Tips for Being a Gracious Blog Guest

By Nancy Lee Badger, nancyleebadger.blogspot.com

When you are ready to share your book, article, or salable item with the public, promote it! These tips concern a free choice: to appear as a guest on a blog. Even if you are not yet published, appearing on a blog can get you noticed…as long as you behave like a gracious guest. Let me help you with the following: 

How to Approach a Blogger

Let’s say you have made a list of blogs you like, or ones people have recommended. These blogs usually have a contact me tab or email. Use that to send your request. Mention your book’s title and genre or whatever you need to promote. Tell them you are open to writing an article, answering interview questions, making up a character interview, etc. You should also mention what weeks or months you are looking at for a post. Some blog hosts are booked months in advance, so be flexible.

What to Offer a Blogger

I mentioned that your first contact should offer several options, but only if you are comfortable with them. If you just want to spotlight your new release, say that. A spotlight or book blast basically includes the book blurb, an excerpt, the buy links, the cover photo, and the author bio. Most bloggers want more, so be prepared.

When They say YES

Congratulations! When you get a “yes” with suggested dates, respond immediately. The blog host should either have included a list of what they require from you and when, or will once you verify the blog date you have agreed to. I suggest using a calendar to note when and who you are posting with. Some bloggers might send requirements in the form of a document. Save it as a doc before filling it out. Follow the instructions!

Make a Note of the Due Date!

Nothing irritates a busy blog host more than having to scramble after their next guest. (As a host on several blogs, I am too familiar with this!) If they want your info a week ahead, send it two weeks ahead. Be memorable for the right reasons.

What to Send Them

Again, the host should mention in an email what they want. Depending on your item, article, or book, be ready to send:

• The book cover or a photo having to do with the article to highlight what you are selling. Send a jpg as a separate attachment rather than embedding it in the document.
• The book blurb or a hook to grab a reader’s attention: A short blurb explaining the item, or a tag line, or hook is best.
• Author Bio: Readers always want to know more about the author.
• Social Media Links: Include your Twitter handle, Facebook author page, Goodreads author page, Amazon author Page, Bookbub author page, LinkedIn, etc. and your website and blog URLs.
• Buy Links: You are selling yourself. To get people to read your work, buy a book, sign-up for your newsletter, or to gain visitors to your website, include a link to your website. (You DO have a website, right?)That way you can update your own website quickly, and not have to bother the blog host.

Follow Up and Giveaways

I have had posts NOT appear, so a day or two after sending your information, it does not hurt to ask if the blog host has received everything. Another thing is to ASK if a giveaway is okay before including it in your post. Do not assume the host will choose the winners. I use Rafflecopter.com so readers do not have to leave public emails. They offer a free version and collect those emails for you. If a blog host is not into contests, you can post the contest on your website instead and add a link to it.

How to Say Thanks

Always comment on the blog post with a few words such as “Thank you for having me as a guest.” Go back and check comments all week and reply to show that you are interacting with the host’s guests. Spread out your blog appearances. I try not to do more than two a week, and once every seven days is my usual goal, but sometimes I go all out for a book release. I work hard to prepare a variety of blog posts weeks ahead so I can get back to what I love doing best. Writing!

Nancy Lee Badger writes content for blogs and newsletters, and is a multi-published author. Born in Huntington, NY, Nancy raised her family in New Hampshire before settling in Raleigh, North Carolina. As a former EMT, firefighter, and 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Dispatcher, writing opportunities requiring articles on medical subjects as well as travel in New England are welcome. She edits and creates book covers and is a member of TAF, Romance Writers of America, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. Contact her at nancy@nancyleebadger.com and visit her blog at https://nancyleebadger.blogspot.com