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Before someone emails you back, books a call, or wires a cent, they Google you. And what shows up in that search can tilt everything in your favor… or not.
Now imagine what happens when they see your name next to Forbes, Bloomberg, or Entrepreneur. Suddenly, your pitch has weight, your offer carries authority, and your credibility isn’t up for debate.
Media exposure has that kind of pull. It shapes perception faster than a hundred ad impressions—and lasts far longer.
That’s not just theory. According to a 2024 survey conducted by Baden Bower, 94% of startup founders (out of 1,200 respondents) believe that being featured in a top-tier publication directly influenced investor interest and partnership opportunities. In other words, media coverage doesn’t just look good—it works.
Learning how to get featured in top publications isn’t just about visibility; it’s about influence. It’s what turns thought leadership into opportunity, and opportunity into results.
Whether you’re aiming to get on Forbes (and here’s where to begin), or hoping to land a quote in Inc. or TechCrunch, the goal is the same: to earn trust before you even say a word.
This guide breaks down the real value of earned media—why it boosts SEO, builds brand trust, and helps you outshine louder but less credible competitors.
We’ll cover the essentials of a strong media outreach strategy, how to develop a newsworthy angle, and what makes journalist relationships work.
It’s about learning to speak their language, so your message makes it to the page—and more importantly, into the minds of the people who matter.
Source: The Business Research Company
Why Learning How to Get Featured in Top Publications Matters
If you’re aiming to build credibility, learning how to get featured in top publications is something you shouldn’t ignore.
Whether you’re working toward speaking opportunities, investor interest, or even a visa like the EB-1A, being mentioned in major media helps people take you seriously.
Why Getting Featured Matters Now
People form opinions quickly. When someone searches your name and sees you’ve been quoted in places like Forbes or Bloomberg, they’re more likely to trust you.
These features show that someone outside your business sees value in what you do. That kind of trust can help with sales, partnerships, and public perception.
Skipping this step can cost you. Low credibility can lead to fewer conversions, higher marketing expenses, and eventually weaker revenue. Paying for ads to fix that can become expensive fast, and the results don’t always last.
How Top Media Mentions Help You Build Authority
Media exposure can support legal and business efforts. For example, those applying for the EB-1A visa often use media coverage as proof that they’re recognized in their field.
But even if you’re not applying for a visa, getting featured sends a message. It shows you’ve got something worth sharing.
To make that work, focus on sharing useful insight, not self-promotion. Publications are more likely to highlight your voice when you’re adding something valuable to current topics.
That’s how thought leadership grows. It’s not about having the loudest voice—it’s about saying something that matters.
Real Results Take a Consistent Strategy
Getting featured doesn’t happen by luck. Every successful media mention comes from a clear plan. Journalists don’t want flashy pitches without substance. They want solid stories backed by proof.
Think of it as long-term trust-building. Instead of sending random pitches, learn what each journalist writes about and show them something that helps their work. If you offer useful ideas, they’ll remember you.
Before reaching out, check the journalist’s recent articles. If your story doesn’t fit what they cover, it’s not the right time to contact them.
Comparing Earned and Paid Media
When a journalist chooses to feature you, that’s earned media. Paid media is when you pay to place content in a publication. Both have their uses, but they aren’t equal.
People trust earned media more because it feels unbiased. Paid media can help boost visibility when you’re getting started, but it shouldn’t be your only tactic.
If you’re building long-term trust, aim for features that come from strong content and good timing.
Paid media can support your efforts, especially early on, but it doesn’t replace the lasting impact of being chosen by a journalist for your ideas.
Pro Tip: Include a “Media” page on your website that clearly separates earned and paid mentions—this builds transparency and credibility with visitors and journalists.
Plan Ahead for Better Results
If you want to know how to get featured in Forbes, start preparing now. You don’t need to wait for the perfect moment. Look at your experience and story, then figure out how it can help others.
Build proof. Publish short articles. Speak on panels. Share useful content online. The more you show up in the right places, the easier it becomes to earn attention from top publications.
Learning how to get featured in top publications takes effort, but it pays off. Focus on clarity, consistency, and value. That’s how you get people to notice and remember you.
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What Journalists & Editors Are Looking For
Pitching a story to an editor without knowing what they actually want usually ends in silence. To understand how to get featured in top publications, you first need to know what gets their attention.
The Newsworthy Angle
Editors focus on stories that matter to their readers now. A newsworthy angle is something that connects to what’s current or useful.
For example, company updates often don’t make the cut. But if you’re solving a relevant problem or sharing insights tied to a trending issue, your story becomes more interesting.
Strong angles often:
- Connect to recent events or seasonal topics
- Include exclusive insights or research
- Offer a fresh take on something familiar
When your story works as a headline, you’re on the right track.
Pro Tip: Use the “inverted pyramid” approach in pitches—put the hook and relevance in the first sentence to increase the chance of being read.
Showing You Know Your Stuff
Editors want people who can speak with clarity and experience. This is where your background matters.
Instead of saying you’re leading your industry, show proof. That could be years of results, unique insights, or actual growth numbers.
Examples include:
- Work history that supports your claims
- Clear opinions based on experience
- Success stories that can be verified
Details matter more than bold claims.
Matching What Readers Care About
A strong pitch connects with what’s relevant right now. Editors want content that matches the interests of their audience.
You can stay current by:
- Watching trending topics through tools like Google Trends or newsletters
- Reading articles in your target publication to see what’s being published
- Thinking about how your experience connects to what people are talking about
It helps to focus on one strong link to what’s timely rather than chasing everything at once.
Building Real Connections With Journalists
Good media outreach starts by paying attention. Follow journalists who cover your space. Share their articles and comment when relevant. Over time, this helps you stand out.
Strong journalist relationships come from being consistent, useful, and respectful. Respond quickly, keep it professional, and avoid sending the same message to multiple people.
Editors remember people who are easy to work with.
What Earned Media Really Means
Earned media means you’re featured based on the value of your story. There’s no payment involved, and the journalist decides how the piece is shaped.
To qualify:
- The story must serve the outlet’s audience
- There’s no money exchanged
- The outlet controls the content
This is different from paid media, which includes sponsored articles or advertising. Both can be useful, but they are not the same thing. Editors can tell when a pitch sounds like a promotion.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “Would I share this if someone else said it?” If not, it’s probably too promotional for earned media.
Quick Checklist: What Journalists Actually Want
Before sending a pitch, ask yourself:
- Is the angle clear and relevant?
- Does it connect to what’s happening now?
- Can you show that your background supports the story?
- Will the topic interest the outlet’s readers?
- Does the pitch offer value beyond your business?
If most answers are no, it’s worth taking another look at your media outreach strategy.
Common Myths About Getting Media Features
Let’s clear up a few things. Getting featured in top publications doesn’t require fame, a massive online following, or having inside connections. Many people believe otherwise, but most features are the result of clear messaging and persistence.
Myth #1: “You need to be famous.”
This belief sticks around because fame seems like the easiest way to get noticed. But editors and journalists are looking for useful, timely, and original content.
If you can bring a newsworthy angle that helps their readers understand a topic, solve a problem, or stay informed, then being a public figure isn’t necessary.
Many featured founders and professionals are relatively unknown before their story gets picked up. What they do have is something valuable to say, presented at the right time. This is where strong thought leadership positioning makes a difference.
Media outlets want articles that offer value. If you have insights on trends, practical solutions, or well-informed views, your chances increase.
Myth #2: “It’s all about luck or connections.”
Connections can be helpful, but they’re not required. A smart media outreach strategy can have more impact than knowing someone at a publication.
Editors receive a lot of pitches every day. The ones that get attention are short, relevant, and sent to the right person. One entrepreneur got published in Inc. Magazine after months of professional follow-ups.
Another pitched a very specific angle about fintech rules and secured a spot in Bloomberg. These people didn’t rely on luck. They stayed consistent.
Building journalist relationships can help over time. But even if you’re starting fresh, your pitch can stand out by being clear, well-researched, and relevant to what the journalist covers.
Myth #3: You can “buy” earned media.
Some people think you can pay to be featured in editorial content. That’s not how earned media works.
Sponsored content and advertorials are paid placements. They have value in some strategies, but they’re different from earned coverage. Editors only publish unpaid features when the story adds value to their audience.
Paid and earned media are both used by brands, but confusing the two can lead to disappointment.
If someone offers a feature in a well-known publication for a fee, that likely isn’t an editorial placement. Always check what’s really being offered.
What Actually Works
Anyone asking how to get featured in top publications should focus on offering something useful. Avoid flashy pitches. Instead, bring ideas or insights that match what a publication’s readers care about.
A consistent media outreach strategy built on relevant topics and targeted pitches will get stronger results than hoping someone notices you.
Editors want content that matters to their readers. Give them that, and you’re more likely to get a yes.
Steps to Get Featured in Top Publications
Getting mentioned by Forbes, Entrepreneur, or Bloomberg takes more than sending out a few emails. If you’re asking how to get featured in top publications, here’s a clear process that can help you get real results.
A. Find Your Unique Media Angle
Editors want stories that are timely, useful, or surprising. To get featured, you need to offer something that grabs attention.
Think about:
- Trends you’re spotting early
- The data you’ve collected that shows something new
- Insights based on your personal or professional experience
You can also look into ways to become a Forbes contributor, especially if you have a strong point of view and something valuable to share. This can make it easier to attract attention from larger media outlets.
B. Build a Strong Online Presence
Journalists often search your name before responding. If they can’t find much about you—or worse, if they find outdated or messy information—your pitch won’t land.
Check these first:
- Make sure your bio is consistent across LinkedIn and your website
- Include past media mentions, interviews, or published work
- Highlight awards, partnerships, or other social proof that supports your authority
Being easy to research helps editors trust what you’re offering.
C. Find the Right Journalists and Publications
Sending the same pitch to everyone rarely works. You’ll get better results when you focus on people who already write about topics related to your work.
Try this:
- Look at who has written about your topic in the past
- Use tools like Muck Rack or check author bios on publication websites
- Start your email by referring to one of their recent stories
This shows you’ve done your homework and that your pitch fits their interests.
D. Write a Strong Pitch
Your pitch should be short, clear, and useful. Think of it like a news tip, not a sales pitch.
Use this simple structure:
- Subject line that could double as a headline
- One short paragraph about who you are and why this matters now
- Key points or data you want to share
- A brief background showing why you’re the right person to comment
Pitches with a specific angle tied to recent events or trends usually do better than general stories.
E. Follow Up the Right Way
If you don’t hear back, that doesn’t mean the answer is no. Many journalists miss or forget to open emails.
Wait about a week before following up. Keep your message polite and short. You can offer to adjust your angle or add something new.
If you still don’t get a reply, move on and try someone else. Timing often matters more than the actual pitch.
Should You Work with a PR Agency?
Learning how to get featured in top publications takes time and planning. Getting attention from journalists involves building the right story, sending it to the right person, and following up without being ignored. That’s where a PR agency can be useful.
What PR Agencies Do
PR agencies manage your media outreach strategy. They know how to shape your story to match what editors want to publish.
They organize your media list, prepare your pitch, and help you stay on track. This structure makes it easier to focus on your goals while someone else handles the process.
Why Relationships with Journalists Matter
Agencies often know the people behind the inboxes. They pitch in ways that feel direct and personal, not automated.
These working relationships help your pitch get noticed instead of being deleted. Many journalists respond faster and more positively when a trusted contact reaches out.
This kind of access can take years to build on your own.
Sharpening Your Message
Many founders and business owners struggle to write stories that are media-ready. Agencies help turn your company updates into strong news angles.
They support your thought leadership positioning so your opinions sound relevant and timely to editors.
Whether you’re announcing new funding or sharing views on industry trends, the right framing increases your chances of being featured.
Doing It Yourself vs Hiring a PR Agency
Handling your own pitching can work. Some people write their own emails, research contacts, and eventually get published.
However, results take longer, and mistakes are common. If your pitch is off-topic or poorly timed, it may never be read.
PR firms help you avoid those problems and move faster. That comes at a cost, but it usually means fewer delays and more coverage. Some firms, like Baden Bower, even offer guaranteed PR from $990. This option gives smaller brands a practical way to get earned coverage.
Understanding Earned Media and Paid Media
Agencies help you get both types of exposure:
- Earned media happens when a journalist publishes your story without payment. It depends on timing, relevance, and quality.
- Paid media includes sponsored articles and branded content. You pay for these, but you control the message.
Both methods have value. PR firms help you choose the right mix depending on your goals and budget.
Should You Work with a PR Agency?
If your goal is to learn how to get featured in top publications, working with a PR agency can make the process easier and faster.
Agencies know how to plan outreach, shape your message, and use their journalist connections effectively.
You could do it yourself, but working with a team often improves your chances of success.
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Other Media Channels That Support Your Authority
Getting media attention isn’t limited to major magazine covers or high-profile interviews. There are several other ways to raise your visibility and connect with the right audience.
These include blog contributions, podcast interviews, online panels, sponsored content, and consistent activity on platforms like LinkedIn.
Guest Blogging and Contributed Articles
Guest blogging still works. It’s a solid way to share your insights and attract new attention. Platforms like Inc., Fast Company, and niche industry blogs often accept submissions from professionals who have something useful to say.
When writing or pitching a guest article, aim to provide fresh ideas or real-life examples. Avoid repeating what’s already out there. Editors want content that adds value for their readers.
Before you pitch, take time to understand the publication’s tone and topics. Tailor your message so it fits their style. Think of this as building a media outreach strategy—smart and intentional.
Sponsored Editorial Placements and Paid Media
Sponsored editorial content gives you more control over where your story appears and how it’s told. Paid media includes articles or features that are marked as sponsored, often placed on platforms like Entrepreneur.com or Yahoo Finance.
Being clear that something is sponsored helps build trust with readers. Paid placements can be effective, especially when timing and message control matter. The key is to treat them with the same quality and care you’d give to an earned story.
Podcasts and Industry Panels
The global podcast audience reached 504.9 million in 2024, up from 464.7 million in 2023. It’s expected to pass 619 million by 2026. That kind of growth makes podcast appearances a smart choice for getting noticed.
Podcasts and industry panels allow you to explain your ideas in more detail. This format suits people who want to share knowledge and opinions without being limited to short quotes.
To get invited, send a pitch that highlights a useful or timely topic. Show that you’ve listened to the show and understand what their listeners value.
LinkedIn and Video Interviews
LinkedIn has become a strong platform for building visibility. Posting consistently—whether it’s short updates, commentary, or short videos—helps others see your value.
Recording video interviews or joining online discussions also works well. Even simple formats, like Zoom interviews posted on YouTube or LinkedIn Live, can make a difference.
The goal is to keep showing up with information that others find useful or interesting. This helps build your thought leadership positioning over time.
Your Path to Being Featured Starts with Strategy
Getting featured in top publications doesn’t require fame or insider connections. It starts with sharing useful ideas and knowing who to send them to. If you have something relevant to say, editors will pay attention.
This post explained how to get featured in top publications, from crafting a strong pitch to finding a newsworthy angle.
Instead of chasing attention, focus on being helpful and consistent. Editors prefer clear stories over self-promotion.
Trust builds over time. One feature won’t change everything, but a steady flow of relevant content can. Whether you write your own pitches or work with a PR team, staying focused and showing value matters most.
If you’re ready to get noticed by major outlets, take a look at our brand amplifier and see how Baden Bower can support your media goals.
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