone else’s work as their own – putting you in an awkward (and potentially legally troublesome) position.
So… Should You Accept Guest Posts?
After weighing the good, the bad and the ugly, the decision to accept guest posts ultimately comes down to your own personal preferences and goals for your blog. If you’re open to new ideas, enjoy networking, and are willing to put in the time to review and edit submissions, guest posts can be a fantastic way to grow your blog and expand your reach.
However, if you value complete control over your content or simply don’t have the time to dedicate to managing guest posts, it might not be the right fit for you.
And of course, if you ever need help with content creation – whether it’s for your blog or any other aspect of your business – VGCC is here to save the day! With our team of experienced writers, we can create engaging content that aligns with your brand values and keeps readers coming back for more. Contact us today to see how we can help.