Securing a feature article in a publication like Forbes is a goal for many professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Forbes, with its prominent readership and established reputation, offers a significant platform for visibility and credibility. This guide outlines practical strategies for increasing one’s chances of being featured. It details the steps involved, from understanding Forbes’ editorial landscape to crafting compelling pitches and building relationships with editors and contributors.
Understanding the Forbes Editorial Landscape
Forbes operates on a contributor model, known as the Forbes Councils and Forbes.com contributor network. This system allows a broad range of experts to publish content directly on their platform. While contributing to Forbes.com yourself is an option, a feature article typically implies an editorial piece written about you or your organization by a Forbes staff writer or a prominent Forbes contributor. Understanding this distinction is crucial.
Forbes Staff Writers vs. Contributors
Forbes staff writers are full-time employees responsible for original reporting, investigative pieces, and in-depth profiles. These individuals often cover specific beats, such as technology, finance, or entrepreneurship. Achieving a feature from a staff writer generally signifies a higher level of editorial validation and requires a more traditional public relations approach.
Forbes contributors, on the other hand, are external experts who publish content under their own byline. While they are selected for their expertise, their articles are technically opinion pieces or insights from their respective fields. A contributor might write about a company or individual if it aligns with their editorial agenda or if they perceive it as newsworthy and relevant to their audience.
Target Audiences and Content Pillars
Forbes caters to a broad audience primarily composed of business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals. Its content pillars generally revolve around:
- Business: Strategy, management, leadership, industry trends, market analysis.
- Finance & Investing: Personal finance, wealth management, stock market, venture capital.
- Technology: Innovation, startups, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, disruptive technologies.
- Entrepreneurship: Startup stories, growth hacks, funding, challenges, success narratives.
- Lifestyle: Luxury, travel, philanthropy, career development, health and wellness for professionals.
Aligning your narrative with these core pillars increases the likelihood of resonating with Forbes’ editorial priorities. Your story must be a key that fits one of these locks.
Developing a Compelling Narrative
A feature article is not merely a press release. It’s a story. Editors are seeking narratives that are insightful, impactful, and offer a clear takeaway for their readership.
Identifying Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Before approaching Forbes, articulate what makes your story exceptional. This is your personal differentiator, the value proposition that makes you stand out from the crowd. Consider:
- Innovation: Have you developed a groundbreaking technology or business model?
- Impact: Has your work led to significant social, economic, or environmental change?
- Overcoming Adversity: Does your journey involve overcoming substantial challenges to achieve success?
- Thought Leadership: Do you possess unique insights or a contrarian perspective on a relevant industry trend?
- Growth Story: Have you achieved remarkable growth in a short period, or scaled a business against conventional wisdom?
Your USP should be clearly definable and defensible. It’s the central thread of your narrative.
Crafting a Story Arc
Every compelling story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. For a Forbes feature, this often translates to:
- Introduction: Hook the reader with a compelling problem, an unexpected revelation, or a bold claim.
- Rising Action: Detail the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the decisions made. This is where the struggle and the ingenuity come to light.
- Climax: Present the turning point, the breakthrough, or the moment of significant achievement.
- Falling Action: Discuss the implications of this achievement, its impact, and the lessons learned.
- Resolution: Offer a forward-looking perspective, the future trajectory, or a broader insight for the reader.
This structure provides a framework for a nuanced and engaging article.
Providing Tangible Data and Evidence
Claims alone are insufficient. Support your narrative with quantifiable data, case studies, testimonials, and verifiable achievements. For instance, instead of saying “our company grew significantly,” state “our company achieved 300% year-over-year revenue growth for the past three fiscal quarters, outperforming industry averages by 50%.” Concrete evidence lends credibility to your story and provides editors with material for a factual and authoritative article.
Strategic Outreach and Pitching
Pitching is a nuanced art. It requires research, personalization, and an understanding of journalistic workflows. Avoid generic, templated emails.
Researching Relevant Editors and Contributors
This is perhaps the most critical step. Identify Forbes staff writers or contributors who regularly cover your industry, your specific niche, or stories similar to yours.
- Analyze Past Articles: Read their recent articles. What topics do they cover? What angles do they typically take? What kind of sources do they cite?
- Check Social Media: Many journalists are active on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or LinkedIn. This can provide insight into their current interests and preferred communication methods.
- Review Their Byline: Look for their email address or contact information, which is often included in their author bio.
Targeting the right individual is like aiming a precisely calibrated arrow; a scattergun approach is rarely effective.
Crafting a Personalized Pitch
Your pitch email is your first, and often only, chance to make an impression. It should be concise, compelling, and tailored directly to the recipient.
- Subject Line: Make it intriguing and relevant. For example: “Exclusive: How [Your Company Name] Leveraged AI to [Achieve Remarkable Result] – A Story for Your [Beat] Coverage.”
- Personalized Opening: Acknowledge their recent work or a specific article. Demonstrate you’ve done your homework. “I read your recent piece on [Topic] and was particularly struck by [Specific Point].”
- The Hook (Your Story in Brief): Immediately introduce your compelling narrative. What is unique, timely, or impactful about your story?
- The “Why Now” Factor: Why is this story relevant today? Is there a recent trend, an industry event, or a new development that makes your story particularly pertinent?
- Supporting Evidence & Data (Concise): Briefly mention key metrics or achievements without overwhelming them.
- Call to Action: Suggest a brief conversation, an exclusive interview, or offer to provide more detailed information.
- Professional Closing: Keep it brief and respectful of their time.
Avoid attaching large files in the initial email. Offer to send a press kit or additional materials if they express interest.
Following Up Strategically
Journalists are inundated with emails. A single follow-up, timed appropriately (e.g., 5-7 business days after the initial pitch), can be effective. This follow-up should reiterate your pitch’s essence, perhaps offer a new angle, and confirm your availability. Avoid incessant follow-ups, as this can be counterproductive. Persistence is good; pestering is not.
Building Relationships and Credibility
A feature article is often the culmination of sustained effort and relationship building, rather than a one-off transaction.
Becoming a Recognized Expert
Position yourself as a reliable source of information and insights in your field.
- Publish Thought Leadership: Contribute to industry journals, blogs, or your own professional platform. Demonstrate your expertise publicly.
- Speak at Conferences: Presenting at reputable industry events elevates your profile and signals your status as a thought leader.
- Engage on Social Media: Participate in relevant discussions, share informed opinions, and engage with journalists and other thought leaders.
When journalists are seeking an expert for a quote or an opinion, you want to be among the first people they consider.
Networking with Journalists and Contributors
Attend industry events where journalists are present. LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for connecting professionally. If you meet a journalist, respect their time, and focus on genuine conversation rather than an immediate pitch. The goal is to build rapport, not to make an instant sale.
Consider offering value without expecting an immediate return. For example, if you see a journalist covering a topic where you have valuable, unbiased data, you might share that data as a general resource, rather than immediately pitching your own company.
Offering Exclusive Insights and Data
Journalists are constantly seeking fresh, exclusive content. If you have proprietary data, unique case studies, or early access to information about emerging trends, offering this exclusively to a Forbes writer can be a powerful incentive. This demonstrates your commitment to providing valuable content and positions you as a trusted source. This is the intellectual currency of a journalist.
The Interview and Follow-Up Phase
| Metrics | Data |
|---|---|
| Number of feature articles in Forbes | 100 |
| Success rate of securing a feature article | 80% |
| Recommended length of pitch | 200-300 words |
| Key elements of a successful pitch | Unique angle, relevance to Forbes audience, compelling story |
| Timeframe for follow-up after initial pitch | 1-2 weeks |
Once an editor or contributor expresses interest, the real work begins. Your responsiveness and preparation will heavily influence the quality and speed of the article’s production.
Preparing for the Interview
Treat the interview as an opportunity to elaborate on your narrative and provide rich details.
- Anticipate Questions: Consider what aspects of your story the journalist will find most interesting or newsworthy. Prepare concise, clear answers.
- Have Data Ready: Be prepared to back up all claims with specific numbers, dates, and verifiable facts.
- Prepare Specific Examples: Illustrate your points with anecdotes, case studies, and concrete examples. Instead of explaining “innovation,” describe a specific product or process you innovated.
- Identify Key Messages: What are the 2-3 core takeaways you want the reader to remember after the article? Ensure these messages are woven throughout your responses.
- Designate a Spokesperson: If it’s a team effort, ensure the designated spokesperson is articulate, knowledgeable, and well-prepared.
Being Responsive and Cooperative
Journalists often work under tight deadlines. Respond promptly to requests for additional information, quotes, or clarification. Provide high-resolution images as needed, and ensure all factual information is accurate. Be a facilitator, not an obstacle.
Reviewing and Fact-Checking (Where Applicable)
While you typically won’t have editorial control over the article’s final wording, many journalists will offer to share key quotes or factual statements for review to ensure accuracy. Seize this opportunity to catch any factual errors, but avoid attempting to rewrite the piece or inject promotional language. Focus strictly on factual accuracy.
Securing a feature article in Forbes is a significant achievement that can elevate your profile and enhance your credibility. It requires strategic planning, a compelling narrative, targeted outreach, and consistent relationship building. By understanding the editorial process and focusing on delivering genuine value, you can significantly increase your chances of being featured. Remember, excellence in your field, combined with strategic communication, forms the bedrock of a successful Forbes feature.
FAQs
1. What is the process for securing a guaranteed feature article in Forbes?
To secure a guaranteed feature article in Forbes, it is important to build a strong relationship with the editors and journalists at the publication. This can be done through networking, providing valuable insights and information, and pitching unique and newsworthy story ideas.
2. What are some insider tips for increasing the chances of getting a feature article in Forbes?
Some insider tips for increasing the chances of getting a feature article in Forbes include understanding the publication’s audience and editorial style, providing exclusive data or insights, and leveraging personal connections or industry expertise.
3. What strategies can be used to stand out and capture the attention of Forbes editors?
To stand out and capture the attention of Forbes editors, it is important to tailor pitches to align with the publication’s focus areas and to provide a fresh perspective or unique angle on a topic. Additionally, showcasing a strong track record of success or expertise in a particular industry can help to differentiate a pitch.
4. How can one effectively pitch a story idea to Forbes for a feature article?
To effectively pitch a story idea to Forbes for a feature article, it is important to craft a compelling and concise pitch that clearly outlines the newsworthiness and relevance of the story. This can include providing exclusive data, offering a unique perspective, and demonstrating the potential impact of the story on Forbes’ audience.
5. What are the benefits of securing a feature article in Forbes for a business or individual?
Securing a feature article in Forbes can provide significant visibility and credibility for a business or individual. It can help to enhance brand reputation, attract new customers or clients, and establish thought leadership within a particular industry. Additionally, it can lead to increased opportunities for partnerships, speaking engagements, and media coverage.
