By Hridoy Ahmed | Last updated: October 2026 | 7 min read
Short answer: Guest posting is safe when you write useful articles for relevant sites to reach their readers, and not just to get links. Google’s spam policies target large-scale guest posting campaigns that use keyword-rich anchor text. Choose relevant sites, write original content and keep links natural.
In this guide: What Google says | Choose sites | Pitch | Write | Add links | Track | Mistakes | FAQ
Guest posting means writing an article for another website. Done well, it brings you readers, credibility and sometimes a link. Done badly, it is link spam.
If you would rather have this done for you, see my white-hat guest posting service.
What Google says
Google’s link spam policies list large-scale guest posting campaigns with keyword-rich anchor text as a problem. Guest posting itself is not banned. The difference is intent: sharing real expertise with a real audience, versus mass-producing articles for links.
Step 1: Choose relevant sites
Look for sites that cover your topic and have real readers. Read a few articles. Are they useful, edited and current? Skip sites that publish on any topic or advertise “write for us, pay for a link”.
Step 2: Pitch a useful idea
One or two short paragraphs. Say who you are, what you would write and why their readers care. Read their guidelines first. Do not send the same email to hundreds of sites.
Step 3: Write original content
Write something you would be proud to publish on your own site. Use your own experience and clear examples. Never reuse an article on two sites.
Step 4: Keep links natural
Link to your site only where it helps the reader. One or two links is usually enough. Use natural anchors such as your brand name or a plain description. For more on judging links, see what makes a backlink high quality.
Step 5: Track results
Record the site, URL, date, anchor and target page. Later, check whether the page is indexed and whether it brought visitors.
Common mistakes
- Writing thin articles just to place a link
- Using the same keyword anchor everywhere
- Choosing sites by price or DA only
- Publishing the same article on multiple sites
- Skipping the editor’s feedback
FAQ
Is guest posting dead?
No. Low-quality guest posting for links is risky. Useful guest posts on relevant sites still reach readers and build credibility.
How many guest posts should I publish?
There is no ideal number. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity.
Should guest post links be dofollow?
It does not matter as much as relevance. If a post is sponsored or paid, it should use the proper attribute.
Want it done properly? I do manual outreach and write original guest posts for relevant sites. See my guest posting and link building service.
About the author: Hridoy Ahmed is an SEO specialist and WordPress security expert based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He has 8+ years of experience and works with clients worldwide.