Being featured in Forbes can open doors for your business or personal brand in ways few other publications can.
It’s a trusted source for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, giving your story instant credibility. Whether you’re sharing your expertise as a contributor, leveraging PR, or pitching a unique story to an editor, the right approach can make a big difference.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get featured in Forbes, this guide will show you practical steps to increase your chances and get your story noticed.
Publish as a Forbes Contributor
One of the most effective ways to get featured in Forbes is by becoming a contributor. This allows you to write articles directly for the publication and share your expertise with their audience. To start, focus on building your authority in your field. Share valuable insights, tips, and lessons that show you know your industry well.
Joining the Forbes Council is another option. Membership provides a direct avenue for submitting articles and getting published on Forbes. As a contributor, you control the story you tell and the perspective you bring, which helps position you as a thought leader.
From our experience, consistently contributing high-quality content not only increases visibility but also builds trust with readers, editors, and potential clients. It’s a powerful way to get your name associated with a trusted brand like Forbes.
Purchase Sponsored Content
Another way to get featured in Forbes is through sponsored content. This is a paid option where your article or story is published in an editorial style but clearly marked as sponsored. It’s a way to showcase your brand, products, or services directly to Forbes’ audience.
Sponsored content can help increase your visibility quickly and position your business in front of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. The key is to make sure the content feels professional, valuable, and relevant to readers, even though it’s paid. Avoid making it sound like an advertisement—focus on delivering useful insights or advice.
Secure an Earned Media Story
An earned media story is when Forbes features your brand or story based on its newsworthiness, innovation, or impact—without paying for placement. To increase your chances, start by developing a unique story that highlights your company’s achievements, lessons learned, or innovative solutions. Tie it to current trends or topics that are relevant to Forbes readers.
Next, identify the right editors or contributors who cover your industry. Personalized pitches that are concise, clear, and show the value of your story make it easier for editors to say yes. Include credible data, real examples, and practical insights that demonstrate your expertise.
Building relationships is just as important. Engage with journalists on social media, attend industry events, and network to create genuine connections. Persistence pays off—follow up thoughtfully and refine your approach based on feedback.
Other Ways to Get Noticed
Beyond contributing or pitching stories, there are several strategies to increase your chances of being featured in Forbes.
First, maintain a strong online presence. Regularly update your website, share valuable content on social media, and showcase your achievements. A professional, active online profile makes it easier for journalists to find and trust you.
Hiring a PR agency can also help. Experienced agencies know how to pitch your story effectively, connect you with the right editors, and highlight your brand in a way that stands out.
Finally, focus on being newsworthy. If your company or project is innovative, solves real problems, or makes a significant impact, it naturally attracts attention. When you combine these strategies, you make it easier for the Forbes team to notice your work and consider featuring your story.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a strong story or pitch, there are common mistakes that can prevent you from being featured in Forbes. One major mistake is sending generic pitches. Editors notice when a pitch isn’t personalized or relevant to their audience, and it usually gets ignored.
Another common error is over-promoting your business. While it’s important to highlight achievements, your story should always provide value to Forbes readers, not just advertise your brand.
Timing and preparation also matter. Pitching before building credibility, such as past features, a strong online presence, or media recognition, can reduce your chances of success.
Finally, impatience can hurt. Editors are busy, and responses take time. Following up professionally and refining your approach as needed often makes the difference between a missed opportunity and a published feature.
Conclusion
Getting featured in Forbes takes effort, strategy, and the right approach. But the visibility and credibility it brings are worth it.
From crafting a compelling story to building relationships with editors, every step plays a role in helping your brand stand out. The key is to stay consistent, professional, and patient as you work toward your goal.
Want to make the process easier? Our team at Featured can help you share your story with the right audience and boost your brand’s credibility. Let’s get started today.
FAQs
How can I get listed in Forbes?
Getting listed in Forbes usually requires building strong credibility and getting noticed by their editors or contributors. One of the most effective ways is through email outreach—sending a clear and personalized pitch to the right reporter. Social media can also be useful, as many contributors are active on LinkedIn or Twitter. Another option is to use HARO (Help a Reporter Out), a platform where journalists look for expert sources to quote.
Do you pay to be featured in Forbes?
Yes, there is a paid option to get published in Forbes through their official BrandVoice program. With BrandVoice, companies and individuals can share their own articles directly on Forbes, reaching its large audience. This is clearly marked as sponsored content. It’s one way to gain visibility if you want more control over what’s published.
How much does it cost to be in Forbes?
If you want to be featured through earned media, there’s no cost—you just need a strong story that grabs the attention of Forbes writers. However, if you’re going through the paid BrandVoice program, the cost depends on the package and reach you choose. Either way, the key is that your content must be well-written and valuable to readers.
How to get featured in Forbes 40 Under 40?
To be considered for the Forbes 40 Under 40, you need to go through their nomination process. After being nominated, you’ll have to complete a form by the deadline, which asks about your career achievements, education, community work, and volunteering. You’ll also be asked to provide references.
How much is Elon Musk worth in Forbes?
According to Forbes, Elon Musk’s net worth was estimated at $480.2 billion as of September 2025, making him the richest person in the world. His wealth mainly comes from his ownership stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, along with his involvement in other ventures.
