India Today is one of India’s most influential news and media platforms, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, business, technology, lifestyle, health, and education. With its strong digital presence and high domain authority, India Today is a trusted source for millions of readers across the country.
Guest posting on high-authority websites like India Today offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable strategy for businesses, entrepreneurs, and digital marketers looking to expand their reach and establish credibility.
Why Publish a Guest Post on India Today?
Publishing on India Today can help in multiple ways:
✅ SEO Advantages – A backlink from a high DA (Domain Authority) website like India Today can boost your website’s search engine rankings.
✅ Brand Credibility – Being featured on India Today enhances your reputation and positions you as an industry expert.
✅ PR and Media Exposure – A guest post on such a prestigious platform increases brand visibility and attracts potential customers.
✅ Traffic and Lead Generation – Articles published on India Today can drive targeted traffic to your website, leading to more conversions.
Whether you’re looking to establish thought leadership, improve SEO, or enhance brand awareness, guest posting on India Today can be a powerful content marketing strategy. In this guide, we’ll explore the process, guidelines, and best practices to successfully publish a guest post on India Today.
Understanding Guest Posting on India Today
Guest posting is the practice of writing and publishing content on another website to gain exposure, build credibility, and improve SEO through backlinks. It is a strategic way for businesses, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to reach a larger audience by sharing valuable insights on high-authority platforms like India Today.
India Today’s Content Categories
India Today covers a wide range of topics, allowing guest contributors to share expertise in various industries. The platform accepts content in categories such as:
📌 News – Politics, current affairs, and trending global events.
📌 Business – Market trends, startups, and corporate insights.
📌 Technology – AI, cybersecurity, innovations, and gadget reviews.
📌 Lifestyle – Fashion, travel, food, and personal development.
📌 Health & Wellness – Nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being.
📌 Education – Career advice, exam tips, and academic trends.
Who Can Submit a Guest Post?
India Today welcomes contributions from:
✔ Business Owners & Entrepreneurs – Share insights on industry trends and business strategies.
✔ Digital Marketers & SEO Experts – Provide content on online marketing, branding, and growth tactics.
✔ Industry Experts & Thought Leaders – Offer expert opinions and thought-provoking articles.
✔ Startups & PR Professionals – Share success stories and brand-related news.
Is India Today Open to Guest Post Submissions?
India Today does not openly accept free guest posts, and getting published directly on the platform is highly competitive. However, there are three main ways to publish a guest post:
1️⃣ Direct Editorial Submission (Difficult Route) – Requires pitching editors and meeting strict editorial guidelines.
2️⃣ India Today Blogs (Easier Route) – Allows contributors to publish content through a blog section.
3️⃣ Paid PR & Sponsored Guest Posts (Fastest Route) – Publishing through PR agencies or media partners for guaranteed placements.
Guest Post Submission Guidelines for India Today
If you’re looking to publish a guest post on India Today, it’s crucial to follow their editorial standards to increase your chances of acceptance. Below are the key guidelines to keep in mind:
1. Content Quality Expectations
India Today maintains high editorial standards, and only well-researched, original, and engaging content gets published. Your guest post should:
✔ Provide unique insights and actionable takeaways for the audience.
✔ Be informative, thought-provoking, and well-structured to ensure readability.
✔ Avoid promotional or sales-driven content—value-driven articles perform best.
2. Preferred Word Count
📌 Recommended length: 800 – 1500 words
📌 Longer, well-researched articles (1500+ words) are preferred for thought leadership pieces.
📌 Keep your content concise, informative, and easy to digest.
3. Writing Style and Tone
India Today follows a formal yet engaging, journalistic style. Your article should:
✔ Be factual and well-supported with credible sources.
✔ Maintain a neutral and authoritative tone—avoid personal opinions unless you’re an expert.
✔ Use clear, professional language with no grammatical or formatting errors.
4. Copyright and Plagiarism Policies
India Today has a strict plagiarism policy and does not accept:
🚫 Copied or duplicate content from other websites.
🚫 AI-generated or spun articles without proper human editing.
🚫 Previously published articles—your submission must be 100% unique.
✔ Ensure proper attribution if you reference external sources, expert quotes, or third-party data.
5. Guidelines for Including Images, Statistics, and References
📌 Images: High-quality, copyright-free images are preferred. Always cite the source if not owned by you.
📌 Statistics: Include credible data from trusted sources (government reports, research papers, surveys).
📌 References: Add hyperlinks to authoritative sources for claims, but avoid excessive outbound links.
By following these guidelines, you’ll improve your chances of getting your guest post published on India Today, whether through direct submission, blog contributions, or paid PR.
Different Ways to Publish a Guest Post on India Today
If you’re looking to publish a guest post on India Today, you have three primary options: direct submission, publishing through India Today Blogs, or opting for a paid PR/sponsored post. Each method comes with its own advantages and challenges. Below, we’ll explore these options in detail and help you decide the best approach based on your goals.
A. Direct Submission to India Today (Difficult Route)
India Today maintains strict editorial standards, making it challenging for contributors to publish free guest posts. The platform primarily features content from journalists, industry experts, and in-house editors, ensuring that only high-quality, newsworthy articles get published. However, it is not entirely impossible to get your piece accepted if you follow the right approach.
1. Does India Today Accept Free Guest Posts?
India Today does not have an open guest posting policy where anyone can submit articles freely. However, they do occasionally accept expert opinions, analytical articles, and industry insights, especially from business leaders, entrepreneurs, and specialists in various fields. These articles must be well-researched, informative, and relevant to their audience.
If your content is promotional, sales-driven, or overly focused on backlinks, it will likely be rejected immediately. India Today prioritizes journalistic integrity over marketing content, so your best chance of getting published is by writing an insightful, unbiased, and well-researched article.
2. How to Find and Contact Editors for Content Submission
Since India Today does not have a public submission portal for guest posts, the best way to get your article noticed is by contacting the right editor or journalist in your niche. You can start by:
- Checking India Today’s official website under the “Contact Us” or “Editorial Team” section. Many publications list the email addresses of key editors.
- Searching on LinkedIn for India Today journalists and editors. Connecting with them professionally and engaging with their posts can increase your chances of getting a response.
- Using Twitter, as many editors are active on the platform and sometimes share guidelines for submissions.
- Leveraging email-finding tools like Hunter.io or Snov.io to get their official email addresses.
Once you identify the right contact, send a well-crafted pitch email to introduce your article idea.
3. Writing a Compelling Pitch Email
Your pitch email should be short, engaging, and to the point. Editors receive hundreds of pitches daily, so you need to capture their attention quickly.
Here’s a simple format for your pitch:
Subject: Guest Article Submission: [Your Topic]
Dear [Editor’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your Profession/Expertise]. I recently came across your articles on India Today and appreciate the insightful content you share.
I’d love to contribute an article titled “[Proposed Article Title]”, which discusses [brief summary of your article]. I believe this would provide valuable insights to India Today’s audience, especially given [mention a relevant trend or issue related to your topic].
The article is original, well-researched, and aligns with India Today’s editorial guidelines. Please let me know if you’d be open to reviewing the draft. I’d be happy to make any necessary adjustments to meet your standards.
Looking forward to your thoughts.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Website/LinkedIn Profile]
After sending your pitch, follow up politely if you don’t receive a response within a week. However, if you don’t hear back after two attempts, it’s best to move on.
B. Publishing via India Today Blog (Easier Route)
If direct submission seems too difficult, a more accessible route is publishing through the India Today Blogs section. This platform allows guest contributors to share their opinions on various topics, though the editorial team still maintains certain guidelines.
1. Steps to Create an Account on India Today Blogs
To publish on India Today Blogs, follow these steps:
- Visit the India Today Blogs website and look for the contributor sign-up or login section.
- Register an account by providing your details, including name, email, and professional background.
- Once registered, navigate to the submission page and start drafting your blog post.
2. How to Submit a Blog Post for Review
Unlike direct editorial submissions, blog contributions usually go through a less strict review process. However, your article must still adhere to India Today’s content quality standards, including originality, a strong narrative, and engaging storytelling.
Once you submit your post, it will be reviewed by the editorial team. The approval timeline varies, but most submissions are processed within a few days to a couple of weeks. If your article gets approved, you will be notified via email, and it will be published under your name.
C. Paid PR and Sponsored Guest Posts (Fastest Route)
For those looking for a guaranteed and faster way to get featured on India Today, paid PR and sponsored guest posts are the best option.
1. What is a Paid Guest Post?
A paid guest post is an article published on India Today under its sponsored content or advertorial section. Businesses and individuals use this option to promote their brand, products, or services while leveraging India Today’s high domain authority for SEO and PR benefits.
2. How India Today Offers Brand Promotions Through Guest Posts
India Today offers advertorial and sponsored content slots, which allow brands to publish articles with their own messaging. These posts are usually labeled as “Sponsored” or “Partner Content.”
Since India Today is a premium platform, securing a sponsored guest post requires working with PR agencies or media publication platforms that have direct access to their editorial team.
3. Finding PR Agencies or Digital Platforms That Provide India Today Guest Posting Services
To publish a paid guest post on India Today, you need to partner with a reliable PR agency. One of the trusted platforms for this is BrandHexa, a paid PR service provider that helps brands get featured in top-tier media publications, including India Today, Times of India, Outlook India, and The Hindu.
BrandHexa offers end-to-end services, including:
✔ Content creation and editorial approval.
✔ Guaranteed publishing on India Today.
✔ Do-follow and no-follow link options based on SEO strategy.
4. Average Cost for Publishing a Sponsored Post
The cost of a sponsored guest post on India Today varies depending on factors like content length, promotional elements, and link preferences. On average, publishing a paid guest post can range from ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 per article.
5. Difference Between Organic and Sponsored Guest Posts
| Feature | Organic Guest Post | Sponsored Guest Post |
| Cost | Free | Paid (₹30K – ₹1L) |
| Approval Chances | Low | Guaranteed |
| Editorial Standards | Strict | Flexible |
| Backlinks Allowed | Limited | Customizable |
| Timeline | Weeks/Months | 2–5 Days |
While organic guest posting is ideal for credibility and brand positioning, sponsored guest posts are the fastest way to gain media exposure.
- Begin with a hook (a surprising fact, question, or statistic).
- Clearly state the purpose of the article.
- Briefly mention key points you will cover.
✅ Example Hook: Did you know that India’s digital economy is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030? With rapid advancements in AI, cloud computing, and fintech, businesses are evolving faster than ever.
C. Main Content (Body Sections with Headings & Subheadings)
Break down your article using H2, H3, and H4 headings to enhance readability. Each section should be focused and informative.
Recommended Structure:
1️⃣ Introduction (Summarize the topic)
2️⃣ Main Analysis (Use statistics, examples, and expert opinions)
3️⃣ Implications (How it affects businesses, consumers, or industries)
4️⃣ Conclusion (Summarize key takeaways and end with a call to action)
D. Conclusion (Last 100 Words)
- Summarize the main takeaways.
- End with a thought-provoking statement or question.
- Avoid hard-selling or promotional language.
🚀 Example Closing Statement:
“As AI continues to reshape industries, businesses must adapt or risk falling behind. What are your thoughts on AI’s impact on your industry? Let us know in the comments!”
3. Writing in a Neutral, Authoritative, and Journalistic Tone
Since India Today is a news-based platform, your content should be:
✔ Fact-Based – Avoid opinions unless you are an industry expert.
✔ Objective – Write in an unbiased and neutral tone.
✔ Authoritative – Use data, expert insights, and research to support claims.
🚫 Avoid:
❌ Personal opinions (“I think AI is great for marketing”).
❌ Promotional content (“Our AI tool is the best on the market”).
❌ Clickbait headlines (“You Won’t Believe What AI Can Do!”).
✅ Use Instead:
✔ “According to a report by McKinsey, AI adoption in marketing has increased by 40% in the last two years.”
4. Using Credible Sources, Statistics, and Expert Quotes
India Today values credible, well-researched content. Always back your statements with trusted sources.
Where to Find Reliable Data?
🔹 Government & Research Reports – NASSCOM, World Bank, IMF.
🔹 Industry Publications – Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Bloomberg.
🔹 Market Research – Statista, McKinsey, Gartner.
🔹 Expert Opinions – Interviews with professionals or quotes from industry leaders.
🚀 Example:
“A recent Statista report predicts that India’s e-commerce industry will grow to $200 billion by 2026, driven by increased internet penetration and digital payments.”
5. Optimizing for SEO (Keywords, Headings, Readability)
Even though India Today is not a blog site, SEO still plays a role in making your article discoverable.
SEO Best Practices:
✔ Use primary keywords naturally in title, headings, and first 100 words.
✔ Keep sentences short and simple (20-25 words max).
✔ Break down content using bullet points and numbered lists.
✔ Use internal and external links to provide additional information.
🚀 Example Keyword Optimization:
Primary keyword: “India’s AI market growth”
✅ Good Sentence: India’s AI market growth is expected to reach $20 billion by 2025, according to IDC.
❌ Bad Sentence: AI in India is growing fast, and many companies are investing in AI solutions to make their businesses more efficient.
6. Importance of Using High-Quality Images and Infographics
Adding visual elements makes your content more engaging and easier to understand.
What to Include?
✔ Relevant images (avoid stock photos).
✔ Infographics (use Canva or Piktochart to create them).
✔ Charts & Graphs (from research reports).
🔹 File Formats: Use high-resolution JPG or PNG images.
🔹 Image Attribution: If using third-party images, always provide credits or source links.
🚀 Example:
Instead of writing: “The e-commerce industry in India is booming.”
Include a growth chart showing e-commerce statistics over the years.
Writing a guest post for India Today requires a professional approach, fact-based content, and a strong journalistic tone. By selecting a newsworthy topic, using credible data, optimizing for SEO, and adding visual elements, you can increase your chances of getting published.
🔹 Need help crafting an India Today guest post? I can assist with content writing, research, and SEO optimization to improve your chances of publication. Let’s get started! 🚀
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Submitting a Guest Post to India Today
Publishing a guest post on India Today can be a great way to boost your brand credibility, SEO, and PR exposure. However, many writers and marketers make critical mistakes that lead to rejection. Here are some common errors to avoid when submitting a guest post:
1. Submitting Overly Promotional or Sales-Driven Content
India Today is a reputable news platform, not a marketing blog. One of the fastest ways to get your guest post rejected is by making it sound like a sales pitch.
🚫 Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Writing a post that only promotes your product, service, or company.
❌ Inserting excessive brand mentions or links to your website.
❌ Using pushy language like “Buy Now,” “Best in the Market,” or “Exclusive Deal.”
✅ Best Practices:
✔ Focus on informative and newsworthy content.
✔ Provide valuable insights that educate the reader.
✔ Use case studies or data-driven examples instead of self-promotion.
🚀 Example: Instead of writing “Our AI tool helps businesses increase sales by 50%,” write “AI-driven marketing tools have improved sales efficiency by 50%, according to a McKinsey report.”
2. Ignoring Editorial Guidelines and Tone
Every publication has specific guidelines regarding tone, structure, and formatting. Ignoring these rules often results in immediate rejection.
🚫 Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Writing in a casual or blog-style tone instead of a journalistic one.
❌ Not following the word count limit (India Today prefers 800-1500 words).
❌ Using opinion-based content instead of fact-based, objective writing.
✅ Best Practices:
✔ Read previously published articles to understand the preferred writing style.
✔ Stick to a neutral, informative, and authoritative tone.
✔ Keep paragraphs short and easy to read (3-4 sentences per paragraph).
🚀 Example: Instead of writing “I think cryptocurrency is the future of finance,” write “Experts predict that cryptocurrency adoption will grow by 70% by 2030, according to Bloomberg.”
3. Poor Formatting and Grammatical Errors
Articles with poor formatting, spelling mistakes, or grammatical errors reduce credibility and increase the chances of rejection.
🚫 Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Writing long, unstructured paragraphs without subheadings.
❌ Ignoring bullet points and numbered lists where necessary.
❌ Submitting content with spelling or grammar mistakes.
✅ Best Practices:
✔ Use H2 and H3 subheadings for better readability.
✔ Include bullet points, bold text, and numbered lists to highlight key points.
✔ Proofread your content using tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor before submission.
🚀 Example of Good Formatting:
Bad Format:
“The Indian e-commerce market is growing rapidly due to increased internet penetration and changing consumer behavior. Many businesses are investing in digital platforms. Statista reports that e-commerce revenue will reach $200 billion by 2026. This growth will impact multiple industries and transform consumer habits.”
Good Format:
✅ Indian E-Commerce Growth: Key Insights
- Market Growth: The Indian e-commerce market is projected to reach $200 billion by 2026 (Statista).
- Key Drivers: Increased internet penetration, rising digital payments, and a shift to online shopping.
- Impact: The rapid growth will affect retail, logistics, and consumer spending patterns.
4. Overstuffing with Backlinks (Can Lead to Rejection)
Many guest contributors try to insert too many backlinks to their own websites, which can trigger rejection or removal of links.
🚫 Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Adding multiple self-promotional links within the article.
❌ Linking to low-authority or irrelevant sources.
❌ Using anchor text that looks unnatural.
✅ Best Practices:
✔ Include only 1-2 relevant links to authoritative sources.
✔ Ensure backlinks add value to the reader.
✔ Use natural anchor text that flows well with the content.
🚀 Example:
❌ “Our company offers the best digital marketing services. Click here to learn more.”
✅ “According to a HubSpot report, businesses using AI in digital marketing see a 30% increase in efficiency.”
5. Choosing an Irrelevant or Generic Topic
India Today prioritizes timely, relevant, and newsworthy topics. Writing on broad or outdated subjects reduces your chances of getting published.
🚫 Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Choosing a generic topic like “How to Start a Business” (too broad).
❌ Writing about outdated trends instead of current industry shifts.
❌ Submitting content that does not align with India Today’s core categories (news, business, technology, health, education, lifestyle).
✅ Best Practices:
✔ Select a unique and trending topic that offers fresh insights.
✔ Use current industry data, case studies, or real-world examples.
✔ Tailor your content to align with India Today’s target audience.
🚀 Example:
❌ “The Importance of Digital Marketing” (too generic).
✅ “How AI Is Reshaping Digital Marketing Strategies in 2024” (specific and newsworthy).
Benefits of Publishing on India Today
Publishing a guest post on India Today offers numerous advantages for businesses, marketers, and industry experts looking to establish credibility and expand their online reach. As one of India’s most reputable news platforms, India Today provides a unique opportunity to enhance your brand visibility, SEO performance, and media presence.
1. High Domain Authority (DA) for Strong SEO Impact
India Today has a high Domain Authority (DA), making it an SEO powerhouse. A backlink from India Today can significantly boost your website’s search engine ranking, improving visibility on Google and other search engines.
✅ SEO Benefits:
✔ Strong Backlinks: A backlink from India Today can improve your website’s authority and domain ranking.
✔ Better Search Rankings: Articles published on India Today often rank higher on Google due to the site’s trusted status.
✔ Increased Referral Traffic: Readers who engage with your content may visit your website, generating organic traffic and potential leads.
🚀 Example: A guest post about “AI in Digital Marketing” published on India Today can rank high in search results, driving consistent traffic to your business website.
2. Increased Brand Credibility and Trust
Getting published on a prestigious media platform like India Today enhances brand credibility. Readers perceive content on India Today as authentic, reliable, and authoritative. A brand post on India Today is a sponsored or editorial content piece that allows businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to showcase their brand, products, or services on one of India’s leading news platforms. India Today has a vast digital and print readership, making it a powerful medium for brand visibility and credibility.
✅ Credibility Boost:
✔ Brand Authority: Being featured on India Today helps position your brand as a leader in your industry.
✔ Trust & Recognition: Consumers trust media outlets like India Today over lesser-known websites or blogs.
✔ Competitive Edge: If your competitors aren’t leveraging media publishing, you gain a distinct market advantage.
🚀 Example: A FinTech startup publishing an article on India Today about “The Future of Digital Payments in India” immediately gains industry recognition.
3. Wider Audience Reach and Potential Customer Leads
India Today has millions of daily readers, covering diverse demographics across business, technology, lifestyle, health, and education sectors. Publishing on this platform allows you to tap into a vast audience and attract potential customers.
✅ Audience Growth Benefits:
✔ Massive Readership: India Today’s large audience base helps you reach potential clients, investors, and partners.
✔ Targeted Exposure: Choose the right category (business, technology, health, etc.) to reach a relevant audience.
✔ Lead Generation: Readers who find your content valuable may inquire about your services, follow your brand, or subscribe to your newsletter.
🚀 Example: A healthcare startup publishing on “The Future of Telemedicine in India” can attract both patients and investors interested in digital health solutions.
4. PR and Media Exposure for Your Brand or Business
Getting featured in India Today is an excellent way to boost your public relations (PR) strategy. Businesses often struggle to gain media attention, but guest posts provide direct exposure to journalists, influencers, and potential collaborators.
✅ Media Exposure Benefits:
✔ Increased Press Visibility: Journalists and bloggers often cite articles from India Today, expanding your brand’s media coverage.
✔ Potential for News Features: If your content is insightful and newsworthy, it might get featured in other media outlets.
✔ Social Media Amplification: Articles published on India Today often get shared widely, increasing your brand’s online visibility.
🚀 Example: A startup founder writing about “How AI is Transforming E-commerce” may attract interviews from business journalists, leading to further media exposure.
5. Establishing Yourself as an Industry Expert
An interview publication on India Today is an exclusive feature where business leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, or industry experts share their insights, achievements, and brand stories on one of India’s most reputable news platforms. This type of coverage enhances credibility, builds authority, and provides massive exposure to a wide audience.
Publishing on India Today positions you as a thought leader in your industry. A well-researched, informative guest post can help build your personal brand and authority.
✅ Expert Positioning Benefits:
✔ Industry Leadership: Contributing insightful articles makes you a go-to expert in your field.
✔ Speaking & Networking Opportunities: Recognized authors often get invited to panels, conferences, and podcasts.
✔ Business Growth: When people trust your expertise, they are more likely to do business with you.
🚀 Example: A cybersecurity expert writing an article on “The Rising Threat of Cyber Attacks in India” can establish credibility, attracting corporate clients and speaking engagements.
Conclusion
Guest posting on India Today is an excellent opportunity to boost brand credibility, improve SEO rankings, and gain PR exposure. As one of India’s most respected news platforms, India Today provides a high-authority space for businesses, marketers, and industry experts to share their insights, attract potential customers, and establish themselves as thought leaders.
Choosing the Right Method: Free Submission vs. Paid PR
When considering guest posting on India Today, it’s crucial to choose the right method based on your goals and budget:
- Free Submission: Requires effort, patience, and high-quality writing. You must craft a well-researched, non-promotional article and pitch it to the right editor. However, acceptance rates are low, and getting published can be challenging.
- India Today Blog: A more accessible option where you can submit a blog post for review. While easier than the main editorial section, your content must still be relevant and engaging.
- Paid PR & Sponsored Guest Posts: This is the fastest and most reliable way to get published on India Today. BrandHexa, a trusted PR partner, offers India Today guest posting services, helping businesses publish high-quality sponsored posts with do-follow links for instant brand visibility and SEO benefits.
Best Practices for Successful Publishing
To maximize the impact of your guest post on India Today, always follow best practices:
✔ Choose a relevant, trending, and newsworthy topic.
✔ Follow India Today’s editorial guidelines for tone, structure, and word count.
✔ Avoid overly promotional or sales-driven content.
✔ Use credible sources, statistics, and expert insights to strengthen your article.
✔ Optimize for SEO with the right keywords and readability techniques.
✔ Ensure proper formatting, grammar, and style consistency.
✔ For a paid guest post, work with a trusted PR agency like BrandHexa to avoid scams and ensure smooth publishing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose free submission or opt for a paid guest post through BrandHexa, publishing on India Today is a valuable investment in your brand’s credibility and digital presence. By crafting high-quality content and following the right approach, you can leverage India Today’s authority to grow your business, improve SEO, and gain media exposure.
If you want to secure a guest post on India Today quickly and efficiently, BrandHexa can help! 🚀
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