HOW TO GET PUBLISHED IN FORBES

Forbes is one of the most widely read and influential business publications in the world. Getting an article published in Forbes can be a major boon for your personal brand or business. However, Forbes receives thousands of pitches and submissions every day, so it's highly competitive to get published. Here's a detailed guide on tactics and best practices to improve your chances of publication in Forbes.

Know What Forbes Looks For in Writers and Stories

The first key is understanding what kinds of stories, perspectives, and writers succeed at Forbes so you can tailor your pitch appropriately. Some tips:

• Insightful business advice or analysis: Forbes favors stories that provide actionable tips, fresh data or research, or insights that help entrepreneurs, leaders, and businesses succeed. Avoid self-promotional, advertorial content.

• Powerful viewpoints from influencers: Thought leadership from recognized leaders, executives, and professionals resonates well with the Forbes audience. Make sure you have the credentials or expertise to write authoritatively on the topic.

• Trending business, tech, and leadership topics: Stories on trending topics perform well due to high reader interest. But avoid rehashing what's already been covered and find your own unique angle.

• Practical lessons from personal experience: Articles that share first-hand experiences, mistakes learned, observations, and life lessons from your own career can connect with readers. But tie it back to broader business insights.

• Controversial/contrarian ideas: Forbes has a history of publishing controversial viewpoints that challenge conventional thinking while providing data and reasoned arguments to back up claims. Know how to stir debate intelligently.

Understand the Different Ways You Can Get PublisheD

There are a few paths to getting your work on Forbes:

Pitch to Editors for Forbes Articles

• Study submission guidelines and pitch article ideas specific to each section

• Target editors that cover your expertise area

• Follow pitch guidelines (ex: brief summary, why it fits Forbes, credentials, short bio)

• Be persistent and patient; most pitches require follow up

Apply to Be a Forbes Contributor

• Build your qualifications and portfolio

• Send strong writing samples when applying

• Go through a contributor vetting process

• Commit to regular contribution cadence

Participate in Forbes Expert Panels

• Apply to relevant expert panels based on your niche

• Participate in panel surveys, debates, roundtables

• The publication is more likely when you stand out and regularly contribute

Craft Your Pitch and Story Angle Strategically

Follow these best practices for crafting pitches and article angles that appeal to Forbes:

• Choose compelling, specific titles and headlines that grab attention

• Lead with the most intriguing element - data, story, insight, controversy

• Convey why the story matters now - tie it to current events and trends

• Explain what makes your perspective unique - personal experience, expertise, research

• Stress actionable, substantive insights - go beyond surface commentary

• Highlight what makes the piece a good fit for Forbes' readership and interests

Optimize Your Article for Readability

Forbes values clear, concise, and compelling writing. Some readability tips:

• Cut the fluff: Pare down wordy sentences. Stick to the Necessary words

• Structure with subheads: Break up Long sections. Make skimmable

• Explain jargon: Define terms and concepts Clearly for broad audiences

• Use examples and anecdotes: Illustrate complex ideas Simply Through stories and data

• Employ active voice: Prefer "Jane Smith led the account" Over "The account was led By Jane Smith."

• Limit paragraphs to 3-5 sentences. Avoid Dense blocks of text.

Promote Your Article After Publication

Don't stop once your piece goes live. Promote it to expand your reach:

• Share on social media: Tweet, post on LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.

• Pitch relevant journalists/newsletters to help amplify

• Send to industry peers/contacts who may find it interesting

• Share with your email newsletter subscribers - include an excerpt

• Monitor comments and interact thoughtfully with readers

Getting published in a top outlet like Forbes takes persistence, skill, and an understanding of what resonates with their readership. But by studying their guidelines, honing your angle, and optimizing the presentation of your piece, you can greatly boost your chances of acceptance. The payoff in credibility and exposure is well worth the effort.

Table of Tips for Getting Published in Forbes

Goal

Action Items

• Understand preferences

• Study submission guidelines

• Read a variety of pieces in your section

• Research editors and contributors

• Build relevant expertise

• Establish credentials and thought leadership

• Get published in other reputable outlets first

• Craft compelling pitch

• Focus on the intriguing hook, timely angle

• Demonstrate unique perspective and personality

• Show substantive business insights

• Write sharply

• Tighten phrasing

• Use subheads, examples, anecdotes

• Define terms/concepts clearly

• Promote widely

• Share on social media

• Pitch journalists and influencers

• Send to industry peers/contacts

• Add to email newsletter/website

Getting an article published in Forbes can greatly boost any writer's career. However, it's extremely competitive, with only a tiny fraction of pitches making it through. This post covers proven strategies to stand out and increase your chances of publication.

Understand The Audience

Forbes readers are mostly entrepreneurs, investors, executives, and other business leaders looking for actionable insights on finance, leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, marketing, and wealth management. When crafting your pitch, ensure your angle appeals to this audience. Demonstrate how your expertise and unique perspective will provide value to busy C-suite professionals.

Pick A Hot Trending Topic

Aim for ultra-relevant articles on pressing current issues and emerging trends. Timely cutting-edge subject matter performs best. Forbes wants insightful analysis of major news events, fresh data-backed research, trends shaping industries, and thought-provoking contrarian takes.

Provide Practical 'How To' Advice

While Forbes publishes news analysis, they favor articles focused on strategies readers can implement immediately to improve their business and career. Use an instructive 'how to' style to highlight tangible tips, frameworks, and action plans executives can follow. Demonstrate your subject matter mastery through specific recommendations.

Craft A Strong Headline

You have a few seconds to grab the reader's attention. Craft a compelling headline highlighting the key benefit of your piece. Include power words conveying the value-add. For instance, "5 Ways To Reduce Churn And Grow Lifetime Value". Check what's currently trending for clues on phrases that resonate.

Know Submission Guidelines

Study the Forbes submission guidelines closely. Pitch relevant sections like Entrepreneurs, Finance, Leadership, Innovation, Marketing, Consumer Tech, and Business Development. Email exact contacts for your topic area. Follow the requested pitch format and length. Mention any connection to Forbes.

Build Your Reputation First

Forbes is more likely to publish writers who already have an established track record submitting to reputable outlets. Build credibility by regularly contributing to popular blogs, business journals, major newspapers, and magazines. Get feedback from editors on improving your writing.

Pitch Like A Pro

Craft a compelling brief pitch highlighting the uniqueness of your idea, credentials, and why it's a perfect brand fit. Reference specific Forbes articles your piece complements or improves on. Namedrop influential people who would enjoy your piece. Follow up politely but don't be pushy.

Interview Thought Leaders

Increase chances of acceptance by including quotes from business leaders and experts. Reach out for interviews highlighting their insights tied to your angle. A mix of perspectives adds more value for readers.

Optimize With SEO Best Practices

Incorporate relevant keywords naturally in your article and ensure topics are precisely aligned to current search volume and reader interest. Check Google Trends and headlines driving traffic. Bonus points for timely evergreen content.

Cut The Fluff, Get To The Point

Forbes values tight, concise writing. Hook readers quickly, stick to your thesis, and avoid verbose digressions. Every sentence should add value. Remove unnecessary adjectives, phrases, and paragraphs that meander.

Provide Data-Backed Proof

Back up insights with ample evidence: stats, case studies, academic research, expert analysis, company data, and survey results. Cite all sources. Forbes readers expect in-depth research and reporting, not just opinions.

Include Multimedia

Increase engagement by incorporating visual aids: images, videos, charts, graphics, and infographics. These make the dense text more digestible while conveying key data visually. Provide links to multimedia sources.

Know The Editorial Calendar

Aim to submit content tailored to upcoming special issues or themes on the editorial calendar. Pitch fits for relevant special editions and annual franchise issues (e.g., Women's Issue, Global Summit, Best Countries for Business).

Differentiate Yourself

Study what's already been published in your topic area. Offer something new: contrarian take, overlooked stats, timely examples, prescient forecasts. Provide a fresh framework or lens. Add value by filling gaps in existing coverage.

Nail The Conclusion

End with clear, succinct takeaways readers can immediately apply to accelerate their success. Restate the headline value prop. Add a call to action. Provide links to helpful resources.

Wrapping Up:

In summary, getting published in a prestigious outlet like Forbes takes persistence, great writing, targeted pitches, and bringing something new to the conversation. By optimizing your content for the audience, providing actionable advice, and staying abreast of topics valued by editors, you can substantially boost your odds. The journey may take time, but the effort pays dividends for your personal brand and company.