Quick answer
- Guest posting still works when you write for respected sites in your niche because their readers will value it.
- Google’s spam policies flag large guest-post campaigns with keyword-optimized anchor text, so avoid mass guest posting just for links.
- Avoid lists of sites that accept anything: they’re usually low quality, and some charge for links, which must be marked as sponsored.
- The best guest posts bring you readers, credibility and relationships, with links as a bonus.
This page used to list free guest posting sites. Lists like that go out of date fast, and many of the sites on them accept almost anything, which is exactly what Google’s spam policies warn against. Instead, here’s how to find good guest posting opportunities and pitch them properly.
What Google says about link schemes
Google’s spam policies define link spam as creating links to or from a site primarily to manipulate search rankings. Examples it lists include:
- Buying or selling links for ranking purposes.
- Excessive link exchanges.
- Large article or guest-post campaigns with keyword-optimized anchor text.
- Using automated programs or services to create links.
- Low-quality directory or bookmark site links.
- Forum comments with optimized links in the post or signature.
Paid links are fine for advertising or sponsorship, as long as they’re marked with rel=”sponsored” or rel=”nofollow”.
How to find good guest posting opportunities
- Search Google for phrases like “your topic” + “write for us” or “contributor guidelines”.
- Check who writes for top sites in your niche and where those authors contribute.
- Judge the site, not its metrics: real readers, comments and social shares matter more than domain scores.
- Skip sites that sell links or publish anything on any topic.
How to pitch a guest post
- Read the site’s guidelines and recent posts first.
- Pitch 2 or 3 specific, original ideas that fit their audience.
- Show relevant writing samples.
- Write the best post you can, with useful links to sources, not just your own site.
- Reply to comments after it’s published.
Guest posting best practices
- Use natural anchor text, not keyword-stuffed links.
- If you pay to publish, the link must be marked rel=”sponsored”.
- Focus on fewer, higher-quality sites.
- Promote your guest post to your own audience too.
Want to accept guest posts on your own blog? See how we handle it on our Write for Us page.
Link building that actually works
- Create linkable resources: original data, tools, checklists or in-depth guides that others want to cite.
- Digital PR: share genuinely newsworthy findings with journalists and bloggers in your niche.
- Real guest contributions: write for respected sites in your niche because their readers will value it, not just for the link.
- Relationships: collaborate with other creators on interviews, roundups and joint resources.
- Fix broken links: suggest your relevant resource when you find a broken link on another site.
Read our full guide to link building strategies, and learn how to check dofollow and nofollow links.
Guest posting FAQs
Yes, when it’s on relevant, respected sites for real readers. Mass guest posting with optimized anchor text is flagged by Google as link spam.
Search for your topic plus u0022write for usu0022 or u0022contributor guidelinesu0022, and look at where respected authors in your niche publish.
Paying for links for ranking is against Google’s spam policies. Paid placements must use rel=u0022sponsoredu0022.
Quality matters more than quantity. A few strong posts on great sites beat dozens of weak ones.
Natural anchor text, such as your brand name or a descriptive phrase, rather than exact-match keywords.
Rarely. They go out of date quickly and often include low-quality sites.
Link guidance from Google Search Central’s spam policies, checked on November 7, 2026.
