Guest posting allows freelance writers to get their work published on authoritative sites, build backlinks, and make money in the process. While low-quality guest posts only pay pennies, top-tier sites offer high compensation for expertly crafted content.
In this post, we’ll look at over 50 of the best paying guest post sites and publications accepting pitches from freelance writers. Ready to land some lucrative guest post gigs? Let’s dive in.
Why Guest Post as a Freelance Writer?
Before we get to the list, let’s quickly recap the key benefits freelance writers enjoy from guest posting:
- Earn lucrative income from quality publications
- Grow your audience by reaching new readers
- Showcase your expertise through high-value content
- Build backlinks and credibility by getting published on authority sites relevant to your niche
- Establish relationships with editors that lead to repeat work
- Expand your portfolio with published clips from recognizable publications
When done right, guest posting allows you to get paid for content that also strengthens your personal brand and SEO. Now let’s look at sites that offer the best guest post opportunities.
1. Business 2 Community
With over 5 million monthly visitors, Business 2 Community is a leading publication covering business, tech, marketing, and finance topics. They accept contributed posts from industry experts.
- Pay: $100 for 600-700 word articles
- Topics: Business, leadership, tech, marketing, HR, finance
- Audience: Entrepreneurs, executives, marketers
2. Social Media Today
Part of the SMT Influence network, Social Media Today discusses latest trends in social platforms, marketing, and technology. They accept posts from guest contributors.
- Pay: $200 for 1000-1200 word articles
- Topics: Social media, digital marketing, social advertising, analytics
- Audience: Marketers, executives, social media managers
3. ReadWrite
ReadWrite publishes the latest technology news and analysis on trending topics. They accept contributed posts from freelance writers and industry experts.
- Pay: $250+ for 1000-1500 word articles
- Topics: Technology, IoT, emerging tech, future of work
- Audience: Tech professionals, entrepreneurs, engineers
4. The Startup
The Startup publishes articles on business, technology, programming, and entrepreneurship. They accept high-quality guest posts from professionals.
- Pay: $500+ for 1500-2000 word articles
- Topics: Business, leadership, product management, programming, data science
- Audience: Founders, developers, product managers
5. Free Code Camp
With over 1 million monthly visitors, Free Code Camp is a publication for developers focused on programming languages, coding tips, and developer careers. They welcome expert guest posts.
- Pay: $400-$600 for 1500-2000 word tutorials
- Topics: Programming, coding, software engineering, web development
- Audience: Developers, coders, tech professionals
6. Business Insider
Business Insider is a leading business and technology publication with tens of millions of readers. They occasionally accept contributed articles from prominent professionals and subject matter experts.
- Pay: $1000+ for 1000-2000 word articles
- Topics: Business, leadership, finance, tech
- Audience: C-level executives, founders, investors
7. Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur magazine offers advice and insights for business leaders and founders. They invite guest contributions from successful entrepreneurs and experts.
- Pay: $500-$800 for 1000-1500 words
- Topics: Startups, leadership, marketing, finance, growth tips
- Audience: Entrepreneurs, founders, small business owners
8. Forbes
Forbes, one of the most prominent business and leadership publications, periodically accepts guest articles from executives and established professionals in their field.
- Pay: $1200+ for 1000-1500 words
- Topics: Business, leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, investing
- Audience: Senior executives, founders, investors
9. Fast Company
Fast Company covers the latest in tech, business, and design. Experts in emerging technologies and innovation are sometimes invited to contribute relevant guest articles.
- Pay: $500-$1000 for 1000-1500 words
- Topics: Technology, design, innovation, creativity, social impact
- Audience: Executives, founders, designers, engineers
10. Inc.
Inc. offers advice and insights for founders and business leaders. Established professionals and entrepreneurs may occasionally be invited to contribute guest posts.
- Pay: $800-$1500 for 1500-2000 words
- Topics: Startups, marketing, leadership, growth tips
- Audience: Entrepreneurs, founders, executives
11. Mashable
Mashable is a leading technology and digital media publication that accepts contributed articles from guest writers on relevant topics.
- Pay: $250-$500 for 1000-1500 words
- Topics: Tech, social media, digital marketing, creativity
- Audience: Marketers, entrepreneurs, tech professionals
12. The Guardian
Prominent UK publication The Guardian accepts occasional guest articles from experts and professionals on relevant topics like technology, business, politics, and more.
- Pay: $250-$600 for 700-1000 words
- Topics: Current affairs, technology, business, politics
- Audience: Professionals, academics, policymakers
13. The Huffington Post
The Huffington Post covers the latest news, opinion, and analysis on politics, entertainment, lifestyle, and more. Industry experts are sometimes invited to contribute relevant guest articles.
- Pay: $200-$500 for 1000-1500 words
- Topics: Politics, news, entertainment, lifestyle, health
- Audience: General audience
14. Lifehacker
Lifehacker, a popular personal productivity publication, accepts guest posts from experts on topics like software, apps, work tips, and digital skills.
- Pay: $250-$500 for 1000-1500 words
- Topics: Productivity, software, personal development, work tips
- Audience: Professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs
15. CNBC
Prominent finance publication CNBC looks for guest article contributions from notable executives, investors, economists, and financial experts.
- Pay: $800-$2000 for 700-1000 words
- Topics: Business news, finance, investing, markets, economics
- Audience: Investors, executives, finance professionals
50+ Other best quality websites that pays well for quality guest posts:
- The Points Guy
- Tales from the Banana Trail
- SoulTown-USA
- Pixlr Blog
- AVID
- WeAreTeachers
- GUTS
- Femme Feminism
- Credium
- Smart Business Trends
- Elite Personal Finance
- The Freshbooks Blog
- The Atlantic
- SB Nation
- LadyQ’s
- Loaded Landscapes
- Blogger Hangout
- Elite Personal Finance
- Make a Living Writing
- Distiller Magazine
- Revive Social Blog
- Harvard Medical School CME Online
- Write Naked
- Make a Living Writing
- SFWA
- Hakai
- LiisBeth
- Brain, Child
- Alaska Parent
- Eureka Street
- Listverse
- Gothamist
- East Bay Express
- Backwoods Home
- A Fine Parent
- The Write Life
- Travel and Leisure Magazine
- Pathfinder’s Travel
- Just Parents
- The Motley Fool
- Doctor of Credit
- Dorkly
- Paste
- Two Plus Two
- Dame
- CityLab
- Ecommerce Insiders
- The Establishment
- MoneyPantry
- Entelligent
- SitePoint
- PhotoshopTutorials
- Tutorial Board
- Metro Parent
- TransitionsAbroad
- International Living
How to Pitch Guest Posts like a Pro
To land these lucrative gigs, you must pitch like a professional:
- Carefully target publications relevant to your niche and expertise
- Customize the pitch to show deep familiarity with the outlet
- Convey your qualifications and credentials in the space
- Provide a specific, compelling article angle that fits their audience
- Include 2-3 suggested headlines to showcase how you’d frame it
- Mention your available timeline and interest in an ongoing relationship
With compelling pitches showcasing your expertise, you can line up regular guest posting gigs that elevate your authority while earning great income.
Ready to Start Guest Posting?
Guest posts for authority websites related to your niche allow freelance writers to get paid for content that also builds credibility. Use this list of top publications accepting contributor articles to land lucrative opportunities.
Be sure to thoroughly research each outlet before pitching to increase your chances. With compelling pitches and great writing samples, you can secure repeat engagements with targeted sites. Get your name and expertise in front of new audiences that expand your readership and income!
Also read: Guest Posting in 2024: Advance Tips and Tricks for Maximum Reach