Go beyond the standard non-personalized introductions and get to the meat of a pitch. Anyone using a template or who has gone in search of the perfect guest post pitch template will recognize many of these phrases.
Editors have much higher expectations of potential guest posts, and they want to see your personality, flair, and interest in crafting a guest post come out in your pitch email. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen very often. About 20% of editors say that 9 out of 10 pitches are so bad they don’t read them through.
1. “I know you’re busy, so I’ll be brief.”
This statement cancels itself out. If you're going to be brief, then do it and cut right to the chase. However, if you're going for a conversational and personable approach, then don't bring attention to the length of your pitch or the fact that the editor probably has a busy schedule.
Instead of writing out this sentiment, completely omit it. That is the best way to be brief and personable.
2. “I’m such a big fan and have been following you for years.”
If you have been a fan for years, then reference one of the earlier posts that you read. But most editors know that you haven’t been reading for years. Drop the “long-time reader,” angle.
Instead, give some sort of proof on what you have read and why you enjoyed it. There's no need for an essay. You should be able to summarize your favorite blog post from the site quickly.
For example, “The post a few months ago about looking critically at resources has changed how I research for all of my blog posts." If you don't have a reliable and real example of a post you enjoyed from the site, just don't mention that you have or have not loved their website.
3. "I really like your post, XYZ."
Most online guest post pitch templates tell you to personalize the email with a line that starts with, “I really like …” Even the section above calls attention to giving specific details. However, delivering a phrase that is so impersonal, such as this, makes it seem like you're giving a cheap attempt at a compliment.
Editors report that 71% of the emails they trash were clearly from mass templates. They can spot a template phrase from a mile away. So, what can you do instead? Offer a real compliment or a high-quality compliment.
When giving a compliment, always be specific about what you liked and the impact it had on you. A high-quality compliment could read something like, "I just read your 10 things editors hate article, and it opened my eyes! I had no idea that editors received so many bogus emails on a daily basis."
4. All over the top flattering statements.
This issue goes along with the "I really like your post," phrase. If you try to win someone over with flattery, then you're doing it the wrong way. An editor knows that their blog is excellent, and that's why they're looking for guest posters who will provide outstanding content. Outstanding compliments will only get you so far.
Instead, drop the unnecessary compliments and explain what you can deliver. Are you a rising star in your community? Perhaps you’re planning on changing the way people use technology forever. Focus on the aspects that will directly impact what you can contribute to the site.
5. “The content will be relevant and appreciated by your audience.”
Some common advice for writers is to "show, not tell," and that's as true here as it is anywhere else. Telling an editor that your content is relevant or that the readers will appreciate it doesn't prove that it actually will have those results.
Instead, you can provide an outline of the post you're pitching, provide short descriptions of a few ideas you have, or explain how a few of your ideas are relevant to their readers. This section of your guest post pitch is also a great area to ask for guidelines if they're not available on the site.
6. “… with my website link.”
Source: LegalMorning
A website link is not something you should expect or demand in a post pitch. Instead, tell the editor about what you do and a little about your site. If you provide resources, services, or products that truly benefit their readers, the editor may discuss the opportunity to include a link. You should not begin link negotiations in a pitch email.
7. “I’ll be a great contributor because…”
Source: BeAFreelanceBlogger
This statement comes straight from a template that has made the internet rounds for years. It goes right back to telling the editor what they’re getting. If you are a fact-based and logic-oriented writer, then show that in your pitch. Use stats to reference their blog and showcase your site through your strengths.
Now, if you're a fun and friendly writer, then make that part of your pitch. Explain that you like to make friends with readers and that for you, pleasantly delivering information is your top priority.
How Can You Write a Guest Post Pitch that Editors Want to Read?
It’s hard to say because every editor is different. These statements all make editors cringe because of a few common aspects such as using templates, or outright lying. Use a guest post pitch email as a chance to showcase your writing talents, experience, and style.
Whenever you’re writing an email to an editor, write as if you’re crafting a piece of high-quality content. Make your email something that you’ll be proud to send off, and that will be consistent with any content you deliver in the future. You may have spent years developing as a writer, but take the time to learn how to write a pitch email too. A pitch is an opportunity, and editors can tell when people aren’t taking that opportunity seriously.
Want to build your skills across the board? Our digital marketing Facebook group is a great place to start. And if you're a femme in the industry, be sure to join Sisters in SEO – it was founded by TCF's CEO, Kari DePhillips, and is the largest networking group of women in the industry.
