Securing a guest column on Money.com is a prestigious opportunity for financial experts and writers to showcase their expertise to a vast, financially savvy audience. As one of the most respected platforms in personal finance and investing, Money.com maintains high editorial standards to ensure their readers receive valuable, accurate, and insightful content. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of submitting and publishing a guest column on Money.com, from understanding their guidelines to navigating the post-submission process.
Money.com guest column submission guidelines
Before diving into the specifics of crafting your guest column, it’s crucial to understand Money.com’s submission guidelines. These guidelines are designed to maintain the quality and consistency of content across the platform, ensuring that every article meets the high expectations of their readership.
Money.com seeks contributions that offer fresh perspectives, expert analysis, and actionable advice on a wide range of financial topics. Your guest column should aim to provide unique insights that can’t be found elsewhere, backed by solid research and real-world experience. The editorial team places a high value on content that can genuinely impact readers’ financial decisions and help them navigate complex economic landscapes.
To increase your chances of acceptance, familiarize yourself with the types of articles currently published on Money.com. Pay attention to the tone, style, and depth of coverage. Your submission should align with their existing content while offering a unique angle or fresh information that adds value to their platform.
Editorial requirements for money.com contributions
Meeting Money.com’s editorial requirements is essential for your guest column to be considered for publication. These requirements encompass various aspects, from topic selection to writing style and data verification. Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Topic selection: finance, investment, and economic trends
Money.com covers a broad spectrum of financial topics, but your guest column should focus on areas where you have particular expertise. Popular subjects include personal finance management, investment strategies, economic analysis, retirement planning, and emerging financial technologies. When selecting your topic, consider the following:
- Current relevance and timeliness of the subject matter
- Your unique perspective or insights on the topic
- The potential impact on readers’ financial decisions
- Alignment with Money.com’s core focus areas
Choose a topic that not only showcases your expertise but also addresses a specific need or question that Money.com’s audience is likely to have. Your article should provide clear value and actionable takeaways for readers.
Word count and structure specifications
While Money.com doesn’t publicly specify a strict word count for guest columns, most articles on the platform range from 800 to 1,500 words. This length allows for a comprehensive exploration of your chosen topic without overwhelming the reader. When structuring your article, consider the following guidelines:
- Begin with a compelling introduction that clearly states the article’s purpose
- Use subheadings to break up the content and improve readability
- Include concrete examples and case studies to illustrate your points
- Conclude with actionable advice or key takeaways for the reader
Remember that clarity and conciseness are key. Every paragraph should contribute meaningfully to your overall argument or advice. Avoid repetition and ensure that your content flows logically from one point to the next.
Citing sources and data verification process
Money.com places a high premium on accuracy and credibility. All facts, figures, and claims in your guest column must be backed by reputable sources. When citing data or research:
- Use recent, relevant statistics from authoritative sources
- Link to original research papers or reports when possible
- Avoid using data from potentially biased or unreliable sources
- Clearly attribute quotes and expert opinions
The editorial team at Money.com will likely fact-check your article before publication. To streamline this process, consider providing a list of sources used in your research along with your submission. This demonstrates your commitment to accuracy and can expedite the review process.
Style guide adherence: AP style for financial writing
Money.com follows the Associated Press (AP) Style Guide, with specific adaptations for financial writing. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines will give your submission a professional edge. Key points to remember include:
- Use numerals for all numbers 10 and above
- Spell out numbers one through nine, except in specific financial contexts
- Use the
%symbol instead of spelling out “percent” - Capitalize proper nouns in financial contexts (e.g., the Federal Reserve, Wall Street)
Additionally, ensure your writing is clear, concise, and jargon-free. While your audience is financially literate, your goal should be to make complex concepts accessible to a broad readership.
Pitching your article to money.com editors
With a solid understanding of Money.com’s requirements, the next step is to pitch your article idea to the editorial team. A well-crafted pitch can significantly increase your chances of acceptance. Let’s break down the key components of an effective pitch.
Crafting a compelling email subject line
Your email subject line is the first thing editors will see, so it needs to grab their attention immediately. A good subject line should be:
- Concise and specific to your article idea
- Indicative of the value your piece will provide
- Tailored to Money.com’s style and audience
For example, instead of a generic “Guest Post Submission,” try something like “Pitch: 5 Overlooked Tax Strategies for Freelancers in 2023.” This immediately communicates the topic, target audience, and timeliness of your proposed article.
Writing an effective article pitch synopsis
Your pitch synopsis should succinctly convey the essence of your proposed article. In about 200-300 words, outline:
- The main thesis or argument of your article
- Key points you’ll cover and why they matter to Money.com’s readers
- Any unique data, case studies, or expert insights you’ll include
- How your article fills a gap in existing coverage or offers a fresh perspective
Be specific and demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. Show how your article aligns with Money.com’s content strategy and adds value to their platform.
Showcasing your expertise and credentials
Establishing your credibility is crucial when pitching to a high-profile platform like Money.com. Briefly highlight:
- Your relevant professional experience and qualifications
- Any previous publications or media appearances
- Specific expertise that makes you uniquely qualified to write on this topic
Remember, you’re not just pitching an article; you’re presenting yourself as a valuable contributor to Money.com’s expert lineup. Your credentials should reinforce why you’re the right person to write this piece.
Follow-up protocol and response times
After submitting your pitch, patience is key. Editorial teams often receive numerous pitches and may take several weeks to respond. Here’s a general guideline for follow-ups:
- Wait at least two weeks before sending a polite follow-up email
- If you haven’t heard back after a month, you can assume the pitch wasn’t accepted
- Consider repitching with a different angle or topic if your first attempt is unsuccessful
When following up, keep your email brief and courteous. Reiterate your interest in contributing and offer to provide any additional information they might need.
Formatting and submitting your guest post
Once your pitch is accepted, it’s time to craft your full article. Pay close attention to formatting requirements to ensure your submission aligns with Money.com’s standards. While specific guidelines may vary, here are some general best practices:
- Use a clean, simple font like Arial or Times New Roman, size 12
- Double-space your text and use standard margins
- Include your name, contact information, and a brief bio at the end of the article
- Provide a suggested headline and subheadings
- Include any relevant images or charts, with proper attribution
Before submitting, proofread your article multiple times for grammar, spelling, and clarity. Consider having a colleague review it as well. A polished, error-free submission demonstrates professionalism and respect for the editorial process.
Navigating money.com’s content management system
After your article is accepted, you may be required to use Money.com’s content management system (CMS) to upload and format your piece. While the specific CMS may vary, here are some general steps you might encounter:
Creating an author profile on money.com
Before uploading your article, you’ll likely need to create an author profile. This typically involves:
- Providing a professional headshot
- Writing a brief bio highlighting your expertise
- Linking to your professional social media accounts
- Listing any relevant credentials or certifications
Your author profile helps establish credibility with readers and can lead to further opportunities if your article is well-received.
Uploading and formatting your article
When uploading your article to Money.com’s CMS, pay attention to these key areas:
- Proper categorization of your article within their site structure
- Correct use of heading tags (H1, H2, H3) for your title and subheadings
- Appropriate spacing between paragraphs
- Proper formatting of any lists or bullet points
Follow any specific instructions provided by the editorial team regarding formatting or style preferences unique to Money.com’s platform.
Incorporating multimedia elements: charts and infographics
Visual elements can significantly enhance your article’s impact and readability. When including charts, graphs, or infographics:
- Ensure all data visualizations are clear, accurate, and properly labeled
- Provide alt text for accessibility
- Optimize image sizes for web viewing without sacrificing quality
- Include proper attribution for any third-party visuals
High-quality multimedia elements can make your article more engaging and shareable, increasing its potential reach and impact.
SEO optimization for money.com’s platform
While Money.com’s editorial team will handle much of the SEO, you can contribute by:
- Suggesting a SEO-friendly headline that includes relevant keywords
- Writing a compelling meta description summarizing your article
- Using relevant subheadings that incorporate secondary keywords
- Linking to other relevant Money.com articles when appropriate
Remember, the primary focus should be on creating valuable content for readers. SEO considerations are secondary to providing genuine insights and actionable advice.
Post-submission process and publication timeline
After submitting your article through Money.com’s CMS, the editorial team will review and potentially edit your piece. This process can take several weeks, depending on their editorial calendar and workload. During this time:
- Be prepared to make revisions or provide additional information if requested
- Respond promptly to any queries from the editorial team
- Avoid publishing the same or similar content elsewhere while waiting for publication
Once your article is scheduled for publication, you may receive a notification with the expected publication date. Use this time to prepare for promoting your article once it goes live. Sharing your Money.com guest column across your professional networks can amplify its reach and solidify your status as a financial expert.
Remember, publishing on Money.com is not just about one article; it’s about building a relationship with a prestigious platform and its audience. Each successful contribution increases your chances of becoming a regular contributor, further establishing your authority in the financial sector.