Guest Posting Increases Credibility 10 Fold

I don’t post as much here lately for a few reasons, some of which I won’t reveal at this point.

However, I’m still blogging!

Today I saw the powerful effects of guest posting on credible sources FIRST HAND!

I wrote a post this morning on an Internet Marketing Blog titled: “When It’s OK to Say No to a Prospective Client

Some of the highlights of this post:

Saying No may simply mean “Not yet…”

Here’s why:

  1. EDUCATION: The prospect needs a bit more education on what you’ll be offering and what expectations they should have. Unrealistic expectations are the most difficult thing to deal with. You I don’t want to tell the client “I can’t do that…” but in some cases, I just can’t.
  2. ORGANIZATION: The prospect needs to make sure they have all their “ducks in a row” before you dive into the complex world of SEO and Social Media. Do they have at least one dedicated employee who will be working closely with your team? If not, they need to get one. I’ve realized that my job is NOT to run their business or make their business decisions; instead, my job is to take what their doing and help get the word out there and optimize their efforts accordingly. Without a dedicated staff member who is teachable and preferably internet savvy, it’s going to be a long road and one I’m not sure I want to travel down.
  3. EXPECTATIONS: The prospect needs to determine what they what to achieve with your SEO efforts: increased brand awareness, more traffic, higher ROI, ORM, etc. If they don’t really know what they want to achieve, none of your efforts will completely satisfy. As I said before, unrealistic expectations are the most difficult thing to deal with and are a HUGE RED-FLAG. Using case studies of other clients you’ve worked with can help people understand what they should expect. If they don’t think what you’ve done is enough, then NOT YET is a perfect solution. Chances are, they’ll go with another firm and then possibly come back to you anyway.
  4. COMMITMENT: The prospect needs to fully commit to helping you help them. This is similar to organization. If a client expects you to learn their business or industry overnight, NOT YET is a good answer. If a client can’t give you any time to meet together, they just want you to run with it, NOT YET is a good answer. Clients have to be willing to dedicate at least some time and resources if your efforts are going to pay off.
  5. BELIEF: The prospect needs to believe that what you’re doing is truly of value. A lot of this goes right back to education: if they have no idea what SEO is or why they need it, but instead their buying from you because they know their competitors are using an SEO firm, they most likely don’t truly believe that what you can do is going to help them. I know, you may be asking the same thing I am – “Then WHY would they invest the money?” Good question! Just like the other points, though, if they don’t really believe they need this (and sometimes it’s hard to catch this right away), “Not Yet” is the best answer.

The article was definitely from the heart and based on real-life experience.

The article was well thought out (IMO) and gave practical advice.

After writing the article, I passed it on to all my Internet Marketing friends.

When comments came in, I was prompt to respond.

And now the Home Run…

The article got a link on Search Engine Land! That’s right, a PR SEVEN (I spell out the word because my English teacher in high school told me to and for emphasis) WEBSITE!

Here’s the proof:

the power of guest posting for quality links

The Take Away From All This

  1. Write Good Content that’s applicable!
  2. Titles that explain are helpful.
  3. Guest post on credible websites.
  4. Don’t be afraid to ask for interaction from friends.
  5. Respond to comments promptly.
  6. Celebrate when “Small success leads to Big Success!”

Thanks to Mat, Andy, Dave and team for the opportunity to work with them! I wouldn’t be where I am today with out Mat’s clogging dance skills! 🙂

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One Reply to “Guest Posting Increases Credibility 10 Fold”

  1. Mr. Moller
    Was wondering if you know about any scam thru Craigslist/Facebook as follows? I posted an ad saying im looking for private individuals needing a Certified Nurse Aide and i have gotten a couple of them as follows and i filled one out yesterday and today i recieved another asking almost the exact same stuff!

    Hello,
    I saw your resume on CL and i want to offer you caregiver job for my Elderly Woman. My Mother will be coming from (Washington, DC) and she will be moving on 30th of April 2012. she is 65 Years of age. 140lbs and 5.8ft. She speaks English fluently.We really need you to be honest and trust worthy in this work. The work basis are below:

    – You are to be checking on her at least 3 times in a week for proper caring and to know how well about her health and i think you have little medical experience.
    – You will be earning $300 for 1 week of handling this work properly.
    – You will be driving her to hospital when she need arise for proper medical check up at least once in a month and if you don’t know how to drive, you will hire a car.
    – Your working days will be Monday,Wednesday and Saturday.
    – You will have to prescribe the convenient hrs during each of this days which will not affect your other regular work as this will be a part time work for you and if you want to live with her in the house for other assistance there will be no problem.

    So kindly provide me your full name and mailing address so that we can ensure the housing agent get her an apartment which will be more closer to your house and I hope about 10 miles will not be too far for you.
    Also we will be paying you the first week wages upfront via a Certified Check because you will help her to get some medical tools like one touch basic machine, acu-check machine and test trips in any nearest pharmacy store around.
    So I want you to feed me back with the following details so that we can ensure you are ready for the work.

    1. Full Name
    2. Mailing Address,
    3. City,State and zip code
    4. Phone Number
    5. Age, Sex and marital status.
    6. E-mail address

    I will be sending you her living address very soon so that you will know where you will be working.I will give you her living address once the rental agent find her a suitable house.

    I will be awaiting your email soonest and we can proceed as you can understand that the date is getting approach.

    Thanks.

    Sent from my HTC Inspire™ 4G on AT&T