How to Get Publications to Write About Your Business
As an entrepreneur, telling your story and sharing your experiences can help build credibility, attract customers, and generate backlinks for your website. However, getting published isn't always easy. Here are some of the best strategies entrepreneurs can use to get their stories in front of an online audience.
You’re a Founder and You Want to Get Published? Target Niche Publications and Podcasts
One of the most effective ways to get published is by targeting niche publications and helpful podcasts for entrepreneurs that cater to your specific industry or area of expertise (such as start-up or business specific ones).
These publications and media outlets have a highly relevant, targeted readership that will be interested in your story.
Do your research to find blogs, magazines, podcasts and online journals that cover topics related to your business. Contact the editors and pitch exclusive story ideas that will provide value to their readers. Having a tailored angle will increase your chances of getting published.
Leverage Your Company’s Social Networks
Don't underestimate the power of your own social media networks. Look for opportunities to guest post on the blogs and websites of influencers in your field. Reach out to connections on LinkedIn and offer to share a story highlighting your expertise. You can also pitch local business publications and newspapers to get coverage that increases your visibility within your community. Make it as easy as possible for others to share your content by optimizing it for social sharing. The more people are talking about your story online, the more opportunities you'll get for wider publication.
Contribute to Industry Publications
Many trade publications and larger websites accept contributed articles from experts. Research industry websites and magazines to find their submission guidelines. Pitch prospective articles by highlighting how your story or expertise is uniquely relevant for their readership. Keep pitches brief but compelling. Focus on how your article will provide value rather than just promoting your business. Be prepared to write the article for free or for very little pay in exchange for the exposure and backlinks gained from being published.
Build Relationships with Bloggers
Identify popular bloggers in your space and start developing relationships with them. Comment frequently on their blogs, share their content on social media, and look for opportunities to guest post or be interviewed. Over time, bloggers may be more inclined to share your stories as well. You can also offer to create custom content for their sites, such as a series highlighting local entrepreneurs. The goal is to become a trusted source and build rapport so they are receptive when you pitch your own stories.
Publish on Entrepreneurial Platforms
Sites like Medium, LinkedIn, and your own blog are great platforms for entrepreneurs to publish longer form content. On Medium, publish stories that provide valuable lessons and insights related to entrepreneurship. On LinkedIn, write articles geared toward a professional audience. Having a published article on these platforms improves your online presence and expertise. They also allow other users to follow and engage with your content, potentially leading to new opportunities. Always optimize stories for search and share them widely on social media. We also offer a free platform for business owners and entrepreneurs to share their story. Just click here to get featured!
Pitch to Industry Publications (This is different from self-publishing.)
Larger industry publications and magazines may accept pitches for bylined articles if you have a truly unique perspective or experience. Research potential publications, take note of their submission guidelines, and pitch story ideas that directly relate to their readership. Make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications and why you are the right person to tell this particular story. Be prepared to provide references and samples if requested. Landing a placement in a major publication significantly raises your profile and credibility. Pitching is an intricate (and time consuming art). You’ll also want to read up on the latest rules, as well as any special formatting or administrative requests that the publication has for pitches - so that you have the best chance of getting your start-up story published.
Leverage Conferences and Events
Look for opportunities to write about conferences you attend or to be interviewed at entrepreneurial events. Reach out to organizers and publications covering the event in advance. Pitch prospective previews highlighting speakers or post-event wrap-ups recapping key takeaways. Event coverage increases your visibility and allows you to make valuable connections. It also demonstrates your expertise to a wider audience. Consider speaking at local meetups and conferences as well to gain additional exposure for your entrepreneurial story.
Write for Your Industry Association
Trade associations and professional organizations in your field often publish newsletters, magazines, and websites. Reach out to editors and volunteer to write articles, case studies, or bylined columns related to common challenges and solutions within your industry. This is a great way to establish yourself as a thought leader while also promoting your business to a highly targeted readership. Associations may also allow you to republish the content on your own site and social channels.
Doing Research Online
If you want to tell your founder story for free online, it's a good idea to do some research on Google first. Here are the steps:
Search Google for "tell your founder story for free online". This will surface websites, blogs and articles that discuss free ways to share your founder narrative.
Look through the results and click on some of the top links. Pay attention to sites that are dedicated to startups, entrepreneurship or marketing. These may have dedicated guides or templates.
Expand your search by including additional related terms like "founder profile", "company history" or "executive bio". This will turn up more resources on crafting your story.
Take note of any sites, blogs or online profiles that allow you to directly input your story. LinkedIn, Crunchbase and other founder directories are good options to consider.
As you find helpful articles or profiles, look at the links and citations within them. Click through to other relevant sources for more information and angles to approach your story.
Getting backlinks and having your founder profile listed on relevant industry sites and directories can help with your company's search engine optimization (SEO). As you share your story for free in online profiles and guest posts, it builds backlinks back to your own company site. Over time, this helps your site rank higher in Google for founder, executive and company name searches. Developing a strong online presence through your story is a free and effective way to boost your SEO.
The most important things are crafting compelling, value-driven stories and finding creative ways to get them in front of your target audiences. With persistence and strategic outreach, entrepreneurs can successfully gain online publication placements that raise their profile while also driving traffic and links back to their website. Focus on quality, original content tailored to reader needs, and opportunities will continue emerging over time.
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