Trade publications continue to reach a niche audience — not unlike blogs that serve specific industries or affinity groups. In both cases, you’ll often find that the editor is open to receiving pitches for bylined articles/guest posts. If you’re a subject-matter expert, this can be an excellent opportunity to secure some valuable publicity.
Before pitching an editor, spend some quality time brainstorming a variety of angles. Editors receive a crazy amount of pitches every day. Don’t waste their time. Be interesting, relevant, timely and newsworthy.
Not sure where to get started? Try answering these questions:
- What issues/trends are surfacing in my industry?
- What’s on the horizon?
- What “pain points” are the publication’s readers experiencing, and what kind of solution can I share?
- Can I analyze data to reveal new insights that readers will find interesting and valuable?
- What makes me different — really different — than my competitors?
- Do I have case studies that show real results or a alternative ways to approach challenges?
- Can I offer “5 Tips” about topics relevant to the publication’s readers?
- Can I offer out-of-the-box suggestions to help companies do more with less or generate stronger results?
- Can I offer a local perspective on a national trend?
- Your turn: What other questions can lead to interesting, relevant bylined articles and/or guest posts?
Photo credit: WordRidden
Great list and is just what I needed. I am a serial entrepreneur and mentor young startups. I wrote a book, called STARTUP, 100 Tips to Get Your Business GOING. It is for sale, the print version at www.startup100tips.com but i am making the pdf of it available for free, as background for good entrepreneurial oriented articles. Great list you have here.
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