Why You Should Give Your Best Posts Away

Blog posts are precious.

Every one represents hours of thinking, scheming, writing and editing.  If you are like me, you can’t wait to get your newly minted post published.  A new post means tweets, comments, and possibly mentions from top influencers.  It’s like gambling in Vegas.

That’s why, I still get weak in the knees when I am forced to give my BEST posts away.

That’s right, my very best posts aren’t on this blog, they are on other sites. And, if I had to do it all over again, I would give away twice as many.  What gives?

An Old Topic Revisited

The other day, we discussed how to jumpstart your blog’s traffic.  Throughout the entire post, I danced around one the topic of guest posting.  Frankly, I figured you had heard enough about that topic. But then I had second thoughts.

You see, even though almost every blogger knows that guest posting is the killer app for building a successful blog, most still avoid it like the plague!

Including…um..you.

Why?

Let’s just say you’re CHICKEN.

Here’s what’s you’re saying in your head when you consider guest posting…

1. I want the traffic – “My blog needs the traffic, great content attracts readers”

The Truth: Your posts are most likely preaching to the choir.  If your blog is young then many of your readers are repeat visitors.  Your great post isn’t attracting new readers, it’s keeping the old ones fat and happy.  Nothing is wrong with this, just be realistic about what role your posts are playing.

2. I won’t see the benefit – “If I give this post away, then they will get the credit and the traffic.  I’ll end up with nothing”

The Truth: The blog running your guest post has more to lose than you do.  If your post sucks they lose readership.  Publishing your post also will direct readers to your blog (via your byline).  They are taking the real traffic risk – not you.

3. Guest Posts Are Overrated – “They suck up time and energy with little benefit”

The Truth – You have one goal; get your ideas, passions, solutions, and perspective noticed.  That’s why you blog.  Frankly, attracting readers to a URL is secondary to just getting your writing in front of a large audience.  From this perspective, writing guest posts is underrated.  Of course, your goals could be to not get noticed and just post for yourself.  In that case, guest posts are a waste of time.

Are You Missing the Big Picture?

I want to remind you of something very important.  You are not a writer or a blogger.  You’re an information creator.  According to some very smart folks, “Creators” like yourself represent 1% of the audience roaming the web.  That means everyone else is curating, collecting, reporting, and reading YOUR work. Your content is in high demand.

But don’t get a big head because most of the web congregates on mega blogs.  Readers use these blogs to filter their information and learn about new ideas and perspectives. These blogs suck up most of the traffic meaning that most people don’t have the time to search out your blog and read your posts.

However, if the #1 blog in your niche showcases your content (guest posting) then you are instantly put on the map. People make their way to your blog, on to your mailing lists, and hopefully become repeat readers (or customers).

This whole process works in your favor when you create quality content that you give away – regularly.

Does That Mean Your Own Blog Becomes Mediocre?

Nope.

Go ahead and post quality content on your blog, just don’t get stingy.  I use a 2:1 ratio, 2 of my “best posts” offered as guest posts for every post I publish here.  This is tough at first, but you will get into a quality content groove if you stick with it.

Still Can’t Let Go?

Are you having trouble giving your best content away?  Leave a comment below and tell me what’s preventing you from creating stellar content for other people’s blogs.