A Guideline to Guest Posting for Teen Bloggers

…and I’m writing this because I have written all of four guest posts!  (Three of which have been published, one is coming up in April.)  So no laughing from all of you bloggers out there who have written tons of guest posts.  As my mom would say, “Move along, nothing to see here…”.

Although I don’t have a ton of experience, I do have a few pointers that I’ve learned in the last few months…

People are nicer than you might think…

My mom and I have been pleasantly surprised by the welcoming attitude of other personal finance bloggers.  Most of them are adults who are very serious about blogging as a means of making a living and have so much knowledge and experience.  Despite my age and huge lack of experience they have been friendly, offered to help me, and even invited me to guest post on their sites.  And let’s be clear – in terms of readership or facebook followers or whatever – I have very little to offer in terms of helping them.

Ask what type of post the host is looking for…

Don’t just assume that you know what type of article the host blogger is looking for.  Give them a few of your ideas and be sure to ask them for suggestions!  It’s a waste of your time and their time if you write something that they cannot use because it isn’t relevant to their website.

Ask for and follow the rules…

Most bloggers have guidelines that they require you to follow when you guest post for them.  You should start by reading the guidelines.  Following the guidelines is a matter of simple respect.  If you are told that you can link back to your site twice, then don’t link back more than that!  For goodness sake people!  If you make an honest mistake, then be humble and make the correction.

Send the code…

My mom helps me format everything.  We just enter the post into TeensGotCents as a draft and then we copy the html code directly and send it to the host.  There is probably some amazing way to do this that I don’t know about – but this is the only method that I know of right now because I don’t know how to code.  And no.  I do not plan on learning.  Thank you .

Be polite…

Say thank you.  Don’t forget.  It matters.

Build relationship…

For me, guest posting is mostly about building relationship with other personal finance bloggers and seeking to learn from their experience.  I’m not making any money with this blog so it isn’t about money and no one knows who I am so it isn’t about prestige.  (Although it is my dream to be on Ellen)  However, if I ever do have any monetary success with this site, meaningful relationships with other people will be my priority.

Give back…

Have other bloggers helped you?  Have other people invested in you when you had nothing to give in return?  Then start giving back as soon as you do have something to offer.  Maybe one day I will be the one offering opportunities to guest post to younger bloggers.  Doesn’t that sound like fun?

Guest posting is a fun way to get to know other bloggers and to get your name out there.  I’m sure there are lots of other details to consider when writing for other sites but I don’t know anything else.  If and when I find out more I’ll be sure to let you know!

Dedicated to LaTisha of Young Finances, Jacob of My Personal Finance Journey, the Team at Heart of Gold, and Pauline of Reach Financial Independence, each of whom have selflessly helped me by allowing me to guest post on their amazing websites!  Thanks so much!