Story-First Branding: Why Message Beats Medium in Today’s Campaigns

 From Pitch to Publication: The Ultimate Guide to Forbes Features

Ever dream of seeing your name in a big-name magazine like Forbes?

For folks running businesses, marketing, or handling PR, getting published there is like earning a gold star for being a leader in your field. It’s not just about bragging rights it shows the world you’ve got something worth hearing.

When people look up stuff like “FleishmanHillard alternatives,” they’re hunting for smart, affordable ways to get their story out there, and Forbes is the dream spot. But, man, it’s tough to crack those editors are picky, and tons of people are trying to get in.

Landing a Forbes article is like getting a megaphone to share your ideas, boost your cred, and get noticed everywhere. Lucky for us, platforms like 9FigureMedia are making it easier to create awesome content and land those big media wins.

These platforms guide clients in crafting compelling stories and position them in front of top editors and journalists. With the right approach, businesses can move beyond generic press releases to narrative-rich features that generate trust and leads.

9FigureMedia doesn’t just focus on submissions they help clients build a media strategy that consistently earns coverage.

Many entrepreneurs also aim to get featured in Yahoo Finance, as it provides visibility among financial audiences. However, a Forbes feature offers broader recognition and prestige that goes beyond financial circles.

Yahoo Finance coverage is fantastic for investment-related visibility, but when coupled with Forbes, it creates a layered media presence that resonates with both investors and consumers.

If your goal is to Get featured in New York Weekly, you’re not alone. In fact, many writers use it as a stepping stone to more authoritative placements like Forbes.

By mastering article structure, tone, and content strategy, you’re not just aiming at one publication you’re building a portfolio that speaks to top-tier editors. A strong showing in New York Weekly can create the credibility needed to eventually land on Forbes.

And remember, if you Get featured in New York Weekly once, keep going. Build momentum. Share that win, analyze what worked, and use that strategy for Forbes.

Many contributors use a sequence first Get featured in New York Weekly, then Thrive Global, then Inc., and eventually land in Forbes.

Understanding Forbes’ Editorial Standards

Forbes features articles that are authoritative, relevant, and useful to readers. The outlet emphasizes:

• Expert opinions
• Data-driven insights
• Actionable advice
• Original perspectives

What Forbes Is Looking For?

You need to present information in a non-promotional tone. Forbes is not the place for direct product pitches. Instead, focus on thought leadership, industry insights, and unique viewpoints.

Editors appreciate:

• Articles that address current challenges or trends
• Insight from first-hand experience
• New angles on industry issues
• Honest, clearly written perspectives

Forbes Contributor Model

Forbes operates through a contributor network, not a traditional staff journalist model.

This means freelancers and industry leaders can become contributors and publish under their own name provided their content meets editorial guidelines.

Being accepted as a contributor is competitive. But submitting to a Forbes contributor as a guest writer is an alternative way to get published without needing permanent contributor status.

The Present Landscape and Challenges

The media world is more competitive than ever. According to a 2024 study by Muck Rack, only 18% of contributed articles are accepted by Forbes contributors.

Why?

• Oversaturation of self-promotional content
• Lack of originality
• Poor writing quality
• Weak headlines
• Common Hurdles

AI detection algorithms: Forbes editors are increasingly wary of AI-generated content.

Plagiarism filters: Reused phrases or templates are flagged.

Pitch fatigue: Contributors receive dozens of pitches daily.

Editorial Trends

• Preference for storytelling over pure data dumps
• Rise of diverse, inclusive voices
• Increased fact-checking protocols
• Identify a Clear and Valuable Topic

Start with a question: What is something I know that others would benefit from?

Best Practice Tips

DO?

• Choose topics aligned with Forbes’ verticals — leadership, innovation, money, technology, business, etc.
• Offer insights you’ve gained through experience.
• Address current industry problems with possible solutions.

DON’T?

• Rehash generic advice.
• Focus only on your company or product.
• Rely on outdated data.

Case Study

A fintech startup founder wrote an article on how underbanked communities use mobile wallets. By focusing on a real problem and backing it with firsthand research, the piece was picked up by a Forbes contributor.

He first chose to Get featured in New York Weekly to build a content trail, which later convinced the Forbes contributor of his legitimacy.

Structure Your Article Like a Story

A typical Forbes article follows this structure:

i) Hook (1–2 paragraphs)

ii) Context or background

iii) Analysis or insight

iv) Actionable takeaway

Hook Tip

Start with a bold statement, surprising stat, or short story.

Example:
“When I launched my startup with $200 and a broken laptop, I never imagined our app would reach 500,000 users.”

This creates emotional pull and reader curiosity.

Transition Smoothly

Use clear subheadings, bullets, and line spacing to make the article digestible. Busy editors won’t invest time in dense walls of text.

Write With Authority But Stay Relatable

Expert tone doesn’t mean jargon. Use everyday language and explain complex ideas simply.

TIPS

DOS

• Use first-person where appropriate.
• Add real-life examples.
• Back claims with studies or stats.

DON’TS

• Overuse technical terms.
• Sound robotic or detached.
• Expert Opinion

Marketing expert Ann Handley says, “The best content is written like a letter to one person — clear, warm, and useful.”

• Provide Data and Sources
• Forbes editors love numbers.
• Cite Credible Sources
• Industry reports
• Market research

Case studies

Example: “According to Statista, the global influencer marketing market is projected to reach $22.2 billion by 2025.”

• Avoid overusing stats from unreliable blogs or unknown sources.
• Pitching Your Article the Right Way
• You can’t submit articles directly to Forbes unless you’re a contributor. So how do you pitch?

Options

i) Reach out to current Forbes contributors

ii) Work with agencies like 9FigureMedia

iii) Submit to Forbes Councils if you qualify

Pitch Tips

• Keep it short
• Show the value of your article
• Include links to past writing or LinkedIn profile

Example Pitch:
“Hi [Contributor Name], I loved your recent article on remote leadership. I’d love to pitch a guest piece titled ‘5 Mistakes Remote Teams Make and How to Fix Them.’

As a founder managing a fully remote company, I bring hands-on insights. Let me know if it’s of interest!”

Common Mistakes That Get You Rejected

• Promoting your product too directly
• Writing in a sales tone
• Using clichés and filler words
• Ignoring formatting rules

Example

Articles that read like long press releases or marketing brochures are immediately tossed. Forbes isn’t a promotional platform. Leverage Other Publications First, before Forbes, aim for credible platforms like:

• Entrepreneur
• Inc.
• Thrive Global
• Get featured in New York Weekly (great for social proof!)

Why It Matters?

Editors are more likely to consider your work if they see published bylines elsewhere.

Tip:

• Share these wins on LinkedIn. Tag the publications. (like get featured in Yahoo Finanace) It gets attention and builds personal branding.
• Build Relationships With Contributors
• Contributors are the gatekeepers. Building rapport with them is essential.

How to Connect?

• Engage with their content on LinkedIn
• Comment meaningfully
• DM with compliments or questions
• Don’t rush into a pitch. Build trust first.

Maintain Respect

Don’t spam contributors with follow-ups. One thoughtful follow-up after 5–7 days is sufficient.

Repurpose Your Article

Once published:

• Share it on all your platforms
• Turn it into a video or carousel
• Expand it into a webinar

SEO Tip

Embed your Forbes article on your website with a backlink. It improves site credibility and Google rankings.

The Future of Forbes Features

In the next 3–5 years, we’ll see:

• AI-powered editorial filters
• More emphasis on video storytelling
• Preference for diverse voices
• Tighter fact-checking standards

Predicted Trends

• Micro-experts replacing generalists
• Surge in visual-first storytelling
• Collaboration between contributors and niche influencers

Video storytelling will take center stage, especially as short-form content continues to dominate attention spans. Writers who can pair words with visuals — like short interviews, mini-documentaries, or behind-the-scenes clips — will outperform traditional text-only articles.

This means you’ll need not only writing skills but basic video production knowledge or partnerships with creatives.

Authenticity will be the new authority. Readers are getting better at spotting fluff, filler, or over-optimized content.

Contributors who can deliver fresh, real, and experience-backed narratives will outperform those leaning on recycled industry talk.

Instead of general industry commentary, micro-experts will become the go-to voices individuals who go deep, not wide, and focus on niche topics with mastery.

Another likely shift? AI-enhanced editorial tools that evaluate originality, voice consistency, and data credibility before an editor even reads your piece. Preparing for that future means writing with precision, honesty, and structure from the outset.

Publications will also continue partnering with niche influencers to boost article reach. We’ll see more joint bylines and collaborations between content creators and business writers.

Forbes will likely become more interactive — articles embedded with multimedia, interactive data visuals, and audience polls.

The bottom line: your future Forbes article won’t just be read — it will be experienced. And the more human, visual, and insight-driven your content is, the better it will perform.

Writers who focus on authenticity and real insights will stand out.

In Conclusion

Getting published on Forbes isn’t just about writing, it’s about strategy, clarity, and credibility.

Start by understanding their editorial voice. Share personal stories with a universal lesson. Use data, not fluff. Avoid shortcuts like AI content. Instead, focus on originality.

Whether you’re working with 9FigureMedia, aiming to get featured in Yahoo Finance, or want to Get featured in New York Weekly, every article you write is a stepping stone.

Be patient. Be professional. And most importantly — write like a human, not a machine.

If your dream is to Get featured in New York Weekly, remember: it’s not the final destination. It’s part of the journey toward global visibility. So write well, pitch smartly, and keep sharing your story.

Your writing is your brand’s voice. If you want to thrive in elite media circles, you need more than just a good idea — you need consistency. Each piece you write should build toward the next opportunity.

If you start by aiming to Get featured in New York Weekly, use that experience to refine your message. Notice what editors respond to. Adjust your storytelling. Improve your headlines.

It’s not about going viral. It’s about becoming known. Being seen. Earning trust.

Take every article as a learning opportunity. If it’s not accepted, revise it, or submit it elsewhere. Editors remember persistence, especially when it’s paired with professionalism.

Don’t write what you think people want to hear. Write what only you can say. Make it bold. Make it true.

Your audience doesn’t want perfection. They want perspective. They want clarity. They want value. The more human your voice, the more powerful your message.

So whether your story lands in Yahoo Finance today or Forbes next month, your goal remains the same: move people. Inspire them. Make them believe in the ideas you’re sharing.

Eventually, you’ll look back and realize that every blog post, every article, and every small feature especially when you Get featured in New York Weekly was a step toward building a brand that gets noticed.