Do you mention backlinks in your guest post outreach ?

Sarah Mathews

Sarah Mathews

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Do you mention backlinks in your first guest post outreach, or focus on the content first?

Some believe mentioning links too early makes the pitch look promotional, while others think being transparent saves time for both the writer and the editor.

What’s your approach?

Do you mention backlinks in the first email?
Wait until the topic is approved?
Never mention them and let the editor decide?
Does your approach change for paid vs. editorial guest posts?

What has actually worked for you?
 
Last edited:
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Sarah Mathews said:
Do you mention backlinks in your first guest post outreach, or focus on the content first?

Some believe mentioning links too early makes the pitch look promotional, while others think being transparent saves time for both the writer and the editor.

What’s your approach?

Do you mention backlinks in the first email?
Wait until the topic is approved?
Never mention them and let the editor decide?
Does your approach change for paid vs. editorial guest posts?

What has actually worked for you?
Click to expand...
Content should earn the conversation while backlink terms remains transparent before anything finalised. Focus on topic relevance and value first and then clarify link reqrmnts once there's interest.
 
Sarah Mathews said:
Do you mention backlinks in your first guest post outreach, or focus on the content first?

Some believe mentioning links too early makes the pitch look promotional, while others think being transparent saves time for both the writer and the editor.

What’s your approach?

Do you mention backlinks in the first email?
Wait until the topic is approved?
Never mention them and let the editor decide?
Does your approach change for paid vs. editorial guest posts?

What has actually worked for you?
Click to expand...
I usually don’t lead with backlinks in the first outreach email. I focus on the content/topic first, then discuss the backlink naturally once the topic is approved.

For paid guest posts, I’m more transparent about the link requirements upfront to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth
 
My approach is to sell the topic first, but not hide the link requirement. If I lead with “I need a backlink,” it sounds like a link buyer; if I hide it completely, I may waste everyone's time. I usually mention it briefly after establishing the content relevance, then discuss the exact link once they're interested.
 
Backlinks are the last resort. I concentrate on relevant topics first then brandish links along the way. Introducing backlinks as my first foot makes me sound patronizing and it's kind of off. So, topics first, backlinks later
 
I usually focus on the content and value first rather than mentioning backlinks in the first email. Once the topic is approved, I clarify the link expectations-especially for paid posts where transparency is important.
 
I usually focus on the topic and content first Once the editor shows interest I discuss the link details so the initial pitch feels more natural
 
I dont mention backlinks in my first outreach. I focus more on topic and value then discuss links once they are interested. It feels less promotional and gets a better response.
 
I'd probably focus on the content first and keep the first message simple it feels more natural that way i am curious to hear whether others have found it better to discuss the backlink later in the conversation
 
When we approach a publisher for a guest post, they usually provide their set of guidelines and requirements first. Based on those guidelines, in most cases, we can confirm whether the content is likely to be accepted before proceeding.

However, even if we adapt the content according to their guidelines and submit it for final approval, the publisher still has the right to reject it. Rejection can happen due to the content quality, issues with the quality or relevance of the link/site being promoted, competitor-related concerns, or other editorial reasons.

This is the usual guest post process we follow: check the publisher’s guidelines → prepare/adapt the content → submit for approval → make any required changes → publish if approved.
 
gregstereo said:
I usually don’t lead with backlinks in the first outreach email. I focus on the content/topic first, then discuss the backlink naturally once the topic is approved.

For paid guest posts, I’m more transparent about the link requirements upfront to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth
Click to expand...
Nice, that’s a smart approach
l0cke said:
My approach is to sell the topic first, but not hide the link requirement. If I lead with “I need a backlink,” it sounds like a link buyer; if I hide it completely, I may waste everyone's time. I usually mention it briefly after establishing the content relevance, then discuss the exact link once they're interested.
Click to expand...
Exactly,sell the value first, but keep the link requirement transparen that strikes a good balance between professionalism and saving time.
Guestwriting said:
When we approach a publisher for a guest post, they usually provide their set of guidelines and requirements first. Based on those guidelines, in most cases, we can confirm whether the content is likely to be accepted before proceeding.

However, even if we adapt the content according to their guidelines and submit it for final approval, the publisher still has the right to reject it. Rejection can happen due to the content quality, issues with the quality or relevance of the link/site being promoted, competitor-related concerns, or other editorial reasons.

This is the usual guest post process we follow: check the publisher’s guidelines → prepare/adapt the content → submit for approval → make any required changes → publish if approved.
Click to expand...
Yes, that’s the usual process. I’m asking specifically about the first outreach, though do you mention the backlink requirement in your initial email, or discuss it only after the topic is approved?
 
Sarah Mathews said:
Nice, that’s a smart approach

Exactly,sell the value first, but keep the link requirement transparen that strikes a good balance between professionalism and saving time.

Yes, that’s the usual process. I’m asking specifically about the first outreach, though do you mention the backlink requirement in your initial email, or discuss it only after the topic is approved?
Click to expand...

Nope, we don't
 
I usually focus on the topic and content first, especially with editorial sites. Once they show interest, I’ll clarify the link requirements and anchor before moving ahead.

For paid placements, I’m more direct from the first email since it saves time for both sides.
 
I usually keep the first email focused on the content and topic Once there is interest I bring up the backlink details so there is no confusion later
 
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