Genuine Pitch or Just Spam?

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

If you’ve been writing a blog for a long time, you’re probably familiar with unsolicited pitches from people looking to publish guest posts or content to gain exposure. It’s almost become part of the job description for SEO marketers and others looking for advantage and influence in niche audiences.

But now and then, an email arrives in your inbox that makes you pause. That happened to me earlier today.

The email subject line, ‘High Quality Content For Your Site,’ seemed like the typical pitch. The request was short and to the point, but what caught my attention was the email’s stark directness – it stood out from the usual spam in a way that was almost intriguing:

“Hi Neville,

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know that I’ve put a lot of effort into writing some content and would really appreciate it if you could publish it on your site. I don’t have a budget for this, so whether or not you can include a link is completely up to you. I’ve been impressed with how well your site performs and would be grateful for the opportunity.

Thanks a lot!”

At first glance, this could seem like a genuine request from someone trying to gain exposure for their work. But on closer inspection, several red flags start waving:

No credentials or background: The sender didn’t provide any information about themselves – no links to a website or social media profiles, no indication of previous work, and not even a draft or outline of the so-called “high quality content.”
Vague intentions: What exactly is the content about? How would it fit into my blog? These are questions left unanswered, making me suspicious of the sender’s motive.

The Power of Directness

What did catch my attention was the directness I mentioned. The writer was transparent about not having a budget and left it entirely up to me whether to include a link. There was an openness that, while refreshing, also made me pause.

Could this be someone genuinely seeking a helping hand, or is this a more sophisticated approach to spam? And what about the extra gap between ‘Hi’ and my name – is it a sign of poor merging from a database or just a lack of attention to detail? Could this even be the start of some scam?

Why These Requests Are Problematic

Over the years, I’ve been receptive to pitches from people who want to contribute to my blog or podcasts. I’ve published others’ guest posts from time to time. I published guidelines for guest bloggers in 2014. However, the digital landscape has shifted considerably in the last decade, and I’m not sure how many people even consult such guidance before sending their (often pseudo-personal) pitches.

The problem with emails like this one is the lack of trust signals. While I enjoy helping people, collaborating with others, and offering a platform to those with great ideas, these types of requests often leave me in a dilemma:

No clear indication of value: If you want to be published, show me why your content matters. Give me an idea of your expertise or share previous work that demonstrates your voice and point of view.
Too much mystery: When an email arrives with no context or credentials, it’s hard to distinguish between a genuine writer and someone looking for SEO backlinks or trying to place low-quality content.

The Thin Line Between Spam and Opportunity

A part of me always wants to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially when they seem to approach me in good faith. But the nature of the Internet today means we have to tread carefully. Unsolicited emails like this might be phishing attempts, spam, or even a stepping stone to malware. On the other hand, they could be from someone just starting out, looking for an opportunity but not quite sure how to go about it the right way.

I’ve seen both cases: Some pitches turn into successful collaborations, while others have fallen flat, wasting time and resources. The key, I believe, is in the details. An authentic outreach will come with proof of work, transparency, and, most importantly, a clear value proposition for both parties.

My Takeaway: Approach with Caution but Keep an Open Mind

So, what should you do when you receive an email pitch like this?

Don’t ignore your instincts: If something feels off, there’s probably a reason.
Do your research: Check if the sender has an online presence or prior work that speaks to their expertise.
Look for trust signals: A well-structured email with credentials, a link to their portfolio, or a meaningful reason for wanting to collaborate makes all the difference.

Ultimately, the onus is on the sender to build trust, provide transparency, and offer value. As content creators and communicators, we should remain open to new opportunities – but only when they come with a certain level of credibility as a foundation stone for building trust.

Have you received similar pitches? How do you handle them?

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