Guest posting has changed from a quick technique to get backlinks to one of the best strategies to build authority and engage with people. At Create and Grow, I’ve worked with business owners and marketers who ask me all the time: Is guest posting still worth it in 2025?
The short answer is yes, and the numbers back it up. Recent research shows that 75.33% of SEO experts write guest posts to generate backlinks, while 47% rely on guest posting as a core link-building strategy. Those links aren’t just for show, either. Guest articles on the proper sites bring in quality visitors, improve rankings, and make your brand more authoritative.
I’ve noticed that the actual strength of guest posting is in creating long-term trust. A well-placed post gets your name in front of interested people, makes it easier for people to work together, and tells search engines that your site is reliable. I’ll talk about what I think are the greatest platforms for guest posting for 2025 and provide you with a list of sites that will help you smartly develop your profile.
What is Guest Posting?
Writing and publishing content on another website or blog is called guest posting or guest blogging. In its most basic form, it’s a win-win situation: the host site receives new, useful content for its visitors, and the guest author gets more exposure, reputation, and frequently a valuable backlink.
In my experience, the link isn’t the only thing that makes guest posting powerful; it’s also the relationship you develop. Writing for well-known sites in your field makes you a thought leader, lets you work with others, and lets both readers and search engines know that your ideas are worth paying attention to.
Guest posting might help your website get more organic traffic if you do it right.
Top Guest Posting Sites and Lists
I’ve tested countless platforms, from niche blogs to global publications, and one thing has become clear: the quality of the site matters far more than the quantity of links you can get.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of trusted free guest posting sites and curated directories. These platforms are worth your time because they maintain strong editorial standards, have active audiences, and provide real SEO value.
DR 90+ (Top-Tier Authority)
These are the big leagues. In my years of guest posting and outreach, I’ve noticed that landing a spot on sites with a Domain Rating of 90 or higher doesn’t just give you a backlink. It elevates your entire brand. These platforms are selective, editorial standards are tough, and you’ll need more than just “good” content. You need original insights, data-backed arguments, and a strong personal or brand story.
If you can break through here, though, the visibility and credibility you gain are unmatched. A single post on one of these sites can open doors to partnerships, speaking opportunities, and even media mentions.
1. HubSpot (DR 93)

One of the most competitive sites to publish on, but also one of the most rewarding. HubSpot’s editorial process is rigorous, which means that if your article gets accepted, it immediately sets you apart. A guest post here doesn’t just give you a backlink; it puts you in front of a huge global audience of marketers.
2. Search Engine Land (DR 91)

Search Engine Land is one of the most respected publications in SEO and paid search. Over the years, I’ve seen how publishing here immediately signals credibility within the search industry. It’s not just about traffic; it’s about being recognized as a peer by other experts.
3. Harvard Business Review (DR 92)

HBR is the best place to go for business thought leadership. It’s not so much about SEO as it is about credibility to be mentioned here. When your name is next to well-known leaders and scholars, it makes your brand stand out more than most other platforms can.
4. Inc.com (DR 92)

Inc.com is a great place for entrepreneurs and new businesses. What I’ve seen is that guest pieces here do more than just get backlinks; they also get actual attention on professional networks like LinkedIn, where Inc.’s audience is quite active.
5. Entrepreneur.com (DR 91)

The site Entrepreneur.com has been a reliable source for ambitious founders for a long time. Posting here provides you instant credibility with small business owners and entrepreneurs who are looking for useful tips and ideas.
6. FastCompany.com (DR 91)

Fast Company is a great way to stay on top of changes in your field because it covers new ideas and workplace culture. People regularly share articles from this site because they think the brand has new and innovative ideas.
7. GetResponse Blog (DR 90)

GetResponse is an expert in email marketing and automation. From my perspective, this makes it extremely valuable for marketers who want to speak directly to a highly relevant audience.
DR Range | Site | Domain Rating (DR) | Niche / Focus | Free or Paid |
90+ (Top-Tier Authority) | ||||
HubSpot | 93 | SaaS, sales, inbound marketing | Free (very selective) | |
Harvard Business Review (HBR) | 92 | Business, leadership, management | Free (invite-only) | |
Inc.com | 92 | Startups, entrepreneurship, business | Paid (contributor network / PR) | |
Entrepreneur.com | 91 | Entrepreneurship, small business | Paid (contributor network / PR) | |
Fast Company | 91 | Innovation, leadership, culture | Paid (PR placement) | |
GetResponse Blog | 90 | Email marketing, automation | Free (editorial pitch) | |
Search Engine Land | 91 | SEO, PPC, digital marketing | Free (expert contributions) | |
80–89 (Strong Authority) | ||||
AllBusiness.com | 81 | Business, finance, management | Free (pitch accepted) | |
MarketingProfs | 82 | Marketing insights, training | Paid membership (selective) | |
ProProfs | 86 | Business, SaaS, education | Free (write for us) | |
Webnus | 81 | Tech, blogging, WordPress | Free | |
Content Marketing Institute (CMI) | 89 | Content strategy, marketing | Free (selective) | |
Social Media Today | 89 | Social media, digital strategy | Free (pitch accepted) | |
Convince & Convert | 85 | Marketing, CX, strategy | Free (invite-only) | |
50–70 (Mid-Level) | ||||
MakeWebBetter | 72 | SaaS, marketing tools | Free | |
Blog Herald | 69 | Blogging, online publishing | Free | |
Tweak Your Biz | 75 | Startups, business, marketing | Free (syndicated) | |
TechWyse Blog | 73 | SEO, digital marketing | Free | |
SEO Blog | 72 | SEO, optimization insights | Free | |
MainstreetHost Blog | 70 | Small business, marketing | Free | |
Pole Position Marketing | 71 | Analytics, strategy, SEO | Free | |
Famous Bloggers | 57 | Blogging, writing community | Free |
DR 80–89 (Strong High-Authority Sites)
At this level, you’re looking at sites that combine credibility with strong readership in specific niches. From my experience, these platforms are competitive but not impossible to break into if you come prepared with high-quality, practical insights.
8. AllBusiness.com (DR 81)
A dependable platform that attracts readers in finance, business growth, and entrepreneurship. Guest posts here tend to age well, continuing to pull in readers long after publication.
9. MarketingProfs.com (DR 82)
This has been a staple in the marketing world for years. Whenever I’ve contributed here, I noticed the ripple effect: marketers sharing the piece across LinkedIn, newsletters, and even team Slack groups.
10. ProProfs.com (DR 86)
This is a flexible site that talks about SaaS, solutions for the workplace, and education. I think it’s especially helpful for B2B organizations that want to gain the trust of decision-makers.
11. Webnus.net (DR 81)
It is more niche than the others, but it is useful if your material is about WordPress, design, or blogging. It’s a good stepping stone before pitching to the bigger marketing publications.
12. Content Marketing Institute (DR 89)
CMI is the gold standard for content strategy. Getting published here isn’t just about a backlink; it positions you as someone who belongs in the core conversation around content marketing.
13. Social Media Today (DR 89)
Social Media Today is great for people who know a lot about social media. Marketers often talk about posts here in real time, which is great for getting your name out there and being a thought leader.
14. Convince & Convert (DR 85)
Convince & Convert was started by Jay Baer and is a platform for professional marketers who want useful tips. A guest post here doesn’t just give you a link; it gives you authority in front of people who make decisions.
DR 50–70 (Mid-Level with Niche Relevance)
These aren’t as globally recognized as the top-tier publications, but don’t underestimate them. In my experience, some of the most engaged readers—and the highest referral traffic—come from these mid-level sites. They’re also more approachable, making them a great starting point if you’re building your guest posting track record.
15. MakeWebBetter.com (DR 72)
MakeWebBetter.com is a blog about SaaS and marketing tools where how-to and practical content does well. I’ve seen guest posts here bring in a lot of qualified referral traffic.
16. BlogHerald.com (DR 69)
BlogHerald.com is one of the oldest sites for bloggers. The design is old, but the readership is loyal, and many prospective bloggers save posts to read later.
17. TweakYourBiz.com (DR 75)
Covers startups, marketing, and business growth. What I like about this site is its syndication reach; your content can travel well beyond its own blog.
18. TechWyse Blog (DR 73)
TechWyse Blog is managed by an agency but has good editorial standards. They write about SEO, PPC, and analytics on a regular basis, which makes it a good location to show off your digital marketing skills.
19. SEO Blog (DR 72)
SEO Blog is a site that focuses on search engine optimization. The readers here are from the same business, which frequently makes them more important than a larger readership.
20. MainstreetHost Blog (DR 70)
MainstreetHost Blog is a blog for small enterprises. Entrepreneurs and small businesses in the area commonly resort to posts here for simple marketing ideas.
21. Pole Position Marketing (DR 71)
Pole Position Marketing is a fantastic choice if your material is about marketing strategy or analytics. It doesn’t get as much traffic as other sites, but it is important in its niche.
22. FamousBloggers.net (DR 57)
A long-standing hub where writers and creators share their experiences. I’ve always found this one valuable for networking and building connections within the blogging community.
How to Choose the Right Platform for You
I’ve learned that not every chance to guest post is worth going after. It depends on what you want to do and which platform is best for you. If you want to be seen and have authority, go after top-tier newspapers. If your main goal is to get backlinks and engage with a specific group of people, mid-level blogs are often better. I usually recommend asking:
- Does this site attract my target audience?
- Is the content well-kept and regarded in the field?
- Will my contribution provide value or merely take up space?
A single guest article can do better than ten average ones if you plan. Every time, quality is better than quantity.
Conclusion
Guest writing is still one of the best ways to develop authority, get more people to see your site, and improve your SEO in 2025. There are chances out there for you if you’re ready to work hard, from big sites like HubSpot and HBR to small blogs with passionate users.
In my view, the most important thing is to choose places where your knowledge really adds to the debate. When you do it well, guest writing can do more than just gain you backlinks. It makes you a trusted voice in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions
