Pam Perry's Platform Building and Branding Tips

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

How to Get Featured in Forbes: Your Ultimate Power Guide

Getting featured in Forbes isn’t just about grabbing a coveted media spotlight—it’s a boss move that can catapult your brand, business, or career to new heights. Forbes is the gold standard for thought leadership, featuring visionaries, disruptors, and game-changers. But here’s the deal: getting noticed by Forbes requires more than just a flashy resume. You need strategy, storytelling, and some serious media savvy. Let’s break it down: Why Forbes Matters Forbes isn’t just a magazine; it’s a global stage. A feature here means credibility, visibility, and access to a network of movers and shakers. Whether you're a tech innovator, an entrepreneur with a killer idea, or a thought leader in your field, Forbes can amplify your story to an audience that matters. Step 1: Understand Forbes and Its Audience Editorial Vibes: Forbes covers entrepreneurship, innovation, finance, leadership, and lifestyle—anything that’s making waves in business and culture. Who Reads Forbes? High-net-worth individuals, executives, entrepreneurs, and global change-makers. They want insights that are sharp, actionable, and inspiring. 💡 Pro Tip: Research Forbes’ editorial calendar. Timing your pitch around special themes like “30 Under 30” or “Most Powerful Women” can up your chances of success. Step 2: Build a Story Worth Telling Forbes loves stories that inspire and inform. To get noticed: Be Unique: What’s your game-changing angle? Are you disrupting your industry, solving a big problem, or making an impact? Show Proof: Back your story with data, metrics, and real-world results. Numbers don’t lie—and Forbes loves receipts. Be Human: Share the journey, not just the success. Talk about the challenges, failures, and lessons that got you where you are. Step 3: Network Like a Pro Relationships are everything in PR. To connect with Forbes editors: Engage on Social Media: Follow editors and journalists on LinkedIn and Twitter. Comment on their articles with insights that add value. Personalize Your Outreach: Reference their past work when pitching. Show them you’re paying attention. Be Consistent: Building relationships takes time. Start engaging before you pitch, so they know who you are when your email lands. Step 4: Nail Your Pitch Your pitch is your elevator to the Forbes penthouse. Keep it short, sweet, and strategic: Hook Them Fast: Open with a compelling line that grabs their attention. Focus on Value: Why does your story matter right now? How does it fit Forbes’ audience and themes? Make it Easy: Include all the essentials—your story, key points, data, and contact info. 💡 Pro Tip: Timing is everything. Don’t pitch during big events or holidays when journalists are swamped. Step 5: Leverage Your Digital Presence In today’s media landscape, your online presence can make or break you. Be Social: Share thought leadership content on LinkedIn, Medium, or Twitter. Tag Forbes writers (when relevant) to catch their eye. Content is King: Write blogs or record podcasts that showcase your expertise. Consistent, high-quality content builds credibility. Hashtag Strategy: Use relevant hashtags to make your posts discoverable. Step 6: Prepare for the Spotlight Landing a feature is just the start. Here’s how to shine once you’re in the Forbes pipeline: Media Training: Practice delivering your key messages clearly and confidently. Be Ready for Tough Questions: Journalists will probe deeper than surface-level fluff—be prepared to back up your claims. Follow Up Like a Pro: Send a thank-you email after interviews. Share the published piece widely and tag the journalist to amplify their work. Bonus Routes: Forbes Councils & Guest Contributions Forbes Councils: An invite-only community where industry leaders share insights. Membership comes with opportunities to publish articles directly on Forbes.com. Guest Contributions: Pitch a well-written thought leadership piece. Forbes loves unique, actionable insights that align with their themes. 💡 Pro Tip: Being a consistent contributor can open the door to larger features. Keep the Momentum Going Getting featured is just the beginning. To keep the buzz alive: Leverage Your Feature: Share it across all platforms—email, social media, website. It’s a PR goldmine. Stay Visible: Keep creating and sharing content that builds on your Forbes narrative. Expand Your Reach: Use your feature as a credential when pitching to other top-tier outlets. Ready to Get Started? Want to fast-track your journey to Forbes? Let’s work together. At PamPerryPR, we’ve got the strategies, relationships, and expertise to get your brand the media attention it deserves. 📧 Email us today at staff@pamperrypr.com or call 248-690-6810. Let’s make your story Forbes-worthy! Remember: Getting featured in Forbes isn’t luck—it’s strategy. If you’ve got the story, we’ve got the blueprint to help you shine. Time to get out there and get known! 💼✨