Getting an article in Forbes is a remarkable milestone for any business owner. Forbes commands a vast readership and offers best credibility. Whether you’re looking to boost your personal brand or showcase your company’s achievements, Forbes is the platform to make it happen.
Here’s a quick roadmap to make your dream of being published in Forbes a reality:
- Join Forbes Council: Pay-to-play option that lets you publish your own articles.
- Pitch Successfully: Tailor your pitches to match Forbes’ guidelines and capture what editors are looking for.
- Become a Contributor: Submit a compelling application and showcase your expertise.
- Leverage Interviews: Emphasize unique and surprising elements to create engaging content.
Publishing on Forbes isn’t just about vanity—it’s a strategic move that brings multiple benefits like increased visibility, brand authority, and improved networking opportunities. With an audience of millions, your article can open doors you never knew existed.
I’m Ahmed Elmahdy, founder of Rocket Launch Media, with experience in digital marketing and SEO. Over the years, I’ve helped businesses grow their visibility and credibility online, including getting clients featured in prominent publications like Forbes. Let’s dive deeper into why you should aim to get featured in Forbes and how to make it happen seamlessly.
Why Get an Article in Forbes?
Publishing an article in Forbes is more than just a feather in your cap. It can significantly impact your career and business in multiple ways. Let’s break down the key benefits:
Credibility
Forbes is a trusted name in business journalism. Being featured here instantly boosts your credibility. Imagine this: your name or your company’s name in Forbes. It acts as a stamp of approval, showing that you’re an expert in your field.
“Publicity is absolutely critical. A good PR story is infinitely more effective than a front page ad.” — Richard Branson
Personal Brand
Your personal brand is your professional identity. Publishing in Forbes can lift your status as an industry leader. Not only does it showcase your knowledge, but it also builds trust among your peers and potential clients. Your name associated with Forbes makes you a go-to expert.
Business Growth
An article in Forbes can lead to business growth. How? The visibility you gain can attract new clients, customers, and even business partners. Forbes’ readers are decision-makers and influencers. When they see your article, they are more likely to engage with your business.
Investor Interest
Investors are always on the lookout for promising businesses. An article in Forbes can catch their eye and make your business more appealing for investment. It serves as a powerful endorsement that can lead to funding opportunities.
“Getting your business featured in the press can help win over clients and new investors.” — Sophia Matveeva
Case Study: A Real-World Impact
Consider the case of Sophia Matveeva, who used PR to grow her business and personal brand. She landed speaking opportunities and even a helicopter ride in St Tropez, all thanks to her press profile. This kind of exposure can open unexpected doors and create new opportunities.
In summary, getting an article in Forbes is a strategic move that can lift your credibility, improve your personal brand, drive business growth, and attract investor interest. Now, let’s explore how you can get featured in Forbes.
Next, we’ll dive into the nuts and bolts of how to get featured in Forbes, including tips for email outreach, social media strategies, and using platforms like HARO to connect with reporters.
How to Get Featured in Forbes
Getting featured in Forbes isn’t just about luck. It’s about strategy and persistence. Here’s how to do it:
Email Outreach
Traditional email outreach is a tried-and-true method for getting your story in front of Forbes editors. Here’s how to make it effective:
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Research the Editor: Find the right editor for your topic. Use LinkedIn or Twitter to identify editors who cover your industry.
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Craft a Compelling Pitch: Your pitch should be concise and custom to Forbes’ audience. Highlight your unique insight and why your story matters now. For example, if you have data-driven insights, make them the centerpiece of your pitch.
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Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, follow up after a week. Persistence can pay off.
Tip: Use tools like VoilaNorbert to find editor email addresses if they aren’t publicly listed.
Social Media Outreach
Social media can be as effective as email outreach. Here’s how to leverage it:
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Follow Editors on Twitter and LinkedIn: Engage with their posts and understand their interests.
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Direct Messages: If editors are open to DMs, send a short, respectful message about your pitch. Mention that you’ve also sent an email for more details.
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Use Hashtags: Follow hashtags like #journorequest to find editors looking for pitches.
Case Study: An entrepreneur was able to get featured by engaging with a Forbes editor on LinkedIn and following up with a well-crafted pitch via email.
HARO (Help A Reporter Out)
HARO is a platform that connects reporters with sources. Here’s how to use it:
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Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to HARO and get daily emails with queries from reporters, including those from Forbes.
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Respond Quickly: Journalists work on tight deadlines. Respond promptly with clear and concise information.
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Provide Value: Offer unique insights or data that can make the reporter’s story stand out.
Example: A business owner used HARO to get quoted in Forbes by providing expert insights on a trending topic.
Compelling Story, Unique Insight, Timely Pitch, Data-Driven Stories
To get an article in Forbes, your pitch must stand out. Here’s what you need:
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Compelling Story: Make sure your story is engaging and relevant. Personal anecdotes or business changes work well.
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Unique Insight: Offer something new. What makes your perspective different from others?
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Timely Pitch: Tie your story to current events or trends. Timeliness can make your pitch more appealing.
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Data-Driven Stories: Use data to support your claims. Forbes loves well-researched, factual content.
Fact: Data-driven stories are more likely to catch an editor’s eye because they provide concrete evidence to support your claims.
In summary, whether through email outreach, social media, or HARO, the key to getting featured in Forbes is providing value and being persistent. Now, let’s look at how to write articles for Forbes.
How to Write Articles for Forbes
Writing for Forbes can lift your personal brand and business. Here’s how you can get started:
Join Forbes Council
One way to get an article in Forbes is by joining the Forbes Council. This is a pay-to-play membership program. Here’s what you need to know:
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Application Process: You need to apply and pay a membership fee. The application involves proving your expertise and business success.
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Membership Fee: The fee can be substantial, but it grants you the right to publish articles under your byline on Forbes.
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Publishing Rights: As a member, you can publish articles around 800 words long in your field. These articles must be previously unpublished.
Tip: Forbes Council members often hire professional writers to create their content.
Pitching to Forbes
If you prefer not to join the council, you can pitch your article ideas directly to Forbes. Here’s how to do it effectively:
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Finding the Relevant Editor: Research and find the editor who covers your industry. LinkedIn and Twitter are good places to start.
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Pitching Guidelines: Follow Forbes’ pitch guidelines. Make your pitch concise and custom to their audience. Highlight why your story is unique and relevant now.
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Make the Editor’s Life Easier: Editors are busy. Make your pitch easy to understand and compelling. Include all necessary details and be clear about why your story matters.
Case Study: An entrepreneur successfully pitched to a Forbes editor by tying their business story to a trending topic and providing unique data insights.
Becoming a Contributor
Another way to get an article in Forbes is by becoming a regular contributor. Here’s what you need to know:
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Application Process: Apply to become a contributor. You’ll need to demonstrate your writing ability and expertise. Past writing samples can help.
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Commitment: Contributors are expected to publish 5 to 7 articles per month. This requires a significant time commitment.
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Ghostwriting Option: If you can’t write all the articles yourself, you can hire a ghostwriter. This allows you to maintain a steady publishing schedule without overwhelming yourself.
Fact: Former Forbes contributor Joshua Bains published 164 articles over three years, which opened doors to numerous opportunities, including speaking engagements and book deals.
By following these steps, you can successfully write articles for Forbes and leverage the platform to boost your credibility and business growth. Next, we’ll explore tips for successful pitching.
Tips for Successful Pitching
Research the Journalist
Before you pitch, do your homework. Identify the right journalist or editor for your story. Each editor at Forbes covers specific areas, so make sure your pitch aligns with their beat. For instance, don’t pitch a tech story to a lifestyle editor.
- LinkedIn: Many editors list their roles and interests on LinkedIn. Follow them and learn about their latest work.
- Twitter: Editors often share their latest articles and interests on Twitter. Follow their profiles and engage with their content.
Pro Tip: Use the hashtag #journorequest on Twitter to find editors actively seeking pitches.
Crafting a Compelling Story
Your pitch needs to stand out. Here’s how to make it compelling:
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News Hook: Tie your story to a trending topic or current event. For example, if a major company has a data breach, and your business offers cybersecurity solutions, highlight this connection.
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Social Proof: Mention any high-profile clients or investors involved with your business. If possible, include quotes or testimonials.
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Wider Trend: Show how your story fits into a larger trend. This makes it more relevant to a broader audience.
Format your pitch:
- HED: Your headline
- dek: A subtitle that sums up your story
- Body: Write three to five concise paragraphs explaining your story, why it matters, and what readers will gain from it.
Example: An entrepreneur successfully pitched to Forbes by linking their business story to a rising trend in sustainable fashion and providing unique data insights.
Building Long-term Relationships
Pitching is not a one-time event. Building relationships with editors takes time and patience.
How to build relationships:
- Check-in Regularly: After your pitch, follow up if you don’t hear back within a week. If you still don’t get a response, try another editor in the same department.
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Provide Updates: Keep the editor informed about any significant developments in your business. This keeps you on their radar for future stories.
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Offer Insight: Share your expertise on topics the editor is covering. This positions you as a valuable resource, even if your current pitch isn’t accepted.
Case Study: It took a year for a Financial Times journalist to feature an entrepreneur after their initial meeting. Regular updates and insights eventually led to a story.
Be easy to work with:
- Respond Promptly: Answer questions and provide requested materials quickly.
- Be Clear: Ensure your writing is concise and free of errors. Good grammar and clear writing make an editor’s job easier.
By following these tips, you can improve your chances of getting your story published in Forbes. Next, we’ll dive into the specifics of writing a compelling Forbes article.
How to Write a Compelling Forbes Article
Conducting Interviews
When writing for Forbes, interviews are crucial. They add depth and credibility to your article.
Preparing Questions:
- Do Your Research: Know your interviewee’s background and expertise.
- Open-Ended Questions: Ask questions that encourage detailed responses. For example, “What inspired you to start your business?” instead of “Did you start your business in 2015?”
Listening:
- Active Listening: Pay attention to what’s being said and ask follow-up questions. This helps uncover surprising elements that can make your article stand out.
- Take Notes: Record the interview if possible, but also jot down key points. This ensures you don’t miss any important details.
Example: During an interview for an article on leadership, the interviewee shared a surprising story about overcoming a major business failure. This became the article’s central theme.
Writing the Article
First Lines and Last Lines:
- First Line: Grab attention immediately. Use a compelling quote or a surprising fact.
- Last Line: Leave a lasting impression. Summarize the key takeaway or end with a powerful quote.
Connecting the Middle:
- Flow: Ensure each paragraph logically follows the previous one. Use transitions to maintain a smooth flow.
- Engagement: Keep the reader engaged by including anecdotes, data, and quotes.
Tip: If the story is average, write it creatively. If it’s exciting, focus on the plot. If the character is compelling, let them lead the piece.
Revising the Article
Moving Paragraphs:
- Structure: Sometimes paragraphs need to be rearranged for better flow. Don’t hesitate to move sections around.
Clipping Extra Words:
- Conciseness: Remove unnecessary words and sentences. Every word should add value to the article.
Example: An initial draft of an article might be 1,200 words. After revisions, it could be trimmed to 800 words, making it more concise and impactful.
Final Touches:
- Proofread: Check for grammar and spelling errors.
- Fact-Check: Ensure all data and quotes are accurate.
Pro Tip: Always revise your work. Even seasoned writers find areas to improve during the revision process.
By mastering the interview and writing process, and diligently revising your work, you can craft compelling articles that capture the essence of your story and engage Forbes’ readers. Next, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about getting an article in Forbes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Getting an Article in Forbes
How much does it cost to get an article in Forbes?
Joining Forbes Council: One way to get published on Forbes is to join one of their councils, like the Forbes Business Council. These are pay-to-play memberships that require an application and a fee. The cost varies but can be substantial, so it’s important to consider if the investment is worth it for your goals.
Contributor Pay: For those who become regular contributors, Forbes does not typically pay for articles. Instead, the value comes from the exposure and credibility you gain by being published on such a reputable platform.
How do you get listed on Forbes?
Compelling Story: The key to getting listed on Forbes is having a compelling story. Your story should offer unique insights and be relevant to current trends. Editors are looking for content that provides real value to their readers.
Unique Insight: Share your unique insights and expertise. Whether it’s a new take on a common issue or an innovative solution, your article should stand out.
Timely Pitch: Timing can make a big difference. Pitching your story when it’s most relevant can increase your chances of getting published. For example, if there’s a major event related to your industry, tie your pitch to that event.
Example: During a major economic downturn, a financial expert pitched an article on strategies for small businesses to survive. The timeliness and relevance of the pitch made it a great fit for Forbes.
Do you have to pay for Forbes articles?
Monthly Article Limit: If you join Forbes Council, you generally get a certain number of articles you can publish each month. This is part of the membership fee you pay, so there’s no additional cost per article.
Subscription Options: For readers, Forbes offers premium content through subscription models. While some articles are free, accessing exclusive content often requires a subscription.
Pro Tip: Being aware of these options can help you plan your contributions and understand the potential reach and impact of your articles.
By understanding the costs, knowing how to craft a compelling pitch, and leveraging the right opportunities, you can increase your chances of getting published on Forbes. Next, we’ll dive into some final thoughts and strategies to help you succeed.
Conclusion
Getting an article in Forbes isn’t just about writing well; it’s about having a clear strategy and thorough preparation. By understanding the process and being strategic in your approach, you can significantly improve your chances of success.
Importance of Strategy
A good strategy is essential. Whether you’re joining the Forbes Council, pitching directly to an editor, or becoming a regular contributor, having a clear plan will guide your efforts. Think about your goals and how being published in Forbes can help you achieve them.
Preparation is Key
Preparation is crucial. Research the journalists, understand what stories they are interested in, and craft a compelling pitch. Make sure your story is unique, timely, and offers real value. Don’t forget to build relationships with journalists and editors over time. This can turn a single article into a series of opportunities.
Rocket Launch Media
At Rocket Launch Media, we specialize in helping you steer the complexities of getting published in top-tier publications like Forbes. Our team offers custom strategies, expert writing, and the necessary connections to ensure your story gets the attention it deserves.
Ready to get your article in Forbes? Contact Rocket Launch Media today and let us help you make your mark.
By focusing on strategy and preparation, and leveraging expert help when needed, you can open up the power of being published in Forbes. This will boost your credibility, increase your visibility, and open up new business opportunities.
