Getting your product featured on major websites, blogs, and publications can be a game-changer for your brand. It boosts your credibility, drives massive traffic to your site or Amazon listing, and can significantly increase sales. However, breaking into the media spotlight isn’t easy—it requires strategy, preparation, and persistence.
This guide will walk you through the exact steps to get your product noticed and featured by major sites. By the end, you’ll have a clear action plan to grow your brand and reach new audiences.
Why Getting Featured Matters
Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the value of being featured by major sites:
- Credibility and Trust: A feature on a trusted site or publication lends legitimacy to your product. Customers are more likely to buy from brands they see endorsed by reliable sources.
- Massive Exposure: Major websites have large audiences, often with millions of visitors monthly. A single feature can generate significant traffic.
- Sales Growth: Media coverage often leads to higher conversion rates and increased sales, especially when the feature links directly to your product.
- SEO Benefits: A backlink from a reputable site can boost your website’s domain authority and improve your search engine rankings.
- Social Proof: You can showcase logos or links to the publications that have featured you, creating a stronger impression for potential customers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Product Featured
1. Define Your Target Audience
The first step in getting your product featured is understanding who your ideal customer is. This will help you identify the websites, blogs, and publications that align with your audience’s interests.
Actionable Steps:
- Create a customer avatar that includes demographics, interests, and shopping habits.
- Identify the websites your target audience visits, such as niche blogs, industry publications, or influencer platforms.
Example: If you’re selling eco-friendly skincare, target websites and blogs focusing on sustainability, beauty, and wellness.
2. Research the Right Websites
Not all websites will be a good fit for your product. Focus on platforms that align with your brand and have a relevant audience.
How to Find Relevant Sites:
- Search Google: Use search queries like “top [niche] blogs” or “best websites for [industry] products.”
- Check Competitors: Look at where your competitors have been featured and aim for similar sites.
- Use Media Databases: Tools like HARO (Help a Reporter Out), Muck Rack, and Cision can help you find journalists and publications relevant to your niche.
Focus on Three Types of Sites:
- High-Traffic Media Outlets: National publications like Forbes, TechCrunch, or Women’s Health.
- Niche Blogs: Smaller sites that specialize in your product category (e.g., fitness blogs for workout gear).
- Influencer Platforms: Websites run by influencers with engaged followings.
3. Craft a Winning Pitch
Once you’ve identified your target sites, it’s time to reach out. Your pitch is critical—it needs to be compelling, concise, and tailored to the recipient.
What to Include in Your Pitch:
- Personalization: Address the journalist or blogger by name and mention why their platform is a good fit for your product.
- Your Story: Share what makes your product unique. Focus on the problem it solves or the value it provides.
- Supporting Materials: Include high-quality images, links to your product, and any press materials (e.g., a media kit).
- Call to Action: Be clear about what you’re asking for. For example, “Would you be interested in reviewing our product?”
Pitch Example:
Subject Line: Eco-Friendly Skincare That’s Changing the Game
Hi [Name],
I’ve been a big fan of [Website/Blog Name], especially your recent article on sustainable beauty trends. I’m reaching out because I think our product, [Your Product Name], would resonate with your audience.
[Your Product Name] is an eco-friendly skincare line made from all-natural ingredients and packaged in biodegradable containers. We launched it to tackle the growing demand for sustainable beauty options, and we’ve already received great feedback from customers.
I’d love to send you a sample for review or provide more information about our brand. Let me know if this interests you!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
4. Leverage HARO
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a free platform where journalists post queries looking for sources. Responding to these queries can land you features in major publications.
How to Use HARO:
- Sign up for a free account at HelpAReporter.com.
- Choose categories relevant to your product (e.g., business, lifestyle, health).
- Monitor queries daily and respond promptly with clear, concise answers.
Tip: Make your responses easy for journalists to use. Include quotes, product links, and relevant details.
5. Provide High-Quality Media Assets
Journalists and bloggers are more likely to feature your product if you make their job easier by providing professional, ready-to-use content.
What to Include:
- High-resolution product images on a white background.
- Lifestyle images showing your product in use.
- A short product description and key features.
- Links to your website, Amazon listing, or online store.
6. Build Relationships with Journalists
Media coverage isn’t always a one-time deal. Building long-term relationships with journalists and bloggers can lead to recurring features.
How to Build Relationships:
- Engage on Social Media: Follow journalists on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn, and interact with their content.
- Offer Value: Share tips, insights, or data relevant to their beat without asking for anything in return.
- Send Follow-Ups: After a feature, thank them and offer additional resources or story ideas for future collaborations.
7. Use Influencer Marketing
Influencers often run their own websites or blogs, making them a great avenue for features. Partnering with influencers can drive traffic, boost visibility, and provide authentic endorsements.
How to Work with Influencers:
- Send free product samples and ask for an honest review.
- Offer affiliate partnerships to incentivize sales.
- Collaborate on sponsored posts or giveaways.
8. Leverage Social Proof
Once your product is featured on a major site, amplify the impact by showcasing it everywhere:
- Add the publication’s logo to your website with a “Featured In” section.
- Share the feature on your social media platforms.
- Use the feature in email marketing campaigns to build trust with potential customers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic Pitches: Don’t send the same pitch to every site. Personalize your message to show you’ve done your research.
- Focusing Only on Big Names: Niche blogs and smaller platforms often have highly engaged audiences, making them just as valuable as larger publications.
- Not Following Up: Journalists receive hundreds of emails daily. A polite follow-up can make the difference between being ignored and getting featured.
- Ignoring Media Kits: Some websites have specific guidelines for submissions. Always check if they have a media kit or collaboration page.
Case Study: How One Product Went Viral
Product: Eco-Friendly Water Bottles
Challenge: Gaining visibility in a saturated market.
Strategy:
- The brand targeted sustainability blogs and lifestyle influencers with pitches emphasizing their unique, biodegradable design.
- They responded to HARO queries about sustainable living and landed features in three high-traffic blogs.
- They shared their features on social media, which led to an Instagram influencer noticing and sharing the product.
Results:
- 300% increase in website traffic within two weeks.
- A 50% boost in sales, with one blog’s feature directly generating over $10,000 in revenue.
- Improved credibility and trust from the “Featured In” section on their website.
Conclusion
Getting your product featured by major sites requires effort, but the payoff can be enormous. By targeting the right platforms, crafting personalized pitches, and leveraging tools like HARO, you can secure valuable media coverage that drives traffic, boosts credibility, and increases sales.
Start small with niche blogs and influencers, and work your way up to larger publications. Remember, persistence is key—if one pitch doesn’t land, refine it and try again.
Have you had success getting your product featured on a major site? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to hear your story or answer any questions! 🚀