In today’s competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Public relations (PR) is a valuable tool to help entrepreneurs establish themselves as industry experts, increase visibility, and attract new business opportunities. By securing coverage in top publications, entrepreneurs can reach a wider audience and build credibility that can lead to increased trust and revenue.
But how can entrepreneurs effectively navigate the world of PR and get their businesses featured in top publications? That’s where PR expert John White comes in. John is a former Inc. Magazine columnist who has been featured in dozens of major publications, and he knows what it takes to get noticed by journalists and editors.
In this article, John shares his tips on how to get featured in top publications in 2023. From being newsworthy yourself to newsjacking and leveraging social media, John’s insights can help entrepreneurs establish themselves as thought leaders and secure valuable coverage in the press.
1. Be Newsworthy
The first step to getting featured in top publications is ensuring you and your business are newsworthy. This means having a unique story to tell or a fresh perspective on a relevant topic. Journalists and editors always seek exciting stories and unique insights, so ensure your business has something valuable to offer.
2. Newsjack Your Way In
Another way to get featured in top publications is to newsjack. Newsjacking is the process of providing expert commentary on a story that is already trending. By offering your unique insights on a breaking news story, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by journalists and editors looking for expert commentary.
3. Quality Pitches, Not Quantity
Quality is far more critical than quantity when pitching your business to journalists and editors. So instead of sending out mass emails to hundreds of journalists, take the time to research the publication and the journalist you’re pitching to. Then, craft a personalized pitch highlighting why your story is relevant to their readership and why you are the best person to provide expert commentary.
4. Get Featured in Smaller Publications First
If you’re starting out, aiming for smaller publications first is a good idea. Not only is it easier to get coverage in smaller publications, but it can also help to build your Google portfolio as an expert. The first thing a writer or editor at a significant publication will do if they consider you for a story is Google you. They will have difficulty taking your pitch seriously if nothing or very little comes up. By building a portfolio of smaller publications, you can establish your expertise and increase your chances of getting noticed by more prominent publications.
5. Use Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs looking to get featured in top publications. You can establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry by building a solid presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. This can catch the attention of journalists and editors, who may be interested in featuring you in their publications.
6. Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Industry events and conferences are great opportunities to meet journalists and editors face-to-face. Attending these events lets you network with industry professionals, share your expertise, and build relationships with key media contacts. This can increase your chances of getting featured in top publications.
Use the event hashtag to find which journalists will be covering the event. Engage with their tweets. Then send them a DM letting them know you will be attending and are available as an expert source for their articles covering the event.
According to John, implementing these strategies can help entrepreneurs establish themselves as thought leaders and get noticed by journalists and editors. “Getting featured in top publications is a powerful way to build your brand and establish yourself as an industry expert,” says White. “By following these tips and being patient and persistent, you can increase your chances of securing valuable coverage in the press.”
Getting featured in top publications is a valuable way for entrepreneurs to establish themselves as thought leaders and build their brand’s credibility. By being newsworthy, newsjacking, crafting quality pitches, building a portfolio of smaller publications, leveraging social media, and attending industry events, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of getting noticed by journalists and editors. By following these tips and being persistent, entrepreneurs can secure valuable coverage in the press and take their businesses to the next level.
