Everyone dreams to get featured on top media sites like Inc. It’s a trusted magazine that shines a light on entrepreneurs, startups, and innovative ideas, giving you the kind of credibility that’s hard to build on your own.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get featured in Inc., the good news is it’s not out of reach. Just follow these steps below.
Understand Inc.’s Audience and Editorial Focus
Before pitching to Inc., it’s important to know who you’re talking to. Their readers are mostly entrepreneurs, startup founders, and business professionals looking for practical advice, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories. Understanding what interests them helps you craft a story that will actually resonate.
Start by reading recent articles to get a feel for the topics, style, and tone. Notice which stories get attention and which types of content are consistently featured. This will give you clues about what editors are looking for.
Next, think about what unique insight or value your story can bring. Editors at Inc. are always looking for content that helps their audience solve problems, learn something new, or get inspired. If you can position your story around that need, it increases your chances of getting noticed.
Develop a Strong Pitch
Once you understand Inc.’s audience, the next step is creating a pitch that grabs attention. A strong pitch starts with a unique story idea. Think about what makes your business, journey, or insight different from others. Editors are looking for fresh perspectives, not stories that have been told a hundred times.
Your pitch should also tell a compelling story. Highlight achievements, innovations, or lessons learned in a way that keeps the reader engaged. I’ve found that weaving in real examples or data points makes your story more credible and interesting.
Another important point is to focus on the benefit for Inc’s readers, not just your own business. Explain why your story matters to them—what can they learn, apply, or get inspired by? Finally, end your pitch with a clear next step, like offering an interview, sharing more details, or providing additional insights. A well-structured pitch shows professionalism and makes it easy for editors to say yes.
Build Credibility and Relationships
Getting featured in Inc isn’t just about sending a great pitch—it’s also about being someone editors can trust. Building credibility starts with small steps. Getting featured in local news outlets or smaller industry publications first can help you create a press portfolio. These early mentions show that your story has value and that you’re serious about sharing it.
Relationships with journalists are just as important. Take the time to connect with editors by providing useful insights, credible data, and well-written content. Following their work, engaging thoughtfully on social media, or even attending industry events can make a difference.
Past features also work in your favor. If you’ve been mentioned elsewhere, highlight those experiences in your pitch. Editors are more likely to consider someone who has already been recognized as an authority. Over time, consistent credibility and relationship-building can make getting featured in Inc. much more achievable.
Craft and Submit Your Pitch
Once you’ve built credibility and understand Inc.’s audience, it’s time to craft and submit your pitch. The key is personalization. Each email should be tailored to the journalist or editor you’re contacting. Show that you’ve done your research and explain why your story fits their publication.
Include credible data, unique insights, or real examples to make your pitch stand out. Editors appreciate pitches that are clear, concise, and easy to understand. Highlight the benefits of your story for their readers, not just for your business.
Your online presence also plays a role. A strong website, active social profiles, or previous articles demonstrate your authority and make it easier for editors to trust you. Keep your pitch focused, professional, and engaging, and don’t forget a clear call to action—offer an interview, provide additional materials, or suggest a follow-up conversation.
Consider Becoming a Contributor
Another way to get featured in Inc is by becoming a contributor. This allows you to publish your own articles directly, rather than waiting for an editor to feature you. To apply, you’ll need to submit your credentials, a few writing samples, and some headline ideas that show your expertise and fit with Inc’s style.
Once approved, you’ll work with an editor who can guide you through the submission process. Writing as a contributor gives you the chance to share insights, tips, or lessons from your own experience, positioning you as an authority in your field.
Being a contributor also has long-term benefits. Every article you publish builds your credibility and strengthens your personal brand. Over time, it can lead to more media opportunities, partnerships, and visibility for your business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a strong story and a solid pitch, some common mistakes can prevent you from getting featured in Inc. One of the biggest is sending a generic pitch. Editors can easily spot when an email isn’t tailored to their publication, and it usually gets ignored.
Another mistake is focusing too much on self-promotion. While it’s important to highlight your achievements, the story should always provide value to Inc’s readers, not just promote your business.
Timing and preparation also matter. Pitching before you’ve built any credibility, such as past features or a strong online presence, can make it harder to get noticed.
Also, don’t give up too quickly. Editors are busy, and responses can take time. Patience, persistence, and refining your approach when needed often make the difference between a missed opportunity and a feature.
A Smarter, Affordable Way to Get Backlinks from Inc.
Beyond traditional methods like press releases or pitching story ideas to editors, there’s a more approachable way to secure a feature in Inc. and earn powerful backlinks. Platforms such as HARO (Help A Reporter Out), Qwoted, and Featured allow you to connect directly with Inc. journalists who are actively looking for credible sources. Instead of spending thousands on PR agencies, you can engage with reporters by monitoring their queries and offering your expertise at exactly the right moment.
The process is straightforward: when an Inc. writer needs expert commentary, they post a query on one of these platforms. By checking these requests daily, you can identify opportunities that match your knowledge and respond with valuable insights.
If your response is chosen, you could be quoted in the published article, often with your name, professional background, and even a backlink to your website. This not only strengthens your SEO but also elevates your reputation as an authority in your industry.
What makes this approach so powerful is its affordability and scalability. You don’t need media contacts or a large budget—just consistency, speed, and genuine expertise. The key is to respond quickly, keep your answers clear and actionable, and include a short bio to establish credibility.
Over time, this strategy can lead to multiple features in Inc., helping you build lasting authority, visibility, and high-quality backlinks without the traditional PR barriers.
Conclusion
Getting featured in Inc. is a powerful way to build credibility, reach the right audience, and strengthen your personal or business brand.
With the right preparation, a strong story, and a well-crafted pitch, you can increase your chances of being noticed by editors. Building relationships and exploring contributor opportunities can also open doors to consistent visibility.
If you’re ready to share your story with the world and elevate your authority, let us help you take the first step toward getting featured in Inc. today.
FAQs
Does Inc accept contributed content?
Yes, Inc. does accept contributed articles. If you have a relationship with their editors or have established credibility through other publications, you can submit your article for review. Each submission goes through an editorial process to ensure it meets Inc’s standards for quality, relevance, and style before being published.
Can I pay to be featured in a magazine?
Some publications offer a pay-to-play option, where you can pay to have your product, service, or story featured. This is usually treated as a marketing opportunity rather than an editorial endorsement. Paying guarantees placement, but it does not carry the same credibility as a standard editorial feature.
How to get featured in Forbes?
To get noticed by Forbes, start by connecting with journalists and contributors who cover your industry. Engage with their content, share valuable insights, and offer yourself as a guest writer, source, or expert for quotes. Building genuine relationships can increase your chances of being featured or mentioned.
How to get featured in Forbes 30 Under 30?
Forbes 30 Under 30 selects candidates based on factors like business stage, revenue, funding, innovation, and social impact. Finalists also undergo background checks. There’s no shortcut—success comes from building a strong, impactful track record that stands out in your field.
What makes an article a “feature”?
A feature article goes beyond just reporting facts. It’s an in-depth story that explores a topic in detail, often with a narrative structure, vivid descriptions, and a creative tone. Features aim to inform, engage, and entertain readers, providing context and insight rather than just presenting information.
