Why You Should Feature Other Bloggers in Your Articles
Gather ‘round, blogging pals, because I’m about to share a secret sauce that could spice up your content game! It’s not just about *creating* great content; it’s about spreading the word and getting others to help shout it from the rooftops. How? By featuring other bloggers in your articles.
Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is. But it’s not just sprinkling some links here and there and hoping for the best. There’s a method to the magic. And trust me, when you get this right, it’s like sprinkling glitter on your blog. Why glitter, you ask? Because it sticks, it shines, and it gets everyone talking. Let’s dive into the strategy behind this glitterific (yeah, I made that up) blogging technique!
How Featuring Other Bloggers Can Benefit You
Picture this—you’re at a party (real or metaphorical). You meet someone who immediately makes you feel special by talking about how fabulous you are. What do you do? Chances are, you tell everyone else at the party about this delightful human being, right?
Well, that’s exactly what happens in the blogging world. When you feature other bloggers in your articles, not only are you giving them a virtual high-five, but you’re also encouraging them to return the favor. Here’s what you stand to gain:
- More shares: Bloggers are more likely to share articles that mention them. It’s human nature—we all want to be part of the conversation.
- Increased traffic: When others share your article, their audience clicks through to your site. Cue happy dance!
- New connections: Featuring bloggers can open the door to partnerships, guest posts, and collaborations.
- Improved SEO: Linking to high-quality, relevant blogs signals to search engines that you’re part of a credible network of content.
In short, you’re giving a little and getting a whole lot. Plus, it’s just plain nice to highlight the amazing work of your fellow bloggers! Who doesn’t love a little mutual support in the digital world?
Neil Patel’s Linking Strategy: What We Can Learn
If you’ve ever googled “How do I grow my blog?” you’ve probably stumbled across Neil Patel. This guy practically has a Ph.D. in blogging (if only that were a thing). One of his go-to strategies? Featuring other bloggers in his articles—all while linking to dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of their blog posts.
What does Neil do after linking? He reaches out to let those bloggers know they’ve been featured. Simple, right? But holy moly, does it work. His articles often receive hundreds, sometimes thousands, of shares. Why? Because people love sharing content that makes them look good.
Granted, you might not hit Neil-level traffic overnight (he’s been at this for a hot minute). But even starting small, you can still see impressive results.
What Makes This Strategy Tick?
- It feeds human ego (in a good way!). Everyone loves being noticed.
- It expands your content’s reach when your links are shared across their networks.
- It creates rapport. Sharing is the first step toward building solid relationships.
How to Feature Other Bloggers in Your Articles (Without It Feeling Forced)
Now, before you start linking to every random blog you come across, let’s establish some rules. Featuring bloggers isn’t a slapdash thing (or at least it shouldn’t be). Here’s how to do it right:
Step 1: Find Relevant Bloggers and Articles
No, you can’t just close your eyes and pick random blogs out of a hat (fun as that sounds). You want to focus on two things:
- Relevance: Look for bloggers discussing topics similar to your articles.
- Quality: Make sure their content is solid, credible, and adds value to your audience.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Alerts, BuzzSumo, or Twitter hashtags to find trending posts in your niche. A little research upfront will go a long way.
Step 2: Write a Stellar Article
Here comes the tough-love part: If your article isn’t good, no one is going to share it. And by *good*, I don’t just mean grammatically correct. I’m talking fireworks-worthy content that leaves readers saying, “Wow, I didn’t know an article could change my life!”
Here’s how you can pull that off:
- Be helpful: Answer your readers’ questions thoroughly.
- Make it pretty: Use high-quality graphics (shameless plug: check out Laughingbird Software to create amazing visuals in minutes).
- Stand out: Add a dash of humor, wit, or a personal touch to make your writing memorable. (Bonus: Use memes if you can swing it!)
- Keep it easy-to-read: Break up text into bite-sized sections. No one wants to scroll through a massive wall of words.
Step 3: Link, Link, and Then Link Some More
The magic number? There isn’t one. But including at least a handful of quality links in your article is a solid starting point. Make sure they fit naturally into your content instead of seeming tacked on for no reason. If you can’t weave the link into your narrative, don’t force it!
Step 4: Reach Out to Bloggers
Here’s where the magic happens! After publishing your article, email the bloggers you’ve mentioned. Keep it short and sweet. Something like:
Hi [Name],
I just published a new article on [Topic], and I wanted to let you know I’ve featured your post [Insert Title + Link]. Thanks for sharing such great insights—I loved your perspective!
I thought you might like it, and if you find it valuable, feel free to share it with your audience.
Cheers, [Your Name]
See? Easy peasy. You’re not begging for shares; you’re simply letting them know you appreciate their work and want to share the love.
FAQs: Answering the Big Questions About Featuring Other Bloggers
Will bloggers get annoyed if I link to them?
As long as your link is relevant and your outreach is respectful, most bloggers will appreciate it. Who doesn’t love free publicity?
What if I don’t hear back from the bloggers I contact?
It happens! Not everyone will respond, and that’s okay. Focus on the ones who do—and keep linking and reaching out in future articles.
Does this strategy work even if I’m just starting out?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s a great way to build your network from scratch.
Can I feature multiple bloggers in one article?
Yes! In fact, the more the merrier (as long as it’s high-quality content and doesn’t feel spammy).
Tips to Create Eye-Catching Graphics for Your Articles
You know what turns good articles into GREAT articles? Images! But not just any images—well-designed graphics that enhance your content and catch the reader’s eye. If creating visuals feels like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be:
- Use pre-made templates: Platforms like Laughingbird Software offer thousands of templates to make your design process a breeze.
- Stay consistent: Use similar colors, fonts, and styles throughout your article to maintain a professional look.
- Highlight key points: Add charts, infographics, or screenshots to back up your arguments and create visual variety.
The Final Word on Featuring Bloggers
Featuring other bloggers in your articles is a win-win strategy. You’re showcasing their hard work while expanding your own audience. Is it a little more time-consuming than churning out a basic blog post? Sure. But the results—more traffic, better relationships, and improved SEO—make it well worth your while.
So, go forth and feature! And don’t forget: Add a little humor, create eye-catching graphics, and always, always write something people actually want to read. You’ve got this!
