The Spice Girls may not be as “in” as Miley Cyrus, One Direction, or whoever the kids are listening to these days, but you have to admit, their all-time hits such as “Wannabe” and “Stop” are timeless and can still get people up on their feet.
Not to mention, the Spice Girls taught the world a lot about good times and girl power. [And about dancing in platform wedge shoes.]
But they can also school us about guest blogging. From how to approach bloggers correctly, to what to do after your article is published, here are a few guest posting lessons we can learn from this all-girl group that took the world by storm way back in 1996.
Lesson #1: “If you wanna be my lover blogger, you gotta get with my friends”
A huge part of guest blogging is building relationships—not just with the owner of the blog, but with their readers.
You have to understand that blogs are more than just websites that serve up content. Rather, they are communities that are kept alive by people who discuss and share ideas.
So when you’re submitting a guest post, don’t just pop out of nowhere and start pitching; warm up the conversation by making friends with the blogger and their readers. Check out previous articles and leave comments. Get to know the blog’s most active members by visiting their websites and sharing their posts. Doing so not only helps you establish rapport, it also gives you more insights about the blog’s audience, allowing you to craft better pitches and articles.
Lesson #2: “You have got to give. Taking is too easy, but that’s the way it is”
Always approach bloggers with a *giving* mindset. They are after all, letting you borrow their audience.
Avoid being too self-centered (i.e. “I have a great article,” or “I’m an awesome blogger.”) Instead, read their blog, offer sincere compliments, and tell them how your guest post would benefit them and their readers.
A lot of people send pitches that are all about them, instead of the blog owner. Here’s a sample email that demonstrates what NOT to do:
Hello,
This is [Name] a blogger from United Kingdom.
I’ve been through your blog crediblecopywriting.net found it really very interesting. Even I would like to share a few things related to the context of your blog.
In return I would like to have clean back link to my website.
Waiting for your response
Thanks
Best Regards,
[Name]
Let’s just ignore the fact that this was obviously a canned pitch. Notice how the sender was completely focused on her interests. Save for her mention of “crediblecopywriting.net” she didn’t say anything about how her guest post would be beneficial to me and my audience.
Don’t make the same mistake. Think about what’s in it for the blog owner, and show them that you care about their interests. You can do this by offering specific reasons why your post would be a good fit for their audience.
To illustrate, below is an excerpt from a pitch that I sent out a few months ago. [Emphasis is mine. I also tweaked some of the details and changed the headline to protect privacy.]
I’m thinking about writing a post entitled, 5 Ways to Supercharge Your Article. It will provide tips and tweaks that writers can apply to their work to give it more oomph.
I know that [Blog Name] readers are always looking for ways to make their posts more powerful, so I think that the topic would really interest them.
In the second paragraph, I put the focus completely on the readers. Bloggers love this because it shows that you’re paying attention and that you respect their community. Consider doing the same thing the next time you pitch an article.
Lesson #3: “Hey you, always on the run, gotta slow it down baby, gotta have some fun”
Don’t be in such a hurry to get your posts out there. Take it slow. You’ll build stronger relationships and write better that way. Focus on quality over quantity. Know that one well-written guest post on a top-notch blog can send more traffic to your page than 10 mediocre articles on unknown websites.
Take your time choosing a blog by reading previous entries, getting to know its readers, and determining if it aligns with your guest blogging goals. Also take your time when pitching the blog owner by personalizing your approach. Finally, take your time producing the post by researching a worthy topic and crafting a meaty, insightful article.
And remember to have fun while you’re doing it. Choose blogs that you enjoy reading and write about topics that you genuinely like. It’ll show in your writing.
Lesson #4: “And all that I want from you is a promise you will be there”
Don’t just publish and run. It’s rude to the blogger and to the readers. Stick around to share and respond to comments. Check back even after weeks or months to see if there are any new discussions.
This doesn’t just apply to comments, by the way. It’s also a good idea to maintain a relationship with the bloggers who have allowed you to post on their sites. Connect with them on social media and share their stuff.
In other words, stay on their radar. When the blogger sees how active you are, you’ll increase your chances of getting an invite to guest post again.
Your turn: Win $50!
Can you name other Spice Girls songs (or a line from a song) and relate it to lessons you’ve learned about blogging?
Share it in the comments below and the best answer will receive a $50 prize via PayPal. We’ll choose the winner at the end of January 16th, 2014. Good luck!
Sorry, this contest is closed.
Image: houghtonbirds
Ooooh…This sounds like a fun contest. I really like your #1. Great article!
Here’s my connection to blogging and Spice Girl lyrics.
“Now Don’t Go Wasting My Precious Time”
Your audience is in a hurry. They have work, social media, and other blogs to keep up with. They don’t want to waste time reading blog posts that don’t offer them any value. Make your words count. Make your message valuable. Stop wasting your audience’s time.
Thanks for being the first to comment, Alicia!
I love your entry. And you’re absolutely right. Readers are busy and they don’t have time to consume long, rambling, and/or low-value posts.
We need to keep our articles tight and we have to make sure that they’re worth our readers’ time.
Now this is probably going to tell you more about who are the tragic people that remember Spice Girl songs 🙂
“Free your mind of doubt and danger,
Be for real don’t be a stranger” – from “2 become 1”
Which in some ways is entirely inappropriate for this challenge, but if you remove the whole sex context from it (how they got away with some of their lyrics on mainstream radio I’ll never know) – for me it is how I approached my entire Year of TED blog, and how I’m trying to set up my business blog. Being willing to be vulnerable and always be honest and open in the blogging experience as a way of connecting with my readers.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to dig out an old CD that I don’t think we’ve even got in the iTunes library 🙂
“Now this is probably going to tell you more about who are the tragic people that remember Spice Girl songs 🙂 “. Exactly my thoughts Kylie lol!
Haha! Spice Girls 4 Life, sister! (Lol.)
Great entry, Kylie!
I also thought of 2 become 1 when I was writing this post, but couldn’t find a connection between the lyrics and guest blogging. Kudos to you for being able to do it. 😉
And I agree with your point. I’ve found that being real and showing your human side (as opposed to acting like an all-knowing guru) is a very effective way of connecting with readers/subscribers.
Oh, and by the way awesome post Francesca, got so caught up in commenting I forgot to compliment you 🙂
Seems this one’s not for me as I don’t listen to songs. Pass.
They’re not for everyone, but thanks for reading, Raspal. 🙂
There are valuable lessons to be learnt going through this post. Anyway thank you for sharing. As for the contest, i know little about spice girls songs and i think i’m already out of the contest to win the $50.
Thanks, Ahmad! I’m happy you were able to pick up some lessons from the post. 🙂
Ummmm….no. No I can’t. You mentioned the only ones that I know! ha ha ha But thanks for a fun post. It was a good read!
Thanks, Erin! 🙂
Awesome post Francesca! For me I’ll pick their song “Who do you think you are”. Always be courteous when asking to guest post and don’t be pushy or bossy.
Thanks, Joy!
I’ve encountered some arrogant and demanding guest posters myself and I gotta say, they do make me ask the question “Who do you think you are?”
Humility and friendliness go a long way when approaching someone for a guest blogging opportunity. When I do it, I never forget the fact that the blog owner is doing *me* a favor by allowing me to guest post, and that helps keep me grounded.
Ok, super simple here.
It’s “Do It” from their Spiceworld CD.
Scared of pitching? Do it.
Scared of writing a bad blog? Do it and see what happens.
Scared of marketing? Do it.
That is all.
Nice!
Short, sweet, and EFFECTIVE. After all, when we’re done reading, researching, and second-guessing, there’s really nothing left to do but…. well, “it”.
Thanks for the awesome entry, Sarah!
Hi Francesca,
I love this post. I’ve bookmarked it and plan to read it repeatedly.
You could have called it “The Four Commandments of Guest Blogging.”
My favorite is Lesson #2: “You have got to give. Taking is too easy, but that’s the way it is”
I feel that the Fifth Commandment could be “Do It.”
Because many would-be guest bloggers tend to fall into the trap of endless analysis-paralysis, procrastination, perfectionism — caused by fear of rejection.
As the saying goes, “You miss 100 percent of the swings you don’t take.”
So if you haven’t sent out your first guest post, listen to “Do It” and then just do it:
“Come on , come on , come on
Come on and do it
Hey, do it , do it , do it…
Who cares what they say
Because the rules are for breaking
Who made them anyway
You gotta show what you feel, don’t hide…”
I’m thrilled you love the post, Rohi.
And yep, “do it” is great advice, especially for writers who are scared of approaching big blogs or who are procrastinating on writing their articles.
Like I said in my previous comment, we can study and analyze all we want but in the end, we just have to DO IT. 🙂
Looooove this post!
The Spice Girls, where are the days:-)
The most famous songs are already taken, but this is from “Holler”:
“I’ll give you rules to follow”: if there are guidelines on a blog, follow them. Don’t send a word article if someone asks for the text in the body of the email. Don’t write a list post if the site is looking for something inspirational.
Woppa!
Yep, those were the days indeed. 🙂
Nice one, Sofie. Thanks for bringing up website guidelines. I do think the first step in getting a guest post approved and published is to follow the website’s guidelines. Not only does it make a great impression, it can also set you apart from the majority of people who send out canned or junk pitches.
Thanks, Francesca, for the great post! I really needed this one specifically right now.
Though, I just cannot bring myself to look up some Spice Girls lyrics and come up with a clever comment. Yes, I remember them but their songs were like nails on a chalkboard to my ears. 🙁
Thanks, MJ! I’m happy that you were able to appreciate the post anyway. 🙂
Pretty damn funny post! I feel like reading spice girls lyrics and interpreting them will become a guilty pleasure, haha.
“Make it last forever, friendship never ends”
Be friendly and professional and try to cultivate lasting relationships when you land gigs. Can lead to more work, referrals, or a stronger testimonial.
Thank you, Ragnar! 🙂
Yep, relationships are super important for bloggers and freelance writers. They pave the way for learning and revenue opportunities. Not to mention, I think doing business is just more fun when you’re interacting with people (as opposed to just staying in your own little vacuum.)
I never listened to the Spice Girls, but I know how to Google lyrics!
I’ll go with the song, “Tell Me Why.” When writing a query, you need to tell the editor not just your idea but also why their readers would care and why you are the right writer for the job.
Right you are, Bethanny.
The “why” is essential in any pitch. And I think aside from telling the editor why your idea would be right for their readers, including writing samples is a great way to communicate why you’re the best writer for the job. 🙂
I think you can interpret “Who do you think you are?” in a different way as well. If you think you are a blogger you will become one. If you don’t believe in yourself it will never happen.
That’s a great interpretation, Jodie. I agree that believing in ourselves and re-affirming that we’re good enough, will enable us to get there. We just need to make sure that we keep a dash of humility so we don’t come across as arrogant or pushy.
Thanks for weighing in! 🙂
thanks so much i am in search of trying to make more money from home step daughter past away leaving a child behind as well as i have lost my job so very interested thanks for the opportunity.
Hey, Francesca, here you are again. Great post. Enjoy how you’ve laced valuable information with fun. That’ll get our attention every time. As for a Spice Girls line, well, ah … I’d have dig a little deeper into the past for a song. Just for the fun it of it, however, I’ll suggest this song for good blogging: “You Give Me Fever.” : –]
Great to see you here, Roy! Thanks for the song suggestion–I’ll have to look that up. 🙂
Great post, and great tips! Although I am a bit biased since I’ll praise anything with any mention of the Spice Girls whatsoever…
“I need somebody with a human touch.”
Although your blogging is technically your business, don’t get too bogged down by these details when you write. Blogging is about reaching out to other people, and connecting. The point is to have a ‘human touch,’ something a reader can click with and respond to.
Thank you, Kelsey! And I agree–it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, bustle, and “business” side of blogging, but we should never lose sight of the fact that it’s also about connecting with *real* people and building relationships.
Am I wrong for dancing in my chair as I was reading this post! LOL This was great, especially the examples of what not to do when emailing bloggers.
My line is:
“So here’s a story from A to Z, you wanna get with me you gotta listen carefully” i.e read the guest post blogging guidelines before submitting. Also, reading and using the feedback you get from editors are also super important. If they took the time to critique your work, especially if they’re not going to use it, the least you can do is soak it up, learn from it, and do better next time!
Not at all, Margaret! I was dancing in my chair as I was writing this. Haha.
Yup, reading the guidelines is the first step to “getting” with bloggers and editors. Listening to their feedback on the other hand not only helps us improve, but it enables us to build relationships with them (especially when we put their advice to action).
Loved the post, Francesca! That. Is. All. *offyorefreshmySPICEmemory*
Glad you love it, Anca. Thanks for reading!
It’s 5th grade all over again and I <3 it! Thanks a bunch, Francesca 🙂
I think "Who Do You Think You Are?" should be a blogging anthem from start to finish. Right off the bat,
"Who…do you think you are? (Do you think you are?)
I said
Who…some kind of superstar"
The beauty and complexity of blogging is that not even industry superstar experts (reminds me of Sophie's "You're an Expert (And Don't You Forget It post!)) can run a successful blog. Amateurs, hobbyists and plain old people who are interested in a topic can make it as a blogger. Like the song says, this biz boils down to "show me who you are. Show how good you are." Blogging is about showing passion — passion can definitely trump fancy credentials.
I also LOVE "You have got to reach on up, never lose your soul" because it reminds bloggers to reach high — when it's pretty easy to stay safe and at the bottom of the totem pole when you feel like your blog is going no where. Too many bloggers just give up in the beginning — all the while staying humble. I am loyal, attracted to, and sometimes buy from successful bloggers who manage to stay down-to-earth and humble.
"Swing, Shake, Move, Make, Trust, Use, Show, Groove it" — blogging is about doing and creating, but never forget to let loose and celebrate your milestones too.
Hey Jessica!
Thanks for your awesome answers. I especially love what you said about “You have got to reach on up, never lose your soul.” Like you, I’m also more attracted to bloggers who are down-to-earth and humble. 🙂
“I’m the leader of the gang (I am!)”
The ladies covered Gary Glitter’s “Leader of the Gang” ditty for their Spice World movie.
Their hell-yeah exclamation rang in my ears when writing my baseball nostalgia blog, http://www.BaseballByTheLetters.blogspot.com. I’ve featured letters sent to me, an average fan, in response to questions asked of former major leaguers.
Well, it wasn’t long before search engines were revealing me to anyone searching “autographs.” How much are my autographs worth, asked strangers. It was obvious they hadn’t ever read the blog, but simply wanted a free Antiques Roadshow appraisal.
As the Spice Girls sang, I knew I could be merely a part of the gang, another in a glut of hobby bloggers trying to write about autograph value. Nope.
I decided to write about emotional value, the feelings these men still treasured, even decades after they left the field. Spelling and grammar errors intact, I let these history-makers tell their own stories. Others can find their pre-existing blogging niche. I made my own.
Yes, Spice Girls, I am the leader, the leader of a gang of one. Thank you, ladies!
Thanks for sharing your story, Tom! Congrats on forging your own blogging path and emerging as the *leader of the gang*. 🙂
Who do you think you are?
Make sure to state your credentials when trying to land a blogging gig.
P.S. I never heard this song before and could not remember any of their songs. Thanks to Google for the assist here.
Thanks for weighing in, Larry! Yep, providing the blogger with your credentials and samples is a must when trying to land a gig.
‘Stop right there thank you very much’
I believe the moment your readers start reading your post and you don’t grab their attention that is what you get and they move on to other things. 😉
Hey Aisha — Definitely. That’s why need to put a lot of thought into our headlines and introduction. We need to grab our readers and get them to “stop”. 🙂
And the winner is… Kylie! I’m emailing you now about your prize. 🙂
For everyone else, don’t forget to check out Francesca’s free ebook at http://www.beafreelancewriter.com/.
Woohoo! Who knew that familiarity with the Spice Girls would pay off
Thanks Sophie, and Francesca
Woo-hoo! Congrats, Kylie! I just sent you an email. 🙂