Become a Contributor for Forbes & Get FREE Backlinks

Do you want to become a contributor for Forbes and get a high-quality backlink? Just read this post and become a Forbes contributor.

Forbes is widely considered one of the most well-reputed and respected media platforms. It has managed to build up an incredible amount of influence in its more than 100 years of operation. Unsurprisingly, Forbes contributors and staff writers are often seen as solid authorities in their fields.

Today, Forbes is an international behemoth with a readership primarily comprised of affluent decision-makers, millennials, and business owners. It has a reach of more than 140 million people worldwide spread across its online and print media. 

The online media arm of Forbes mainly focuses on lifestyle, business, personal finance, and marketing topics. Still, it regularly publishes pieces outside of these areas. Further, it will generate awareness and recognition for the brand or generate authority in the niche. 

The sheer presence of Forbes has made it one of the most sought-after publications. For journalists, thought-leaders, and business owners that want to leverage their reputation to build their resumes and clout in their respective industries. 

Continue to read and learn about how to become a contributor for Forbes?

What is the Forbes Contributor Program?

Rather than running a pure journalism and reporting outfit like many prominent media outlets, Forbes also runs a separate program. It accepts contributions from a wide range of community contributors. In addition, to become a successful contributor to Forbes, you can check contributors pages on Forbes and get ideas.

These contributors typically represent experts in their field with unique insights and experience on the topic and often have a significant following of their own. It is Forbes’ hope that these contributors can curate and produce content that resonates with Forbes’ existing readership. While also potentially helping Forbes extend its reach to new audiences.

Introduced in 2010, the Contributor program allowed Forbes to expand the range of content. It could produce and the market segments could cover, allowing it to continue growing its brand and strengthening its position in the highly competitive online media space.

Why Become a Contributor for Forbes?

Without a doubt, the main reason most people apply for a contributor position is for the simple accolade that comes with being a Forbes contributor. By posting in a highly respected online publication, contributors are able to add “published in Forbes” to their resume, which can help them land other gigs later on. 

It provides contributors with opportunities to leverage Forbes’ substantial readership, SEO positioning, and social media following while helping build backlinks to the social media contributors pages, business recommendations, and own website. 

The prestige that comes with posting on Forbes is usually enough to make it worth most writers’ effort, but a wide range of additional perks also come with the position. 

Steps by Steps to Apply & Become a Contributor for Forbes:

It is easy to become a Forbes contributor; you just have to follow the below-mentioned steps

• First, you need to submit high quality and persuasive article to ideas@forbes.com.
• There is no limit to the length of the article.
• Forbes can only publish original and valuable content.
• Forbes will take five business days to review your articles, excluding holidays; if your article accepts, you will be the contributor to Forbes. Otherwise, you have to try again.
• No follow-up emails.

For more information, you can visit https://www.forbes.com/contact/#49214ee87de2

Additional benefits

Besides the exposure of posting on Forbes, contributors can also expect a variety of fringe benefits. Many of which depend on various factors. 

• Forbes offers valuable insights and advice from some of the top minds in the business.
• Forbes provides access to a large network of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders.
• Forbes is constantly updated with the latest news and information about the business world. Which can be very helpful for entrepreneurs who want to stay ahead of the curve.

On this platform, you can become a contributor for Forbes with free regular training sessions. The aim is to help them improve the consistency of their voice, reach more viewers, improve SEO, and boost social media shares, among other things.

Personal branding

Posting on Forbes and other high authority publications is an excellent way to build your brand by demonstrating credibility, authority, and insight in your articles. 

By producing content that resonates with your intended audience, it is possible to cultivate additional opportunities, build connections, and grow your social media following.

This can usually be achieved without ever even mentioning yourself, your services, or your business directly in the articles you publish. Instead, your byline will contain enough information for any interested readers to find out more about you or reach out to you directly for further discussions. 

“Writing for Forbes led to other opportunities. Because of that, I had my writing published in Entrepreneur, Time, VentureBeat, South China Morning Post, and a host of other places,” said Steimle. 

How do Forbes contributions work?

While guest posting on Forbes can be a rewarding experience for most, some potential downsides to the practice, depending on your perspective and interests. You will need to weigh the pros and cons to see if the contributor model works for you. 

Write about anything (within reason)

First, apply to be a Forbes contributor and focus on guest posting writing.

Each of Forbes’ sections is owned by a different editor, which, together with the assistant editors, manages, curates, and edits content provided by the contributors and staff writers. 

For the most part, contributors are expecting only to post content in their original line of expertise. If you regularly post about lifestyle and self-improvement, all your subsequent content needs to fit within this niche. 

You need to post regularly:

As a Forbes contributor, you’ll typically be expected to post at least one article per week, but you usually have the flexibility to post more if you want to, and many contributors can post far less than this without being booted off the platform. 

It appears that the expected rate can vary from contributor to contributor. Still, Forbes typically isn’t overly concerned if a contributor doesn’t meet their minimum contribution amount every now and then. But if it becomes an ongoing concern, then the relevant editor will usually work with you to set a more realistic baseline. 

Editing will be minimal:

Unlike many other outlets, contributors at Forbes can send their articles to live straight away after publishing from the WordPress editor. There is little to no editing prior beforehand. This means whatever you post will be immediately visible on the website and will begin generating views and shares, so make sure your copy is sound. 

When the article will publish, one of the editors will look it over to see that it fits within their guidelines and may make minor tweaks and edits if necessary.

If the content is poor quality, doesn’t fit the niche, or breaks editorial policy somehow, then odds are it’ll be scrapped entirely rather than edited from top to bottom. 

The application process for Forbes guest-posting

After become a contributor for Forbes you have to focus on applying guest posting.

In the early days of the contributor program, it used to be possible to apply directly by filling in a simple form. But Forbes has seemingly sought to cut back on the volume of applications by making the route to entry less than direct.

You can bet that each Forbes editor has an extensive list of potential contributors. All chomping at the bit for the chance to publish. So, they need a way to narrow down the ideal candidates quickly. 

Because of this, you will need to be sure that you have identified your niche and already have an interest. In addition, well-written content covering this niche in various reputable places before applying. For the most part, Forbes editors are looking for contributors that have already proven their value by generating sizable and publishing pieces and quotes in high-authority publications. 

You can easily find their name by searching something like “Forbes lifestyle editor” on your favorite search engine. Usually pulling up the main editor, assistant editor, and any other editors associated with that section. 

If you’re unable to find editor emails or contact details through Google, you may consider checking out our Forbes Writer Profiles. This digital product provides you with all the necessary data you need, including emails, positions, social media profiles, and personal preferences. 

Once you find the names of the editors. It’s then just a matter of checking their author page on Forbes to see their email or social media contacts, which you can then use to open a dialogue. Here are a few tips to maximize your chances of success:

Get approval of guest posting:

1. Keep it short: Don’t be tempted to send an entire essay explaining why you’re a leader in your field and how much of a mutual benefit your arrangement would be. The editors almost certainly receive dozens of emails a day just like this—keep it straight to the point, but include enough links for the editor to do their research if needed.

2. Don’t badger the editors: If you don’t get a response within a few days, chalk this one up as a no. Badgering the editor for a decision will only lower your value in their eyes. 

3. Highlight your reach: If your posts have garnered significant reach or have incredible conversion and engagement analytics, be sure to include some of these in your proposal.

4. Be clear: Editors are only going to consider the absolute most substantial applications. Keep your subject concise and body, and make reading your application as simple as possible. Don’t be afraid to state plain and clear that you want to join the contributor program. 

Although it might be tempting to pitch all of these editors simultaneously, it’s best to work your way down from the top, starting with the main editor.

Before moving on to assistant editors and so on—waiting at least several days between them each attempt. 

This system can help you get onboarded to the contributor program but is only likely to be successful if your application is powerful or if you already have a rapport with the staff at Forbes. 

When your guest post accepts, you will get a high authority backlink.

If you fail the first time:

Unfortunately, even if you hit all of the necessary criteria, there is still a fair chance that your application has rejection chances.

But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep trying. For the most part, the editor you initially reached out to will provide a brief explanation of why your application was unsuccessful.

This might include a critique of your writing, some tips on the type of content they’re looking to see, or links to resources that will eventually help you better fit the position. 

Take this information and use it to your advantage, correct your errors, then try again in around three months. Be sure to send a brief response to the editor, letting them know of your intention to try again later.  

The more content you have that demonstrates your capabilities, the better your chances. Remember, Forbes editors are almost certainly inundated with applications, but only limited slots are available. If your application isn’t in the top 10% at the very least, your odds of success are slim to none. 

Since the preferences and needs of each editor likely change over time. It might be worth putting in some research to take a look at recently added contributors. You can check how their profile compares to your own.

You can find these by scanning through the section that interests you and looking for contributors that recently joined by checking when they first published on Forbes.

How to become a Forbes contributor in 2022?

• Get Published on (Smaller) Authoritative Websites First
• Become Familiar with Your Target Publications
• Understand the Publication’s Guidelines
• Build Real Relationships with Current Contributors
• Ask for an Introduction to an Editor at Your Target Publication

How can get Backlinks from Forbes if I become a contributor?

Find Forbes broken links and request to replace them with a link to the contributors page. Create a fantastic article that no one can reject and submit a guest post on Forbes. Contact a contributor and request him to give you a backlink or publish your post.

How many articles do I need to write as a contributor to Forbes?

You need to write a lot.

Showing that you’ve written 100 blog posts, and several pieces that have been published elsewhere is much better, although you can get in with less.

One of the things Forbes wants to know is whether you will produce a piece every week. That’s 52 articles per year.

Final thoughts:

Forbes is always looking for talented individuals to contribute content to their site. If you feel that you have something valuable to say and would like to reach a large audience, then become a contributor for Forbes. The guide as mentioned earlier is helpful to apply to be a Forbes contributor. The first step is to create a profile on the Forbes website.

Be sure to include your qualifications and samples of your work. Once your profile is complete, you can submit pitches for articles directly to the editors. If your pitch will accept, you need to write a complete article.

Once your article is published, you will receive a byline and bio, which you can use to promote yourself and your work.

Becoming a Forbes contributor can be a great way to increase your visibility and reach a larger audience. Don’t hesitate to submit a pitch today if you have something valuable to say.