I now use guest blogging as part of my ongoing marketing strategy to get in front of new audiences on a regular basis and grow my business."
–Candis Hidalgo, SmartMomBlogger.com
My name is Mary Fernandez, and over the past 7 years I've helped to build several 7- and 8-figure online businesses, with little to no ad budget in the beginning.
I'm also a busy homeschooling mom to 4 small kids... so focusing on the most productive tasks is super important!
What I've discovered is this:
Let's take a look at why that's the case...
Ignoring opportunities to be a guest is like flushing free ad money down the toilet! I mean, why would somebody do that? Whyyyyy?
That means your ideal customers are more likely to read a blog post or listen to a podcast that comes up organically in the search results than they are to click on your ad.
That's like 2,083 football stadiums full! Crazy, right?
That's over 60M homes (and rising)!
Can you imagine if you were able to actually stream your own voice into even a handful of those homes?!
Nnnnope. You don't need to pay $5-$10K to retain a P.R. agent.
Actually, that would be a really bad idea for someone who is just starting out.
As a bootstrapping solo entrepreneur, you can–and should–do this yourself in the beginning (or train a cheap virtual assistant to do it for you). I've done my own PR many times, and my students have done it too, with great success.
Now I know that may sound scary. Especially if you're a huge introvert like me (INTJ here!), you probably dread reaching out to people and pitching yourself.
But it's really not like that at all... you won't be making any phone calls, or talking about how great you are. That's a big misconception.
In fact, you don't even need to pitch yourself at all!
You just have to be HELPFUL.
Think you can handle that?
Good.
Want to know how?
I was hoping you'd say that! Well, I'll tell you. Here's my story:
Every time I refreshed the page, there were more. And more. And more.
Those first few hours were a blur... I don't even know how long I was hunched over the computer in my pajamas–an un-showered mess–frantically typing responses to every question, before quickly moving on to the next. I was far too excited to hear my stomach rumbling. Even if I had, I would've been too scared to stop for breakfast and risk falling behind!
Sure, I had launched an online business before, but now I was starting all over in a new niche, and no one in the online marketing sphere had ever heard of little old me.
But in a matter of hours, that was about to change...
My first ever guest post was scheduled to go live on BoostBlogTraffic.com (now SmartBlogger.com), where it would be broadcasted to a captive audience the size of a packed football stadium.
I've never had that many eyeballs on my writing before, and I honestly had no idea what I was getting in to.
I had gone through what was quite possibly the most rigorous editing process in the world to get this opportunity. Most prospective guest bloggers would never get through the numerous rounds of drafts, but somehow, I managed to get through to the end.
Plus, many new and bigger opportunities started coming my way.
I became a regular contributor to SmartBlogger. I've written for Inc., The Huffington Post, CreativeLive and OptinMonster (to name a few), and I've been featured in Search Engine Journal, Neil Patel, and on several popular podcasts. I even got an amazing job offer that catapulted my career!
And I've helped many others to do the exact same.
But– it only took that one breakthrough guest post to turn me into a credible expert.
The bad news is, these huge media outlets get hundreds of pitches every week. So to get accepted, you'll need to stand out from the competition.
The good news is, most of those pitches they receive are terrible.
That's because most people don't take the time to learn precisely what their target blogs and podcasts are looking for. And, most people don't have the skills necessary to follow through by delivering exactly what they are looking for.
And even if they somehow manage to get through, most people still struggle to get real, tangible results from their efforts (i.e. a huge list of highly qualified leads for their business). That's because they lack a proven system for converting blog readers and podcast listeners into email subscribers.
In Module 1, we'll sit down together over a cup of joe (or a spot of tea) and discuss your big-picture strategy– how to actually make online magazine features and podcast appearances work for you to grow your business.
In Module 2, we'll discuss the 4 keys to finding the best blogs and podcasts for you to be targeting.
We'll also use some little-known techniques to research your targets so you can get the leg-up on your competition!
In Module 3, we'll craft your killer pitch! You'll master the #1 skill you need in order to get a "heck yes!" (most people get this all wrong). You'll WOW podcasts with a professional pitch sheet. And of course, you'll send your pitch.
Don't worry– I'll hold your hand every step of the way. I'll even tell you exactly what to do AFTER you send your pitch, no matter what happens.
In Module 4, we'll cover absolutely everything you need to know in order to convert the traffic you are about to receive into highly qualified leads for your business.
You'll learn the recipe for an irresistible lead magnet and how to build a persuasive opt-in landing page, plus ALL the technical stuff of setting up your first high-converting email opt-in funnel (even if you haven't launched your website yet).
In Module 5, I'll give you a behind-the-scenes look at my blog writing workflow, and you'll learn all my secrets to writing awesome guest posts.
For your podcast interview, I'll show you exactly what you need to sound/conduct yourself like a true professional (and shoo away those nerves!).
You'll also discover how to get invited for even more opportunities and stack your successes. And most importantly, you'll learn how to maximize your conversions so you get the greatest ROI.
In Module 6, you'll learn even more advanced guest blogging and podcast marketing strategies, like how to free up your time by handing off this entire system to someone else!
(Without spending a dime on ads or PR)
My easy (& proven!) pitching templates for blogs and podcasts. Simply fill in the blanks and hit the send button!
My private rolodex of 400+ top online magazines and podcasts with their contact information and specific pitching instructions.
$1500 voucher that you can use towards my signature program, Persuasion Education, as soon as enrollment opens!
Your First 100 Email Subscribers Masterclass: a 40 minute video crash course to quickly go from 0-100 email subscribers in 7 steps.
Mary is so positive and energetic she makes you believe in yourself so you can put yourself out there. Within weeks, I was invited to do a guest blog!"
–Elisabeth Stitt, Joyful Parenting Coaching
Yes, it happened.”
–Ahmed Safwan, Entrepreneur Under 30
I launched my blog 2 weeks back and am trying to implement little steps that you've shared. Just wanted to share that my guest post got featured today! Thanks so much for your generous sharing.”
–Meera Kothand, Email Marketing Specialist
Instead of spinning my wheels on low-hanging fruit that doesn't provide much ROI, I now have a better grasp of how to find the right outlets to help promote my site."
–Pete Cataldo, Writer | Voice Actor | Fitness & Nutrition Coach
“When it comes to growing my email list and creating lead magnets, this is one of those areas where I get 'in the weeds' because I'm overthinking everything.
–Melody DiCroce, Soloprenista.com
I just released my first article and it wouldn't have been possible without Mary's help. I'm forever grateful!”
–Noel Rosos, Life's How You Live It
Her techniques and resources saved me countless hours doing 'busy work' and put me on the path to getting published on a top blog in my niche."
–Candis Hidalgo
She shares her unique methods of thinking outside the box, and teaches how to creatively achieve amazing goals, in short amounts of time."
–Rob StGeorge
“I've been a member of various programs and membership sites for online entrepreneurs, and recently discovered Mary.
–Gonzalo Suarez
50% Complete
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