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Guest blog post offer or wolf in sheep’s clothing?

If you blog a fair amount, you’ll receive regular unsolicited email offers from people wanting to guest post on your blog.

I probably receive 4 or 5 a day. Most of which I don’t respond to as the person offering to guest post knows nothing about my blog and does not blog on topics of interest to my readers.

This morning I received one from an Amanda G.

Hi,

My name is Amanda G… and I would love the opportunity to guest posts on kevin.lexblog.com. I have done a lot of freelance writing work and am capable of handling a wide variety of topics.

Is that something you are open to? If so, I would love to send you some ideas as well as see your guidelines for posting.

Best,

Amanda

Amanda sounded like a sweet name, so I responded, “..Not doing right now Amanda.”

To which I received the reply.

would you be interested in earning money for placing links in an upcoming article of yours instead?

best,

Amanda

Amanda, and probably most other people who offer to guest post on your blog, are not looking to offer your readers anything of value. Many aren’t even looking to enhance their reputation by sharing content.

They are looking to buy a cheap advertisement or links to other blogs or websites so as to increase the search engine performance of those blogs or sites.

So don’t always feel flattered when you receive an offer from someone looking to do a guest post on your blog.

  • http://www.athletesincourt.com lee davis

    Kevin,
    That is really interesting as I have wondered about requests I have received from a few people to guest blog. One was from a “teacher” who turned out to not be a teacher as I think of one, but rather an internet course offering.
    We have decided to keep guest blogs to attorneys we actually have a relationship with or who have good season tickets.
    Thanks for the insight!
    Lee

  • http://kevin.lexblog.com Kevin

    I like the good season tickets approach Lee – NBA & MLB particularly.
    On serious note, I am going to open up my blog to guest posts from authorities I know once I relaunch a new design and approach to my blog later this year.
    Also note that guest posts as well as interviews of others on your blog are great ways to spread word of your blog. People like to boast.