If you’re sold on the idea that getting featured in “big name” publications is the golden ticket for your business then this blog is going to trigger you.
So, buckle up and let’s dive into a conversation that doesn’t get enough airtime…
THE FORBES FANTASY
If I had a pound for every time I get asked how to get featured in Forbes, I’d be sipping a Mai Tai on a beach in Bali right now (which I’m not btw!). There’s this myth floating around that once you’re published in a top-tier outlet, you’ll have to hire an assistant to help you field all the new client enquiries that “magically” land in your inbox.
More often than not, when that tidal wave fails to arrive, you’re left feeling flat, deflated and questioning whether PR is worth it at all.
Let me be the one to break the news to you gently: being featured is brilliant for your credibility, but it’s NOT a guarantee of instant sales or stampedes of dream clients rushing to your door.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Don’t get me wrong, I get the allure. Securing a spot in a publication like Forbes or Fortune is a confidence booster that gives you huge validation as an expert, just ask Kate Davis, my client and guest on episode six of the podcast.
Kate’s been featured multiple times across top media titles, and while seeing her name in the bylines was a huge win, it was the long-term impact, not the overnight results, that really shifted her business.
Here’s the real magic: Building relationships, being strategically visible in the right places and repeatedly sharing your message in a way that is genuinely useful to your ideal audience is what leads to being hired and being paid by premium clients.
Kate nailed it when she said, “PR isn’t an overnight whiz-bang.” (Honestly, I adore clients who tell it straight.)
Showing up in high-profile publications is fantastic. But the work doesn’t stop there.
WHAT REALLY MOVES THE NEEDLE?
It’s time be honest with yourself: Are you hoping to get featured so that you can plaster “As Seen In” banners on your website, or are you leveraging this exposure to attract premium, pay-in-full clients with ease?
Are you clear on why you want the coverage and what you want it to deliver?
Do you know how your ideal clients perceive you?
Is your positioning on point and magnetising premium clients on repeat?
Are you showing up consistently on media platforms in a way thats builds connection and trust?
If you think one article or one podcast guest spot is going to change your business overnight, you’re missing the point (and missing out on the compound power of strategic PR). Becoming Niche Famous is the difference between piecemeal media mentions and receiving invitations in your inbox.
THE UNSEXY SECRET: CONSISTENCY
Here’s what might surprise you: the biggest results I see with clients come from those who prioritise building lasting relationships. Public Relations should be transformational, not transactional.
Kate, for example, traced a string of opportunities back to ONE podcast that was recorded and broadcast four years ago. That one interview opened the door to new networks, event invitations, paid work and even a speaking spot alongside high-profile CEOs.
Did her phone ring off the hook the day her podcast episode went live? No. But, by showing up as her full, brilliant self (and sharing her expertise in the places her ideal clients were actively looking), her reputation and business grew far beyond what a single article could ever deliver.
WHAT CAN YOU DO NEXT?
Instead of pinning all your hopes on a single piece of coverage, here’s what I want you to focus on:
1. Know your ideal client inside-out. Where do they hang out? What do they actually read or listen to?
2.Work on your messaging. Are you talking about things your audience cares about, or just what you think they want to hear?
3. Play the long game. Show up regularly, nurture relationships with journalists and podcast hosts. don’t underestimate the power of your presence outside “traditional” media.
4.Repurpose and reshare. Leverage your coverage: share links to it, talk about it, share snippets on social media. Build out your credibility with trust tags so that you become the ONLY choice for clients, and a Media Certified Expert for the press. ,
5. Track your own journey. So many business owners forget to check where their leads or opportunities come from. If you’re not clear on this, you’re missing the chance to double-down on what really works.
PR ISN’T JUST FOR THE FEW
You don’t need a rags to riches story, nor do you need to become someone you’re not. The most powerful PR is about showing up with your expertise, your lived experience, and a bit more of YOU (yes, even the parts you think aren’t “interesting enough” for the press).
It’s about building your authority, raising your profile and crucially building trust in all the places your dream clients might be lurking.
When you become Niche Famous, doors that used to be closed start opening up before your very eyes. You no longer have to chase Media Mentions, you attract them into your inbox with ease.
DON’T BUY THE HYPE. BUILD YOUR REPUTATION
Being visible in Forbes is great, but how you use that coverage is what matters.
Are you sharing it strategically?
Is it relevant to where your business is now?
Does it still showcase your expertise, even as you evolve?
If yes, it’ll keep serving you years down the line, as long as you follow my advice above.
As a final thought from me: Consistency, clarity and confidence in your positioning and premium offering will take your PR much, much further than any one-off “big name” mention ever could.
If you want to get strategic with your PR and you’re ready to raise your profile for the long haul, come and say hi over on Instagram @PRwithPerkes or schedule a free Growth Audit via DM.
Because PR is a marathon, not a sprint. When done with intention, it’ll keep opening the right doors for years to come.
About Laura Perkes:
Laura Perkes is a PR Specialist, Communications Consultant and the Founder of PR with Perkes. She helps creative, diverse and innovative founders, entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs who are wanting to raise their profile and build authority through effective PR.
Creating an an earned attention eco-system which contributes to the year on year growth of their business.
