How to Get Into Forbes as a Founder Without a PR Agency

By Zach Schleien

Forbes isn't reserved for billionaires. I've gotten multiple people into Forbes using cold outreach. Here's the exact strategy.

Forbes is one of the most recognized publications in the world. A Forbes feature instantly elevates your credibility, improves your SEO, and opens doors to other media opportunities.

And you don't need a PR agency to get there. I've gotten a 21-year-old into Forbes with a single cold email. Here's the strategy.

Understanding Forbes

Forbes operates differently from most publications:

1. Contributor model. Many Forbes articles are written by contributors - independent writers with their own beats and editorial freedom. This is your entry point. Contributors are often more accessible than staff writers and more receptive to pitches.

2. Multiple entry points. Forbes has staff reporters, contributors, Forbes Councils, and Forbes Under 30. Each is a different path with different requirements.

3. Topic-specific. Forbes covers everything from tech to finance to lifestyle. Find the section and writer that matches your story.

The Pitch Strategy

1. Find the right contributor

Search Forbes.com for articles about your topic. Note the author. Check if they're a contributor (it'll say "Contributor" under their name) or staff.

Contributors are your best target because:

• They publish more frequently (need more stories)
• They have direct editorial control
• They're often reachable via LinkedIn or email

Use PressPitch AI to search for Forbes contributors by topic. The platform shows their recent coverage, beat, and contact information.

2. Study their recent work

Read their last 5-10 articles. What patterns do you see?

• What types of founders do they feature?
• What story format do they prefer? (Profile? Listicle? Expert roundup?)
• What makes their articles unique?

Your pitch should feel like a natural fit for their existing body of work.

3. Craft the pitch

Use the same framework from my cold email guide:

Subject line: Specific + Newsworthy "22-Year-Old's Instagram Account Hits 115K Followers Covering Wall Street Culture"

Body: Reference their work → 3-sentence pitch → Proof line → Clear ask

The Forbes pitch that worked for the 21-year-old founder:

• Referenced the contributor's recent coverage of young entrepreneurs
• Led with a specific, surprising number (115K followers at 21)
• Included proof (the platform was already featured in other outlets)
• Asked for a quick call

4. Follow up strategically

If no response in 4 days, follow up with a NEW angle:

• A new data point or milestone
• A timely news hook (tie to trending topic)
• A different story angle from the original pitch

Never send "just following up" - it wastes their time and yours.

Alternative Forbes Entry Points

Forbes Councils

Forbes Councils are paid membership communities ($1,500-$2,500/year) that give you the ability to publish articles directly on Forbes.com under your own byline. It's a shortcut to "Published in Forbes" without a pitch.

Pros: Guaranteed publication, full editorial control, Forbes branding Cons: Pay-to-play, less credibility than an organic feature, clearly labeled as "Council Post"

Forbes Under 30

If you're under 30, apply for the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Applications open annually (usually fall). This is highly competitive but incredibly powerful for your brand.

Forbes Events

Forbes hosts conferences and summits. Speaking at a Forbes event gives you association with the brand even without a published article.

After the Feature

A Forbes feature is a credibility multiplier. Maximize it:

1. Add "As Featured in Forbes" to your website, email signature, and social bios
2. Share the article on every platform with a personal reflection
3. Pitch other outlets - "Following my recent Forbes feature..." makes every subsequent pitch stronger
4. Update your landing page with the Forbes logo in your social proof bar
5. Use it in sales - "We were recently covered in Forbes" instantly elevates your credibility on calls

One Forbes feature can anchor your PR strategy for years. Make the most of it.

Want help getting into Forbes? Try PressPitch AI to find the right Forbes contributor for your story and generate a personalized pitch.