Writing a blog and getting featured in an online publication isn’t a walk in the park. It is, however, possible, with some work and additional hours put in. With the right steps and dedication, you can also be featured in an online publication, and here’s how:
1. Research and narrow down the best online publications for you
Every publication, even those online, have their own rankings and specialties. It is crucial that you be able to choose one that has good influence and reputation but, at the same time, is themed in your niche.
Instead of going for the most prominent online publications, go for the middle-tier ones first. A tip is to visit buzzsumo.com and check out the online publications that get the most traffic. This website will also contain the topics that are most shared, which can also give you a heads up on topics to write about. Research on those and align your articles with the top topics to get a better chance of getting accepted as a contributor.
2. Know how publications work
Usually, there are two types of writers for any kind of publication. These are the staff writers, and the freelancers or contributors. A staff writer is the one who usually runs newsworthy stories related to current events. Typically, for articles to be included, it is done on a “cut or keep” meeting setup. Because of this, it can be tough for first-time writers to get in on this.
The second type of writer is the freelancer or contributor, who writes for multiple publications. These type of writers usually follow a specific theme given by the publication for them to write about.
3. Build on your experience
Before getting into the big publications, you can try writing for yourself online in blogs or as a ghostwriter. By setting up a blog, you can get your name out. You can also try link-building for your articles or blog to appear in other sites that have more traffic. Agencies like NO BS Marketplace can help you out with link-building. What’s important is that more people get to see your writing.
Another practice is to become a ghostwriter. By becoming a ghostwriter, you can get a feel of regularly writing topics just as you will when you join and write for an online publication. This will get you into the daily grind.
4. Write 3 to 5 relevant topics
When you’ve built on your experience and have done your research about online publications and how they work, the first step in applying for an online publication is to submit sample pieces to them. A range of around 3 to 5 articles can already reflect your writing skills and expertise as a feature writer. The articles that you will submit will have to show your own voice, how articulate you are, and the persuasive topics you write about.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself for this step. You don’t have to be the best writer to have articles featured. Simply have someone you trust edit your work first and run it through Grammarly to make sure it looks good. Sometimes, publications go for good foundations rather than articles with highfalutin words.
5. Follow good editors on Twitter
Getting into online publications can be a rigorous process. It won’t hurt to get to know the big players and start conversations with them in social media before pitching your articles to them.
As a start, you can follow them, comment on their posts, and share their posts. By doing this, you might get the attention of the editor. Then, the editor might remember you when you start reaching out to them as a potential feature writer.
6. Watch out for the requirements
Different online publications have different policies and requirements when it comes to new writers. It’s important that you know what these are before you start pitching to them. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you must begin to go over the publication to ask for their requirements.
Be ready with whatever they ask for. You can still head on to Buzzsumo to get some tips on trending topics and what people love to hear about. It doesn’t need to be ground-breaking; it just needs a bit of creativity and your own original voice.
7. Contact the right people
Before submitting your articles, you have to identify to whom you should send it. Typically, you can find the editor’s email address on the publication’s website. Keep your email straightforward since editors are always on the go. Then, wait around a week to get feedback. If you don’t get a reply within a week, you might have to send a follow-up email already. Since they get a lot of emails, it’s possible that yours got bumped down.
Some online publications, however, have a disclaimer wherein they state that articles submitted to them will get neither an acceptance nor rejection letter. It is best to check their guidelines so that your expectations will be managed properly.
8. Pitch to writers directly
Another route to take is to find the top 10 writers you want to be featured by and pitch to them directly. You can try engaging with them regarding their most recent pieces and tell them how these pieces have impacted you. On their next piece, tell them all the things that you learned. On the following one, let them know how fantastic the article was and how it resonated with readers.
Once you build a relationship with them, you can offer writing a piece for them if they don’t have enough time. By going directly to the source, this can also be an avenue for you to get featured in an online publication without having to go through so much red tape.
9. Regularly submit or pitch articles
Once the online publication accepts you, it is important that you are able to submit content regularly. Be ready to provide a plethora of topic ideas because it is likely that your first idea won’t be considered.
You are already on the right track once you get articles regularly featured. Continue to build up your portfolio, and then start to pitch to bigger online publications to get your name out there.
Conclusion
Gain visibility and grow the community by having your thoughts and insights read by others. Although this can be a bit of a challenge, you can still get featured nonetheless. So, churn out your content and follow the steps above to be featured in an online publication.