Most pitches fail in the first two lines. They open with a compliment that could be sent to any site, offer to write about any topic, and never say what the article would teach. The editor can't picture the post, so the answer is no, or no answer at all.

Below you'll find what a strong pitch includes, four guest post pitch examples with notes on why they work, an email template you can copy, subject lines that get opened and a follow up that doesn't annoy anyone.

What a good guest post pitch includes

• A subject line that names the idea. Not "Guest post" on its own, but the working title of the article.
• One line on who you are. Your role and the experience that makes you worth reading on this topic.
• One specific idea. A working title and the two or three points the article will cover.
• Why it fits this blog. Mention a post on the site your idea builds on, so the editor knows you've read it.
• Proof you can write. One link to something you've published.
• An easy next step. Offer an outline or a draft, and stop there.

Guest post pitch example 1: the specific idea

This is the shape that gets the fastest yes. One idea, a clear reader benefit and a reason the writer knows the subject.

Subject: Guest post idea: the onboarding emails that stopped our first month cancellations

Hi [editor name],

I run customer success at a small software company and I've written for [publication]. I'd like to pitch an article for your small business readers: The Onboarding Emails That Stopped Our First Month Cancellations.

It would cover the emails we send in a new customer's first week, the one we cut because nobody read it, and what changed after, with the templates included so readers can copy them. It would sit well next to your post on [related post on their blog].

Here's a recent article of mine: [link]. I can send an outline or a full draft, whichever you prefer.

[Your name]

Why it works: the editor can see the finished article from the subject line alone, the reader benefit is obvious, and the writer has done the work of fitting it to the blog.

Guest post pitch example 2: placing content for a client

If you write or place content for clients, say so. Editors find out anyway, and being upfront is what keeps the conversation going.

Subject: Article idea for your marketing readers: how to brief a freelance designer

Hi [editor name],

I manage content for [client], an online design service. I'd like to offer an article for your readers on how to brief a freelance designer so the first draft is close to right: what to include, what to leave out and the questions to answer before you send anything.

The piece would include one link to [client]'s guide on design briefs, where it helps the reader. If client content goes through a different route on your site, I'm happy to follow it.

[Your name]

Why it works: it's honest about the client link, it offers a useful article rather than a link request, and it invites the editor to name the right route. On my blog, client content goes through a separate route, explained further down this page.

Guest post pitch example 3: the follow up

Editors miss emails. One polite follow up, about a week later, is normal. More than that usually isn't.

Subject: Re: Guest post idea: the onboarding emails that stopped our first month cancellations

Hi [editor name], just bringing this back to the top of your inbox in case it's useful. If the topic doesn't fit right now, I'd be glad to hear what would. Thanks, [your name]

Why it works: it's short, it doesn't guilt the editor, and it opens the door to a different idea instead of closing it.

Guest post pitch example 4: a weak pitch, rewritten

Here's the kind of pitch that rarely gets a reply:

Dear Sir or Madam, I'm a professional writer and I'd love to contribute a high quality, unique article to your esteemed website on any topic of your choice. Please let me know your guidelines.

And the same writer, rewritten:

Hi [editor name], I'm a bookkeeper for small agencies and I'd like to pitch The Month End Checklist That Stops Agency Owners Guessing Their Cash. It would walk through the checks I do with every client at month end, the two reports owners skip, and a simple template. It would build on your post about [related post]. Sample of my writing: [link].

The difference isn't polish. The second pitch tells the editor exactly what readers will get and who it's from.

Guest post email template you can copy

Use this guest post email template as a starting point and fill every bracket. If a bracket can't be filled, the pitch isn't ready yet.

Subject: Guest post idea: [working title]

Hi [editor name],

I'm [your role] and I've [the experience that makes you worth reading on this topic]. I'd like to pitch an article for your readers: [working title].

It would cover [point one], [point two] and [point three], with [an example, template or result readers can use].

It builds on your post about [related post on their site], and here's something I've published recently: [link].

I can send an outline or a full draft, whichever suits you.

[Your name]

Subject lines that get opened

• Guest post idea: [working title]
• Article idea for your [topic] readers: [working title]
• Pitch: [the specific result] for [the reader]
• Following up on your post about [topic]: an idea

Skip subject lines that say only "Guest post", "Collaboration" or "Quick question". They tell the editor nothing about the article.

Why most guest post pitches get no reply

• No idea in the email. "Any topic you like" hands the editor homework.
• The topic doesn't fit. A pitch about car insurance sent to a gardening blog shows the site wasn't read.
• It's all about the link. Editors can tell when the article exists only to carry one.
• Too long. A pitch should be readable in under a minute.
• No proof. Without a sample, the editor has to guess whether you can write.

There are more editor notes in how to get a guest post accepted and what makes a quality guest post.

Pitching my blog

I accept guest posts on marketing, AI, social media, productivity and small business. Read the write for me guidelines first, then send your pitch through the contact form using the template above. If you want more places to pitch, the free write for us finder lists sites that take guest posts in your niche.

Placing content for a brand or a client? That goes through a separate route from editorial guest posts: a sponsored article, a link added to an existing article or a tool placement in a roundup. Agencies can also see white label guest posts.

I've been publishing since the dial up days. I've spent 21 years in marketing, built, scaled and sold a digital marketing agency, and been listed by Forbes in the Top 20 Social Media Power Influencers. I've also reviewed and ranked more than three hundred tools, so I know what readers want to see before they try one.

Frequently asked questions

What should a guest post pitch include?

A subject line that names the idea, one line on who you are, a working title with the two or three points the article will cover, why it fits the blog, one link to your published work and an offer to send an outline or draft.

How long should a guest post pitch be?

Short enough to read in under a minute. If the editor has to scroll, it's too long.

Should I send a full draft or just a pitch?

Start with a pitch unless the site's guidelines ask for a draft. A pitch lets the editor shape the idea before you write the whole thing.

How long should I wait before following up?

About a week. Send one short follow up, and if there's still no reply, move on to another site.

Can I mention a client link in my pitch?

Yes, and you should. Being upfront about a client link is what keeps the conversation going. Many sites, including mine, handle client content through a separate route from editorial guest posts.

Where do I send a guest post pitch to lilachbullock.com?

Read the write for me guidelines, then use the contact form or email [email protected] with your idea.