Guiding Questions for Guest Posts

    1. Long posts between 2,000 to 4,000 words with specific, actionable advice based on experience and/or research perform best.
    2. Personal stories including overcoming real challenges and hardships allow readers to more quickly connect with a guest writer. #BeVulnerable
    3. Step-by-step instructions (with helpful images) increase the number of shares a post receives.

Below are a set of guiding questions to keep in mind when outlining, writing, and finalizing a post.

Intro

    • Is the title eye catching? How can it be better?
    • What alternate titles can be tested in the email version?
    • Does the post deliver on the promise in the title?
    • Does Scott introduce the guest author? How did you meet each other?
    • Do you tell readers why the guest an authority on this topic?
    • What will readers be able to do after reading the post?

Conversational Style

  • Is the post consistent with what LLL readers want to read/learn?
  • Engaging? Personal, even chatty style? Honest/vulnerable?
  • Creates a bond; uses “you” and “I”?

Design

  • Is it easy to scan? Does it use short sentences and paragraphs?
  • Are there helpful/relevant images? Do the images need captions?
  • Too many images without enough context?
  • Are important phrases/sentences in underline, bold, italics?
  • No more than seven lines per paragraph?
  • Are long sections divided by sub-headers?

Taking Action

  • Is the advice/knowledge broken down into actionable steps?
  • Is it clear why readers need to know this?
  • Are the claims backed up by research or direct experience?
  • Are there quotes that should be “click to tweet”?

Wrapping Up

  • Is there an “outro” that encourages readers to sign up to the guest author’s email list/Twitter/Facebook page?
  • Does “Leave a comment” ask for a specific action or ask a specific question?
  • Are there old posts on LLL that should link to the new guest post? Vice versa?
  • Is there a giveaway/bonus? Is it open to all? Does it require mailing or is it digital?
  • Does the P.S. disclose some benefit or intriguing fact that’s not discussed in the body? Is it especially interesting?

After Posting

  • Is the guest author available to leave reply comments over the next 48 hours?
  • Can the guest author email his/her own list with a link to the post?
  • Can the guest author Tweet/share on Facebook?