VH Info knows that establishing yourself as an expert in the SaaS industry is a surefire way to build brand awareness and generate leads. One way to do that is by becoming a Forbes contributor.
Forbes is a leading online publication with a vast audience, making it an ideal platform to share your expertise and insights.
This guide from VH Info will provide you with actionable steps and unique insights on how to become a Forbes contributor in 2025, enhance your content marketing efforts, and establish your personal brand.
What Is A Forbes Contributor?
A Forbes contributor is an individual who regularly writes and publishes articles on the Forbes website. This contributor program allows experts and business owners to share their knowledge, experiences, and point of view with a broad audience.
Being a Forbes contributor is different than simply being featured in a Forbes article. Contributors are expected to create content regularly, providing thought-provoking pieces and unbiased perspectives.
Can Anyone Become A Forbes Contributor?
In theory, yes. In reality, Forbes typically selects individuals who are experts in their field and can provide value that readers cannot find elsewhere. Ideally, Forbes contributor should already have a solid follower base to extend their reach.
However, even without perfectly meeting these requirements, it is still possible to become a contributor with the right tactics.
Benefits Of Becoming A Forbes Contributor
Becoming a regular contributor to Forbes offers several advantages:
- Increased Visibility: Reach a vast audience and gain exposure for your small business or personal brand.
- Enhanced Credibility: Establish yourself as a thought leader and expert in your industry.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other professionals and expand your network.
- Monetary Incentives: Earn compensation based on the traffic your articles generate.
Requirements To Become A Forbes Contributor
To become a Forbes contributor, you generally need to meet certain requirements:
- Expertise: Possess in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen niche.
- Writing Skills: Demonstrate excellent writing skills and the ability to create engaging content.
- Online Presence: Have a strong LinkedIn profile and active social media presence.
- Original Content: Provide original, high-quality articles that adhere to Forbes’ editorial standards.
Steps To Becoming A Forbes Contributor
Here are the key steps to take to increase your chances of becoming a Forbes contributor:
- Research and Choose Your Niche: First, pinpoint what you know best. What specific area of small business growth, personal finance, or digital marketing can you offer unique insights on? Forbes wants experts, so choose a niche where you can shine and provide a personal perspective.
- Develop High-Quality Content: This means creating articles that are well-written, interesting, and useful. Show off your writing skills by making sure your grammar is solid and your ideas are clear. Aim to meet Forbes’ editorial standards with every piece you write.
- Build Your Online Presence: You need to show that you’re an established voice in your field. That means having a strong LinkedIn profile and being active on social media. Use these platforms to share your expertise and connect with other business owners.
- Find The Right Forbes Editor: Do your homework and identify which editor covers your specific niche within Forbes. The relevant editor will be more receptive to your story idea if it aligns with their section of the Forbes website. Look for their contact info to reach out directly.
- Create A Compelling Pitch: This is your chance to grab an editor’s attention. Your pitch should clearly explain your story idea, why it’s a perfect fit for Forbes’ target audience, and how your point of view is different. Make sure to include enough basic information and demonstrate that you understand the Forbes brand. Getting this right is the hardest part, but it’s essential to succeeding in the Forbes contributor program.
How To Get Featured In Forbes In 2025?
Here are some ways to get featured in a Forbes article in 2025, even if you’re not a Forbes contributor:
- Contact The Contributors: Find Forbes writers who cover topics related to your expertise. Share unique insights, data, or story ideas with them that could enhance their articles. Building a relationship with these contributors might get your personal perspective featured in their next piece.
- Contact The Editors: Reach out directly to the editor of the section that aligns with your area of expertise. Send a well-created pitch that highlights your knowledge and how it fits with current trends. Making a direct connection can increase your chances of being included in a Forbes article.
- Work With Link-Building/PR Agencies: Partnering with agencies that have connections with major publications like Forbes can be beneficial. These agencies can help you create compelling pitches, identify the relevant editor, and increase your visibility to the Forbes brand. They know how to navigate the contributor network and get your business owners or small businesses featured. VH Info can help you get the contact info of the best agencies.
What To Expect As A Forbes Contributor?
As a Forbes contributor, you’ll have the freedom to self-publish your articles, sharing your expertise with a wide audience. While editors might make minor adjustments to ensure your work meets editorial standards, you’ll largely have control over your content.
Keep in mind that Forbes expects you to focus on your specific niche, providing consistent and valuable insights. You’ll be compensated based on how well your articles perform, so creating engaging content for the target audience is key.
Remember, Forbes likes to have exclusive content, so try not to just repost articles from your blog or other online sites. VH Info is all about letting your personality shine and making sure you keep contributing consistently to really establish your brand.
How To Write For Forbes In 2025?
- Become A Forbes Council Member: Joining the Forbes Council is one way to get your foot in the door. It’s a contributor program for senior-level professionals. You’ll need to meet certain criteria and pay a fee, but it gives you access to the contributor network and can boost your visibility as a regular contributor.
- Get Noticed: Before you can write for Forbes, you need to show that you’re an expert in your field. Share your insights on other platforms like Huffington Post or LinkedIn Pulse. This builds your credibility and demonstrates your writing skills to Forbes editors, making you a more attractive candidate to become a Forbes contributor.
- Contact The Contributors: Engage with current Forbes writers on social media. Share valuable insights and data related to their articles. This can lead to them featuring you in their pieces or even recommending you to the editor of the section, paving the way for your own Forbes article.
- Contact The Editors: Reach out directly to the relevant editor with a well-created pitch. Show them that you understand the Forbes brand and can offer unique insights that their target audience will value. A strong pitch highlighting your story idea is key to getting their attention.
- Work With Link-Building/PR Agencies: Partnering with agencies that have connections with Forbes can significantly increase your chances of getting featured. These agencies know how to create compelling pitches, identify the perfect fit for your expertise, and get your content in front of the right people within the contributor program.
How To Write A Forbes-Worthy Article (And Pitch)?
To write a great article and pitch for Forbes, keep these points in mind:
- Write About What You Know: Stick to your area of expertise. Share your knowledge confidently and offer a personal perspective that readers can connect with. Forbes values authentic voices and genuine expertise, especially from business owners.
- Share Unique Insights: Don’t just rehash old information. Offer original analysis, data, or a fresh point of view that challenges conventional wisdom. Forbes readers want thought-provoking content that adds real value and demonstrates your deep understanding.
- Double-Check Your Story Ideas: Make sure your story idea is fresh and relevant to Forbes’ editorial focus. Research similar articles to ensure your content offers a new angle or perspective. The editor of the section will appreciate a well-thought-out and timely pitch.
- Write A New Article From Scratch: Create original content specifically for Forbes. Don’t repurpose old articles from your blog or other online publications. Forbes values exclusive content that hasn’t been published elsewhere; make sure it meets their editorial standards.
- Find Your Style: Develop a writing style that is clear, concise, and engaging. Understand Forbes’ tone and adapt your style accordingly. This will help your articles resonate with their target audience and increase your chances of becoming a regular contributor.
- Write A Good Pitch: Create a compelling pitch that grabs the editor’s attention and communicates your story idea. Be concise, highlight the value of your content, and include relevant supporting materials. A strong pitch can make all the difference in getting your Forbes article published.
What To Expect From Forbes Contributor Program?
Here’s what to expect from the Forbes contributor program:
- Self-Publishing: As a contributor, you’ll have the ability to publish your articles with minimal oversight. Editors may make small tweaks or remove low-quality content, but you’re largely in control. Make sure your articles are well-written and error-free before publishing to maintain editorial standards.
- Stay In Your Lane: Forbes prefers contributors to focus on one section or category. While occasional deviations are tolerated, consistently writing about diverse topics may lead to content removal. Concentrate on your niche to build credibility and become a trusted voice.
- The Pay: Contributors are compensated based on the traffic their articles generate. While some contributors earn significant income, the pay can vary depending on the engagement and reach of your content. Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content to maximize your earnings.
- Exclusive Content: Forbes requires contributors to provide original content that hasn’t been published elsewhere. This ensures that Forbes readers are getting unique insights and perspectives. Avoid republishing articles from your blog or other online publications.
What If Your Application Gets Rejected?
If your application to become a Forbes contributor is rejected, don’t give up! It’s not uncommon. Ask for feedback to understand why your application wasn’t successful.
Focus on improving your writing skills and building a stronger online presence, including your LinkedIn profile. In the meantime, consider guest posting on other platforms, such as Huffington Post, to gain more experience and credibility.
Keep refining your pitches and reapplying, and reach out to the relevant editor to show them that you are always growing. With persistence and a dedication to developing your craft, you can still achieve your goal.
FAQ’s:
How Often Should I Contribute To Forbes?
Aim to contribute regularly to maintain your visibility and engagement with the target audience. While the exact frequency can vary, posting at least once a week is a good goal. Consistency helps establish you as a regular contributor and thought leader.
Can Contributing To Forbes Help With My Personal Branding?
Yes, being a Forbes contributor can greatly enhance your personal brand.
It establishes you as an expert in your industry, increases your visibility in search engine results, and boosts your overall credibility. Publishing on a respected platform like Forbes can significantly impact your professional reputation.
What Are The Common Mistakes New Contributors Make?
New contributors often make mistakes such as submitting poorly written articles or not adhering to editorial standards. They may also fail to provide unique insights or offer a fresh perspective.
To avoid these pitfalls, focus on quality, originality, and relevance in your content.
How To Guest Post On Forbes?
To guest posting on Forbes, you must pitch an idea that aligns with their editorial standards.
Identify the right editor or Forbes writer in your niche, and focus on topics relevant to Forbes’ audience, such as business, leadership, or innovation. Create a compelling pitch that highlights your expertise and unique perspective.
How Do I Get As Seen On Forbes?
Getting “as seen on Forbes” requires you to build authority and share a compelling story idea that resonates with your readers.
Pitch unique stories, collaborate with PR firms, connect with Forbes contributors, or use media opportunities. You can also use Forbes’ sponsored content options for brand awareness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming a Forbes contributor or even just getting featured in a Forbes article can significantly boost your brand awareness and establish you as a thought leader.
Whether you choose to contact editors directly, work with link-building/PR agencies, or join the Forbes contributor program through the Forbes Council, remember that persistence and quality content are key.
If your initial application is rejected, don’t be discouraged; instead, seek feedback and keep refining your approach.
Consistently providing valuable content that meets Forbes’ editorial standards can enhance your brand and contribute to a leading online publication. VH Info is here to support you with content marketing strategies and resources every step of the way.