Why I Don't Have Guest Posts On My Blog

I started blogging back in 2016 to fulfil my passion of writing. If I had a pound for every time I've said that in Twitter blog conversations...


Anyway, back when I started blogging, I never knew that there was the option to have other blogger's write something for your own blog. 


These days, I read through a blogger's posts and find at the bottom it states that it's written by somebody else. In a way, it's nice to discover new blogger's, their blog's and their great content.


However - this is something I don't plan on doing. 


I won't write on somebody else's blog and I won't let anyone write on mine.


There's a few reasons for this, but mainly it's this - my blog is MY own and your blog is YOUR own. 



In a way, I have a personal connection with my blog. I have worked hard to get it to where it is today, as all blogger's have done with their blog. I kind of want my blog to just have my content and writing and not somebody else's. That's just my personal choice. I didn't create my blog to let others do the donkey work for me. 


Why wouldn't I want to write on your blog? Purely because we all have different writing styles. We word our sentences in our own way. We use different words from the Thesaurus to describe or state things in our own way. We have our own dialect. I often read my work sometimes and there's a hint of Welshness in there, butt. Even sometimes a teeny, tiny bit of Scouse. Alri lad. It doesn't mean I don't like your blog, I just prefer to read your work that you've written yourself.


I just want to make one thing clear, just because I don't want to have somebody write a post for my blog, it doesn't mean I don't like your way of writing. It honestly isn't that at all. I have a lot of respect for most blogger's and a lot of blogger's content inspires me. 


I just like to keep my blog for myself. Does that sound selfish? Hmm, maybe. However, like I said at the beginning, I started my blog to fulfil my enthusiasm for putting pen to paper. Or in this case, fingers to keyboard.  


I hope this post doesn't come across as too disrespectful to blogger's. If you like having people guest post on your blog, by all means, go ahead! I read my favourite blogger's regardless of whether their guest posts or not. But it's just not something I will consider in the future. 


I'd love to know your opinion on this!
65 comments
  1. I loved this! I feel completely the same, for the most part my blog is all me as I've always preferred it to just come from my voice. I've only recently started accepting guest posts and usually, they're mixed in very well with content mainly written by me. Love your blog!

    http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/

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    1. Thank you Della, I'm glad that you could relate to this lovely! z

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  2. Hi Lucy. I completely agree. I want my blog to consist of articles that I have written. It's not that I don't like the work of other bloggers (I do). I suppose its more of an accomplishment thing - I like the idea that it's me that has created my blog. You may think it's brilliant, you may think it's rubbish, but it's my own work and I'm happy to be judged on that. So, keep up the good work!

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    1. Yeah I know what you're saying Richie, it's kind of like I want to show what I've accomplished myself! It's your work and you want to show it off proudly on your blog!

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  3. Hey dear i loved your blog!!!! and its not selfish want the blog only for yourself, at the beginning i wanted the same for mine! <3
    i already followed and i want invite you to visit and follow mine back if you want <3

    www.pimentamaisdoce.blogspot.com

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    1. Aww thank you so much! I'm glad this post hasn't come across as selfish, I was nervous that this post may sound a little selfish on my part!

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  4. I whole heartedly agree with this, I've never accepted to do either for exactly the same reasons. Writing is one of my favourite parts of blogging, so I hate the idea of letting someone else do it. Plus it's my blog, so I feel like it should be my work if that makes sense. Great post xx

    Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/

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    1. Thank you Hannah! I know what you mean lovely, when it comes to my blog, I like my work to be my own and also I haven't got the time to guest post on anyone else's blog, I struggle keeping up with my own! xx

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  5. yes, 100x yes. people have asked to guest write on my blog, but I haven't ever let anyone do it. Like you said, it's my blog, with my writing. Super relatable post!

    Melina | www.melinaelisa.com

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    1. I'm glad you can relate to this Melina! Thank you so much for reading!

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  6. I have written 2 guest blog posts and been asked to do one today in fact. I do love that someone would like my content on their blog, for me though it is a time thing. I just don't have enough time to do both.

    I haven't requested for anyone to write for my blog but I am so torn, it would help me out on time but I'd hate to not like the post they write or feel that actually it doesn't fit my blog. As you say, our blogs are a reflection of us. Great post Lucy x x

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    1. Yeah I think time is a definite issue, it's hard writing content for our own blogs let alone somebody else's! I understand how you feel about that, like you said, it would be a great help to you but then you want your posts to be your own xx

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  7. I think it depends on the type of blog you're running. But if it's a personal blog, or any type where the reader expects they're reading your thoughts, intents, etc, I agree guests don't have a lot of place there.

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    1. Yeah it does Sadie, as I run a more personal blog, guest posts wouldn't suit my blog in my opinion x

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  8. I don't have guest posters on my blog either. I don't have the time to edit or change anything and if it were to be wrong and I share it would be a right pain much rather just keep my own stuff on there xx

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    1. Yeah timing is a real issue and if you haven't got the time to edit or change the guest blog post, then it's so much better to just keep to your own work xx

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  9. Great post! I did this a lot when I first started, but now I think the same as you. I no longer want to do it and I want to keep my content my own.

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    1. Yeah I'm like you lovely, I just want to keep my content my own x

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  10. A really interesting post, I have worked on some collaborative and guest posts, it can be a great way to boost your DA and backlinks. however, I am suppppper picky about who I collaborate with on things like this. I own my blog, I've worked hard to get such a loyal following!

    Rosie

    https://www.loverosiee.co.uk

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    1. Yeah I can definitely see why people would want to allow guest posts in terms of DA score etc, yeah I totally get why you would and should be picky about who you choose to guest post on your blog, at the end of the day, it's your blog! x

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  11. As you say, it is your blog so completely your choice. I tend to get guest bloggers in when I want to talk about a subject that I'm not as knowledgeable on so that I can add a bit of variety. It works well for my blog because its about reviews of different things whereas a blog about someone's life wouldn't necessarily fit in with guest posting.

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    1. That's a great idea to get someone to guest blog on a subject which you're not knowledgeable on, that would definitely draw readers in to your blog

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  12. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this, I was the same I don't want others to write content, but then I thought I'm been selfish about it, as I would give it a chance, it has been my most commented post and has the highest views of the year, so it was worth the shot of doing it, so I'm open to mixing it up

    Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes

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    1. That's good that it worked out for you lovely!

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  13. Great post! I think it's each to their own, no one way is the right way. I've guest posted before and have had guest posters before. I'll also be introducing more guest posters onto my blog in the New Year because I want to collaborate with more bloggers in this way. But I totally understand your reasons for not wanting to! x

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    1. Absolutely Jenny, no one way is the right way! That's lovely to hear that you are collaborating with other blogger's next year, it'll be great to discover new ones! x

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  14. I have had one sponsored guest post on my blog which I’m really happy with, I’d definitely have sponsored guest posts but I probably wouldn’t have other bloggers write for my blog. I think I would guest post on someone else’s blog though, to have back links to my site and connect with different bloggers x

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    1. That's good that you're happy with that sponsored guest post! There are definite advantages to guest posting on somebody else's blog! x

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  15. I really love your honesty here Lucy! I feel there's some advantages to having guest posts on your blog/guest posting on others but like you said, it's YOUR blog and your writing is your own - I think there's no right or wrong answer, you just have to do what works best for you!
    Amy | sassycatlady.com

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    1. Thank you Amy! Yeah you're right lovely, there is definitely no right or wrong answer with this!

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  16. I think there's pros and cons to guest posting. For me, it's really handy if I'm short on time and have lots of deadlines coming up as I can keep things ticking over on my blog without needing to use lots of time. I also try and guest post for backlinks and to increase my DA!

    Tash - A Girl with a View

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    1. That's a good advantage of guest blog posts Tasha, if your time is limited!

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  17. I totally agree with you! Your blog is you space to share your content, and also your followers follow you for you. Even if it all does sound very antisocial! haha

    Katie | katieemmabeauty.com

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    1. Yeah I like my blog to have that bit of authenticity.
      Yeah it can sound a bit anti-social!

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  18. I did a few guest posts wayyyyy back in 2012 but it’s not something if ever do now! Xx

    Www.Coleoftheball.com
    YouTube.com/Coleoftheball

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  19. Guest posting used to be such a big thing back in the day!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.thereluctantblogger.co.uk/

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    1. Yeah and it still seems to be today Danielle! xx

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  20. I completely get this 100%, Lucy! I definitely like to keep my blog as my own work and everything on it to be off my own back. Although I do interview style posts sometimes which is usually written in their own words but that's the most I would go right now. I like having my blog as my own xx

    Lauren | itslaurenvictoria.co.uk

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    1. Yeah interview style posts I don't mind doing for other blogger's, they can be quite fun! I'm glad you can relate to this post Lauren! xx

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  21. Fab post I completely understand you. I tend to get guest posters when they offer to write about topics that I have less knowledge on so that I can still offer a large range of info from my website. I also love writing for other people if they want me to write for them :)

    Amber

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    1. Yeah I think it's a great idea to get guest posters to write blog posts for your blog which you have limited knowledge of, that is a way to draw readers in!

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  22. I'm 50/50 on this one, I've had my blog just over three years and I've never accepted a guest post before, but I have written two or three for other people. But essentially one per year is hardly record breaking. I'm really fussy about where I'd want my work to be, and even fussier when it comes to potentially accepting one. I'd maybe consider it one day but it would have to be for a particular reason. I totally agree with your blog being yours, but I guess that's part of the beauty of picking and choosing what and who you want on there x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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    1. I can understand why you are fussy about what type of work you'd want on your blog and you have every right to be, at the end of the day, it's your blog! Like other comments above this one, a few people will choose to have guest posters if they are writing about a subject which they have limited knowledge on, which is one good reason why to have a guest blog post written for your blog x

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  23. I completely agree with this. I've always wanted my blog to be my own written content which I'm super proud of. I've actually never thought if I'd like to guest post on anyone else's blog though..

    Samantha | https:samanthajblogs.co.uk

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    1. I'm so glad that you could relate to this Samantha! I've always loved your content lovely, it's so good! x

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  24. Honestly, I totally get you! I don't mind doing interviews for other people's blogs and I did them for a while on mine, but it's not the same as a guest post: you still get to decide how the end product looks. It's like you said: we all have different writing styles and sometimes they just don't match. A blog should feel like you and not like a bunch of people coming together - unless it's a collaborative blog of course. Loved reading this!

    Chloë | lifethroughmydarkbrowneyes.com

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    1. Yeah I am totally fine with doing interviews for other blogs, but like you said, it's not the same thing as someone wanting to do a guest post for your blog! I'm so glad that you could relate to this post Chloe! x

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  25. I totally get you! I always think guest posts are a cool idea but I never actually DO them. I always change my mind and idk it does make me feel like I'm giving away a piece of me if that makes sense!

    Hazel | http://placesandpeonies.com && www.hazearella.com

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    1. Yes I know what you mean Hazel, your blog is your baby and that won't ever change!

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  26. I agree with you on this one. I much prefer my own work to be on my blog, because its mine (it feels selfish to say that). I much prefer collaboration type posts where you write yours on your blog and the other writes theirs on their blog, but you link back to each others. I get the purpose of guests posts though, it can help with DA scores, can't it?
    Aimsy xoxo
    https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk

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    1. It does feel selfish but it isn't Aimsy! Your blog is your own and if you want to let it stay that way, that's your decision! Yeah it can definitely help your DA score xx

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  27. Such an interesting read! So great that your blog is completely you and authentic :) I quite like writing for other people’s blogs because it gets my content out to their audience and new people that may not have seen my stuff before - also has been beneficial for my DA too :) x

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    1. I do agree about loving reading other people's blogs when they have a guest post as it allows me to discover new bloggers! x

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  28. I have guest posted once but I won’t have people post on my blog. Guest posting has helped increase my audience and my DA score.

    Lauren

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    1. Yeah I've heard it can help increase your DA!

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  29. I feel exactly the same way about my blog. Yes, I will accept relevant content placements but only on the proviso that I can edit them to personalise them to my blog and my writing style. No shade on other bloggers who offer and accept guest posts or straight content placements AT ALL, but my blog is my baby too :) x

    Lisa | www.lisasnotebook.com

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    1. Yeah I'm glad that you edit the content sent to you to suit your blog Lisa, that's such a good idea. I'm glad you feel the same in terms of treating your blog as your baby! x

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  30. Very interesting to read others points of view on guest post, I wasn't super keen on them when I started and now I'm very cautious of who I guest post with, normally it will be a mutual exchange and I'll do it with those I know/blogs I read and it will be for a specific occasion like Halloween or Christmas. But I do like to make sure my blog isn't filled with them because like you, I've worked extremely hard to get it where it is and I want my readers to connect with me.

    Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk

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    1. Yeah I can understand why you would be cautious of who you would have to guest post on your blog and you have every right to feel that way, I'm glad you agree with me on wanting the readers to connect with us, that's so important in blogging x

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  31. It is not selfish at all and I feel exactly the same way. People come to my blog to read and try the recipes I have created I think it would be a bit weird to feature someone else's recipes on there.

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    1. I can understand that Sarah, you do you on your blog babe!

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  32. I always thought this when I was blogging. I like your perspective on keeping your blog for yourself. Def not selfish! I would sometimes get guest post entries that just weren’t up to par anyway. I became so picky about it.
    B | Mind Beauty Simplicity

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