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Getting folks to pay you for guest posting in 2025? Yeah, that’s a real thing, and it’s not as crazy complicated as some make it out to be. A lot of people, when they think about guest posting, only see it as this free thing you do to get a link back to your own site. And for sure, that’s one reason, a big one actually. But what if you’re good at writing, pretty decent at understanding what different audiences want to read, and you just want to get paid for that skill? That’s where finding clients comes in, the ones who want you to write for their brand, on someone else’s blog. It’s like being a ghostwriter but for blog posts on a different site. Pretty neat, huh?
The whole idea isn’t new, but the way we go about it changes, kinda like how fashion cycles. Back in the day, you’d just cold email a bunch of people. Now? It’s still partly that, but you gotta be smarter about it. It’s about finding the right people who actually need what you’re selling – good content for someone else’s site. And trust me, plenty of businesses, big and small, are always looking for decent wordsmiths to help them get their name out there. Or maybe they just need content to keep their own site fresh. It’s a thing.
Where to Start Looking for Folks Who Need Guest Posts Done
So, where do you even begin looking for these magical clients? Well, it’s not like they just hang out in one spot, all waving signs that say “Need guest post writer, cash in hand!” You gotta snoop around a bit. My take is, the best places are usually where businesses hang out online.
Hanging Out in the Right Online Spots
Think about where businesses are trying to make connections. LinkedIn, obviously. It’s not just for finding a regular job; it’s a goldmine for finding people who run companies, marketing managers, or content directors. They’re usually pretty open about what their company does and what they’re trying to achieve. You can search for “content marketing manager,” “SEO specialist,” or “digital marketing director.” What’s interesting is, a lot of these titles mean they’re probably thinking about getting more exposure. What better way than guest posts, right? You can also join some relevant LinkedIn groups. Not just any group, mind you. Look for ones about marketing, content strategy, or even groups for specific industries you know something about. People there sometimes ask for help directly, or you can just see who’s talking about needing content.
Then there are job boards, but not the normal ones. Think more niche places. Sites like Upwork or Fiverr? Sure, some people find work there, but it can be a race to the bottom on price. I think it’s better to look at specific content writing job boards or even remote work boards that aren’t just for full-time gigs. Sometimes, companies post one-off projects or even contract roles that are basically guest posting assignments. It’s less about a long-term job and more about a project.
Another spot, and this might sound a little old school, but it still works: forums and online communities. Not the super busy ones, sometimes the quieter, more focused ones. Like, if you’re good at writing about finance, find some finance forums where small business owners hang out. Someone might say, “Man, I wish I had more content for my blog, but I just don’t have the time.” Ding ding ding! That’s your cue. You don’t jump in immediately and say “I’ll do it for money!” That’s kinda rude. Instead, you could say something like, “Yeah, I hear you. Content writing can be a beast. I’ve helped a few folks with that; maybe there are some strategies that could make it less painful for you?” See? It’s a soft sell. It’s not about being slick, it’s about being helpful first.
Figuring Out Who Actually Needs Guest Posts
So, you’re on LinkedIn, or in a forum, or wherever. How do you know if someone actually needs guest posting done by you? You gotta put on your detective hat.
Reading the Signs and Doing a Little Digging
First off, look at their own blog. Are they active? Do they post regularly? If their last post was from 2022, they probably aren’t worried about fresh content right now. But if they’re posting a few times a week, that’s a good sign. It means they value content. Next, check if they already accept guest posts. Some sites have a “write for us” page or “guest post guidelines.” If they do, awesome! That tells you they’re open to the idea. But even if they don’t, it doesn’t mean they won’t consider it. It just means you have to make a stronger case.
See if they are actively trying to build links. You can use some simple SEO tools (even free ones) to see who’s linking to them and who they’re linking to. If they’re trying to rank for certain keywords, and they’re not doing great, often they need more external links. Guest posting on relevant, higher-authority sites is a super common way to get those links. And guess what? Sometimes they don’t have the time or the writers in-house to do that. That’s where you come in.
Also, just pay attention to what people are talking about. Are businesses constantly sharing content from other sites? Are they looking for new marketing strategies? Sometimes you can spot a gap, a need they might not even realize they have yet. Maybe they’re always sharing someone else’s blog post about a topic that they should be talking about. That means they might need an outside perspective, someone who can write on those topics and get them published elsewhere.
Making the First Move (Without Being Weird)
Okay, so you’ve found someone who looks promising. Now what? You can’t just barge in. My personal observation is, the best way to approach folks for guest posting clients is not with a full-blown sales pitch right away. That’s kinda like proposing marriage on the first date. Awkward.
Crafting a Gentle, Useful Outreach
Instead, start by being helpful. Maybe they posted something on LinkedIn you found interesting. Leave a thoughtful comment. Not just “Nice post!” but something that adds to the conversation. “Hey, I totally agree with your point about X, and I’ve seen that Y can also be a big factor there.” See? It shows you’re paying attention and you’ve got some brainpower. After a couple of interactions like that, you can try connecting with them directly.
When you do send a message, keep it short and sweet. Don’t immediately say, “I write guest posts, hire me!” Instead, you could say something like, “Hey [Name], really enjoyed your recent post on [Topic]. I actually write a lot about that space, and I’ve found [brief, relevant observation or idea]. If you ever need a hand with getting some content out there, especially on other sites, feel free to give me a shout.” Or something along those lines. It’s subtle. It plants a seed. It’s not demanding. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll remember you when that need pops up.
If they respond, great. If they don’t, no big deal. Don’t chase them. Move on. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, as they say. What’s important is you made a good impression, showed you know your stuff, and didn’t annoy them.
What Do Clients Even Want in a Guest Post?
This is a big one. You can be the best writer in the world, but if you’re not giving clients what they actually need, it’s not going to work out. In my experience, it’s not just about words on a page.
More Than Just Words: The Real Value
Clients typically want a few things from a guest post. First, they want good content, obviously. Content that reads well, is accurate, and offers real value to the audience of the blog it’s going on. It can’t just be a fluff piece. Secondly, they want it to get published on a site that matters. A site with a decent amount of traffic, one that’s respected in its niche, and one that search engines like. This is where your ability to find good target blogs comes in.
But here’s the kicker: they also want a link back to their own site, usually. This link is like a vote of confidence from the host blog, and it helps their SEO (search engine optimization). So, you’re not just writing, you’re also doing the legwork to find a suitable place for that content to live and get that link. That’s a lot of the actual “value” you’re bringing to the table. Some clients might also want brand mentions, where their company name just appears naturally in the content, even without a direct link. It’s all about getting their brand seen by more people.
And sometimes, what they really want is just to save time. They know guest posting is good, but they don’t have the hours to find sites, pitch ideas, write the posts, and follow up. If you can handle all that for them, that’s incredibly appealing. Think about it: you’re selling time back to them, and that’s often a commodity way more valuable than anything else.
Some Common Questions I Get
People ask a lot of stuff about this guest posting thing. Like, is it really worth it? How much money can you make? Here are some thoughts on that.
How do I set my prices for guest posting clients?
Honestly, pricing can be tricky. It depends on a bunch of stuff: how good you are, how well-known you are (like, do you have a portfolio of published stuff on big sites?), how much research the post needs, and how much effort you’re putting into finding the publishing site. Some folks charge per word, others per post, and some even do a monthly retainer if they’re doing a bunch of them. My suggestion is to start by researching what others in a similar position are charging. Don’t undersell yourself, but also be realistic, especially when you’re just starting out. You might even offer a slight discount on the first one to get your foot in the door.
Is it tough to find sites that accept guest posts and pay for them?
It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely doable. A lot of sites that accept guest posts don’t directly pay the writer for the post itself; they’re often doing it for free content. The trick is to find clients who will pay you to write that content and place it. You are essentially a service provider for the client, not for the blog you’re writing for. So, the money comes from the business that wants the guest post, not the blog that publishes it. That’s a super important distinction.
What if I don’t have a huge portfolio of published guest posts yet?
Everyone starts somewhere, right? If you don’t have a ton of published work, start by writing some really good sample pieces. Maybe write a few posts on topics you’re good at, then pitch them to smaller, relevant blogs just to get published. Once you have a few live links, you can use those as your portfolio. You can also point to your own blog, if you have one, to show off your writing style. And sometimes, you just gotta show potential clients you understand their industry and what they’re trying to achieve.
How do I make sure I get paid?
Ah, the age-old question. For new clients, I always, always suggest getting at least part of the payment upfront. Like, 50% before you start, and the rest when the work is done (or the guest post is live). Use contracts, even simple ones, that outline what you’re doing, the price, and the payment terms. Don’t skip this step. There are also platforms like Upwork or using PayPal’s invoicing features that have some built-in protection. Never, ever start significant work without some kind of agreement in place.
Do I need to be an SEO expert to do this?
You don’t need to be an SEO wizard, but it helps a lot to know the basics. Understand what keywords are, why links matter, and what makes a blog post “SEO-friendly.” Clients want their guest posts to actually do something for them, and often that “something” is better visibility online. So, if you can write content that’s not just good for readers but also helps with search engines, you’re already way ahead. You can learn a lot about this stuff pretty fast online, actually.
Keeping the Doors Open for More Work
Once you get a client, the game isn’t over. It’s actually just getting started. If you do a good job, deliver on time, and communicate well, you’ll probably get more work from them. And that’s really where the sweet spot is – getting repeat business.
Nurturing Relationships and Doing Good Work
It’s just like anything else: treat people well, and they’ll probably come back. Deliver really good, useful content. Make sure it gets published on a decent site. Communicate any snags or delays promptly. And once a guest post is live, don’t just disappear. Let them know it’s up, maybe offer to share it on your own social media if you have any. Show them you’re invested in their success, even if it’s just for one piece of content.
And then, if they’re happy, ask for a testimonial. Or if they know anyone else who might need your services, would they mind putting in a good word? Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to get new clients, even in 2025. It’s less about slick sales tactics and more about just being a reliable, good person to work with. I mean, who wants to work with a jerk, even if they’re super talented, right? Nobody. So, be good, do good work, and the clients will likely follow.
And that’s pretty much the rundown. It’s not a secret formula, just a bit of elbow grease, a little bit of smart searching, and a whole lot of being a good human.
