Guest Post Guidelines Every Blogger Should Follow

Introduction: Why Guest Post Guidelines Matter More Than Ever

Guest blogging has become one of the most effective ways to build authority, earn backlinks, and connect with a new audience. Whether you’re contributing to guest blogging sites or inviting others to post on your own blog, following the right guest post guidelines is critical.

In today’s SEO-driven world, Google rewards quality and authenticity — not just keyword stuffing or link exchanges. As a result, knowing how to write and publish a proper guest post is essential for bloggers who want to grow sustainably.

This article explains the best guest post guidelines every blogger should follow, especially for those who are guest posting for beginners.

What Is Guest Posting and Why It’s Important

Guest posting means writing content for another website or blog in your niche. You provide valuable, original information to their audience in exchange for exposure, backlinks, or networking opportunities.

It’s a win-win for both parties:

• The host site gets quality content to engage readers.
• The guest writer gains visibility and authority in their niche.

When done right, guest posting helps with:

• Building high-quality backlinks (improves SEO ranking).
• Expanding audience reach to new readers.
• Establishing credibility as a subject-matter expert.
• Driving referral traffic to your own site.

However, many writers overlook the editorial standards and guidelines that websites expect. Ignoring them can lead to rejections, lost credibility, or even SEO penalties.

Why Guest Post Guidelines Are Crucial

Every reputable website — including guest blogging sites — has a set of editorial rules designed to maintain content quality and authenticity.

Following these guest post guidelines ensures your article meets the site’s standards and aligns with Google’s algorithm requirements.

Here’s why guidelines matter:

1. They maintain content quality.
   Hosts want articles that add real value — not just promotional links.
2. They protect SEO integrity.
   Guest posts with spammy backlinks or duplicate content can damage a site’s ranking.
3. They improve acceptance rates.
   Editors are more likely to publish content that follows submission requirements.
4. They build trust and long-term collaboration.
   Bloggers who consistently follow rules are invited to contribute again.

If you’re guest posting for beginners, understanding these principles is your first step toward becoming a respected contributor.

Essential Guest Post Guidelines Every Blogger Should Follow

Let’s break down the most important guidelines that can make your guest post stand out and get accepted easily on top guest blogging sites.

1. Research the Website Thoroughly

Before you pitch or submit an article, spend time understanding the website’s content style, tone, and audience.

Ask yourself:

• What kind of topics perform well on this site?
• Does the audience prefer tutorials, opinion pieces, or guides?
• How long are most blog posts?

Tip: Review their top-performing posts using tools like Google Search or Ahrefs to get keyword insights.

2. Read and Follow Submission Instructions

Every site’s guest post guidelines vary slightly. Some want topic ideas first; others require completed drafts.

Common requirements include:

Word count (usually 1,200–2,000 words)

Preferred file format (Google Docs, Word, etc.)

Bio length and backlink policy

Image requirements

Following instructions perfectly shows professionalism and increases your chances of approval.

3. Choose Topics That Add Value

The most successful guest posts solve real problems. Avoid overly broad or generic subjects like “Why Blogging Is Great.”

Instead, focus on specific, actionable topics relevant to the host’s audience. For example:

• “How to Get Your First 1,000 Readers Through Guest Blogging”
• “Top SEO Strategies for Guest Posts That Rank”

Remember, value-driven content will always outperform keyword-stuffed articles.

4. Write Original, High-Quality Content

Google’s algorithm prioritizes original, experience-based content — not duplicated or AI-spun material.

To meet this standard:

• Avoid copying or paraphrasing existing posts.
• Use personal insights, case studies, or data.
• Include accurate references or outbound links to credible sources.

Plagiarism not only gets your submission rejected but can also harm your reputation as a writer.

5. Optimize Your Guest Post for SEO

Since guest blogging directly impacts visibility, your article must be SEO-friendly.
Here’s how:

• Use your target keywords (Guest blogging sites, Guest post guidelines, Guest posting for beginners) naturally throughout the text.
• Include your keyword in the title, intro, one subheading, and conclusion.
• Maintain a keyword density of about 1–1.5%.
• Add internal links (to related posts on the host site) and external links (to credible references).
• Use short paragraphs and bullet points for readability.

Good SEO makes your guest post beneficial for both the host and yourself.

6. Format for Readability

Presentation matters. Editors prefer content that’s easy to scan and read.

Follow these formatting best practices:

• Use clear headings (H2, H3, H4).
• Keep sentences concise.
• Use bullet points and numbered lists.
• Break up long sections with subheadings.
• Add relevant images with alt text.

Well-structured posts perform better on both guest blogging sites and Google search results.

7. Include a Strong Author Bio

Your author bio is where you introduce yourself and include backlinks to your own blog or portfolio.

A strong bio should:

• Be 2–3 sentences long.
• Highlight your niche expertise.
• Include one do-follow link to your site.

Example:
“Rahaal is the founder of Rahaal the Explorer, a travel and adventure blog that connects explorers worldwide. Follow his stories at www.rahaal-theexplorer.com.”

8. Avoid Over-Promotion

Guest posting is about providing value, not selling.
Avoid:

• Excessive brand mentions
• Overuse of affiliate links
• Promotional language (“Buy this,” “Check out my product”)

Instead, focus on educational storytelling and let your bio handle promotion.

9. Communicate Professionally with Editors

First impressions matter. When submitting your post:

• Use a polite, concise email.
• Address the editor by name if possible.
• Attach your article or provide a Google Docs link with access.

Example pitch email:

Subject: Guest Post Submission: [Your Topic Title]

Hi [Editor’s Name],

I’d love to contribute a guest post titled “[Proposed Title]” for Rahaal the Explorer. It’s a 1,600-word article focused on [main idea]. The post is original, SEO-optimized, and aligns with your audience.

Best,
[Your Name]

10. Engage After Publication

Once your post goes live, your job isn’t done. Share it on social media, respond to comments, and link back to it from your own website.

Engagement increases visibility, encourages discussion, and shows editors you’re an active contributor — which may lead to more publishing opportunities.

Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Guest Posting

If you’re guest posting for beginners, here are pitfalls to avoid:

• Submitting copied or rewritten content.
• Ignoring the host’s audience preferences.
• Stuffing too many backlinks.
• Missing deadlines or failing to reply promptly.
• Writing purely for SEO, not readers.

Always remember: guest blogging works best when it’s built on trust, authenticity, and collaboration.

Example of a Standard Guest Post Structure

Here’s a simple structure to follow for your next guest article:

1. Headline: Use your main keyword (e.g., Guest post guidelines).
2. Introduction: State the problem and how your post solves it.
3. Main Body: Divide into sections with H2 and H3 headings.
4. Conclusion: Summarize key takeaways.
5. Call-to-Action: Encourage readers to comment, share, or visit your site.

This structure is proven to improve readability and ranking potential.

SEO Tips for Guest Posting Success

Google rewards content that’s user-focused, informative, and technically optimized. Here are SEO tips to ensure your guest posts perform well:

• Use schema markup if possible (Article schema).
• Include descriptive image alt tags.
• Optimize meta title and description with focus keywords.
• Link to related posts from both the host and your site.
• Ensure mobile readability and fast page speed.

The more optimized your guest post is, the better it will perform across search engines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are guest post guidelines?

Guest post guidelines are the rules set by websites to ensure quality, originality, and relevance of submitted content. They help maintain consistent standards.

2. Why do websites have guest posting guidelines?

Websites use guidelines to prevent spam submissions, maintain SEO integrity, and ensure the content adds value to their audience.

3. How do I find guest blogging sites that accept beginners?

Search Google using terms like “Write for us + [your niche]” or explore dedicated guest blogging directories that list active sites.

4. Can I include links in my guest post?

Yes, but they should be relevant and limited — usually one in the body and one in your author bio.

5. How long should a guest post be?

Most guest blogging sites prefer 1,200–1,800 words — enough to offer value and cover a topic in depth.

Conclusion

Guest posting remains one of the most effective strategies for building authority, improving SEO, and expanding your audience — especially when done the right way.

By following these guest post guidelines, you’ll not only increase your chances of getting published but also build long-term credibility in your niche.

Whether you’re writing for guest blogging sites or managing your own, always remember: great content and genuine value win every time.

If you’re passionate about travel and storytelling, Rahaal the Explorer welcomes contributors who are ready to inspire readers around the globe.

👉 Submit your guest post pitches to contact@rahaal-theexplorer.com