Why Startups Must Join Newsworthy Conversations to Build Credibility and Visibility

If you’re running a startup, you’ve probably felt that sense of being invisible. You’re working hard, maybe even building something great, but no one’s noticing.

That’s not unusual. Startups don’t have name recognition or legacy. So how do you build that?

One way is by joining the conversations people are already paying attention to. Not just shouting about your product, but stepping into the real news cycle.

It matters more than you might think.

People Trust What Feels Familiar

Let’s start with this: people trust what they see often.

If someone sees your name in a place they already trust like Gulf News or any widely read Gulf newspaper, you suddenly seem more legitimate. You become part of the bigger picture. A company that belongs.

That’s visibility. And visibility helps build credibility. Not overnight. But steadily.

News Conversations Aren’t Just for Big Brands

There’s this idea that only big companies get into the news. Not true.

Startups can take part. You don’t have to make the front page of Gulf News Today. But you can offer a quote, respond to a trend, or provide insight into a developing story.

I’ve seen early-stage startups get mentioned in business columns or tech roundups. It’s not flashy, but it builds real-world relevance.

And sometimes that small mention leads to a bigger opportunity.

What Counts as a Newsworthy Conversation?

Not everything needs to be dramatic or urgent. Think about:

• A new government policy that affects your industry
  
  

• A tech shift or consumer trend
  
  

• A local economic change new laws, new costs, new markets
  
  

• Bigger societal topics: climate, health, remote work
  
  

Startups have a voice in all of these. You’re living them daily.

If Gulf News is covering a shift in remote work policy, and your product helps companies manage remote teams, you have something useful to add.

You don’t need to dominate the story. Just be part of it.

Ways to Join the Conversation

Here’s how startups can show up in the news without spinning up a massive PR engine:

• Offer commentary
  Journalists often need expert opinions. Reach out with a short, clear take on a current issue. Make it relevant and respectful of their time.
  
  

• Write op-eds
  If you have a strong point of view, pitch a short opinion piece to a Gulf newspaper or business publication. It’s a solid way to get your voice out.
  
  

• Issue data or insights
  If your startup tracks trends or behavior, that data might interest a reporter. It doesn’t have to be complex, just timely and useful.
  
  

• Collaborate with journalists
  Build relationships. Follow them. Understand what they cover. When the time is right, offer something that fits their beat.
  
  

This doesn’t require a big budget. Just time and intention.

But Isn’t That Distracting?

Honestly, I’ve thought that too.

Isn’t focusing on news stories pulling you away from product and growth?

Maybe. But not if it’s done right. You’re not chasing every headline. You’re picking the ones that intersect with your work.

Startups that ignore news cycles often end up sounding disconnected. Like they’re in a bubble. Meanwhile, those who participate, who show up in Gulf News Today, even just once can signal, “We’re paying attention.”

And people like that.

A Few Small Wins Add Up

Let’s say your founder writes a quick take on the rise of AI hiring tools. A journalist at a Gulf newspaper includes one quote.

It might not seem like a big deal.

But then an investor sees that article. Then a potential partner Googles you and finds it. Then a journalist follows you for future stories.

That’s how it builds. Not in leaps. In layers.

I remember a friend whose startup got one mention in a Gulf News business column. He didn’t even know about it until a prospect brought it up on a call.

So, yeah it’s worth it.

A Note on Timing

Speed matters. News moves quickly. If you wait too long, the moment’s gone.

It’s okay if you miss one story. Just don’t miss every story.

Make it a habit to:

• Track what Gulf News Today is covering
  
  

• Flag topics that overlap with your work
  
  

• Set time aside to respond quickly to one quote, one email
  
  

You’ll miss some windows. That’s fine. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up consistently over time.