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Why Getting Published in Forbes Matters
Forbes is one of our best logos from a trust and credibility standpoint, and our clients love it as the network focuses on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle, giving a large range of our clients the exposure they need in their industry. It was founded in 1917 by B.C. Forbes and today reaches over 150 million people worldwide through its magazine, website, and events. There are several PR agencies that have established connections at Forbes, including Baden Bower who has deep relationships with Forbes contributors and staff that can help guarantee placements for a fee, without needing to pitch or build relationships yourself.
In cases where we can’t leverage an existing relationship, we take advantage of Forbes’ BrandVoice native advertising program, the appearance of which differs by jurisdiction. In our opinion Forbes Georgia and Israel have the best offerings in this regard, followed by Forbes Colombia, Mexico, and Australia. For a significant investment, brands can publish their own content directly on Forbes.com, but this runs into the 6 figures. It’s essentially sponsored content made to look like regular Forbes articles.
Forbes leverages SEO best practices to improve its search engine rankings and attract organic traffic.
The site has a solid social media presence, with active profiles on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
To diversify its revenue streams, Forbes offers various subscription options, including ad-free experiences and premium content access.
Forbes has strict guidelines for contributors to maintain the quality and integrity of its content. While the site prohibits contributors from accepting compensation or favors from companies or individuals featured in their articles, it’s a well-known secret that this activity occurs often, with contributors coming and going often when a breach is discovered. To get featured in Forbes, you need a compelling story or unique insight that aligns with the publication’s focus areas. Pitching timely, data-driven stories with an interesting angle improves your chances. Building relationships with Forbes staff writers and contributors can also help get your foot in the door, but engaging Baden Bower is also another quick way to get the Forbes logo on your website as a proof point for potential customers.
Forbes emphasizes the importance of disclosing potential conflicts of interest and maintaining transparency. The platform advises against publishing content that is promotional, biased, or lacking in substance and value for readers. In reality, this policy is rarely adhered to.
Forbes isn’t just another business publication; it’s the gold standard in business journalism globally. Known for its rigorous reporting, in-depth analysis, and a meticulous fact-checking process, Forbes specializes in business, investing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle coverage. What truly sets it apart is the meticulous vetting process for all featured content.
With its specialized readership of business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, Forbes zeroes in on topics crucial to the business sector. These include technology, innovation, finance, leadership, marketing, social entrepreneurship, investing, lifestyle, lists, and opinions. Forbes aims to give its readers actionable insights to help them stay on top trends and thrive.
Forbes offers a remarkably diverse range of articles—from deeply researched, data-driven analyses to interviews with industry pioneers, and insightful opinion pieces. This multiplicity of perspectives provides readers a comprehensive, 360-degree view of pertinent business issues.
Forbes' Data-Driven Authority
According to SimilarWeb analytics, Forbes.com attracts over 157 million visits each month, exemplifying its immense reach and influence. This impressive traffic is a testament to the unparalleled trust and authority Forbes has garnered over decades. A Buzzsumo survey of over 100 million articles revealed that pieces on technology, business strategy, and entrepreneurship tend to get the most social shares. This aligns precisely with Forbes’ core editorial focus and readership preferences.
Grasping these vital facets—the laser-focused editorial direction, content diversity, and data-backed authority—is key to comprehending Forbes’ eminence as the leading business publication worldwide. This understanding also offers valuable clues into the themes and angles likely to grab attention amidst the deluge of pitches its editorial team receives daily.
Building a Strong Personal or Brand
Establishing an authoritative reputation as an industry expert or thought leader is a long-term endeavor demanding consistent effort. However, it is indispensable for getting noticed by discerning platforms like Forbes. Here are some pivotal areas to prioritize in building reputation and trustworthiness:
Cultivating Thought Leadership
Effective thought leadership entails generously sharing your hard-won expertise in a way that educates, inspires, and influences others. It requires routinely creating high-quality content that directly addresses the pain points and struggles your target audience faces. The focus is on providing practical solutions to pressing issues industry insiders grapple with daily.
Why It Matters:
According to an insightful study by Edelman and LinkedIn, a striking 55% of senior decision-makers say thought leadership content frequently influences them to award business deals and partnerships. This data underscores how original ideas and insights can directly impact income.
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How to Implement Thought Leadership Content:
- Closely track industry conversations to pinpoint topics your audience finds valuable. Go beyond surface issues to uncover deeper problems begging for innovative solutions.
- Perform thorough research to ensure your proposed solutions are backed by current data, expert perspectives and trends. Cite credible sources.
- Disseminate your insights through various multimedia formats including blogs, webinars, podcasts, and videos to widen your reach.
- Strategically partner with reputable publications, forums and networks to broaden your content’s visibility. Aim to provide value rather than overt self-promotion.
The rewards of nurturing thought leadership make the effort worthwhile. By generously educating others, you position yourself as an authority and pave the way for prestigious opportunities like Forbes features.
Social Proof and Reviews
Client testimonials, positive reviews, and sincere endorsements are invaluable social proof assets that build authority and trust exponentially faster than self-promotion alone.
Why It Matters:
A fascinating study by research leader Spiegel revealed that prominently displaying reviews and testimonials can improve conversion rates by a game-changing 270%.
How to Implement Social Proof:
- Proactively request satisfied clients and partners to provide video/written testimonials and ratings.
- Prominently showcase these endorsements across your website, social media and other online assets.
- Go beyond text; the emotive impact of video/audio reviews often resonates more deeply with audiences.
- Continuously measure how testimonials influence visitor-to-customer conversion rates. Modify strategies accordingly.
By continually investing in thoughtful leadership and social proof, you organically strengthen your reputation as an industry expert. This effort can grab the attention of discerning platforms like Forbes seeking fresh perspectives from rising thought leaders.
Developing a Compelling Story or Unique Angle
To stand out from the sea of Forbes pitch submissions, you must offer an extraordinarily unique angle and compelling narrative. While exclusivity helps, the trick is crafting a story that strongly resonates with Forbes’ business-focused readership. This demands underscoring the relevance and timeliness of your viewpoint using current data.
For instance, highlighting how your insights on emerging industry trends may allow readers to future-proof their organizations. Or presenting novel takes on perennial leadership challenges that provide actionable solutions. Stories revealing the humanity behind business successes also tend to perform well.
In essence, the onus is on unearthing a powerful, hitherto untold story that closely aligns with Forbes’ core editorial themes. This striking viewpoint then needs to be developed within a structurally sound narrative arc, employing timeless storytelling techniques for maximal impact.
Crafting a Winning Pitch
An exceptionally persuasive media pitch is indispensable for vaulting over the high bar set by Forbes. However, this requires diligent spadework. Significant investments in research, networking, and tenacious follow-ups are de rigueur. Following are some field-tested techniques to refine your pitch:
Laser-Target Editors and Columns
Instead of blanketing editors with a generic pitch, pinpoint specific columns excelling in your niche. Study previous features to discern article types, cadence, themes and author personas. Use this understanding to craft customized pitches showcasing how your contribution aligns.
Say an editor concentrating on millennial entrepreneurship publishes interviews every third Thursday. Highlight how your experiences mirror their column’s themes in tone and demographic focus. These purposeful connections demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the publisher’s needs, making acceptance much more likely.
Network
Relentlessly attending industry events lets you interface one-on-one with editors, build relationships, and pitch organically. Similarly, thoughtfully engaging editorial teams and current contributors on social networks like Twitter or LinkedIn can yield insider intel and valuable referrals.
Such meaningful networking provides a foundation for warm, personalized pitches. It also helps accurately match your proposal with specific editors seeking certain viewpoints. Ultimately, relationships drive real change.
Also Read: What is Media Relations In PR?
Become a Thought Leader
Publishing periodic guest features in reputed industry journals is a potent strategy for demonstrating expertise. Leverage these bylines later when pitching your views to eminent publishers like Forbes.
Contributing to Sponsored Content Publishers nowadays offer paid packages that guarantee publication provided submissions meet editorial guidelines. If your budget permits, this presents a viable route for securing a coveted byline. Ensure to only work with ethical publishers committed to transparency with readers regarding paid posts.
Pro Tip: Collect your best published work to create a digital portfolio, making it easy for potential collaborators and publishers to assess your expertise quickly.
Getting Republished
Certain online syndicators like Entrepreneur.com license articles for republication from external sites like Forbes, Fast Company, etc. Pitching evergreen pieces from your blog provides additional visibility. Read their submission guidelines closely.
Maximizing Online Presence
Now that you’ve snagged the golden ticket, diligently amplify this PR coup everywhere. Update LinkedIn profiles, Twitter bios, email signatures and letterheads with the Forbes badge. Showcase it prominently on your website and other online properties using eye-catching graphics.
This social proof, combined with other reviews and testimonials, can trigger a self-sustaining cycle of credibility. The more visible this third-party endorsement, the higher your chances of scoring covers on other prestigious platforms.
Pro Tip: Add the Forbes logo to your website and profiles with direct links to the feature. Partner with Baden Bower for streamlined management and enhanced visibility.
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How to Get Featured in Forbes
Learning how to get featured in Forbes can significantly boost your brand’s credibility and visibility. Start by crafting a unique and newsworthy story that resonates with Forbes’ audience. Build relationships with contributors, demonstrate your expertise through thought leadership, and create a pitch that stands out.
Getting featured in Forbes is about crafting a PR strategy that works for you. If you’ve been wondering, we will give you actionable advice, detailed steps, and expert insights to make it happen.
Master the Art of Pitching
Before your story can appear in Forbes, it has to land in front of an editor. That’s where your pitch comes in. But pitching is an art—get it wrong, and your email will be lost in the shuffle. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a pitch that gets noticed:
- Start with a Strong Hook: Editors look for stories that offer value to readers. Instead of a generic “I want to be featured in Forbes,” open with a compelling hook. For example: “In 2024, our startup grew from zero to $10 million in revenue using a revolutionary AI model that challenges industry norms.”
- Focus on the Value to Readers: Forbes editors prioritize stories that inspire or inform. Ask yourself: Does your story reveal industry insights? Share groundbreaking data? Solve a pressing problem?
- Provide Supporting Data and Details: Editors love specifics. Include metrics, unique angles, and fresh statistics to show your pitch is newsworthy. For instance: Instead of saying, “Our app is popular,” say, “Our app has been downloaded 1.2 million times in 6 months, growing 300% month-over-month.”
- Keep it Short and Tailored: Editors don’t have time to read novels. Stick to 3-4 concise paragraphs and tailor the pitch to Forbes’ audience. Skip buzzwords; focus on clarity and authenticity.
- Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA): End with a specific question, like: “I’d love to discuss how this story aligns with Forbes’ audience. Would you be open to a quick call?”
Pro Tip: If crafting a standout pitch feels overwhelming, consider working with a PR agency. Professionals who specialize in securing Forbes coverage know how to position your story effectively.
Timing Is Everything
A brilliant pitch delivered at the wrong time can still fail. Timing is crucial to get in Forbes, and understanding the editorial calendar and industry news cycles can give you a serious edge.
- Capitalize on News and Trends: Connect your story to current events or emerging industry trends. For example: If you’re launching a fintech innovation, tie your pitch to economic reports or trends around financial technology.
- Leverage Slow News Periods: Editors are swamped during major holidays or year-end reporting. Instead, pitch during slower months like January or August when media outlets are actively seeking stories to fill the gap.
- Be Ready with Seasonal Angles: Does your business align with a specific time of year? For example:
- Fitness brands should pitch in December (New Year’s resolutions).
- Travel companies can align with summer vacation trends.
- Align with Industry Milestones: Look for conferences, product launches, or anniversaries to make your story timely and relevant. For instance: Pitch your innovation during CES for tech relevance, or link your success to International Women’s Day if you’re a female entrepreneur.
Amplify Your Forbes Feature Like a Pro
Getting published in Forbes is just the first step. Now you need to ensure your hard-earned feature gets the attention it deserves. Here’s how to maximize the visibility and impact:
- Share Across All Platforms: Post your feature on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Add a personal note or key insight to make your audience care.
- Boost SEO: Add your feature link to your website, newsletters, and Google Business profile to improve search engine rankings.
- Leverage Social Proof: Use the phrase “As featured in Forbes” on your website homepage, email signatures, and marketing materials to build credibility and attract new clients.
- Repurpose the Content: Turn your feature into blog posts, podcast discussions, or video content. For example: Record a “Behind the Forbes Feature” video explaining your story and success strategies.
- Collaborate with Influencers: Share the feature with industry influencers or partners who can help amplify its reach.
Build Your PR Strategy
A single Forbes feature is impressive, but true success comes from a long-term PR strategy. Here’s how to keep the momentum going:
- Plan Consistent Media Outreach: Treat media outreach like a marathon, not a sprint. Regularly pitch fresh, engaging angles that position you as an industry thought leader.
- Tell Stories That Evolve: Great PR is about evolution. Share case studies, milestones, and behind-the-scenes stories that showcase your growth.
- Track and Measure Results: PR is about ROI. Monitor your web traffic, lead generation, and social engagement to see how Forbes coverage impacts your brand.
- Work with Experts: PR professionals bring media relationships, strategy, and experience to the table. They know how to position your brand for long-term coverage, saving you time and uncertainty.
Pro Tip: Use the inverted pyramid structure in your pitch. Start with the most compelling aspect of your story, then add supporting details.
Climbing the Path to a Forbes Feature
Getting published in Forbes can feel like climbing a mountain, but the journey gets easier with a good mix of credibility, storytelling, and a clear understanding of your audience. By focusing on thought leadership and knowing what appeals to Forbes’ editorial team, every step you take brings you closer to your goal. Getting featured takes more than a well-crafted pitch—it’s about showing up consistently with fresh ideas, solid insights, and a story that truly connects with readers. Add some persistence, and you’ll start to see the impact of your efforts.
If you’re ready to boost your visibility, start sharpening your strategy today and reach out to learn how you can get featured in Forbes. This goal is within reach—and well worth the journey for those who go the distance.
