Writing for high-profile platforms like Forbes, BuzzFeed, or Inc.com is a great way to build credibility, expand your reach, and showcase your expertise.
However, the path to getting published on these platforms isn’t always straightforward. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you can take to get started:
1. Understand Each Platform’s Focus and Style
Each platform has its own tone, audience, and content preferences:
Forbes: Focuses on thought leadership, entrepreneurship, business strategies, and innovation. Articles often blend personal insights with data-driven analysis.
BuzzFeed: Known for its conversational tone, listicles, quizzes, and trending topics. Content often goes viral due to its relatable and shareable nature.
Inc.com: Caters to entrepreneurs, providing advice on leadership, startups, productivity, and business growth.
Spend time reading content on these platforms to understand their tone, format, and target audience. Tailoring your pitch to align with their focus is crucial.
2. Build Your Online Portfolio
Before approaching these platforms, you need a strong body of work to showcase your skills. Here’s how to create an impressive portfolio:
Start with a Blog: Publish articles on platforms like Medium, LinkedIn, or your own website. Focus on your area of expertise and demonstrate your ability to create engaging, valuable content.
Write for Smaller Publications: Start with niche websites or less competitive platforms to gain experience and credibility. Once you have published pieces, they can serve as references when pitching larger outlets.
Establish Your Personal Brand: Share your writing on social media and engage with your audience. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn are particularly useful for connecting with editors and other writers.
3. Network with Editors and Contributors
Networking is one of the fastest ways to break into high-profile publications. Here’s how:
Connect on LinkedIn: Search for editors, staff writers, or contributors for your target platform. Engage with their posts, send thoughtful messages, and build genuine relationships.
Follow Editors on Twitter: Many editors post about the kind of pitches they’re looking for. Following their tweets can give you direct insight into what they need.
Leverage Referrals: If you know someone who already writes for these platforms, ask for an introduction or advice. Referrals significantly improve your chances of getting noticed.
4. Pitch Your Ideas
Most publications accept pitches from freelance writers or contributors. Here’s how to craft a winning pitch:
Research the Submission Guidelines: Many platforms have detailed guidelines for submitting articles or pitches. For example: Forbes offers a Contributor Program that allows industry leaders and experts to write regularly. BuzzFeed has a community section for first-time writers, and successful contributors can move on to larger roles.Search their website or query editors directly to learn the submission process.
Write a Strong Pitch Email:Introduce yourself briefly and mention your expertise or background.Pitch a specific article idea that aligns with the platform’s audience. Include a clear title, summary, and why the topic is timely or relevant.Attach or link to a few writing samples that demonstrate your skills.
5. Join Contributor or Guest Programs
Some platforms, like Forbes, offer specific programs for contributors:
Forbes Contributor Program: Open to subject matter experts with established authority in their field. You typically need to demonstrate a strong professional background, proven expertise, and a portfolio of published work.
BuzzFeed Community:BuzzFeed allows anyone to submit content through its community section. High-performing pieces may lead to ongoing opportunities with the platform.
6. Deliver High-Quality Content
If your pitch is accepted, your first published piece is your chance to make a strong impression:
Meet Deadlines: Always submit your work on time.
Follow the Editorial Style: Adhere to the platform’s tone, format, and style guidelines.
Promote Your Work: Share the published piece across your social media channels to maximize its reach. Platforms notice contributors who drive traffic to their articles.
Challenges to Expect
While writing for these platforms is rewarding, it comes with challenges:
Competition: These sites receive hundreds of pitches daily, so standing out requires a unique angle or strong expertise.
Consistency: Even after publishing one article, maintaining a long-term relationship with these platforms can be demanding. You’ll need to pitch fresh ideas regularly.
Free Work: Some platforms, especially BuzzFeed’s community section, don’t pay for initial submissions. Decide if the exposure is worth the effort.
Final Tips
Stay Persistent: Rejections are common, especially when pitching high-profile platforms. Keep improving your craft and trying.
Narrow Your Niche: Platforms often prefer writers who are experts in a specific area rather than generalists.
Engage with the Writing Community: Join groups, forums, or writing communities where people share tips and opportunities.
Writing for platforms like Forbes, BuzzFeed, or inc.com is achievable with the right strategy. Focus on building your portfolio, networking with editors, and crafting standout pitches.
It may take time and persistence, but breaking into these publications can open doors to exciting opportunities and boost your professional credibility.
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