Getting published on Forbes is a milestone many professionals aim to achieve. Whether you’re a business owner, thought leader, or industry expert, having an article on Forbes can greatly boost your credibility, brand authority, and visibility. But many people wonder how to forbes submit article effectively. Is it as simple as emailing an editor? Does it require PR support or insider access?
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn the full process to forbes submit article, from understanding the platform to writing, pitching, and increasing your chances of being featured.
Table of Contents
What It Means to Get Published on Forbes
Forbes is not a public blogging platform. It’s a curated media outlet where content is written by staff writers, contributors, and invited guest experts. Gaining a spot on Forbes means aligning your voice with their editorial standards and business-savvy audience.
Benefits of Getting Published on Forbes
- Massive exposure to a global business readership
- Enhanced personal and professional branding
- High-authority SEO backlinks to your site
- Opportunities for investor interest and media inquiries
- Increased social media credibility
Understanding the Forbes Contributor Network
Forbes has evolved from traditional journalism to include a contributor-based publishing model. Contributors are not full-time staff; instead, they are industry specialists who provide content regularly in their fields of expertise. This network allows Forbes to feature a wide variety of perspectives and topics, from finance and technology to leadership and entrepreneurship.
Types of Content on Forbes
- Articles by full-time journalists or editorial staff
- Content written by contributors with approved access
- Sponsored content via Forbes BrandVoice (paid placements)
For most professionals, the path to forbes submit article will fall under becoming a contributor or securing a guest post through editorial approval.
Can Anyone Forbes Submit Article?
The simple answer is no. There isn’t an open submission portal where anyone can upload content. However, you can still get your article featured through strategic planning and pitching.
Here are the most common pathways:
1. Apply to Become a Contributor
This involves:
- Demonstrating expertise in your field
- Showing writing samples or a strong content portfolio
- Explaining the value your articles would bring to the Forbes audience
Forbes periodically opens contributor slots for specific verticals like tech, marketing, and business development. Having a clear voice and niche focus increases your chances of being accepted.
2. Pitch a Guest Article to an Editor
Many articles featured on Forbes come from PR professionals, business owners, and marketers who submit articles through a well-crafted pitch. You need to identify the right editor, pitch a relevant topic, and prove your authority on the subject.
3. Work with a PR or Media Placement Agency
Agencies like IMCWire help authors, brands, and executives gain media coverage. If you’re unsure how to approach editors or write content that meets Forbes’ standards, media placement services can increase your chances of success.
How to Forbes Submit Article Step-by-Step
Now that you understand the routes, here’s how to forbes submit article effectively and professionally.
Step 1: Define Your Unique Angle
You need more than just a good story—you need a story that aligns with Forbes’ audience. Ask yourself:
- What fresh insight am I providing?
- Is this topic timely or newsworthy?
- How does this help business leaders, entrepreneurs, or investors?
Avoid self-promotion. Instead, educate, inform, or provide actionable advice.
Step 2: Write Like a Forbes Contributor
If you don’t have experience writing for top-tier media, follow these writing guidelines:
- Start with a strong, clear headline
- Use short paragraphs and professional formatting
- Break content into sections with H2 or H3 headers
- Support your points with data or case studies
- Maintain a conversational but authoritative tone
- Keep the article between 800–1,200 words
Step 3: Build Your Author Profile
Your online presence will be scrutinized. Before submitting or pitching, make sure your author branding is credible:
- Have an active LinkedIn with industry-related posts
- Publish on Medium, LinkedIn Articles, or your blog
- Include a short, relevant bio with your expertise
- Ensure your website is clean and professional
Editors are more likely to approve content from authors with an established presence.
Step 4: Identify the Right Forbes Editor
Each Forbes section is managed by an editor or senior contributor. Use LinkedIn, Twitter, or bylines on Forbes.com to track down the right contact. For instance, if you’re writing about startups, find the editor in the Entrepreneurship section.
Once you have a name, research their work and tailor your email accordingly.
Step 5: Send a Polished, Targeted Pitch
An effective pitch includes:
- A compelling subject line (e.g., “Timely Article on AI in Finance”)
- A quick introduction about who you are
- 2–3 sentence summary of your article idea
- Why it matters to Forbes readers right now
- Optional: 1–2 past published writing links
Keep the email under 300 words. Do not attach full articles unless requested.
Step 6: Be Patient and Professional
Forbes editors receive hundreds of pitches weekly. Give them time to respond. If you don’t hear back in 10–14 business days, a single polite follow-up is acceptable. If you’re rejected, don’t take it personally—pivot your pitch and try again later or with another editor.
What Editors Look for in a Forbes Submission
To succeed when you forbes submit article, your content must include the following traits:
- Relevance to current events or business trends
- Unique insights not easily found elsewhere
- Authority and experience backing the claims
- Non-promotional tone with objective value
- Well-structured formatting and accurate grammar
Examples of Article Topics That Work
- “How AI Will Reshape Customer Experience in Retail”
- “Three Mistakes Startups Make When Pitching Investors”
- “Why Remote Work is Still Struggling in 2025”
Avoid titles like:
- “Why Our Company Is the Best in E-commerce”
- “Introducing Our New Software Product”
Forbes is not a platform for advertising; it’s a thought leadership hub.
Should You Use Forbes BrandVoice?
For those who don’t qualify as a contributor or can’t get an editorial pitch accepted, Forbes BrandVoice offers another option. This is a paid platform that allows businesses to publish branded content on Forbes.com under their own name.
Pros
- Guaranteed placement
- Full editorial control over your narrative
- Association with the Forbes brand
Cons
- Expensive, typically starting in the five-figure range
- Labeled as “BrandVoice” which readers may view differently
- Not part of the editorial team’s organic content
If your goal is pure visibility and budget is not a constraint, BrandVoice is worth considering.
How IMCWire Can Help You Forbes Submit Article
At IMCWire, we specialize in helping individuals and companies gain placement in top media outlets, including Forbes. Whether you want to pitch editorial content, build your thought leadership strategy, or improve your brand image, we provide tailored services such as:
- Media relations and pitch creation
- Content development for high-authority publications
- Personal branding for authors and executives
- Strategic placement through our network of editors
By working with IMCWire, you significantly increase your chances of securing a placement in high-impact media, including Forbes.
Final Thoughts on How to Forbes Submit Article
Submitting to Forbes is a high-reward endeavor that requires more than just a good article—it takes strategy, credibility, and patience. Whether you apply as a contributor, pitch an editor, or work with a media agency, the key to success lies in delivering value to the Forbes audience.
To summarize your approach:
- Understand Forbes’ publishing structure
- Write with authority and purpose
- Pitch to the right person with a focused message
- Stay professional, clear, and authentic
- Consider expert support from IMCWire to strengthen your positioning
Now that you know how to forbes submit article, it’s time to take the next step. Start building your author platform, brainstorm content ideas, and make your mark on one of the most prestigious business media outlets in the world.
