Getting featured in top media outlets like Forbes, Business Insider and The New York Times is not just for celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs. Startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners can also land major media coverage if they know how to play the PR game right.
Media features bring credibility, exposure and trust to your brand. They position you as an industry leader, help attract investors and drive sales like never before. But you need the right PR strategy to make it happen. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Define Your Story (Because News Outlets Need More Than Just a Business Plug)
Think about it, why would Forbes or The Wall Street Journal feature you? Journalists aren’t looking to give free promotion. They want compelling stories that grab attention and offer value to their readers. There are certain strategies you have to apply to get featured on Forbes and they are:
- Industry Trend Tie-In: How does your business fit into current industry trends?
- Founder’s Journey: Did you overcome incredible odds to build your startup?
- Disruptive Innovation: Are you doing something different from everyone else?
- Data-Driven Insights: Can you provide exclusive industry stats or expert commentary?
For example, instead of pitching “Our startup helps businesses with digital marketing,” try “How our AI-powered tool is reshaping small business marketing in 2025.” See the difference? One is a sales pitch; the other is a compelling news story.
Step 2: Identify the Right Media Outlets and Journalists
Not all media outlets are the same and not every journalist will care about your story. Targeting the right people is crucial.
Where Should You Get Featured?
- Business & Finance: Forbes, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC
- Tech & Startups: TechCrunch, Wired, Fast Company
- Lifestyle & General News: Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc., The New York Times
How to Find the Right Journalists
- Use Twitter/X to see what journalists are writing about.
- Check LinkedIn for reporters covering your industry.
- Use Google News to find articles related to your topic and note the bylines.
- Search on Muck Rack or Cision for journalist contact info.
Pro Tip: Journalists get hundreds of pitches daily. Stand out by doing your research and making sure your story fits their beat.
Step 3: Craft the Perfect PR Pitch
A great PR pitch is short, engaging and straight to the point. Here is a simple structure:
Subject Line: Keep it under 10 words, specific and intriguing. Example: “Exclusive Data: How AI is Changing Marketing in 2025”
Introduction (2-3 Sentences): Get straight to the value. Example: “Hey [Journalist’s Name], I read your recent article on [related topic]. I have exclusive insights on how AI is reshaping marketing this year, with data from 1,000+ startups. Thought this could be a great fit for your audience.”
Body (3-5 Sentences): Explain why your story matters and what makes it unique.
Call to Action: Offer an interview, exclusive data or an expert quote. Example: “Happy to chat more or send over some exclusive insights if you’re interested.”
Sign Off: Keep it professional but friendly. Example: “Looking forward to your thoughts! Best, [Your Name]”
Step 4: Leverage the Best PR Firms for Startups
If handling PR yourself feels overwhelming, working with a PR firm can fast-track your media success. But not all agencies are created equal some specialize in startups and high-impact media placements.
The Best PR Firms for Startups in 2025
- 9FigureMedia: Known for getting startups featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and major global outlets.
- Weber Shandwick: A top-tier firm with strong media connections.
- BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe): Experts in reputation management and strategic media campaigns.
- Edelman: A global PR powerhouse, great for corporate positioning.
Pro Tip: Don’t pick a PR firm just because they’re local. The best PR firms for startups work globally, ensuring the biggest impact for your brand.
Step 5: Build Long-Term Media Relationships
Media coverage is not a one-time event. To stay relevant, you need ongoing press features. Here’s how:
- Engage on Social Media: Comment on journalists’ articles, retweet their posts, and provide insights.
- Be a Valuable Source: If a journalist needs an expert quote, be the first to respond.
- Offer Fresh Story Angles: Keep an eye on industry trends and reach out when you have new insights.
Getting featured in top-tier media outlets is not just about luck, the real deal is about having the right PR strategy, a compelling story and knowing how to pitch it effectively. Whether you handle it yourself or work with a top PR firm like 9FigureMedia, the goal is to make your brand newsworthy, credible and visible where it matters most.
The media landscape is constantly evolving but one thing remains true which is that the right PR moves can take your startup from unknown to industry leader. So start crafting your story, pitching the right journalists and getting featured in the outlets that will skyrocket your brand in 2025.
Ready to take your PR game to the next level? Start implementing these steps today and watch your media presence grow!
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