Guest post link building — finding sites and running outreach

1. Finding guest-post opportunities

Use Google search queries like "write for us", "guest post guidelines", or "contribute article" — these surface sites that accept guest posts. Example: searching "write for us technology" surfaces relevant tech sites.¹

2. Using SEO tools for guest-post sites

In Ahrefs or SEMrush: Outgoing Links → Linked Domains, then filter for domains that already publish guest posts, and export the resulting list — these are sites where guest posting is realistically possible.

3. Export and organize

Build a spreadsheet with columns: Domain, Email (editor/owner), First Name. Keep only domains that look active and relevant.

4. Email hunting

Use Hunter.io, Snov.io, or FindThatLead — enter the domain to find editor/writer emails. If nothing comes back: check the site's Contact Us page, or search LinkedIn for content editors. Collect at least 2 emails per site as backup.

5. Preparing for outreach

Export the cleaned list into a spreadsheet with columns: Name, Email, Website — ready to upload into an outreach tool.

6. Outreach campaign setup

Tools: Instantly, Mailshake, SalesHandy.

1. Create a new campaign.
2. Import the spreadsheet (Name, Email, Website).
3. Select the guest-post outreach template.
4. Add personalization variables: First Name, Website Name, Topic/Offer.
5. Start the campaign.

7. Sample outreach email

Subject: Guest post idea for [Website Name]

Hello [First Name],

I came across your website [Website Name] and noticed that you accept guest contributions. I'd love to share a high-quality article on [Topic/Keyword] that your readers would enjoy.

All content I provide is:

• 100% original
• Well-researched and engaging
• Optimized for your audience

If you are open to contributions, I'd be happy to send you some topic ideas.

Looking forward to your reply!

Best, [Your Name]

8. Important rules

• Personalize every email — never send generic copy-paste.
• Limit to 15–20 emails per day per account, to avoid spam flags.
• Track replies in the spreadsheet.
• Build long-term relationships with editors for repeat guest posting, rather than treating each pitch as one-off.

Footnotes

1. iSkills SEO course notes, compiled 2025. ↩