Whether you’re pitching a guest post to a bigger blog or a collaboration to a brand, the email you send decides whether you get a reply. Most pitches fail for the same reasons: they’re long, generic and all about the sender. The templates below fix that. Copy them, personalize the brackets and send.
The rules of a good pitch
- Short: under 200 words. Busy people skim.
- Personal: show you know their site or brand.
- Specific: propose a clear idea, not “anything you want”.
- About them: explain the value for their readers or customers.
- Easy to say yes to: one clear question at the end.
- Professional: correct name, no typos, a clear subject line.
Template 1: Guest post pitch
Subject: Guest post idea for [Blog Name]: [Proposed Title] Hi [First Name], I've been reading [Blog Name] for a while. Your post on [specific post] helped me [specific result]. I'd love to contribute a guest post for your readers. A few ideas: 1. [Title 1] – [one-line summary] 2. [Title 2] – [one-line summary] 3. [Title 3] – [one-line summary] I write about [your topic] at [your blog]. A recent example: [link]. I'll follow your guidelines and make it original and exclusive to [Blog Name]. Would any of these be a good fit? Thanks, [Your Name] [Blog URL]
Template 2: Brand collaboration pitch
Subject: Collaboration idea: [Your Blog] x [Brand] Hi [First Name], I run [Blog Name], a blog for [audience description]. I've been using [product] for [time], and my readers often ask me about [related problem]. I'd love to create [content type, e.g. an in-depth tutorial] showing how [product] helps with [problem]. It would include [deliverables: a blog post, Pinterest pins, a newsletter mention]. A bit about my audience: - [Monthly readers / email subscribers / Pinterest views] - [Audience detail: e.g. mostly women 25–40 in the US] - [A relevant result: e.g. a similar post that performed well] Would you be open to a quick chat about a partnership? Best, [Your Name] [Blog URL] · [Media kit link, optional]
Template 3: Follow-up
Subject: Re: [Original subject] Hi [First Name], Just bringing this back to the top of your inbox in case it got buried. I'd still love to [write the post / work together on X]. Happy to adjust the idea if something else would suit you better. Thanks! [Your Name]
Send one follow-up after about a week. If there’s no reply after that, move on politely.
Template 4: Thank-you after publication
Subject: Thank you, the post is live! Hi [First Name], Thanks again for publishing [Post Title]. I've shared it with my readers on [channels] and I'll keep an eye on the comments to answer any questions. If you ever need another piece on [topic], I'd be glad to help. [Your Name]
Finding the right person
- Check the blog’s “Write for us” or contributor guidelines page first.
- For brands, look for a partnerships, influencer or PR contact, or ask through their contact form.
- Use a real first name whenever possible.
Mistakes that kill pitches
- “Dear Sir/Madam” or the wrong name.
- Pitching topics they’ve already covered.
- Asking for a “do-follow link” upfront.
- Attaching huge files.
- Sending the same email to 100 blogs.
FAQs
What should I charge brands?
It depends on your audience size, niche and deliverables. Read our sponsored posts guide for pricing approaches and disclosure rules.
Do I need a media kit?
It helps for brand pitches. A simple one-page PDF with your audience, stats, examples and services is enough.
Learn the whole process in our guest blogging guide.