Nicolas Gromer | Updated September 4, 2026 | 13 min read
Nicolas Gromer | Updated September 4, 2026 | 13 min read
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7 Guest Post Outreach Templates That Get Replies (2026)
I’ve sent hundreds of guest post pitches. Most of them bombed. The ones that worked had one thing in common: they made the editor’s job easy.
In this post, I’ll give you 7 guest post outreach templates you can steal, plus the subject lines, writing principles, and follow-up sequences behind them. I’ll also flag the one Google policy you need to know before you scale this up.
How to write a guest post outreach email that works
Before we get into templates, a few rules. I’ve learned these the hard way.
Match the site’s tone. Read three or four recent posts on the blog you’re pitching. If they’re casual and first-person, your pitch should sound the same. If they’re formal and research-heavy, adjust. Editors can smell a mass-blast from a mile away.
Personalize with intent, not gimmicks. Mention a specific article, a specific point the author made, or a gap you spotted. Generic flattery (“love your blog!”) gets deleted. A pointed observation (“I noticed you covered X but haven’t touched Y, which your audience asked about in the comments”) gets read.
Be upfront about what you’re offering and what you want. Editors respect clarity. Tell them the topic, the angle, why their audience benefits, and what you’d like in return (a byline, a link, both). No one likes decoding a pitch.
Make the next step obvious. End with a single, low-friction ask: “Want me to send an outline?” or “Should I draft a few topic ideas?” Don’t ask them to jump through hoops.
You can use lemlist’s AI-powered Smart messaging to auto-personalize these kinds of pitches at scale, pulling in custom variables from each prospect’s data so every email reads like a one-off.
1. Are you the right person?
We got the inspiration for this template from our lemlister of the week, Alan. He used it to build direct backlinks, but we adapted it for guest post outreach.
This template works as an initial email plus a follow-up.
Let’s see them.
Subject line: editorial inquiry
Bonjour {{firstName}},
Huge fan of your content here! To prove it, here’s the image:
Anyway, to keep this short. Could you please let me know if this is the right address for an editorial inquiry?
If not, I would appreciate if you can direct me to the right one.
Thanks, Ugi
Short and catchy. The personalized image builds a stronger bond and engagement with the prospect.
But if someone doesn’t reply or forgets about it, here’s the follow-up guest post outreach template that will make them do it.
Subject line: [Same as above]
Hi {{firstName}},
Not sure you got my last email, but I’ll get back to the point.
As I mentioned, I’m a huge fan of your content. I especially liked your extended piece about {{articleTopic}}, and the way you {{articleBenefit}}.
Anyway, I was wondering, are you accepting guest blog posts?
I’m Ugi, reaching out to you from lemlist, and would like to write an actionable and very deep article about {{desiredTopic}}.
Here are the topics I have in mind:
- {{topic1}}
- {{topic2}}
- {{topic3}}
If you want to check the quality of my writing, you can see my latest article here: {{yourArticleURL}}.
Thanks and looking forward to our collaboration, Ugi
This template and follow-up are quite personalized. Yes, they require a bit of work, but the results are worth it.
Don’t have verified editor emails to send these to? lemlist’s Email Finder & Verifier lets you find and verify contact details for the right person at any publication, so your pitch actually lands.
2. A missing puzzle piece
This strategy appeals to your leads’ FOMO. Fear of missing out is a strong feeling, and you’ll instantly spark curiosity and need for your content.
Subject line: The missing puzzle for your blog
Hi {{FirstName}},
I’ve just checked your content about {{TOPIC}} and I must admit that you did a great job, especially with [something unique about their content].
Since I have been exploring and writing about it a lot in the past months, I thought that I could bring some extra value to your audience where I saw that you’re missing an article about {{yourDesiredTopic}}.
If you’re interested, I can write one extended, in-depth guest blog post for {{hisWebsite}}.
I bet it will be a huge value bomb for your audience 😉
Let me know what you think. As soon as I get back from you, I will prepare you an outline so we can be on the same page.
Thanks! Ugi
Why do we like this template?
It starts with a genuine, positive note in the introduction. After that, it subtly points out a gap in the prospect’s content where you can jump in.
That is the opportunity they won’t be able to resist, and there’s your chance.
3. Using humor to build relationships
This guest post outreach template is inspired by a cold email template for building backlinks.
We adapted that cold email template and made another one that’s suitable for arranging guest blog posts.
Let’s see it:
Subject line: Super quick question
Hi FName … ha, just kidding!
Hi {{firstName}}, you don’t know me, probably because we’ve never met.
I’m Ugi, Content Marketing Manager at lemlist.
Although this is just going to be asking for a guest blog post on {{hisWebsite}}, I’m gonna do that with a little twist 😉
I would like to write an in-depth and actionable guest blog post for you on {{topic}}. Here are the articles I have in mind for you:
- {{topic1}}
- {{topic2}}
- {{topic3}}
In return, I’m happy to give you anything from the following (you’re 2/2, so pick wisely! 😉):
- A link back from some of our other guest blog posts
- Mention in our newsletter/social media channels (cca 10k followers)
- An extended trial of our product, lemlist
- My eternal gratitude and monthly funny pics of Zoe :'D
Hope you liked this weird (and maybe funny :D) email {{firstName}},
Cheers and hope we talk soon, Ugi
Why do we like this guest post outreach template?
- The intro is funny and disarming. It breaks the “defensive motive” people have when receiving cold emails.
- It offers a fair trade, so both sides win.
4. The resource-page pitch
Resource pages are underrated targets. These are curated lists of tools, guides, or articles on a specific topic, and the editors behind them are actively looking for good stuff to add.
Subject line: Resource for your {{topicOfResourcePage}} page
Hi {{firstName}},
I came across your resource page on {{topicOfResourcePage}} and noticed you’ve curated some really solid links there, especially {{specificResourceTheyIncluded}}.
I recently published a guide on {{yourTopic}} that I think would be a good fit for that list. It covers {{briefAngle}}, which none of your current resources address.
Here’s the link if you’d like to take a look: {{yourArticleURL}}
If it’s a good fit, I’d also be happy to write a guest post expanding on the topic for your blog.
Either way, great page. Thanks for your time.
Best, {{yourName}}
This one works because you’re offering value to a page the editor already maintains. You’re not asking them to create something new. You’re filling a slot they already have.
5. The “beat your competitor” angle
This template works best when you’ve done your homework and found a competing article that’s outdated, thin, or missing a key angle.
Subject line: Your competitor’s article on {{topic}} is outdated
Hi {{firstName}},
I noticed {{competitorSite}} published a piece on {{topic}} that’s ranking well but is missing {{specificGap}}.
I’d like to write a guest post for {{theirSite}} that goes deeper on this topic, covering {{yourAngle}} with current data. Here’s what I’m thinking for the outline:
- {{section1}}
- {{section2}}
- {{section3}}
- {{section4}}
I’ve written similar deep-dives before. Here’s a recent example: {{yourArticleURL}}
Want me to send a full outline?
Best, {{yourName}}
Editors care about traffic. Showing them a gap their competitor is exploiting (but they aren’t) creates urgency. Just make sure you can actually deliver the better piece.
6. The broken-link pitch
If you find a broken outbound link on a blog, you’ve got a natural opening. You’re helping the editor fix a problem and pitching yourself as the solution in one move.
Subject line: Broken link on your {{topic}} article
Hi {{firstName}},
I was reading your article on {{articleTitle}} and noticed that the link to {{brokenLinkDescription}} returns a 404.
I’ve written a piece on the same topic that could be a replacement: {{yourArticleURL}}
Happy to also contribute a guest post if you’re looking for fresh content on {{relatedTopic}}.
Thanks for the great content either way.
Best, {{yourName}}
Quick and specific. The broken link gives you a legitimate reason to reach out, and the guest post offer is a natural extension.
7. The second follow-up
Most people stop after one follow-up. That’s a mistake. A second follow-up, sent 5 to 7 days after the first, often catches editors who saw your email but got buried.
Subject line: [Same thread]
Hi {{firstName}},
I know inboxes get crazy, so just bumping this one more time.
If you’re open to guest contributions, I’d love to send over a quick outline on {{topic}}. No pressure either way.
Cheers, {{yourName}}
Keep this one short. No re-pitching. No re-explaining. If they’ve read the previous two emails, they have all the context. Your job here is just to surface the thread.
For more follow-up structures beyond guest posting, check out our full list of follow-up email templates.
To run your full outreach sequence (initial email plus two follow-ups, timed automatically), you can build the whole thing in lemlist’s multichannel prospecting workflow. Add LinkedIn steps for editors who don’t respond to email, and let the sequence handle the timing.
Subject lines that get opened
The subject line does one job: get the email opened. Here are the ones baked into the templates above, plus a few extras that work well for guest post pitches.
- editorial inquiry (Template 1): Vague on purpose. Curiosity drives the open.
- The missing puzzle for your blog (Template 2): Implies a gap. Editors want to know what they’re missing.
- Super quick question (Template 3): Low commitment. Feels easy to reply to.
- Resource for your {{topicOfResourcePage}} page (Template 4): Specific and immediately relevant.
- Your competitor’s article on {{topic}} is outdated (Template 5): Triggers competitive instinct.
- Broken link on your {{topic}} article (Template 6): Helpful, not salesy. High open rate because it signals a problem.
- Quick guest post idea for {{siteName}} (Bonus): Direct, no mystery. Works well for high-authority sites that get a lot of pitches.
Two rules: keep subject lines under 8 words when possible, and never use all caps or exclamation marks. Both scream spam.
A word on Google and guest post links
Before you scale your outreach, know this. Google classifies large-scale guest posting campaigns where the primary purpose is link acquisition rather than audience value as a link scheme. (Google’s Backlink Policy in 2026: What the Guidelines Actually Say, and What They Now Enforce - Blue Tree Digital) Specifically, Google’s guidelines flag “large-scale article marketing or guest posting campaigns with keyword-rich anchor text links” as a violation (Google Warns Against Large-Scale Guest Posting, Advertorials & “Optimized Anchor Text” In Press Releases) (Search Engine Land).
That doesn’t mean guest posting is dead. The risk comes from the implementation, not the tactic itself. Guest posts on relevant, authoritative sites with natural link placement are safe and deliver results. (Guest Posts for Link Building: Step-by-Step Guide That Works in 2026)
The takeaway: write posts that genuinely help the host site’s audience, vary your anchor text, and don’t treat guest posting as a link factory. If the post would still be worth publishing without the backlink, you’re on the right side.
To make sure your pitch emails actually land in the inbox (and not in spam), use lemwarm to warm up your sending domain before you start outreach.
What makes your guest post outreach templates stand out?
To make your cold emails stand out in editors’ inboxes, your messages should be:
- Engaging and relevant to the specific blog you’re pitching
- Personalized with real observations about their content
- Clear about what you’re offering and what you want in return
- Easy to say yes to (include a next step like “Want me to send an outline?”)
Editors get dozens of pitches every day, and most of them are generic. Your template needs to do more than fill in a name variable. It needs to show you actually read their site.
Don’t forget to send follow-up emails to make sure you’re not forgotten in your leads’ inboxes. For even more cold email inspiration beyond guest posting, browse our full library of cold email templates.
FAQ
How many follow-ups should I send for a guest post pitch?
Two follow-ups, spaced 5 to 7 days apart, is the sweet spot. After three total emails with no response, move on. Editors who are interested will usually reply within the first two touchpoints.
Should I offer payment for guest post placements?
Generally, no. Most legitimate blogs accept guest posts based on content quality, not payment. If a site requires payment for a dofollow link, that’s a paid link, and Google’s guidelines require it to be tagged as
rel="sponsored". Stick to earning placements with good content.How long should a guest post pitch email be?
Under 150 words for the initial email. Editors skim. Get to the point: who you are, what you want to write, why it fits their audience. Save the detail for the outline you send after they say yes.
Do I need to have a published portfolio to pitch guest posts?
It helps, but it’s not mandatory. If you don’t have published clips, link to a strong piece on your own blog or offer to send a draft outline so the editor can evaluate your thinking and writing quality before committing.
What’s the best day to send guest post outreach emails?
Tuesday through Thursday mornings tend to perform best. Avoid Mondays (inbox overload) and Fridays (people are winding down). That said, test your own data. The “best day” varies by industry and audience.
Over to you
Guest post outreach works when you make the editor’s job easy. Lead with a real observation about their site, pitch a topic their audience actually needs, and make the next step obvious.
The 7 templates above give you a starting point. Adapt them, test them, and iterate based on your reply rates.
If you want to run your entire guest post outreach workflow in one place (find verified editor emails, personalize every pitch with AI, sequence your follow-ups, and warm up your domain so you actually land in the inbox), lemlist does all of that. Rated 4.6 stars by 1,424 verified reviews on G2. (lemlist Products | Read 1424 Reviews on G2)
Growth Marketer @lemlist
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