How to Make Your Personal Brand Look Legit to Media (So You Get Featured Like a Pro) - Part 2

Welcome back! So, you’ve laid the groundwork, tightened up your bio, and started publishing content that screams authority. But there’s more to it if you want to really become the expert the media can't ignore. Let’s level up. This is Part 2 of making your brand look so legit that the media has no choice but to feature you.

1. Show Up Where They’re Looking

If you think the media is just going to stumble across your brilliance by accident, you’ve got it wrong. You need to show up in their world. That means getting involved in industry events, conferences, webinars—wherever your peers and media outlets are hanging out. Speak, network, and share your expertise like it's your job (because, well, it kind of is).

Pro Tip: Get active on platforms where journalists and producers search for expert sources, like HARO and Qwoted. You want your name to be top of mind when they’re looking for someone just like you.

2. Own Your Niche Like a Boss

Generalists are cool, but experts who dominate their niche are the ones who get those high-value media spots. You’ve got to carve out a space where no one can touch you. Whether it’s being the go-to person for leadership strategies, wellness hacks, or legal expertise—own it. Show the media that no one knows this space like you.

Pro Tip: Double down on your niche. Write about it, speak on it, and push it hard on social. Journalists love a sharp angle, so make sure you give them one.

3. Media Ready, Always Steady

Ever heard the phrase “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready”? Well, it applies to media, too. Make sure you’ve got a media kit locked and loaded at all times. That means a professional headshot, bio, key talking points, past media features (if any), and your go-to topics all in one tight package. When a journalist needs an expert ASAP, you’ll be ready to hit send.

Pro Tip: Update your media kit every few months with any new wins—because the more recent and relevant, the better.

4. Craft Media-Worthy Story Angles

Journalists don’t care about you. They care about stories. So when you’re pitching, think about what makes a great headline, not just what makes you great. Tie your expertise to current events, trends, or buzzworthy topics. Become the expert that helps them make sense of what's going on in the world right now.

Pro Tip: A pitch isn’t about you. It’s about solving a problem or providing value to their audience. Be timely, relevant, and essential.

5. Use Testimonials Like Your Life Depends on It

Look, you know you’re legit. But having a few heavy-hitting testimonials to back it up takes things to a new level. Get some solid testimonials from your clients, people who’ve been impacted by your work, or even from peers in your industry. Media loves a trusted expert, so the more others rave about you, the more likely they’ll follow suit.

Pro Tip: Aim for testimonials from recognizable names in your industry. If a leader people know and respect says you’re the real deal, the media will take note.

Ready to Secure Your Media Feature?

By now, you’ve got the tools to take your personal brand from “just another expert” to the expert media outlets are chasing down. Stay focused, stay niche, and stay ready for that next big media opportunity. You’re playing the long game, and trust me, it’s only a matter of time before the headlines are calling your name.

And remember: You’re the expert—now go out there and show the media why.