Using Ahrefs to Find High-Quality Guest Post Sites (Step-by-Step)
How to Lookup Guest Post Opps on Ahrefs? If you are trying to build backlinks and grow your online presence, guest posting is still one of the best strategies in 2025. But the challenge most people face is finding the right websites that actually accept guest posts and are worth contributing to.
This is where Ahrefs comes in. With its massive database and powerful SEO tools, Ahrefs can help you identify websites, analyze competitor backlinks, and build a list of high-quality guest post sites faster than doing it manually. In this guide, we will walk through how to use Ahrefs step by step to find guest posting opportunities, evaluate them, and prepare a winning pitch.
Why Use Ahrefs to Find Guest Post Sites?
Guest posting works best when you publish on relevant, authoritative sites. The problem is that manually searching for “write for us” pages on Google is slow and often leads to low-quality websites. Ahrefs simplifies the process by letting you:
- Search millions of websites with Content Explorer.
- See where your competitors are already publishing with Site Explorer.
- Filter sites by metrics like domain rating, organic traffic, and relevancy.
- Export and organize a professional list of guest posting targets.
In other words, Ahrefs does the heavy lifting so you can focus on writing and outreach.
Step 1: Start With Content Explorer
The Content Explorer tool in Ahrefs lets you search for pages across the web based on keywords. This is the perfect place to start your guest post hunt.
Here is how to do it:
- Open Content Explorer in Ahrefs.
- Search for phrases like “write for us,” “guest post,” or “contribute article” plus your industry keyword (example: “write for us + marketing”).
- Use filters to narrow down results:
- Domain Rating (DR): Aim for DR 30 and above for strong backlinks.
- Organic Traffic: Make sure the site actually attracts visitors.
- Language: Match your target audience.
- Domain Rating (DR): Aim for DR 30 and above for strong backlinks.
This approach will give you a list of sites that are open to guest contributions in your niche.
Step 2: Analyze Competitor Backlinks
Another smart way to find guest post opportunities is to look at where your competitors are already publishing.
- Open Site Explorer in Ahrefs.
- Enter your competitor’s domain.
- Check their Referring Domains or Backlinks report.
- Look for patterns in sites where they have contributed guest posts.
For example, if you see a competitor getting backlinks from blogs like “Marketing Insider” or “SEO Weekly,” chances are those sites accept guest posts. This saves you time because you know they are open to outside contributions.
Step 3: Filter for High-Quality Sites
Not every site is worth your time. Some guest post directories and spammy blogs may give you a backlink, but they will not help your SEO in the long run. Use Ahrefs filters to find only high-quality guest post sites.
Things to check:
- Domain Rating (DR): Higher DR usually means more authority.
- Organic Traffic: If a site gets thousands of visitors monthly, your post has a better chance of driving traffic.
- Relevance: Only target sites in your niche. A backlink from a cooking blog will not help much if you are in digital marketing.
- Spam signals: Avoid sites that accept any content without quality control.
Focusing on quality ensures your guest posts strengthen your backlink profile instead of hurting it.
Step 4: Export and Organize Your Guest Post List
Once you have identified potential guest post sites, you can export your list from Ahrefs.
- Click the Export button in Content Explorer or Site Explorer.
- Save the results as a CSV or Excel file.
- Organize your list by priority:
- High DR + high traffic = top targets.
- Medium DR + niche relevance = still worth pitching.
- High DR + high traffic = top targets.
Having a spreadsheet keeps your outreach process structured. You can track which sites you pitched, who responded, and where your posts get published.
Step 5: Crafting a Guest Post Pitch That Gets Accepted
Finding guest post sites is only half the battle. The next step is reaching out with a pitch that gets noticed. Here are some tips:
- Personalize your email: Use the editor’s name and reference a recent article.
- Offer value: Suggest topics that fill a gap in their existing content.
- Be clear and concise: Editors are busy, so keep your email short and focused.
- Show credibility: Mention past writing or share a link to your blog.
Example pitch:
“Hi [Editor’s Name],
I loved your recent article on [topic], especially the section on [detail]. I’d love to contribute a guest post for your audience on [proposed topic]. I have written for [other sites] before and can provide a practical, original piece. Would you be open to reviewing a draft?”
This type of pitch feels personal, professional, and valuable.
Extra Tips for Using Ahrefs in Guest Posting
To get the most out of Ahrefs, combine its tools and think strategically.
- Use Content Explorer to find new sites and Site Explorer to check competitors.
- Check the Top Pages report of a site to see what content performs best.
- Use Keyword Explorer to see if a potential guest site ranks for terms you care about.
- Track published guest posts in Ahrefs to measure the impact on your backlink profile.
These extra steps will help you refine your strategy and focus on the best opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Ahrefs for Guest Posts
While Ahrefs is powerful, you still need to use it wisely. Avoid these mistakes:
- Targeting sites only for backlinks: Relevance matters as much as domain rating.
- Ignoring site traffic: A site with no visitors will not drive value.
- Sending generic pitches: Even the best guest post list fails if your emails are copied and pasted.
- Overlooking content quality: If the site’s blog is full of thin, low-value posts, it may not be a good place to publish.
Guest posting is about building long-term authority, not just quick links.
Final Thoughts
Ahrefs makes it easier than ever to find guest post opportunities. With Content Explorer, you can search for sites open to contributions, and with Site Explorer, you can uncover competitor strategies. By filtering for quality, exporting your list, and sending thoughtful pitches, you can build a guest posting strategy that strengthens your SEO and grows your brand.
If you want expert help finding and securing guest post placements, Click Typhoon’s SEO Services in Oakville can do the work for you. Our team specializes in guest posting outreach, link building, and content strategies that deliver real results. Contact us today to start building authority with high-quality guest posts.
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