How to Get Featured in Forbes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs
Getting featured in a major publication like Forbes is a goal for many entrepreneurs, business leaders, and thought leaders. It is more than just a feather in your cap—it’s a way to build credibility, expand your reach, and position yourself as a trusted authority in your industry. But with so many professionals vying for media attention, how do you stand out and secure a coveted feature in Forbes?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you increase your chances of getting an article in Forbes.
1. Build a Strong Personal Brand
Before you can pitch yourself to Forbes, you need a clear and compelling personal brand. Journalists and editors look for individuals who have something unique to say—people who have built something of value or who are driving change in their industry.
Ask yourself:
A well-defined personal brand is the foundation of getting noticed. Invest time in developing your online presence through your website, social media platforms, and any other channels where you can showcase your thought leadership.
2. Demonstrate Expertise with Proven Results
Editors at Forbes don’t just look for experts; they look for experts with proven success. They want to feature individuals who have real-world experience and results to back up their claims.
For example, if you’ve grown a business from the ground up or have led a successful campaign that has produced measurable results, these are key elements to highlight in your pitches and public profiles. The more data and success stories you can provide, the better your chances to get featured in Forbes.
3. Leverage Your Network
One of the most effective ways to get featured in Forbes is through personal connections. If you know someone who writes for the platform, works in PR, or has been featured themselves, use that connection to make an introduction to the right editor or contributor.
Networking is essential in media. Attend industry events, engage with journalists on social media, and build relationships with people who may have media contacts. A warm introduction can go a long way in helping you get an article in Forbes.
4. Craft an Exceptional Pitch
When pitching yourself or your business to Forbes, the key is to be concise, relevant, and timely. Journalists are busy, so you need to grab their attention quickly.
Your pitch should include:
Be sure to tailor your pitch specifically to Forbes. Study the types of articles they publish and align your story with their editorial style and themes. This is crucial to secure brand mentions with a link in Forbes.
5. Engage with Forbes Contributors
Forbes has a vast network of contributors who write on various topics. Engage with these contributors by commenting on their articles, sharing their work on social media, or sending them a thoughtful message. Build genuine relationships with contributors who cover your industry or niche.
When you’ve built a rapport, you can approach them with a pitch or ask if they would consider featuring you in an article.
领英推荐
6. Utilize PR Services
If navigating the media landscape feels overwhelming, you can enlist the help of a PR agency. Agencies with media connections often specialize in securing features in publications like Forbes. They understand what editors are looking for and can craft pitches that resonate with top-tier media outlets.
Many entrepreneurs and businesses opt to buy a feature in Forbes through professional PR agencies like RANKX .that have direct access to journalists and contributors. These services also allow you to buy a brand mention in Forbes, ensuring that your name or company is included in an article. Some agencies even offer the ability to buy a brand mention with backlink from Forbes, which can significantly improve your website’s SEO. However, be cautious and ensure you're working with a reputable PR firm, as Forbes does not sell editorial placements directly.
7. Provide Value Without Selling
Remember that Forbes is not a platform for self-promotion. Editors and readers are looking for insights, advice, and inspiring stories—not sales pitches. Focus on how your experience can help others succeed, what lessons you’ve learned, and how you’re making an impact in your field.
Avoid overtly promoting your product or service. Instead, emphasize the value you bring to the table, and let your expertise speak for itself. This approach will also improve your chances to get featured in Forbes as it aligns with their editorial style.
FAQs About Getting Featured in Forbes
Q1: How much does it cost to get featured in Forbes? Getting featured in Forbes does not involve paying the publication itself. However, working with a PR agency to craft pitches and facilitate introductions can involve costs. Be wary of any service that promises Forbes features for a direct fee, as this is not how legitimate media placements work. Some PR agencies offer packages where you can buy brand mentions with a link in Forbes.
Q2: Can anyone get featured in Forbes? Technically, anyone with a compelling story, unique insights, and expertise has the potential to be featured. However, the competition is fierce, and journalists look for individuals who have something of real value to offer Forbes' readership. Building a strong personal brand and showcasing proven results will significantly increase your chances.
Q3: How long does it take to get featured? There’s no set timeline. It could take weeks to months, depending on the relevance of your pitch and how closely it aligns with current editorial needs. Following up respectfully is key to staying on the radar without being pushy.
Q4: Do I need a publicist to get featured in Forbes? No, having a publicist isn’t mandatory, but it can help. A publicist or PR agency can guide you through the process, craft an impactful pitch, and leverage their connections to media outlets. However, with persistence and the right approach, many individuals secure Forbes features on their own.
Q5: What kinds of stories or topics get featured in Forbes? Forbes tends to focus on stories that are relevant to business, entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and finance. They look for stories that provide value to their audience, such as advice, case studies, personal success stories, and lessons learned in business. Make sure your pitch ties into one of these themes.
Q6: How can I follow up on my pitch? If you haven’t received a response within two weeks, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. Reiterate your pitch, and offer to provide any additional information that might be needed. Always maintain a professional tone, and avoid sending repeated or overly frequent follow-ups.
Getting featured in Forbes can be a transformative opportunity for your personal and professional brand. With a clear strategy, persistence, and the right approach, you can significantly improve your chances of landing that coveted spotlight.