Submitting a guest post is just one part of the process—following up properly ensures that your post gets reviewed, published, and promoted. Many blog editors receive hundreds of guest post pitches, so a polite and professional follow-up can make the difference between acceptance and being ignored.
This guide will teach you how to follow up after submitting a guest post, including best practices, follow-up email templates, and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Following Up is Important
📌 Editors are busy—sometimes a gentle reminder is needed to get your post reviewed.
✅ Benefits of Following Up on Your Guest Post Submission:
✔ Increases the Chance of Acceptance – A well-timed follow-up keeps your post on their radar.
✔ Builds Professional Relationships – Editors appreciate polite communication.
✔ Ensures You Stay Updated – Know if your post is rejected, needs edits, or is scheduled for publishing.
✔ Boosts Guest Post Approval Speed – Editors may prioritize your submission if you show genuine interest.
📊 Fact: 60% of guest post pitches are ignored because follow-ups aren’t sent or are poorly written (HubSpot).
👉 Related Article: How to Write a Perfect Guest Post Pitch
1. Wait Before Sending Your First Follow-Up
📌 Don’t rush—give editors time to review your submission.
✅ Best Timing for Sending a Follow-Up Email:
✔ Wait at Least 5-7 Days – Most blogs take a week or more to review submissions.
✔ Check Their Guest Post Guidelines – Some blogs mention how long the review process takes.
✔ Look for an Auto-Response Email – Some sites confirm receipt of your post—if so, wait longer before following up.
💡 Example: If you submitted on Monday, follow up on the next Monday or Tuesday, unless their guidelines specify otherwise.
🔗 External Resource: How to Write Professional Follow-Up Emails (Forbes)
👉 Related Article: How to Choose the Right Blogs for Guest Posting
2. Send a Polite & Concise Follow-Up Email
📌 **Your follow-up email should be short, respectful, and professional.
✅ Guest Post Follow-Up Email Template:
📌 Subject: “Following Up: Guest Post Submission for [Blog Name]”
Hi [Editor’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on my guest post submission titled “[Post Title]”, which I sent on [Date].
I understand you receive many submissions, and I appreciate your time in reviewing mine. Please let me know if you need any revisions or if there’s an update on the publishing schedule.
Looking forward to your response!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Website]
[Your Social Media (Optional)]
💡 Example: Instead of saying “Did you get my article?”, say “I appreciate your time in reviewing my submission and wanted to check if you need any changes.”
🔗 External Resource: Best Email Follow-Up Strategies (HubSpot)
👉 Related Article: How to Write High-Quality Blog Content That Ranks
3. What to Do If You Don’t Get a Response
📌 Sometimes editors don’t reply—here’s how to follow up again without being pushy.
✅ How to Handle No Response After Your First Follow-Up:
✔ Wait Another 5-7 Days Before Following Up Again.
✔ Keep the Email Short & Professional.
✔ Acknowledge Their Busy Schedule.
✔ Offer a New Post Idea (Optional).
✅ Second Follow-Up Email Template:
📌 Subject: “Checking In: Guest Post for [Blog Name]”
Hi [Editor’s Name],
I wanted to follow up again regarding my guest post submission, “[Post Title]”. I completely understand how busy things can get and just wanted to check if you had any updates.
If my post isn’t a good fit, I’d be happy to pitch another idea that aligns better with your audience. Let me know your thoughts!
Best,
[Your Name]
💡 Example: Instead of “Why haven’t you replied?”, say “I understand you’re busy, so I just wanted to check in regarding my guest post.”
🔗 External Resource: How to Send Effective Follow-Ups (Backlinko)
👉 Related Article: How to Promote Your Blog for Maximum Traffic
4. Handling Guest Post Rejections Professionally
📌 If your guest post is rejected, respond professionally to maintain a good relationship.
✅ How to Handle Guest Post Rejections:
✔ Thank the Editor for Their Time.
✔ Ask for Feedback (Optional).
✔ Offer to Pitch Another Topic.
✔ Keep the Door Open for Future Opportunities.
✅ Rejection Response Email Template:
📌 Subject: “Thanks for Reviewing My Guest Post Submission”
Hi [Editor’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to review my guest post submission, “[Post Title]”. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to [Blog Name].
If you’re open to it, I’d love to pitch another topic that might be a better fit. Please let me know if you’d be interested!
Looking forward to staying connected.
Best,
[Your Name]
💡 Example: A polite rejection response keeps future guest posting opportunities open.
🔗 External Resource: Handling Guest Post Rejections (Neil Patel)
👉 Related Article: How to Monetize Your Blog & Earn Passive Income
5. Maximizing Engagement After Your Guest Post is Published
📌 Once your guest post is live, promote it to maximize visibility and traffic.
✅ Post-Publication Checklist:
✔ Share the Post on Your Social Media – Tag the blog’s account.
✔ Engage in the Comments Section – Reply to readers’ questions.
✔ Send It to Your Email List – More visibility = better results.
✔ Link to It from Your Own Blog – Builds internal and external SEO value.
💡 Example: A marketing blogger who gets featured on a top SEO blog should tweet the post, tag the editor, and thank them publicly.
🔗 External Resource: How to Maximize Guest Post Benefits (SEMrush)
👉 Related Article: How to Build Authority Through Guest Blogging
Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Following Up Too Soon – Wait at least 5-7 days before emailing.
🚫 Sending Multiple Emails in a Short Time – Avoid spamming editors.
🚫 Being Rude or Demanding – Always stay professional and polite.
🚫 Ignoring Guest Post Guidelines – Double-check submission instructions.
🚫 Failing to Promote the Post – Help drive traffic to your published article.
🔗 External Resource: Common Guest Blogging Mistakes (Search Engine Journal)
👉 Related Article: How to Choose the Right Blogs for Guest Posting
Final Thoughts
Following up after submitting a guest post is crucial for getting your content published. A polite, well-timed follow-up email can make the difference between getting accepted or being ignored. By staying professional, patient, and persistent, you can increase guest posting success and build strong relationships with editors.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✔ Wait at least 5-7 days before following up.
✔ Keep follow-up emails short, polite, and professional.
✔ If no response, send a second follow-up after another 5-7 days.
✔ If rejected, respond professionally and offer another topic.
Now, start following up the right way and get your guest posts published! 🚀
