Guiding Questions for Guest Posts
- Long posts between 2,000 to 4,000 words with specific, actionable advice based on experience and/or research perform best.
- Personal stories including overcoming real challenges and hardships allow readers to more quickly connect with a guest writer. #BeVulnerable
- 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?