Forbes is one of the most prestigious publications in the world, known for its insightful articles on business, finance, entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership. Securing a feature in Forbes can be a significant milestone for anyone looking to build their professional reputation or expand their audience. Whether you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, or a subject matter expert, getting an article in Forbes can greatly enhance your credibility. In this blog post, we will explore the steps to successfully get an article published in Forbes and the strategies you need to follow to increase your chances of success.
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Why Getting Published in Forbes Matters
Being featured in Forbes can help you achieve several objectives, including:
- Boosting Your Credibility: Forbes is a reputable source of information, and being featured in it associates your name with a trusted brand.
- Expanding Your Audience: A Forbes article provides access to a global audience, which can drive traffic to your website or business.
- Enhancing Networking Opportunities: Being in Forbes puts you in touch with influencers, investors, and professionals in your industry.
- Increasing Sales or Conversions: For businesses, having an article in Forbes can generate leads, build customer trust, and increase revenue.
Now that we understand the importance of getting featured in Forbes, let’s dive into the steps you can take to increase your chances of being published.
1. Establish Yourself as an Expert in Your Field
Before pitching your article to Forbes, it’s crucial to establish yourself as a recognized expert in your industry. Forbes receives thousands of article submissions daily, and it’s essential to stand out. Here’s how you can position yourself as an expert:
- Publish Content on Your Own Platform: Write blog posts, articles, or white papers showcasing your knowledge. Share these on your website and LinkedIn profile to build your credibility.
- Speak at Conferences or Webinars: Public speaking engagements help increase your visibility and position you as a thought leader.
- Contribute to Other Reputable Outlets: Writing for other reputable publications before approaching Forbes can demonstrate your writing ability and expertise.
2. Understand Forbes’ Audience and Content Style
Forbes is a business-focused publication, so the content you pitch should be relevant to its audience, which includes entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and professionals. To increase your chances of getting your article in Forbes, take time to study their content. Here are some tips:
- Research Topics: Forbes covers topics like entrepreneurship, business growth, leadership, technology trends, and personal finance. Ensure your article is aligned with these themes.
- Understand Their Tone: Forbes articles are professional and authoritative. They provide practical insights, data-backed arguments, and expert opinions. Ensure your writing follows this tone.
3. Identify the Right Section for Your Article
Forbes has several sections, and knowing where your article would best fit is key. Some of the sections where contributors regularly write include:
- Leadership: For topics related to management, leadership strategies, and building high-performing teams.
- Entrepreneurship: Articles focused on business growth, startup strategies, and personal experiences in entrepreneurship.
- Finance: If you have insights into financial planning, investment strategies, or market trends, this is the section for you.
- Technology: For writing about new technologies, digital transformation, and how tech is influencing industries.
When submitting your article, make sure to identify the right section to improve your chances of success.
4. Pitching Your Article to Forbes
Pitching is a critical step in getting your article in Forbes. A good pitch is clear, concise, and directly addresses why your article would be valuable to Forbes’ readers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to craft your pitch:
- Write a Compelling Subject Line: Your subject line should grab the editor’s attention. It should be specific and convey the value of your article.
- Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and explain why you’re qualified to write about the topic you’ve chosen. Mention any previous work you’ve done, such as articles published in other reputable outlets or your industry credentials.
- Explain the Article’s Value: Clearly state why your article will be useful to Forbes’ audience. Focus on how it provides unique insights or solves problems faced by readers.
- Include Writing Samples: If you have previous articles, include links to them to showcase your writing skills and credibility.
- Follow the Submission Guidelines: Forbes has specific guidelines for submissions, so ensure you adhere to them. Failure to follow the guidelines can lead to your pitch being ignored.
5. Build Relationships with Forbes Editors
Networking with Forbes editors and contributing regularly can increase your chances of having an article published. Here’s how you can build relationships:
- Engage with Editors on Social Media: Follow Forbes editors on LinkedIn or Twitter and engage with their posts. Commenting on their articles can help you get noticed.
- Attend Forbes Events: Forbes hosts several events, such as the Forbes Under 30 Summit. Attending these events can help you meet editors and build connections.
- Send Follow-Up Emails: If you’ve submitted an article and haven’t received a response, send a polite follow-up email. Editors are busy, and sometimes a gentle reminder can help move things forward.
6. Consider Becoming a Contributor to Forbes
If you have a specific area of expertise and you’re looking to build a long-term relationship with Forbes, consider applying to become a Forbes contributor. Being a contributor means that you can regularly publish articles on the site. To apply, you typically need to meet certain criteria, such as having expertise in your field and a proven track record of writing.
7. Utilize the Power of Guest Posting
While it’s not always possible to get an article in Forbes right away, guest posting on other reputable platforms can help build your credibility and get you noticed by Forbes editors. Write articles for other well-established websites in your niche. This will increase your visibility and demonstrate that you have the expertise and writing ability to be featured on larger platforms like Forbes.
8. Be Persistent and Patient
Getting an article published in Forbes is not an overnight process. Many successful contributors had to pitch their ideas multiple times before getting a response. Don’t be discouraged by rejection. Keep refining your pitch, improving your writing, and expanding your expertise. Persistence is key.
Conclusion
Getting an article in Forbes is not an easy feat, but with the right strategy, persistence, and expertise, it is achievable. By positioning yourself as an expert, understanding Forbes’ audience, pitching your ideas effectively, and building relationships with editors, you can increase your chances of getting featured in one of the most prestigious business publications in the world. Stay patient, keep honing your craft, and with time, your efforts may lead to a valuable opportunity to be featured in Forbes.
