I realize how meta it is, writing an article for a major publication about why you should write articles for a major publication. Now that we’ve sorted that out, it’s important for you to realize how valuable it is to write for a major publication.
Here are 6 reasons why you should try writing content for a popular website.
Elevate your brand through your content.
This one is pretty obvious. When you write content for a major publication, your thoughts and ideas are read by a large audience and your brand is elevated.
The world of marketing and branding can really be summed up in one word; Ownership. The goal is to become the owner of your space. Google owns search, RedBull owns energy drinks, and Meta owns social media.
Ask yourself how you define your niche and then own it through your industry content.
Use your content as a tool throughout your workflow.
I’ve talked about this before, but instead of explaining things to people throughout the day, save some time and just send them a link to the article you’ve already written on the subject.
This specific point is relevant to any writing you do, whether or not it’s published on a major publication. So, for example, if someone asks you how to create an investor deck, instead of explaining them step by step, just send them an article that you wrote on the subject.
Polish your writing skills.
A fundamental component of entrepreneurship is communication and more particularly written communication.
When your company is already big, you probably have a marketing team doing your messaging and copywriting, but until then, you, the founder, need to develop your ability to communicate and write well. Writing for a large publication with millions of readers is a good way to develop these skills. After all, you don’t want millions of people reading your typos.
Leverage connections to do PR.
At some point or another throughout your journey as a founder, you’re going to have to pitch a reporter. Whether it’s your launch, first round, new partnership, acquisition or IPO, don’t underestimate the power of the press.
When you write as a contributor or columnist for a major publication, you build relationships with the editorial team. Later, when you need to introduce those same editors, they already know and like you as a professional.
Content is the business card of the 21st century.
When you want to know more about someone before you meet them, there’s only one place you look, the internet. And how do you find information about this person on the Internet? Google.
Now when someone googles you and doesn’t find anything, that’s a big red flag. But when they google you and see all the articles you’ve written about the industry you’re in, they instantly and automatically assume you’re a thought leader.
The best way to establish yourself as an authority in your space is with content, and when that content has millions of readers, well, you have a head start when you meet or interact with that person or business.
Get rid of the fluff and get straight to the point.
Generally speaking, major publications have become important by writing in a way that people appreciate. Of course, that’s a generalization and there are absolutely a few great websites that are full of fluff, but in general the tolerance for empty buzzwords written for a reputable website is much lower.
This means for you that when you write articles for a major publication, you are essentially forcing yourself to crystallize your story and communicate your message effectively.
This is an extremely important skill that you will use countless times as you build your business.
To sum up, all websites need good content to thrive and if you have unique ideas to offer, don’t leave them in your head. Try engaging with the editorial team of a major publication and offer them to publish your content and the exclusive thoughts you have as a startup founder.