Securing a feature on Business Insider, one of the most respected business publications globally, can catapult your brand, business, or personal profile to new heights. With millions of readers spanning entrepreneurs, professionals, and industry leaders, a mention on this platform carries immense credibility and visibility. However, getting featured requires a strategic approach, a compelling story, and an understanding of what resonates with their audience.
In this guide, we’ll explore actionable steps to help you achieve this goal.
Why Getting Featured on Business Insider Matters
Before diving into the how-to, it’s crucial to understand why being featured on Business Insider is valuable:
1. Massive Audience Reach
Business Insider attracts millions of monthly readers across the globe. A feature can instantly put your brand in front of a diverse and influential audience.
2. Credibility Boost
Being featured on a reputable platform enhances your authority in your field. It’s a stamp of approval that sets you apart from competitors.
3. SEO and Traffic Benefits
Articles on Business Insider rank highly on search engines. A backlink from the platform can drive substantial traffic to your website and improve your site’s SEO.
4. Networking Opportunities
A feature can open doors to collaborations, partnerships, and connections with industry leaders who read Business Insider.
Research and Preparation
1. Understand Business Insider’s Content Style
Business Insider covers a broad range of topics, including finance, technology, entrepreneurship, career advice, and lifestyle. Spend time reading their articles to grasp their tone, style, and the kind of stories they prioritize.
- Look for trends in their content.
- Analyze the language and structure of articles.
- Identify recurring themes that align with your expertise or business.
2. Identify the Right Section
Not all content on Business Insider is relevant to every audience. Pinpoint the section that best aligns with your niche. For example:
- Tech and Startups for tech entrepreneurs.
- Strategy for career-related advice.
- Investing for finance professionals.
3. Find the Right Journalist
Journalists have beats—specific topics they cover. Use LinkedIn, Twitter, or Business Insider’s masthead to find journalists who write about your industry.
- Build a list of potential contacts.
- Note their email addresses or social media handles for outreach.
Crafting Your Story
1. Focus on a Unique Angle
Business Insider values stories that offer fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, or data-backed insights. Ask yourself:
- What makes your story newsworthy?
- How does your expertise, product, or service solve a problem?
- Do you have exclusive data, a groundbreaking innovation, or a compelling human-interest angle?
2. Highlight the Human Element
Stories with a personal touch resonate deeply with readers. Share challenges, failures, or lessons learned that led to your success. This builds an emotional connection with the audience.
3. Leverage Timeliness
Tie your story to current trends, news events, or industry developments. A timely angle increases the chances of your story being picked up.
4. Prepare Supporting Materials
Journalists appreciate well-organized resources. Include:
- High-quality images or videos.
- Press releases or fact sheets.
- Relevant data or statistics.
Building Relationships with Journalists
1. Engage on Social Media
Follow journalists on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn. Comment on and share their articles to establish rapport.
2. Personalize Your Outreach
When reaching out, avoid generic pitches. Instead:
- Reference a specific article they’ve written.
- Explain why your story aligns with their interests.
- Be concise but compelling.
Example Email Template:
Subject: Story Idea for [Journalist’s Name]: [Your Unique Angle]
Hi [Journalist’s Name],
I’ve been an avid reader of your work, especially your recent piece on [Topic]. It inspired me to share a story that might interest you.
[Briefly describe your story in 2-3 sentences.]
I’d love to discuss this further and provide any additional information or resources you might need.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
3. Be Patient and Persistent
Journalists receive hundreds of pitches daily. Follow up politely if you don’t get a response within a week or two.
Alternative Strategies to Get Featured
1. Contribute as a Guest Author
Business Insider occasionally publishes guest articles from industry experts. Check their guidelines and submit a pitch that showcases your expertise.
2. Leverage PR Firms
If budget permits, hire a PR agency with connections to Business Insider. They can help craft your pitch and facilitate introductions to the right journalists.
3. Collaborate with Influencers
Partner with influencers who have existing relationships with Business Insider. A mention in their content could increase your visibility to the platform’s editors.
Dos and Don’ts of Getting Featured
Dos
- Do your homework: Research thoroughly to ensure your pitch aligns with Business Insider’s audience and standards.
- Be authentic: Share genuine stories that reflect your values and expertise.
- Provide value: Focus on how your story benefits readers rather than promoting your brand.
Don’ts
- Don’t spam journalists: Sending generic or mass emails will likely harm your chances.
- Don’t exaggerate claims: Be honest about your achievements and avoid sensationalism.
- Don’t give up: If one pitch doesn’t work, refine your approach and try again.
After You’re Featured
1. Promote the Article
Share the feature across your social media platforms, email newsletters, and website to maximize its reach.
2. Engage with Readers
Respond to comments or questions from readers to build relationships and establish yourself as a thought leader.
3. Build on the Momentum
Use the feature as leverage for future media opportunities. Highlight it in your press kit or portfolio.
FAQs
How to Get Featured in Insider?
To get featured in Insider, follow a strategic approach by understanding their content, identifying the right section, and pitching a compelling story. Here’s what you can do:
- Understand Insider’s Content: Study Insider’s articles to recognize their style, tone, and topics that resonate with their audience. Tailor your story accordingly.
- Identify the Right Section: Insider covers topics like business, finance, tech, and lifestyle. Find the section that best fits your story.
- Build Relationships with Journalists: Follow Insider’s journalists on social media, engage with their content, and pitch them personalized story ideas.
- Offer Fresh, Newsworthy Angles: Focus on unique stories that offer value, exclusive insights, or a fresh perspective.
How Do I Submit a Story to Business Insider?
To submit a story to Business Insider:
- Understand Their Content: Research Business Insider’s topics and identify which section aligns with your story.
- Find the Right Journalist: Identify the journalist covering your niche and reach out with a personalized pitch.
- Create a Compelling Story: Focus on a timely, data-driven angle with a clear narrative that appeals to their audience.
- Pitch Properly: Craft a concise, engaging email and reference their previous work to show you’re familiar with their writing style.
You can also explore guest contributor opportunities on Business Insider, or consider using a PR agency to help with submissions.
How to Get Featured in Forbes?
Getting featured in Forbes involves a combination of strategy, persistence, and positioning:
- Understand Forbes’ Focus: Forbes covers topics like entrepreneurship, leadership, finance, and innovation. Make sure your story fits within their focus.
- Establish Yourself as an Expert: Build a reputation in your field, and demonstrate expertise through writing, speaking, or industry leadership.
- Pitch a Compelling Story: Forbes values timely, innovative, and impactful stories that align with their audience’s interests.
- Leverage Public Relations: Consider working with a PR firm with connections to Forbes for a better chance of getting noticed.
Additionally, Forbes often allows guest articles from business leaders and entrepreneurs—submitting a pitch through their Contributor platform may also help.
How to Get Featured in a Business Magazine?
To get featured in a business magazine, the following steps will increase your chances:
- Research the Magazine: Each business magazine has a unique audience and content style. Research their content to identify the best section for your story.
- Find the Right Editor/Journalist: Look up the magazine’s editorial staff and find the person covering topics similar to your niche.
- Craft a Strong Pitch: Your story should be newsworthy, impactful, and aligned with the magazine’s content. Be concise, but ensure you communicate why your story matters.
- Highlight Achievements and Unique Angles: Focus on your business achievements, innovations, or perspectives that offer something fresh and valuable to their readers.
- Follow Up: If you don’t get an immediate response, follow up after a week or two with a polite reminder.
Conclusion
Getting featured on Business Insider is a rewarding accomplishment that requires strategic effort, a compelling story, and perseverance. By understanding their audience, building relationships with journalists, and presenting a unique angle, you can increase your chances of being noticed. Remember, the journey doesn’t end with a feature—it’s an opportunity to amplify your voice and achieve greater success.
