Do you suffer from press logo envy?
Do you ogle the websites of your competitors wishing you had as many features and press appearances as they do?
YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
One of the best ways to increase visibility and give your PR a little boost is to pursue publication opportunities.
Getting published is an awesome way to win over new people organically with your words while also providing them value (your content / article.)
NOTE – It’s one of those things though where it’s hard to get your first opportunity – but once you’re published in a respectable (big name) channel, it’s MUCH easier to get more publication opportunities.
If you’re GREEN with getting published (as in, you don’t have links or proof of previous publication with renown media outlets), prepare yourself for quite a few rejections before you hit it big time. This is just part of the journey though – and shouldn’t bum you out too much.
HOW TO GET PUBLISHED IN 4 STEPS >>
1 – MAKE A LIST OF PLACES YOU’D LIKE TO GET PUBLISHED.
I’d recommend selecting (first) online magazines and publications that accept guest contributions so you have an *easier* in to get published. Be prepared to find out you don’t want to be published somewhere you thought you did once you find out more about that magazine. (A bunch of places have different rules and rights to people who contribute, so you’ll want to read up.)
2 – WHO’S THAT EDITOR?
Once you know WHERE you want to be published, your next step is to learn about the editor you’re pitching to. What do they want? What kind of articles do they publish that are not in-house? Gear your pitch accordingly.
3 – CRAFT YOUR PITCH.
For a quick template, download my Perfect Pitch Template here and fill out the form to download it. Be aware that many online publications require you write at least one unique article in full before submitting for publication. Do this at your own discretion. It’s not horrible to do – but obviously when you hand over your writing for no fee to a stranger, it’s a calculated risk.
4 – KEEP TRYING.
There’s no easy button to getting published — unless you hire an agent who helps you get in more easily. But once you get in the first time, you’ll have a higher likelihood of getting in the next time you apply. So just make sure you don’t give up after the first set of NO’s.
IF YOU LIKED THIS ARTICLE, you’d love these podcast episodes…
- E5 – Peter Fretty – Launching a Product & a Writing Career
- E7 – KC Downey – Election 2016 & Journalistic Success
- E9 – Catherine Alford – Money, Marriage,& Getting Paid to Write
Wanna be a lead magnet?
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