If you're looking for a new way to generate leads online, consider guest blogging. Long used as an effective tactic for driving traffic to websites, guest blogging is also a creative way for real estate professionals to establish themselves as local experts.

If this concept is new to you, don't worry. We've boiled the basics of guest blogging down to the four Ws: Who, What, Where, and Why. Read on to learn more.

What is Guest Blogging?

Guest blogging is a way to grow your audience by contributing content to sites other than your own. It benefits both you and your host--you provide great content and they provide high quality links back to your site, as well as exposure to a new audience.

A variation on this is the "guest post exchange," where both site owners write articles for the other's blog. This is a great way to add variety to your content, and get your feet wet with guest blogging!

Why Should Guest Blogging Matter to Me?

First, the obvious: guest blogging drives traffic. It's not "just" traffic, though. The people who come to your site as a result of your guest post are interested in what you have to say. Compared to other visitors, they are stronger potential leads that are more likely to take action.