Guest Posting For Accounting Firm Lead Gen: Proven Strategies
So, you’re interested in learning about guest posting for your accounting firm?
Great choice! Guest posting is a proven, powerful strategy that can amplify your online presence, drive more traffic to your website, and help you win more clients.
And guess what? You’re in the right place to learn all about it.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into strategies and tips on how to effectively use guest posting so you can start taking advantage of its immense benefits and get more leads for your business
Table of Contents
What is Guest Posting about?
Guest posting, also known as guest blogging, is when you write an article for another company’s website.
The goal is to attract traffic back to your site, boost your domain authority using external links to high-authority domains, increase your brand credibility and awareness, and build relationships with peers in your industry.
Picture this: You’re at a social gathering and a highly respected friend introduces you to a group of people. They’re likely to see you with the same level of respect. That’s what guest posting is like – it’s a respected industry authority vouching for your expertise, and readers are more likely to value your insights.
Why Guest Posting is Essential for Accountants
Now, you might be thinking, “That’s all well and good, but how does this apply to my accounting firm?”
Well, guest posting can help you build credibility in the accounting world. When potential clients see your name and expertise on various reputable sites, they’re more likely to trust your services.
Guest posting also allows you to broaden your audience. By posting on a site that already has an established audience, you can attract potential clients who might not have found you otherwise. And let’s not forget the SEO benefits. Quality backlinks from reputable sites can boost your site’s visibility in search engine results.
The Benefits of Using Guest Posts as Part of Your Marketing Strategy
Let’s address some of the key benefits you’re going to gain from using Guest posting in your accounting firm.
1. Increased Visibility: By writing content for other sites, you’ll be able to reach new audiences who may not have heard about your services before. This will help to increase awareness around your brand and generate more leads in the long run.
2. Improved SEO Rankings: When you use targeted keywords and internal/external links in your post, this can help to boost your website’s overall search engine rankings. This will make it easier for potential customers to find you online and increase the chances of them using your services.
3. Establish Yourself as an Authority: Writing quality content for other sites is a great way to show potential customers that you’re knowledgeable in the field. By positioning yourself as an authority, you’ll be able to build trust with your target audience and increase conversion rates.
Must Read – Marketing For Accountants – 22 Proven Ways For 2X Growth in 2023
When’s the Perfect Time for Guest Posting? Decoding the Signals
Haven’t listened to all we’ve said so far, should you do Guest Posting? And how can you tell when is the best time for it? Let’s dive into the clues that tell you this.
1. Your Website Traffic Has Plateaued
You’ve been checking your analytics (because, numbers, right?), and despite your best efforts, your site’s traffic graph is flatter than a pancake. This could be a sign that you need a fresh avenue to attract visitors. Guest posting on a reputable site can bring a wave of new eyeballs to your content and drive them back to your site.
2. You’ve Got Something Fresh to Say
Have you recently deciphered a new tax law? Or perhaps you’ve found a groundbreaking method to simplify bookkeeping? If you’ve got a unique angle or fresh insights on a topic, it’s a sign you should share it with a larger audience through guest posts.
3. SEO Rankings Need a Boost
If your website isn’t ranking as well as you’d like on search engines, building quality backlinks through guest posting can give it a nudge. Search engines love when authoritative sites link to you, and guest posting is a fantastic way to make that happen.
4. Brand Awareness Feels…Sparse
Feeling like the best-kept secret in the accounting world? If you’re looking to get your name out there and build some brand recognition, spreading your wisdom through guest posts on well-known platforms can give you the exposure you’re craving.
5. Networking Goals
Maybe you’re aiming to build relationships within the industry, whether for partnerships, collaborations, or just some good ol’ professional camaraderie. Guest posting not only showcases your expertise but also introduces you to the platform’s network.
How to Get Started with Guest Posting
Ready to dive into guest posting? Here’s how you start:
- First, identify where you want to post. Look for websites or blogs that have a good reputation, cater to an audience that would be interested in your services, and have a high domain authority.
- Next, you’ll need to pitch your guest post. This usually involves reaching out to the website or blog owner and proposing a post topic that would be valuable to their audience. Be sure to present yourself professionally and highlight your expertise in the accounting field. You can reach out to them via their LinkedIn profile or through their emails.
Here’s an example of a message you could send when reaching them via LinkedIn:
Subject: Guest Blogging Collaboration Opportunity
Hi [Website Owner’s Name],
I’m [Your Name], a [Your Title] intrigued by your accounting website. Your insights on [Specific Topic] are impressive.
I’d love to contribute a guest post discussing [Proposed Article Topic]. It would offer a fresh perspective to your readers. Let’s discuss this further!
Best,
[Your Full Name]
And here’s another example of a message you could send when reaching them via email:
Subject: Collaboration Opportunity: Guest Blogging on Your Accounting Website
Dear [Website Owner’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I came across your outstanding accounting website and was truly impressed by the valuable insights and resources you offer to your audience. As a passionate advocate for financial literacy and expertise in the field, I believe our collaboration could greatly benefit both our platforms.
I am [Your Name], a [Your Title] with a background in [Your Expertise/Industry]. I have been avidly following your blog posts and articles, particularly those centered around [Specific Topic or Recent Post Title], and I appreciate the depth of knowledge you bring to your readers.
With that in mind, I would like to propose the idea of a guest blogging partnership. I am confident that my unique perspective on [Relevant Accounting/Finance Topic] could add a fresh angle to your content offerings. In return, I would be thrilled to contribute an insightful article to your website, focusing on [Proposed Article Topic].
This collaboration would not only provide your audience with a new perspective but also introduce my insights to a wider readership. I am committed to delivering high-quality, well-researched content that aligns with your website’s ethos and resonates with your audience.
Should you be open to this idea, I would be delighted to further discuss potential topics, article outlines, and any guidelines you have in mind. Your input is paramount in ensuring our collaboration is a success and brings value to your readers.
Thank you for considering my proposal. I eagerly await your response and the possibility of contributing to your esteemed platform. Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your Email Address] to discuss this opportunity in greater detail.
Looking forward to the chance of working together and contributing to the growth of your exceptional website.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile (optional)]
[Your Contact Information]
- After you get the green light, it’s time to create your content. Make sure it’s high-quality, relevant to the audience you’re writing for, and offers valuable insights or solutions. And don’t forget to include an author bio with links back to your site!
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How to Find the Right Blogs to Target for Your Guest Posts
Since the whole idea of guest posting falls on writing article for other people’s blogs, how then do we find the right blogs to write for?
This can be a challenge, but there are tools and tactics that you can use to find the best prospects.
- You’ll want to look for blogs that have high domain authority and a good reputation in your industry.
- You should also consider targeting blogs with readers who fit your target audience – accounting firms tend to target business owners and entrepreneurs, so blogs that cater to those demographics should be at the top of your list.
- Once you’ve identified some potential candidates, take a look at their editorial guidelines and posts they’ve published in the past. These will give you an indication of how well you’ll fit within their content strategy and what kind of topics and style they prefer.
The Power of Niche Relevancy in Guest Posting
Ever heard the phrase “fish where the fish are”? That’s kind of what we’re talking about when we emphasize guest posting on niche-relevant websites.
Let’s break down why it’s such a game-changer.
1. Boosting Your SEO Game
First and foremost, search engines adore relevancy. When you bag a backlink from a website closely related to your niche (let’s say, from a finance advisory site to your accounting firm’s blog), search engines recognize it as a high-quality, relevant link. This endorsement can significantly improve your ranking in SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages).
2. Hyper-targeted Traffic
Guest posting on a niche website ensures that the readers are already interested in your domain. So, when they see your insights, there’s a high chance they’ll hop over to your site. The result? Highly engaged visitors who are genuinely interested in what you offer.
3. Building Genuine Relationships
By consistently contributing quality content to niche-relevant platforms, you’ll foster genuine relationships with other industry influencers. This network can be invaluable for future collaborations, partnerships, and mutual growth.
4. Enhanced Credibility and Authority
Think about it. When readers see your posts on platforms they trust, you’re instantly elevated to ‘expert status’ in their eyes. Over time, this builds your reputation as an authority in your field.
5. Higher Conversion Rates
With relevancy comes specificity. When your guest post caters directly to the readers of a niche website, they’re more likely to resonate with your content. And if they follow through to your website? They’re more primed to take action, be it signing up for a newsletter, scheduling a consultation, or even employing your accounting services.
Top Tips for Crafting Quality Content That Resonates With Your Target Audience
1. Research Your Topic: Make sure to do your due diligence when it comes to researching potential topics for your guest post. Look into what other accounting firms have written about, use keyword search tools to find related terms and topics that people are interested in, and read up on industry news and trends that may be relevant to your post.
2. Craft a Captivating Title: Your title should be both interesting and informative, as it’s likely the first thing potential readers will see. Aim to create titles that are descriptive, yet succinct – you want people to get an idea of what your post is about without having to read too much.
3. Create Engaging Content: Once you’ve got your topic and title sorted, it’s time to write! When crafting your post, remember to keep your target audience in mind. Your content should be easy to read, with short paragraphs and engaging language that will draw readers in. Where appropriate, include links to other relevant articles or resources that provide additional value for the reader.
4. Incorporate Calls to Action: Don’t forget to include a call-to-action (CTA) at the end of your post. This should be something that encourages readers to take action and learn more about your business, such as signing up for your newsletter or reaching out for a consultation.
5. Be Strategic With Your Links: Make sure you include links back to your website within the post, as this is a great way to promote your services and build links for SEO purposes. When adding links, be sure to think strategically – the link should be relevant to the content of the post, as well as concise and easy-to-read.
Must Read – Unlocking Growth: The Power of Referral Marketing for Accounting Firms
Optimizing Your Guest Posts for SEO
In order to get the most out of your guest posts, you should optimize them for SEO.
This means conducting keyword research to identify keywords relevant to your post, and incorporating these keywords naturally within your content.
Here are some tips to help with optimizing your guest posts.
1. Optimize Your Title for SEO
When crafting your post’s title, make sure to include keywords that are relevant to your topic and target audience. This will help search engines find your post more easily and ensure that it stands out from the competition.
2. Use Internal Links Within The Post
Linking between pages on your own website helps search engines understand the structure and content of your website. This can help to boost SEO rankings for both the original page and the one it links to.
3. Incorporate Relevant External Links
As well as internal links, you should also include external links that are relevant to the content of your post. This will add additional value for readers, as they’ll be able to gain more information on the topic from different sources.
4. Use Targeted Keywords
When creating your post, make sure to include targeted keywords throughout the text and titles. This will help search engines understand what your post is about and ensure it ranks higher in relevant searches.
5. Optimize Your Post for Different Devices
Be sure to optimize your post for mobile devices and tablets, as this will help it rank higher in search engine results. Optimizing content for different devices can also ensure that readers have a better experience when accessing the post from their device of choice.
Guest Posting Etiquettes
Like any other professional interaction, there are certain etiquettes to uphold in guest posting.
Maintain a good relationship with the host website by following their guidelines, respecting their audience, and delivering quality content.
Respond to any comments on your guest post and promote it on your own platforms to generate more engagement.
Guest Posting Tools and Software for Accountants
There are plenty of tools that can make the guest posting process smoother.
Let’s take a look at three top tools that can supercharge your guest posting efforts:
1. BuzzSumo
BuzzSumo is a tool that helps you analyze the most popular content on any topic or website. You can use it to discover what kind of articles are getting the most shares, comments, and links, and use that information to craft your own guest posts.
Here’s how you can use BuzzSumo for guest posting in three simple steps:
1. Find relevant websites to target. Enter a keyword related to your niche, such as “accounting tips” or “tax advice”, and BuzzSumo will show you the most shared articles on that topic. You can also filter by date, language, country, and content type. Look for websites that have a high domain authority, a large and engaged audience, and a similar tone and style to yours.
2. Analyze their content and audience. Click on any article that interests you, and BuzzSumo will show you more details about it, such as the social media platforms where it performed best, the number of backlinks it received, and the sentiment analysis. You can also see the top influencers who shared it, and their follower counts. This will help you understand what kind of content resonates with their audience, and how you can tailor your pitch and article accordingly.
3. Create your guest post proposal. Based on your research, come up with a few topic ideas that are relevant, original, and valuable for the website you want to write for. Write a catchy headline, a brief outline, and a short bio that introduces yourself and your firm. Explain why you’re an expert on the topic, and how your guest post will benefit their readers. Include a link to your own website or blog, where they can see more examples of your work. Send your proposal to the editor or owner of the website, and follow up politely until you get a response.
Using BuzzSumo for guest posting can help you save time, increase your chances of getting accepted, and create better content that will boost your reputation and traffic.
2. Ahrefs
Ahrefs is an all-in-one SEO toolset for growing search traffic and optimizing websites. It crawls the web, stores tons of data and makes it accessible via a simple user interface. It is a powerful SEO tool that can help you with guest posting in many ways.
Here are some of them:
– Ahrefs can help you find relevant websites that accept guest posts. You can use the Content Explorer feature to search for keywords related to your niche, and filter the results by Domain Rating, organic traffic, and number of referring domains. This will give you a list of high-quality websites that are popular and authoritative in your niche.
– Ahrefs can help you analyze the websites that accept guest posts. You can use the Site Explorer feature to check the backlink profile, organic traffic, and top pages of any website. This will help you understand what kind of content they publish, what topics they cover, and what keywords they rank for. You can also see their guest post guidelines and contact details if available.
– Ahrefs can help you come up with guest post ideas. You can use the Keyword Explorer feature to find relevant keywords that have high search volume and low keyword difficulty. This will help you find topics that are in demand and easy to rank for. You can also use the Content Gap feature to find keywords that your competitors rank for, but you don’t. This will help you find content gaps that you can fill with your guest posts.
– Ahrefs can help you write and optimize your guest posts. You can use the SEO Writing Assistant feature to check the readability, word count, keyword density, and SEO score of your article. This will help you make sure that your article is well-written, engaging, and optimized for search engines.
To illustrate how you as an accountant can use Ahrefs for guest posting, let’s go through a step-by-step example:
1. Go to Content Explorer and type in “accounting” as the keyword. Filter the results by Domain Rating > 50, organic traffic > 1000, and referring domains > 50. This will give you a list of high-quality websites that are related to accounting and accept guest posts.
2. Pick a website that looks promising and go to Site Explorer. Enter the domain name and click on Overview. You will see the website’s backlink profile, organic traffic, and top pages. Scroll down and click on Referring domains > Dofollow. This will show you the websites that link to this website with a dofollow link, which means they pass link juice and authority.
3. Look for websites that have “write for us”, “guest post”, or “contribute” in their anchor text or URL. These are likely to be websites that accept guest posts from this website. Click on them and check their guest post guidelines and contact details. Make a list of potential websites that you can pitch your guest post ideas to.
4. Go back to Site Explorer and click on Organic keywords. This will show you the keywords that this website ranks for in Google. Sort the results by Volume > 1000 and Keyword Difficulty < 20. This will give you a list of popular and easy-to-rank keywords that this website targets with its content.
5. Pick a keyword that is relevant to your niche and go to Keyword Explorer. Enter the keyword and click on Overview. You will see the keyword’s search volume, keyword difficulty, clicks, and global volume. Scroll down and click on Having same terms > All > Questions. This will show you the questions that people ask related to this keyword in Google.
6. Pick a question that is interesting and relevant to your niche and go to SEO Writing Assistant. Enter the question as the title of your article and click on Analyze content score. You will see the recommended word count, readability score, keyword density, and SEO score of your article.
7. Write your article following the recommendations and tips from SEO Writing Assistant. Make sure to include a link back to your own website in the author bio or within the article if allowed by the website’s guidelines.
8. Proofread and edit your article until it is ready to submit.
9. Go back to the website that you picked in step 3 and send them an email with your pitch. Include your article title, a brief summary, a link to your article (or attach it as a file), and a short introduction about yourself and your website.
10. Wait for their response and follow up if necessary.
That’s how you can use Ahrefs for guest posting in a nutshell. By following these steps, you can find the best websites to guest post on, come up with great guest post ideas, write and optimize your guest posts, and pitch them to the website owners. This will also help you boost your online presence, authority, and traffic as an accounting firm.
Must Read – Performance Marketing For Accounting Firms
3. Hunter.io
Hunter.io is a tool that helps you find and verify email addresses of anyone on the web. You can use it to find the contact information of the editors or owners of the websites you want to guest post on, and send them personalized emails that get their attention.
Here’s how you can use Hunter.io for guest posting in a few simple steps:
1. Go to Hunter.io and sign up for a free account. You can get 50 free searches per month, or upgrade to a paid plan for more features and searches.
2. Enter the domain name of the website you want to guest post on in the search bar. For example, if you want to guest post on AccountingWeb.com, enter accountingweb.com and hit enter.
3. Hunter.io will show you a list of email addresses associated with that domain, along with their sources and confidence scores. You can filter the results by department, seniority, or role to find the most relevant person to contact. For example, you can filter by “Editorial” or “Content” to find the editors of the website.
4. Once you find the email address of the person you want to contact, click on the “Email Finder” button next to it. This will open a new tab where you can compose your email using Hunter.io’s templates or your own custom message.
5. Write a catchy subject line that grabs their attention and makes them want to open your email. For example, you can use something like “Accounting guest post idea for AccountingWeb.com” or “How I can help you with your content strategy”.
6. Write a brief and friendly introduction that explains who you are, what you do, and why you’re reaching out. For example, you can say something like “Hi John, I’m Jane, an accountant and blogger at JaneAccounting.com. I’m a big fan of your website and I love your content on accounting topics.”
7. Pitch your guest post idea in one or two sentences. Make sure it’s relevant to their audience, original, and valuable. For example, you can say something like “I have an idea for a guest post that I think your readers would love: How to Use QuickBooks Online for Small Business Accounting. It’s a practical guide that covers the basics of setting up and using QuickBooks Online for small business owners.”
8. Explain why you’re qualified to write about the topic and what benefits it will bring to their website. For example, you can say something like “I have over 10 years of experience as an accountant and I use QuickBooks Online every day for my clients. I can provide screenshots, examples, and tips that will help your readers save time and money with their accounting.”
9. Close your email with a call to action and a sign-off. Ask them if they’re interested in your guest post idea and invite them to reply. For example, you can say something like “If you’re interested in this guest post idea, please let me know and I’ll send you the outline and draft as soon as possible. Thank you for your time and consideration. Cheers, Jane.”
10. Hit send and wait for their response. If you don’t hear back from them within a week or two, you can follow up with a gentle reminder.
That’s how you can use Hunter.io for guest posting as an accounting firm. By using this tool, you can find the best websites to pitch your guest posts to, and write effective emails that get accepted. This will help you increase your exposure, credibility, and leads in the accounting niche.
How to Track the Success of Your Guest Posting Efforts
Just like with any other marketing effort, you should track the success of your guest posting.
Keeping track of your guest posting efforts is crucial to understanding their effectiveness, and adjusting your strategy as needed.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you track the success of your guest posting efforts:
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before you can measure success, you need to know what success looks like. Are you aiming to increase website traffic? Boost brand awareness? Gain more leads or clients? Define clear, specific goals for your guest posting strategy.
Step 2: Set Up Tracking Tools
There are several tools available that can help you monitor the effectiveness of your guest posts. Google Analytics is a fantastic, free tool that can provide insights into how much traffic is coming to your site from your guest posts.
Step 3: Monitor Website Traffic
One of the key benefits of guest posting is the potential for increased website traffic. Use Google Analytics to track how many visitors are coming to your site from each guest post. Look at metrics like “referral traffic” to see how many visitors are coming from the sites where you’ve guest posted.
Step 4: Track Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your site. They’re important for SEO, and they’re one of the main reasons why many people pursue guest posting. Tools like Moz’s Link Explorer or SEMrush can help you track your backlinks.
Step 5: Measure Social Shares
If your guest post is shared widely on social media, it can dramatically increase the reach of your content. Tools like BuzzSumo can help you track how many times your guest post has been shared on various social media platforms.
Step 6: Evaluate Leads and Conversions
Are your guest posts leading to more inquiries about your services or more sign-ups for your newsletter? Use tools like Google Analytics and your own CRM to track how many leads and conversions are being generated from your guest posts.
Step 7: Keep an Eye on SEO Ranking
One of the long-term benefits of guest posting is its potential to improve your SEO ranking. Monitor changes in your site’s ranking for targeted keywords to see if your guest posting strategy is having an impact.
Step 8: Adjust Your Strategy as Needed
If you find that certain types of posts or certain websites are generating more success than others, adjust your strategy accordingly. Remember, tracking is not just about measuring success – it’s about using that information to optimize your efforts.
By following these steps, you can keep a close eye on your guest posting performance and make the most of this powerful marketing strategy.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Guest posting can be a game-changer for your accounting firm. By building your online credibility, reaching a wider audience, and improving your SEO, you can attract more clients and grow your practice.
So why not give it a shot? Start your guest posting journey today and watch your firm reach new heights!
Remember, the world needs your accounting expertise. And what better way to share it than through guest posting? Happy posting!
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