3 Steps To Pitching To Major Publications

Pitching to major publications doesn’t have to be terrifying.

Publications that you have only read but never imagined being featured in, has room for you. I get it, the possibility of being a part of something so big can feel a little daunting, almost impossible and an unlikely accomplishment.

But, I’m here to tell you that it’s easier than you think!

Everyone has a story to share, whether it’s what they stand for as an individual or a story they themselves wrote or dreamt up – it should be shared and shared on the RIGHT platform.

Now imagine being published in Huffington Post or Forbes Magazine.

Imagine the impact your story could have or the exposure that could mean for you as an entrepreneur. Not only is it an exciting thing to have to happen, but it can be a great way to have new clients find you, to brand yourself appropriately, and to get a story out there that you feel needs to be heard.

WHERE DO I START?

STEP ONE:
Determine if you are seeking to contribute your own work or if you would like to be featured (Have someone else write the article about you)

Knowing this step is KEY.

Do you need someone to publicize you as a figurehead or as a subject matter expert in your field?
Do people need to know who you are?
s what you have to say more important?
Have you written something that needs a platform like the publication you are trying to pitch to?

STEP TWO:
Contact someone to present your ideas.

Regardless of whether you want to contribute or be featured you can contact anyone within the publication or company and ask for the email address of someone in marketing.

This very basic step has been a fail-safe for me.

That aside, I have a few tips that have worked for me and are unique to whether I was seeking to be featured or seeking to contribute content I wanted to be in a specific publication.
To contribute:

Go to the publication’s website and find a link at the bottom of their web page that says “Press” or “Pitch.”

Usually, they make it pretty easy for you to submit your ideas and request to be published. Your article should be ready to go even before you submit. Typically you hear back within 48-72hr if your article was accepted.

To be featured:

1. Do your research. Be sure that the publication you would like to be featured in is consistent with the material you are suggesting.
2. Read recent articles and ensure that the writer you want to reach out to has written about people in your industry.
3. Reach out to someone within the website or publication that you would like to contribute to or be featured in. The fastest way to get connected is to ask for an email address of someone in their marketing department.

Twitter is a great tool for press.
Reaching out to an editor there is a great way to ensure you’ll get the right email.

Getting featured is usually a fast process.

My biggest advice is to always leverage your network first. Find friends or family who have connections within the world of publication that can throw you a bone. It always helps!

STEP THREE: Send an email with a very direct subject line.

When I was seeking to be featured my subject line was “A Latina That Travelled the world with $14k and a social mission.” Short, to the point and SEO friendly.

Remember, make the email short and sweet. You aren’t writing the feature FOR them. You want the editor to reach back out to interview you so that THEY can write an article about you.

Regardless of what you do, make sure to follow some basic corporate etiquette and send a thank-you email to whoever helped you make this happen.

If you stay dedicated to your craft and you pick the right publication for the type of material you have to offer, you will be published or featured before you know it!