10+ Best Guest Posting Sites for Backlinks and Traffic

In your pursuit of SEO knowledge, you’ve likely encountered all kinds of “strategies” for improving your traffic. But I’ll say, some strategies are better than others.

This is especially true when it comes to link building. The web is ripe with spammy link sellers and “link farms” promising backlinks for a buck. Chances are, your money and time are better spent on more organic methods.

Enter: guest posting.

Guest posting is a popular method for submitting your own unique content for publication on other websites and blogs. In fact, 64.9% of link builders actively use it as their go-to tactic. Guest posting can be a natural and authentic way to drive links and traffic back to your website. 

But before you go hunting for guest posting sites to submit to — check out my roundup of the best guest posting sites that accept contributors on the regular!

Why should you submit guest posts?

 

If you’re looking for an SEO boost, be on the lookout for current guest posting opportunities. Even though the concept of guest posting has been around since the dawn of blogging, it’s still a proven way to enhance your website’s search engine rankings.

 

Yes, things have changed, and you’ll need to approach guest posts differently than you would have ten years ago. But you can still benefit from things like:

 

• Increased exposure and visibility as a content creator
• Improved domain authority from well-placed do-follow links
• Better position as a thought leader in your industry

The truth about guest posting “red flags”

 

Guest posting sounds like a great idea in theory (visibility for you, content for them), but you should still be cautious. 

 

You can benefit in big ways from legitimate opportunities, but participating in shady content creation can do more harm than good–both to your reputation and to your site’s Google performance.

 

Make sure to avoid any guest posting opportunities that:

 

• Come across as “spammy” or are conducted in poor taste
• Offer or request payment for content contributions
• Violate any of Google’s well-known policies for SEO optimization

 

These general rules can help you avoid negative guest posting opportunities while still discovering hidden gems that lead to awesome results for your site.

Top 10+ guest posting sites for backlinks

 

If you’re interested in guest posting but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you. Check out the sites below to get a feel for content opportunities, submission rules, topics, and more. 

 

1. Mashable

 

Mashable is a global entertainment and media company that publishes stories about culture, technology, current events, and more. The website operates as a news media platform with an underlying mission to foster social good. 

 

While Mashable’s audience is vast, guest posting opportunities can be highly competitive. Mashable offers several full-time positions, but senior department editors may accept unique pitches for guest topics on occasion. Subscribe to posts and career alerts to stay in the know.

 

2. Outbrain 

 

Outbrain is a discovery platform that helps companies connect with customers through creative advertising and smart recommendations. Outbrain accepts guest submissions on topics like: native advertising, performance marketing, affiliate marketing, brand awareness, conversion rate optimization, and other digital marketing concepts.

 

If you have a unique idea that aligns with Outbrain’s core specialties, check out the requirements and submit your pitch to [email protected]

 

3. HubSpot

 

Hubspot is one of the leading names in inbound marketing, sales, and CRM software. In addition to offering a comprehensive suite of marketing products, HubSpot’s staff regularly contributes to technical and authoritative blog posts on a variety of digital marketing topics.

 

Guest blogging on HubSpot involves knowing which of the four main blogs you want to post on: Marketing, Sales, Service, or Website. Each separate blog has unique guidelines and submission requirements, so check out the guest posting page for more details. 

 

4. Copyblogger

 

Copyblogger is a content marketing training site that helps writers discover new tips, trends, and strategies in order to improve their writing. Resources are designed to equip writers with new skills that allow them to stay competitive in a busy market. 

 

To guest post on Copyblogger, you must be one of the organization’s Certified Content Marketers. This qualification helps Copyblogger produce top-notch content that represents its larger brand. 

 

5. Entrepreneur

 

Entrepreneur Media Inc. is an American media company that publishes print and digital stories related to entrepreneurship, business growth, technology, and current events. Entrepreneur also features digital marketing and technology topics that are relevant to content producers and SEO specialists. 

 

Entrepreneur has clear and concise guest posting guidelines for new submissions. Writers who submit work to Entrepreneur for publication are considered part of the company’s Leadership Network. 

 

6. MOZ 

 

MOZ is a producer of SEO software for smarter digital marketing. Not only is MOZ supported by a dynamic community of SEO specialists who care about tactics like guest posting, but users can access plenty of helpful resources, technical how-to’s, and blog posts.

 

MOZ offers full-time positions and regularly accepts submissions for events like MozCon, a community-led conference for SEOs. For detailed guidance on how to submit pitches, check out the MOZ blog, or reach out to the team. 

 

7. Social Media Examiner

 

Social Media Examiner is an online media company that produces digital magazines, blogs, and podcasts. Throughout these resources, the focus is on the growth and success of social media in business. The company’s founder, Michael Stelzner, regularly shares insights and recommendations for modern marketers.

 

Social Media Examiner accepts content submissions from individual writers only (no content agencies allowed). The guest post guidelines cover what to write about, how to apply, and tips for avoiding conflicts of interest.

 

8. Search Engine Journal

 

Search Engine Journal (SEJ) is an online platform for SEOs and digital marketers. SEJ sets itself apart by offering the latest topics and best practices to help empower professionals and practitioners alike. 

 

SEJ’s guest post guidelines state that contributors are invited directly by the editorial team. To be considered, strengthen your skills in SEO, digital marketing, social media, content marketing, eCommerce, or PPC. Guest post contributions are always fully original, unique, and verifiable.

 

9. HuffPost

 

HuffPost (formerly known as the Huffington Post) is an American news website that covers breaking news around the world. HuffPost is well-known for its entertainment, culture, diversity, and life topics.

 

HuffPost regularly accepts guest post submissions from freelancers and individual writers and aims to spotlight BIPOC and LGBTQ contributors, as well as those with disabilities. HuffPost accepts new submissions by section, so head over to the Pitch page for more details on where and how to contribute. 

 

10. GetResponse 

 

GetResponse is a marketing software and website builder that helps users build smart automations and perfect their inbound marketing techniques. GetResponse also specializes in audience growth, online sales, and digital advertising. 

 

The GetResponse blog is a great outlet for submitting well-written content about topics like social media, email marketing, omnichannel marketing, and SEO. If you have marketing expertise and are looking for a reputable guest posting partner, check out the GetResponse content guidelines.

11. Upgrow

 

Upgrow is a digital marketing blog that accepts guest posts related to marketing, SEO, PPC, web design, lead generation, and online sales. The blog claims to have an Ahrefs DR of 44 and allows up to 5 DoFollow links in approved posts.

Editorial requirements include (but are not limited to):

• Articles must be between 800-1400 words
• Original content only (articles must not have appeared in other print/online publications)
• Content can’t be overly promotional for your company, client, or service

Even more guest posting sites!

 

While the guest posting sites listed above may be the best-of-the-best, it can take a while to get featured — especially if you are a small blogger. With this in mind, I am sharing some “second-tier” blogs which may be more accessible to the average writer or site owner.

• Medium.com: A completely free guest posting site where you can publish on a range of topics; most links are “nofollow” but this site can be a great source of traffic
• LinkedIn Articles: More of a subsection of the social media platform, LinkedIn, here you can publish on any topic and drive users back to your website (and LinkedIn profile)
• GetResponse: A home for guest contributed content relating to marketing; requires 1300+ words per article
• Addicted2Success: A site looking for “high quality, fresh content to share”; all links are “nofollow”
• The Muse: Accept guest posts related to professional life, jobs, and careers

 

Let’s get visible

 

If you want to boost your visibility this year, guest posting offers many benefits. You can grow as a content creator, network with other professionals, and connect with new audiences along the way.

 

At Keys&Copy, we’re experts in finding an SEO strategy that aligns with your personal and business growth goals. Whether that involves guest posting, keyword research, or creating engaging copy, we’ve got the industry experience and knowledge to get the job done.

 

Start the conversation and get a free quote for your next content project.