For a sports and games website, reaching new readers is not just a matter of publishing more. Fans look for informed match analysis, useful game guides, equipment advice and fresh perspectives, often across several specialist sites. Guest posting can put that expertise in front of an established audience, while helping build relationships with writers and publishers in the same field. The key is to choose relevant sites and offer something their readers will genuinely value.
Start with a clear subject area
“Sports” and “games” are broad topics, so narrow your search before approaching editors. A site focused on cricket tactics may not be a good fit for an article about mobile gaming, even if both fall within your wider interests. Define a few practical themes that match your readers: training and fitness, sports analysis, gaming strategy, esports, equipment or the culture around particular games. A focused pitch is easier to assess than a general offer to write about anything.
It also helps to decide what you want each placement to accomplish. You might be introducing a new audience to your coverage, building credibility in a specialist area, or directing interested readers to a useful resource on your own site. These aims can guide your choice of publication and the article angle, but the piece should still stand on its own rather than read like an extended promotion.
Find sites where the audience fits
Search for publications that already cover your chosen subject, including independent blogs, local sports outlets, fan communities with editorial sections and specialist gaming publications. Search phrases such as “write for us” can uncover open submissions, but they are only a starting point. Many suitable sites do not advertise guest contributions. Browse their recent articles and author pages to see whether they publish outside writers and what topics they accept.
For a more organised search, use the practical methods for finding guest posting sites as a starting point. Search results, competitor author profiles and relevant online communities can each reveal possible publications. Keep a record of promising sites, the topics they cover and any submission guidance. A simple spreadsheet is often enough to prevent repeated searches and help you track follow-ups.
Relevance matters more than a large audience figure. A smaller site with active readers who care about the same sport or game may be more useful than a high-traffic publication with little connection to your subject. Look at how recently it has published, whether articles invite thoughtful discussion, and whether its existing content is accurate and well-edited. These checks help you avoid spending time on sites that are inactive or a poor editorial fit.
Assess the editorial fit before pitching
Read several recent posts before writing to an editor. Notice the usual length, tone, format and level of detail. A site that publishes tactical breakdowns may expect evidence and specific examples, while a community gaming blog might prefer practical advice written in a more conversational style. Check for a contributor page or submission rules, and follow them closely. If the publication asks for a short outline, do not send a complete article instead.
Look for gaps that a new piece could fill. Perhaps a site has plenty of match reports but little coverage of how beginners can understand the statistics. A gaming publication might review new releases yet rarely explain accessibility settings or how to choose a controller. The best pitch connects an editor’s existing coverage with a useful question their readers still have.
Make the pitch specific and useful
A concise email should explain the proposed subject, why it suits that publication and what the reader will learn. Offer a clear headline and a few points you plan to cover. For instance, rather than pitching “an article about football,” suggest a guide to interpreting pressing statistics when watching a match. Avoid sending the same generic message to dozens of sites. A small amount of research makes it easier to show that you understand each outlet.
Suggest original material, not a lightly changed version of a post already published elsewhere. If you refer to a game, team or sporting event, check names and details carefully. Editors are more likely to consider a contribution that is accurate, well-structured and shaped for their readers. Be prepared to revise the draft, and agree on any links or author details before publication rather than assuming they will be included.
Keep the work manageable
Outreach involves research, writing, editing and follow-up, so plan a realistic schedule. A tracker can note the editor’s name, pitch date, response and next step. If you need help with design, editing or another part of production, a freelance marketplace such as Osdire lets buyers find services across areas including writing, graphics and marketing. Its flat pricing and held-payment process may also help clarify the cost and approval stage when arranging freelance work.
Learn from each placement
After an article goes live, share it through relevant channels and respond to readers where appropriate. Track useful outcomes, such as referral visits, engagement and new conversations with editors, rather than judging success only by the number of links gained. If a pitch is declined, a brief, courteous reply can help preserve the relationship; if there is no response, follow up once after a reasonable interval.
Guest posting works best as a steady editorial practice, not a shortcut. By choosing publications with a genuine audience fit, offering a distinct idea and respecting each site’s standards, sports and games writers can build visibility while contributing something worthwhile to the wider community.