Ever sent a guest post pitch and heard nothing but crickets? You’re not alone. Many aspiring bloggers and content marketers struggle with this challenge. Despite having exceptional guest posts ready for publication, they often struggle to capture attention with their initial pitch email.
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That being said, guest blogging hasn’t gone out of style. 

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About 65% of link builders rely on guest blogging as part of their strategy to earn backlinks and improve visibility. However, due to the vast number of pitches, yet, with an overwhelming number of pitches being sent daily, many fail to stand out. Only those that are well-crafted, engaging, and offer genuine value manage to break through the clutter. 

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Understanding the basics

A guest post pitch is an email or proposal sent to a blog owner or the editor of a website to convince them to publish your article on their platform. This concise email is your chance to show the recipient that not only is your article a valuable piece of content, but you are the right person to deliver it. 

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This pitch also matters because it’s an opportunity to build a mutually beneficial relationship with the blog owner. This connection can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and increased exposure, creating value for both parties.

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Lay the groundwork with research and preparation

It’s a common misconception that professional experience is directly proportional to guest post pitch acceptance. The key, however, lies in understanding what the blog owner needs and customizing your pitch accordingly. The following tips will help in the same: 
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• Get familiar with the blog: Start with researching the target blog. Understand its niche, tone, and the type of content it publishes. For example, if you're pitching to a blog focused on influencer marketing, your pitch should align with their topics like how to find local influencers, rather than unrelated areas like how to create social media posts.
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  Also, look at the blog's past posts to understand whether it has a casual, conversational tone, or a more formal one. Then adjust your pitch’s tone. It will show that you’ve done your homework and genuinely understand their content.
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• Identify content gaps: When researching the blog, look for areas that haven’t been covered yet or topics that could use more in-depth exploration. This could be an opportunity to offer fresh content that fills a void. Content gaps are often overlooked topics that could generate interest and add more value to the blog’s audience.
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• Personalize the approach: A generic pitch rarely stands out, so personalizing your email is the way to go. Moreover, align with the blog’s voice - whether it’s conversational, professional, or humorous - to make your pitch feel more natural and appealing. Here are some more tips:
  
  1. Keep it conversational and speak in a friendly tone.
  2. Mention a specific piece of content they’ve published and explain why you liked it.
  3. Send relevant previous work samples that match with either the topic you’re writing on or the publication’s niche.

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Key components of the perfect guest post pitch email

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Breaking the guest post pitch email in smaller sections makes it more manageable and less overwhelming. So, follow the components discussed below for clear, concise, and more-likely-to-be-accepted pitches: 

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1. Subject line:

64% of recipients open or delete emails based on subject lines.

This shows how a single aspect might impact whether your 3,000-word blog will get published or not. So, always spend extra time on it. Keep it short, clear, and infused with a little sense of curiosity.

Here are a few examples:
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1. “Pitch: a fresh take on [blog’s recent topic]”
2. “Your audience will love this: A guest post proposal”
3. “Loved your recent post on [topic]! Here's a related idea”
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2. ‍‍Introduction: At the beginning of the mail, you need to introduce yourself briefly. Mention relevant credentials or previous bylines to establish authority and show how you’re qualified to write the blog.

3. Connection to the blog: To show you’re familiar with their content, reference something specific about their blog. This helps build rapport and demonstrates that you’ve done your research.‍

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4. Pitch your idea: Now, propose your guest post idea by providing a compelling title and a brief outline of the article. Be specific about what your post will cover and why it would be a good fit for their audience. Plus, if you wish to include any expert quotes, mention that also. 

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5. Value proposition: The value proposition of your guest post should highlight how it will resonate with the blog's audience. By addressing content gaps or offering fresh insights, your post can add unique value, keeping readers engaged and informed. 

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6. Call-to-Action (CTA): Finally, wrap up your email with a strong and clear call to action that guides the recipient on the next steps. A well-crafted CTA shows confidence and makes it easier for the blog owner to respond or take action. Here are a few examples: 
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• Invitation to review
  "If this aligns with your goals, I can send over the full draft or adjust the outline to suit your preferences."
• Encourage a reply
  "Looking forward to your response. Please let me know how we can move forward with this collaboration."
• Flexible option
  "If this topic doesn’t quite fit, I’d be happy to brainstorm other ideas that align with your blog’s focus."
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Common mistakes to avoid 
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‍‍Knowing what not to do is also a smart way to curate a perfect guest post pitch email. Below are some common mistakes we found most people make that can negatively impact their pitch: 

• Avoid generic pitches: Sending a pitch that feels like a copy-paste template can instantly turn off the recipient. So, always tailor your email based on the tips we mentioned above.
• Don’t make the email overly long: Respect the reader’s time by keeping your pitch concise. Long-winded emails can bury your core message, so focus on brevity while clearly explaining why your post is valuable to their readers.
• Ensure clarity in your idea: A vague or ambiguous pitch can confuse the blog owner and reduce your chances of acceptance. Be specific about your proposed topic, how it fits their audience, and what insights you’ll bring.
• Never ignore submission guidelines: Blogs often provide detailed guest post requirements, from formatting to content preferences. Ignoring these instructions not only shows a lack of attention to detail but can also lead to immediate rejection. 
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Pitching is an art – whether you do it for sales or for guest posts. This also means it takes time and experiment to become an expert in it. Incorporate strategies like A/B testing to determine what resonates best with your audience, and leverage automation tools such as Tiny Command to streamline your process, especially when reaching out to multiple companies. These tools can also help you schedule emails at optimal times, increasing your chances of success. With practice, consistency, and the right tools, you can hone your pitching skills into a powerful asset that truly sets you apart.

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If you’re interested in learning more about outreach automation, speak to our experts. 

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