If you run a blog then, then getting traffic is undoubtedly a major concern for you. In fact, I think we’ll all agree that it’s hard to keep moving when you look at your blog stats and see a paltry 2-3 visitors a day!

Yet with all the possible tactics for generating traffic, there is one that’ll cost you nothing but a few minutes of time each day. It’s called guest posting. Basically you’ll be writing posts on other blogs within your niche.

So how do you get the blog traffic ball rolling with this technique? Here’s what you’ll do:


1.
Step 1

Search for complementary blogs within your niche.

If you run a natural health blog, you’ll want to seek out other blogs with a natural health slant. For example, your search might include herb blogs, aromatherapy blogs, reiki blogs, and so on. You don’t have to focus strictly on all purpose natural health blogs.

I’ve included several blog search engines in the Resources section below. But you can also search Google for appropriate blogs.
2.
Step 2

Determine if the blog is ripe for guest posts.

Do a quick scan of the blog.

Does it have other guest posts? If so, you’re in business. You can normally find guest post submission instructions on the contact page.

Is it run by a company or an individual? Blogs run by companies aren’t typically receptive to guest posts. Blogs run by individuals are.

Is it updated on a regular basis? If there are huge lags between postings, you may not want to focus your energy there, as the readership might not be huge.
3.
Step 3

E-mail the blog owner with your guest post suggestion.

However before you do, make sure you read through at least the previous month’s posts. It’s important to get a feel for the blog. You want to make sure the audience they’re writing for is the same audience you’re targeting.

In the e-mail you should tell who you are and why you like their blog. (Even in the blogosphere a little flattery can go a long way!) Next, give a quick description of your blog. Then provide a description of the article that you’d like to write, along with a reason why the article would be appropriate for their readers.
4.
Step 4

Only write the guest post when you receive a response.

For one thing, each blogger has their own word length requirement. And secondly, if you’re pitching the same type of article to multiple blogs, you have to make each one unique for each blog. So wait until you get the official go-ahead before you put fingers to keyboard.
5.
Step 5

Include a resource box at the end of the guest post.

The resource box is the secret sauce that leads readers back to your blog. It’s a short, informational bio that explains who you are and offers a description of your blog, along with a link.

It’s important that you not be overly promotional, or include more than a single link leading back to your blog. A little tortoise-like tact almost always leaves the door open to the blogger asking for additional guest posts.