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Why Guest Blogging Is An Ideal Link Building Strategy

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Ideal link building method

As a search marketer I have long been looking for an ideal link building model: where everyone’s happy, Google can ban you for selling or buying your link authority, quality wins over quantity and there’s no room for manipulation (note: as a marketer I am well aware of the fact that there’s nothing perfect under the sun. But I wanted something at least better than what we have now).

Currently, the most popular (and the easiest) link building method is still paying for a link (paid reviews, paid editorials, sponsorships, etc). Still, two main reasons why I try to avoid link buying includes:

  • Paid links are almost impossible to camouflage: a website selling links has obviously sold quite a few of them, so it is very likely to be flagged for selling links. By buying several links here and there, you are much likely creating a pattern and Google most probably already knows you are doing that (so this is either non-effective or even dangerous);
  • The affect from paid link campaigns is somewhat lopsided: you are only paying money for possible ranking increase. A paid link is unlikely to promote your brand or generate you some good, targeted traffic.

Two important conclusions to make from the above is:

  • A better link building strategy should be free for everyone;
  • Everyone should get something. Only in this win-win situation, a free model is possible.

MyBlogGuestIn an effort to realize this ideal place for promoting your website and brand, I have created MyBlogGuest community where bloggers, content creators, link builders, and entrepreneurs can meet to help each other achieve their goals. MyBlogGuest is the free tool (currently in beta) for web publishers to exchange guest posts and build (targeted!) connections.

A guest post is a piece of quality content the author and the blogger arrange to publish on the blogger’s site for free. The guest post belongs to the author and is attributed to him. It is up to the author which sites to link to within the post and it is up to the blog owner to accept/reject the contribution.

Ideally, here are some points that hopefully will make the place perfect for everyone:

  • No money: No one is required or expected to pay for anything (Google should be happy);
  • Win-win: Both the author and the blog owner are interested that the post gets maximum exposure: the blogger gets traffic (as well subscribers, links, etc), the guest blogger gets recognition (and also traffic, link authority, etc);
  • Relevancy: Guest bloggers may get as flexible as they need: they can provide content in their niche (to get relevant links and traffic) or in neighboring niches (to expand their reach and experiment).
  • Quality wins as both the guest blogger and the blog owner wants to make the most of it: the blog owner wants only quality content, the guest bloggers wants to be known by quality.

So what do you think? Might this work?

If you support the idea, please join the community as I need more beta testers to make sure the feature set is ready for the public release.

This is a guest post by Ann Smarty, a search geek and social media enthusiast. Ann is an SEO Consultant and a blogger. She currently works for Search and Social as Director of Media.

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This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 9:49 pm and is filed under SEO Blog, blogging. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • http://realurl.org/twitted.php?id=6443625898 Twitted by Gloson

    [...] This post was Twitted by Gloson [...]

  • http://www.davidshawblog.com/ David Shaw

    Great post.

    I actually created a list of blogs that accept guest posts, you may find it useful:
    http://www.davidshawblog.com/guest-post/blogs-accepting-guest-posts/
    David Shaw´s last blog ..Monetizing Twitter: Does It Work? My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.davidshawblog.com David Shaw

    Great post.

    I actually created a list of blogs that accept guest posts, you may find it useful:
    http://www.davidshawblog.com/guest-post/blogs-accepting-guest-posts/
    David Shaw´s last blog ..Monetizing Twitter: Does It Work? My ComLuv Profile

  • http://sem-group.net/search-engine-optimization-blog/ Gerald Weber

    David,

    Thanks for the resource and thanks for commenting. :-)

  • http://sem-group.net/search-engine-optimization-blog/ Gerald Weber

    David,

    Thanks for the resource and thanks for commenting. :-)

  • http://technology.johnsamuel.in/ John Samuel

    Nice initiative. I want to explore this.
    John Samuel´s last blog ..Open Link in New Tab versus Background Tab My ComLuv Profile

  • http://technology.johnsamuel.in John Samuel

    Nice initiative. I want to explore this.
    John Samuel´s last blog ..Open Link in New Tab versus Background Tab My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog Joshua Dorkin @ BiggerPockets

    Seems like a great idea. I’m going to explore your MyBlogGuest site shortly.
    Joshua Dorkin @ BiggerPockets´s last blog ..6 Tips for Buying Foreclosures Without Losing Your Shirt My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog Joshua Dorkin @ BiggerPockets

    Seems like a great idea. I’m going to explore your MyBlogGuest site shortly.
    Joshua Dorkin @ BiggerPockets´s last blog ..6 Tips for Buying Foreclosures Without Losing Your Shirt My ComLuv Profile

  • Jay Fowler

    I am now kicking myself in the rear end that I didn’t think of this. Awesome initiative and I am SO looking into this!

  • Jay Fowler

    I am now kicking myself in the rear end that I didn’t think of this. Awesome initiative and I am SO looking into this!

  • http://unstuckdigital.com/ MikeTek

    While I definitely agree that guest blogging helps by building links, I don’t see that as a primary goal. When I guest blog the link is secondary – I’m more interested in broadening my audience.

    Additionally, the question of scalability comes up. If you put several hours into a solid guest post, you’re getting one link. If that post is phenomenal the host blog might gain a handful of links.

    The endgame, in my opinion, is to start creating content at your own website with viral properties – and set up the right distribution channels to get the word out about it.

    Then, when you launch something that amounted to several hours of work, you can go to bed that night and build links in your sleep.
    MikeTek´s last blog ..Best Posts of 2009 from Top Internet Marketing Blogs My ComLuv Profile

  • http://unstuckdigital.com MikeTek

    While I definitely agree that guest blogging helps by building links, I don’t see that as a primary goal. When I guest blog the link is secondary – I’m more interested in broadening my audience.

    Additionally, the question of scalability comes up. If you put several hours into a solid guest post, you’re getting one link. If that post is phenomenal the host blog might gain a handful of links.

    The endgame, in my opinion, is to start creating content at your own website with viral properties – and set up the right distribution channels to get the word out about it.

    Then, when you launch something that amounted to several hours of work, you can go to bed that night and build links in your sleep.
    MikeTek´s last blog ..Best Posts of 2009 from Top Internet Marketing Blogs My ComLuv Profile

  • http://realurl.org/twitted.php?id=6468405692 Twitted by AndrewBates

    [...] This post was Twitted by AndrewBates [...]

  • Dennis Edell

    Stolen idea! LOL, just kidding. That’s what happens when one sits on their butt. ;)

    Cool site though, I’ll be joining.
    Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Blogging Halted Here – Don’t Despair, This Is A Good Thing! My ComLuv Profile

  • Dennis Edell

    Stolen idea! LOL, just kidding. That’s what happens when one sits on their butt. ;)

    Cool site though, I’ll be joining.
    Dennis Edell´s last blog ..Blogging Halted Here – Don’t Despair, This Is A Good Thing! My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.seosmarty.com/ Ann Smarty

    It has always been a dilemma for me: which to focus on: building my own content or publishing the best of my pieces on other (established) blogs.

    What I came up with was doing both at first – I decided to let time judge.

    And you know what I ended up with? The most recognition, client work, business contacts came from guest posts. I think I owe my whole marketing career to just a few awesome pieces I posted elsewhere.

    That’s my own experience but that’s what I believe in.
    Ann Smarty´s last blog ..Getting Excited About SEO Brain Games My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.seosmarty.com/ Ann Smarty

    It has always been a dilemma for me: which to focus on: building my own content or publishing the best of my pieces on other (established) blogs.

    What I came up with was doing both at first – I decided to let time judge.

    And you know what I ended up with? The most recognition, client work, business contacts came from guest posts. I think I owe my whole marketing career to just a few awesome pieces I posted elsewhere.

    That’s my own experience but that’s what I believe in.
    Ann Smarty´s last blog ..Getting Excited About SEO Brain Games My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.lotusjump.com/blog Robert

    Of course something like this can work. The key will be to establish a community large enough to be self-sustaining. Once that occurs it will be a huge resource.
    Robert´s last blog ..How Far Can SEO Automation Go? My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.lotusjump.com/blog Robert

    Of course something like this can work. The key will be to establish a community large enough to be self-sustaining. Once that occurs it will be a huge resource.
    Robert´s last blog ..How Far Can SEO Automation Go? My ComLuv Profile

  • Gerald Weber

    @Mike,

    “While I definitely agree that guest blogging helps by building links, I don’t see that as a primary goal. When I guest blog the link is secondary – I’m more interested in broadening my audience.”

    I agree with you, there are many other benefits to guest blogging besides link building. I wrote a guest post on Ann’s blog about a year ago titled The 7 Reasons Every Blogger Should Be Guest Posting

    To paraphrase those reason included:

    New Audience
    More RSS Subscribers
    Win-Win Situation
    Networking
    Fresh Perspective
    Different Social Networks and Reach
    Link Building

  • Gerald Weber

    @Mike,

    “While I definitely agree that guest blogging helps by building links, I don’t see that as a primary goal. When I guest blog the link is secondary – I’m more interested in broadening my audience.”

    I agree with you, there are many other benefits to guest blogging besides link building. I wrote a guest post on Ann’s blog about a year ago titled The 7 Reasons Every Blogger Should Be Guest Posting

    To paraphrase those reason included:

    New Audience
    More RSS Subscribers
    Win-Win Situation
    Networking
    Fresh Perspective
    Different Social Networks and Reach
    Link Building

  • http://unstuckdigital.com/ miketek

    @Gerald My mistake – clearly not telling you anything you don’t know.

    Guest blogging is overall a great tactic. It’s opened doors for many people.

    Thanks for reminding me I should be doing more of it!
    miketek´s last blog ..Best Posts of 2009 from Top Internet Marketing Blogs My ComLuv Profile

  • http://unstuckdigital.com miketek

    @Gerald My mistake – clearly not telling you anything you don’t know.

    Guest blogging is overall a great tactic. It’s opened doors for many people.

    Thanks for reminding me I should be doing more of it!
    miketek´s last blog ..Best Posts of 2009 from Top Internet Marketing Blogs My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.webtalentseo.com/ Oliver Feakins

    Great idea.. I really hope this will grow into a large community. It would make link building a lot easier and allow for some quality relevant links back to your client’s site.

  • http://www.webtalentseo.com Oliver Feakins

    Great idea.. I really hope this will grow into a large community. It would make link building a lot easier and allow for some quality relevant links back to your client’s site.

  • Gerald Weber

    Robert,

    I concur, I’m certain My Blog Guest will be a great resource for both bloggers and content providers alike. Once we are out of beta. we will definitely want the mainstream blogging community to participate.

  • Gerald Weber

    Robert,

    I concur, I’m certain My Blog Guest will be a great resource for both bloggers and content providers alike. Once we are out of beta. we will definitely want the mainstream blogging community to participate.

  • http://www.jonedwardsantillan.com/ Jon Santillan

    That’s great. I’ve registered in this and looking forward to be one of a guest blogger.. yes!
    Jon Santillan´s last blog ..Geek Fest Dubai My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.jonedwardsantillan.com Jon Santillan

    That’s great. I’ve registered in this and looking forward to be one of a guest blogger.. yes!
    Jon Santillan´s last blog ..Geek Fest Dubai My ComLuv Profile

  • http://designtorontoweb.ca/blog/2009/11/18/how-to-create-an-seo-website-design-friendly/ Christina

    Great idea, I’ve seen some blogs that offers the same I guess it really worth exploring. thanks.
    Christina´s last blog ..A Graphics Artist Way to Save on Gifts this Holiday Season My ComLuv Profile

  • http://designtorontoweb.ca/blog/2009/11/18/how-to-create-an-seo-website-design-friendly/ Christina

    Great idea, I’ve seen some blogs that offers the same I guess it really worth exploring. thanks.
    Christina´s last blog ..A Graphics Artist Way to Save on Gifts this Holiday Season My ComLuv Profile

  • http://sem-group.net/search-engine-optimization-blog/ Gerald Weber

    Cool Dennis thanks. I’ll see you there. :-)

  • http://sem-group.net/search-engine-optimization-blog/ Gerald Weber

    Cool Dennis thanks. I’ll see you there. :-)

  • http://sem-group.net/search-engine-optimization-blog/ Gerald Weber

    No problem. Also thanks for taking the time to read and comment. :-)

  • http://sem-group.net/search-engine-optimization-blog/ Gerald Weber

    No problem. Also thanks for taking the time to read and comment. :-)

  • http://blog.catchfiremedia.com/ Mike Templeton

    If MyGuestBlog can help connect bloggers and those looking to guest blog somewhere else, then I think it’s a great idea.

    As others have mentioned, the benefits of producing content on someone else’s property are near endless–and definitely worth more than the basic link back to their blog.

    The guest blogger is getting name recognition, keywords and content that relates to them, exposure to a new audience, and to some degree an endorsement by the blog owner. All of these things are reason enough to be guest blogging.

    As someone who is largely engaged in the business side of social media, I think we’ll see the real benefits of guest blogging when companies and brands are out there guest posting on behalf of other bloggers. Those connections will go so much farther than simply building content on a site they already own.
    Mike Templeton´s last blog ..Is Being Everywhere a Good Idea? My ComLuv Profile

  • http://blog.catchfiremedia.com Mike Templeton

    If MyGuestBlog can help connect bloggers and those looking to guest blog somewhere else, then I think it’s a great idea.

    As others have mentioned, the benefits of producing content on someone else’s property are near endless–and definitely worth more than the basic link back to their blog.

    The guest blogger is getting name recognition, keywords and content that relates to them, exposure to a new audience, and to some degree an endorsement by the blog owner. All of these things are reason enough to be guest blogging.

    As someone who is largely engaged in the business side of social media, I think we’ll see the real benefits of guest blogging when companies and brands are out there guest posting on behalf of other bloggers. Those connections will go so much farther than simply building content on a site they already own.
    Mike Templeton´s last blog ..Is Being Everywhere a Good Idea? My ComLuv Profile

  • http://advancedonlinetraining.blogspot.com/ John Gaddis

    I feel the idea is awesome. Building a community is a great way to share ideas. I think it would be very benifical to all who take part. I look forward to taking advantage of it.
    John Gaddis´s last blog ..You too can be a successful Internet Marketer My ComLuv Profile

  • http://advancedonlinetraining.blogspot.com John Gaddis

    I feel the idea is awesome. Building a community is a great way to share ideas. I think it would be very benifical to all who take part. I look forward to taking advantage of it.
    John Gaddis´s last blog ..You too can be a successful Internet Marketer My ComLuv Profile

  • http://www.dbestdir.com/ John

    Very creative initiative indeed. I think it will hit the industry instantly – what with everybody looking for links these days!
    I also believe,quality articles submitted in quality article directories like Exinearticles and Buzzle are also very good source for links. Contents for links is quite a fair bargain.

  • http://www.dbestdir.com John

    Very creative initiative indeed. I think it will hit the industry instantly – what with everybody looking for links these days!
    I also believe,quality articles submitted in quality article directories like Exinearticles and Buzzle are also very good source for links. Contents for links is quite a fair bargain.

  • http://www.karmadirectorysubmission.com/ karmadir

    Sounds Good, I haven’t tried Guest Blogging before,but the way people are talking here, I think it is beneficial. I am going to start from today.

    I hope it works for my business.

  • http://www.karmadirectorysubmission.com karmadir

    Sounds Good, I haven’t tried Guest Blogging before,but the way people are talking here, I think it is beneficial. I am going to start from today.

    I hope it works for my business.

  • chris

    I want to be a guest blogger but I'm not cool enough :(

  • chris

    I want to be a guest blogger but I'm not cool enough :(

  • Weekly Search & Social News: 12/15/09 | Technoinspire Blog

    [...] being why we started it. A good read to be sure (from a guy that knows a thing or two about it).Why Guest Blogging Is An Ideal Link Building Strategy – as a huge proponent of outreach programs and content placement, I certainly enjoyed this [...]

  • http://www.linknami.com Andreas

    When searching for niche blogs to post articles as guest author for link building, make sure that the blog is indexed in google and not banned or penalized by searching for “site:www.blog.com”. If you get “Your search – site:www.blog.com – did not match any documents.” as result your post may be in vain.

  • http://www.linknami.com Andreas

    When searching for niche blogs to post articles as guest author for link building, make sure that the blog is indexed in google and not banned or penalized by searching for “site:www.blog.com”. If you get “Your search – site:www.blog.com – did not match any documents.” as result your post may be in vain.

  • http://www.makebuzz.com MakeBuzz LLC

    Interesting points, and I would generally agree with your assessment regarding the paid linking model. I would just add that the link strategy changes dramatically if you are a large brand vs. a small brand. As a larger brand, you have options for building high value links through strategic partnerships with other large brands. These efforts are exponentially more valuable than acquiring many low-value links (or using link-farming efforts). Unfortunately, in my experience I see very few large brands taking advantage of this strategy.

  • http://www.makebuzz.com MakeBuzz LLC

    Interesting points, and I would generally agree with your assessment regarding the paid linking model. I would just add that the link strategy changes dramatically if you are a large brand vs. a small brand. As a larger brand, you have options for building high value links through strategic partnerships with other large brands. These efforts are exponentially more valuable than acquiring many low-value links (or using link-farming efforts). Unfortunately, in my experience I see very few large brands taking advantage of this strategy.

  • Alex

    I love this idea. I hope that you build out this software more and finalize the beta version. I think this will be a more and more important link building/SEO trend in 2010.

    Alex’s most recent blog post

  • Alex

    I love this idea. I hope that you build out this software more and finalize the beta version. I think this will be a more and more important link building/SEO trend in 2010.

    Alex’s most recent blog post

  • http://www.pageonebusiness.com Warner Carter

    My Blog Guest is a really great site. It makes it so much easier than having to search around and contact people to ask them about blog guest posts.

  • http://www.pageonebusiness.com Warner Carter

    My Blog Guest is a really great site. It makes it so much easier than having to search around and contact people to ask them about blog guest posts.

  • http://www.chauffeurlinks.com Chauffeurlinks

    Thank you Gerald Weber for sharing this blogs list:http://www.davidshawblog.com/guest-post/blogs-accepting-guest-posts/

    Great work and keep it UP.

    Best regards,
    J Alex

  • http://www.chauffeurlinks.com Chauffeurlinks

    Thank you Gerald Weber for sharing this blogs list:http://www.davidshawblog.com/guest-post/blogs-accepting-guest-posts/

    Great work and keep it UP.

    Best regards,
    J Alex

  • http://myblogguest.com/blog/what-guest-blogging-is-not-getting-it-right/ What Guest Blogging Is NOT: Getting It Right

    [...] times how guest posting may help your business grow. I also shared why in my opinion this is the ideal marketing strategy – where quality matters and everyone [...]

  • http://www.krabivilla.com Krabi Villa

    Really this is a useful Idea; some blogs offer the same features but most of the blogs give no fellow links against your comments.

  • http://www.krabivilla.com Krabi Villa

    Really this is a useful Idea; some blogs offer the same features but most of the blogs give no fellow links against your comments.

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  • Holiday Cottages Mid Wales

    Yeah! I really I agree with your idea because it can decrease the difficulties and hurdle in the way of promoting the site.

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