Paid Guest Post Links - Value?

[wearehappymedia]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to put the question out there about guest blogging opportunities that are paid for. It's not something we ever go for but a client has the resources to get a few quality paid backlinks. What are people's general thoughts on guest blogging - for a nominal fee - to do so? Pros and cons of the whole process?

Cheers!

[PatrickDelehanty]

Hi there

Ultimately, what you're trying to do is guest blog for SEO, which Google says is a no no. The reason I say this is because, above all, you're mentioning "links"; not the value that your product or viewpoint will bring to a customer.

Here is how you should approach link building for your client:

• Look for citations / listings that are relevant to your clients industry
• Look for partnerships / certifications that the client may have that could include listings
• Look for resource / reference opportunities on how-to sites (eHow, Wikihow, Wikipedia - don't abuse this strategy)
• Use client data to develop case studies or whitepapers
• Offer authors / writers topics or stories to write that includes your data and a link to that data (keep branded)
• Look for charity or community sponsorship opportunities

Here are some more great ideas from Backlinko. The reason I list these items above, is because while they garner links and quality ones at that, they also offer users great information about your business when and where they are looking for it. You're building links to capture audience attention, not just users. So, while guest blogging isn't a bad thing at all, I think you could stand to put a little more legwork behind it, build some great content, reach out and build relationships, and ultimately build a fantastic brand in the process.

Let me know if this helps! Good luck!
Patrick