Health & Wellness
Switch Up Your Uninteresting Plank With These 10 Ab-Bracing Variations
WHEN IT COMES to coaching your core muscle tissue, most guys are inclined to price a complete bunch streak. They’ll rip by reps of situps, leg lifts, and twists; they might perchance even cycle their legs like they’re pedaling a bike. All this frantic flexion and rotation are in pursuit of that deep burn in the midsection that many consume as a measure of a properly-done workout. This methodology might even be priceless, to some level—as prolonged as construct is favored over frenzied tempo—but it no doubt’s incomplete. No ab coaching program is complete with out no longer lower than about a rounds of an relate that is totally devoid of streak: the plank.
You’ve got per chance done planks forward of, and that you can per chance mediate you mastered the switch after correct about a workouts. In idea, the plank is one of basically the simplest exercises for your repertoire. Good come up on your elbows (or palms, reckoning on your preference) and preserve silent. In discover, nonetheless, the plank is rather more hard; you’ll might silent be laser-centered on your construct and posture, or your preserve might perchance no longer be as efficient because it will likely be in any other case. The principle, basically basically based on Males’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. is to take into legend the plank as a plump-body endeavor.
The plank is indispensable for bigger than correct what it might perchance well attain for your midsection muscle targets. The relate is one of basically the simplest ways to hone one of basically the most predominant capabilities of your core: bracing. Bracing is helps to give protection to your spine; it be the stress you manufacture need to you squeeze your abs and glutes whenever you are in plank residing. Here is indispensable for bigger than correct your ab workouts. Having a sturdy determining of the plank residing will lift over into heavyweight moves like squats, need to you have to make stronger a gorgeous load on your again.
What Is a Plank
To obtain technical, the “customary plank” is an relate in which an individual performs a static preserve of a inclined honest spine residing whereas supporting themselves the consume of the upper and lower extremities. Historically, the forearms or hands and toes are the contact parts with the ground, and the body hovers above the ground in this residing with out letting your guts lollygag around and spine arch.
It is seemingly you’ll perchance shift your body around in other diversifications of the relate, but that bracing remark will remain the greatest focal level of any plank.
Benefits of Planks
Planks are one of basically the simplest bodyweight exercises an individual can attain. They take in very runt condo, require almost no instruments (per chance correct a mat for a primitive plank), and targets no longer correct the core abdominal muscle tissue but also the scapular stabilization muscle tissue and every little thing in between. Weight bearing into the hands or forearms activates the serratus anterior, pecs and triceps as well to muscle tissue of the neck and better shoulders. Preserving a honest spine engages the transverse abdominis, multifidi, rectus abdominis and internal and external obliques. Struggling with the hips from shedding fires the glutes, quads and hamstrings.
Planks can toughen shoulder girdle stability for heavy overhead lifts whereas also addressing core energy and endurance to toughen stability for correct about any sport or workout. The isometric (or silent) preserve can even aid posture and positioning with day to day actions like sitting, standing and walking.
Changes to the plank might even be made for comfort and skill level, including switching from resting on the hands to the forearms whenever you are experiencing wrist wretchedness with weightbearing, or switching from supporting oneself on the toes to the knees if elegant positioning is laborious to preserve or if wretchedness is felt in the toes and toes.
Customary Plank Mistakes
Though the plank is a straightforward relate, a complete bunch guys obtain no longer toddle about them the unsuitable means. Placing forward plump-body rigidity is required, so it be no longer as easy as getting up on your forearms and sitting in residing; you have to squeeze the mid-again, abs, and glutes throughout. This is in a position to perchance construct it a residing of work—that might construct it hard to preserve in elegant posture for grand longer than a minute. While you happen to are going beyond 90 seconds or so, you are conserving the plank too prolonged. Assorted customary mistakes embody shedding your pelvis low or raising your butt too excessive; your again need to be flat. Finally, your head need to be in a honest residing attempting on the ground. While you happen to search for up and around, you are making a mistake.
How you can Spice Up Your Plank
Okay, we’re proceed on the basics—and you’ve got per chance spent an ultimate duration of time straining in the pose, hoping for a stronger core.
However conserving a plank residing for 30 seconds or more can obtain a runt bit dreary. Whereas there are masses of advantages to a static, isometric preserve, including a dynamic remark to your habitual archaic plank can remark your body rather more and provide aid to toughen your energy and stability in new ways.
Whenever you’ve nailed the customary model and might preserve a plank for 60 seconds, it’s time to add a brand new twist. Strive jacking up the intensity of your plank and difficult your entire body in new ways with these replacement diversifications.
Hard Plank Variations for a Tough Core
Side Plank
Flip your perspective to the aspect to boost the level of curiosity on your obliques.
How you can Invent It:
- Lie on the ground on your aspect along with your legs extended. Utter your elbow on the ground, along with your arm facing forward (perpendicular to your torso).
- Lift your hips up, extending your off arm overhead.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades, abs, and glutes to construct a straight line, preserving your hips in a honest residing.
- Attend your condo, striking forward total-body rigidity.
- Attend for up to 40 seconds, then swap to the opposite aspect.
Copenhagen Side Plank
Steal away some stability from the customary aspect plank by engaged on one leg, striking rather more of the onus on your obliques.
How you can Invent It:
- Lie on the ground in a aspect plank residing, stacking one elbow on the ground beneath your shoulder.
- Prolong both legs out, then leisure your weight on the reside foot and brace your core to raise your body off the ground, resting on your elbow and foot.
- Drive your bottom knee up, as whenever you were raising it up to speed.
- Attend this residing, striking forward rigidity to preserve your spine straight and your torso from falling forward, then return to the ground.
Dynamic Well-known particular person Plank
Now, you’ll add some hip abduction to the oblique-centered plank. Make certain that your actions are controlled throughout.
How you can Invent It:
- Lie on the ground in a aspect plank residing, stacking one elbow on the ground beneath your shoulder.
- Bend your knees collectively on the ground. Push your elbow and bottom knee into the ground and press upward, raising your top arm and leg up in the air in the form of a superstar.
- Attend this residing for a count, then return to the starting up up.
Plank Rotation
Yes, the plank is largely a stationary streak—but this alteration adds one more core characteristic, rotation, that might obtain your thoracic spine provocative.
How you can Invent It:
- Opt up proper into a excessive plank/pushup residing, along with your hands on the ground straight beneath your shoulders and your toes on the ground basically basically based on your hands.
- Push one hand into the ground, then take care of shut the opposite off the ground, rotating your torso to reach up to the sky. Withhold your eyes locked onto that hand as you elevate up.
- Stay for a count, then rotate again to the starting residing.
Endure Plank
Sooner than you can accomplish the indulge in lope, that you can per chance silent be in a issue to preserve the indulge in plank residing with valid construct and posture.
How you can Invent It:
- Initiating by getting on your hands and knees on the ground in an all-fours residing.
- Your hands need to be stacked straight beneath your shoulders. Flip the pits of your elbows forward, creating mid-again rigidity.
- Transfer your knees so as that they are beneath your hips, and rather wider than hip width basically basically based on your hands.
- Grab your knees off the ground, tighten you abs and squeeze your glutes. Your again need to be totally level. Withhold your search for on the ground, along with your neck in a honest residing.
Endure Plank Shoulder Faucets
Add some instability to your indulge in plank by provocative around your parts of steadiness.
How you can Invent It:
- Initiating in a valid indulge in plank residing, creating plump-body rigidity.
- Grab one hand off the ground, then faucet your reverse shoulder.
- Utter your hand again on the ground, then repeat on the opposite aspect. Brace to preserve your hips and shoulders sq. in the unbalanced residing.
Endure Plank At some level of the World
The indulge in plank stability remark continues as you’ll take away your legs from the ground with this alteration.
How you can Invent It:
- Initiating in a valid indulge in plank residing, creating plump-body rigidity.
- Grab one hand off the ground and reach your hands straight out, bracing to preserve your hips and shoulders sq.. Utter the hand again on the ground.
- Repeat with the opposite arm.
- Grab one foot off the ground to boost your leg, squeezing your glutes for a tender streak. Proceed bracing your core to cease balanced. Utter the foot again on the ground.
- Repeat with the opposite leg.
Bird Dog
No, this would no longer indulge in “plank” in the name—but this standard relate uses the same principles of bracing to practice your core.
How you can Invent It:
- Initiating in a tabletop residing, along with your knees on the ground. Squeeze your mid-again, abs, and glutes as you per chance can in the indulge in plank.
- Lift your correct arm and left leg up simultaneously, reside for a beat and squeeze your abs, then lower toddle into reverse.
- Repeat with the reverse limbs.
Superman Plank Attend
Want obliques just like the Man of Steel? This strong plank variation will build your core muscle tissue to the take a look at and might abet you play out your superhero fantasies. You’re mixing a single-arm plank with an overhead Paloff press blueprint, so that you are going to want a resistance band and an anchor prove work shut to.
How you can Invent It:
Opt up down in the plank residing subsequent to the anchor level, conserving the tip of the band with the hand reverse the anchor. Prolong that arm straight out, like you are Superman mid-flight. Attend that residing for two to some seconds, bracing your core and glutes to cease valid. Proceed for 3 to eight reps per arm.
Fight Rope Plank Pull
It is seemingly you’ll perchance want a load and a few extra equipment for this alteration (a weight sled with a fight rope tied to it, namely), however the remark will likely be price the hassle.
How you can Invent It:
- Utter up in a plank residing as a long way a long way off from the sled as doable, with the rope between your forearms.
- Opt up the rope, striking forward a balanced plank residing—have interaction your core and squeeze your glutes—then pull the sled toward you, preserving your working arm shut to your body.
- Withhold going till you lift the sled your entire means in, then readjust to make consume of your other arm.
- No sled available, or working in little quarters? Connect a resistance band to an anchor level, then pull it in for 8 to 10 reps the consume of the same mechanics.
Dr. Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS
Dr Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS is a Doctor of Physical Remedy, Licensed Strength & Conditioning Specialist, properly being and fitness author, and runner who works as a PT at Shift Wellness in Contemporary York Metropolis.
Brett Williams, a fitness editor at Males’s Health, is a NASM-CPT certified coach and outdated legit soccer player and tech reporter who splits his workout time between energy and conditioning coaching, martial arts, and running. That you can earn his work someplace else at Mashable, Thrillist, and other retail outlets.
In the world of influence, credibility is currency. You can build a strong social media following, land podcast interviews, and even go viral — but there’s something different about seeing your name printed in the glossy pages of Vanity Fair.
It signals arrival.
For entrepreneurs, creatives, executives, and cultural tastemakers, being featured in Vanity Fair isn’t just a media win. It’s a brand-defining moment. It tells the world: You matter at the highest level.
In this edition of Level Up Magazine, we’re breaking down why Vanity Fair remains one of the most powerful platforms in media — and how positioning yourself for this kind of exposure can elevate your authority instantly.
Why Vanity Fair Still Holds Cultural Power
Founded in 1913 and reimagined for the modern era, Vanity Fair has long been a gatekeeper of influence. From Hollywood elites to political power players, the magazine doesn’t just report culture — it shapes it.
A feature in Vanity Fair means:
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You’ve crossed into mainstream cultural relevance
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Your story has narrative depth
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Your influence extends beyond niche audiences
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You’re perceived as premium
In today’s crowded digital landscape, perception is everything. Vanity Fair represents legacy media at its finest — highly curated, editorially selective, and globally respected.
While social media builds visibility, legacy publications build permanence.
What Vanity Fair Looks For
If you want to land on their radar, it’s important to understand what they value.
Vanity Fair is not interested in:
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Generic success stories
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Surface-level accomplishments
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Trend-chasing personalities
They are interested in:
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Cultural impact
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Distinctive personal narratives
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Power, influence, and transformation
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Individuals shaping industries
Your story must feel larger than you.
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Vanity Fair features people who represent shifts in culture — not just participants in it.
The Psychology of Being “Vanity Fair Worthy”
There’s a mindset shift required before the media recognition comes.
To be featured at that level, you must:
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Think beyond local influence
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Position yourself as a thought leader
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Operate at premium standards
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Curate your public image intentionally
Media is a mirror. It reflects how you already show up.
If your brand visuals are inconsistent, your messaging unclear, or your positioning too broad, you won’t attract high-level editorial attention.
Vanity Fair doesn’t create authority — it amplifies existing authority.
Building Toward the Feature
Getting featured in a major publication rarely happens randomly. It’s a result of strategic positioning.
Here’s the blueprint:
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Facts don’t get features — stories do.
Craft a compelling origin story:
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What obstacles did you overcome?
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What mission drives you?
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What tension exists in your journey?
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2. Strengthen Your Digital Footprint
When editors research you (and they will), what do they find?
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Professional press photos
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Clear brand identity
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Media mentions
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Thought leadership content
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Strong website presence
Everything should align with a premium aesthetic.
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Top-tier features often follow mid-tier exposure.
Think:
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Industry publications
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Podcasts
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Authority blogs
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Speaking engagements
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The Power of Association
When your name appears in Vanity Fair, you’re placed in proximity to cultural icons, global leaders, and entertainment royalty.
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Suddenly:
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Investors see you differently
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Your speaking fees increase
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It’s Not Just About Fame — It’s About Positioning
Vanity Fair isn’t simply a celebrity magazine. It’s a publication that explores power — who has it, how they use it, and what it costs.
If you want to align yourself with that level of conversation, your brand must reflect:
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Substance
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Sophistication
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Cultural awareness
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Impact
This is about stepping into rooms where influence is exchanged at the highest level.
Becoming Feature-Ready
Ask yourself:
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Does my story inspire beyond my industry?
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Is my brand visually aligned with premium media?
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Am I building cultural relevance — or just visibility?
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Would a global audience find my journey compelling?
If not, that’s your next level.
Becoming “Vanity Fair ready” forces you to refine your message, elevate your standards, and think bigger about your impact.
Final Word: Think Legacy, Not Likes
In a world obsessed with algorithms, aim for legacy.
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At Level Up Magazine, we believe in building brands that don’t just trend — they endure.
The question isn’t whether you want to be featured.
The question is:
Are you building something worthy of it?
Level up accordingly.
Being highlighted in a major publication can instantly elevate your credibility, visibility, and authority. One of the most influential platforms in global media is Daily Mail — a publication with millions of readers across the UK, the US, and beyond. If your goal is to get featured in Daily Mail, you need more than luck. You need strategy, timing, and a compelling story.
This guide walks you through the right approach to secure meaningful media coverage.
Why Media Coverage in a Major Publication Matters
A feature in a high-authority publication offers:
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Massive exposure to millions of readers
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Credibility boost for your brand or personal profile
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SEO benefits from high-domain authority backlinks
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Increased trust among customers and investors
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Long-term brand positioning
Unlike paid ads, editorial coverage carries third-party validation — which makes it far more powerful.
Understand What Editors Are Looking For
Journalists and editors receive hundreds of pitches daily. To stand out, your story must align with what the publication values:
1. Strong News Angle
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2. Human Interest
Personal journeys, unique challenges, and emotional stories often perform exceptionally well.
3. Data & Evidence
Research-backed insights, surveys, or original statistics increase credibility.
4. Celebrity or Influencer Connection
If your story involves a public figure, partnership, or social media traction, it becomes more attractive to editors.
Craft a Compelling Media Pitch
A strong pitch is concise, relevant, and tailored.
Key Elements:
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Attention-grabbing subject line
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Clear headline angle
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2–3 short paragraphs explaining why the story matters
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Supporting data or quotes
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High-resolution images available upon request
Avoid generic mass emails. Personalize your pitch to the specific journalist who covers your niche.
Build Media Relationships
Media coverage rarely happens from a single cold email. Instead:
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Follow journalists on social media
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Engage thoughtfully with their articles
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Provide value before asking for coverage
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Become a reliable source in your industry
Long-term relationships significantly increase your chances of publication.
Leverage PR Professionals
If you have the budget, hiring a PR agency can accelerate the process. Experienced publicists:
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Have established media contacts
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Know how to position stories strategically
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Create a Story That’s Bigger Than Promotion
One common mistake is pitching a product advertisement disguised as news. Instead of focusing on your business, frame the story around:
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Industry trends
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Social impact
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Unique challenges you’ve overcome
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Lessons others can learn
When your story serves readers first, editors are far more receptive.
Timing Is Everything
News cycles move quickly. Tie your pitch to:
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Seasonal trends
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Breaking news
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Industry reports
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Cultural conversations
Relevance increases urgency — and urgency increases coverage.
Optimize Your Online Presence
Before publishing, journalists often research sources. Make sure you have:
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A professional website
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Updated social media profiles
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Clear bio and credentials
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Press-ready photos
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Prior media mentions (if available)
Credibility online supports credibility in print.
Final Thoughts
Securing coverage in a leading publication doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a strong narrative, strategic outreach, and persistence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, expert, or brand, the key is positioning your story in a way that serves the audience first.
When you approach media with authenticity, relevance, and professionalism, your chances of gaining national — even global — attention increase dramatically.
If done correctly, that single feature can transform your visibility and open doors you never imagined.
In today’s competitive media landscape, brands, founders, and public figures are constantly searching for credible exposure. One of the most powerful ways to build authority is to Get Featured in The Guardian — a globally respected publication known for its in-depth journalism, cultural influence, and international readership.
Being featured in The Guardian is more than just press coverage. It’s a reputation milestone. With millions of readers across the UK, US, Australia, and beyond, The Guardian has the power to amplify your story on a global scale.
This guide explains how to position your brand for success and increase your chances of securing meaningful media coverage.
Why Getting Featured in The Guardian Matters
1. Global Credibility
The Guardian is known for investigative journalism, cultural commentary, business reporting, and social impact stories. A feature instantly elevates your brand’s trust factor.
2. Massive International Reach
With a strong digital presence and global audience, your story isn’t limited to one country — it reaches readers worldwide.
3. Long-Term Brand Authority
Media coverage in a respected publication builds SEO strength, improves online reputation, and enhances investor and customer confidence.
What Type of Stories Does The Guardian Publish?
Before pitching, it’s important to understand what fits their editorial style.
The Guardian typically covers:
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Social impact and sustainability initiatives
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Business innovation and startup stories
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Technology and digital transformation
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Culture, lifestyle, and arts
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Politics and global affairs
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Human-interest stories with meaningful impact
They prioritize substance over self-promotion. If your story is purely promotional, it likely won’t get traction. Instead, focus on insight, originality, and relevance.
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Featured in The Guardian
1. Craft a Newsworthy Angle
Ask yourself:
-
Is this story timely?
-
Does it connect to a larger social or industry trend?
-
Does it provide new data, research, or expert insight?
Journalists look for stories that inform, educate, or challenge perspectives — not advertisements.
2. Research the Right Journalist
Don’t send generic emails. Study:
-
Which journalist covers your industry?
-
What tone do they use?
-
What topics have they recently written about?
Personalized pitches dramatically increase response rates.
3. Write a Strong Media Pitch
Your pitch should be:
-
Concise (150–250 words)
-
Clear about why the story matters now
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Focused on value for readers
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Free of marketing fluff
Structure:
-
Compelling subject line
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One strong hook sentence
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Key facts or data
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Offer for interview or additional insights
4. Provide Supporting Materials
Make it easy for journalists:
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High-resolution images
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Founder bio or expert profile
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Data reports or research findings
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Customer case studies
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Clear contact information
The easier you make their job, the more likely your story will move forward.
5. Work With a Strategic PR Team
Getting featured in a publication like The Guardian often requires:
-
Established media relationships
-
Deep editorial understanding
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Strong storytelling skills
-
Timing and persistence
A professional PR strategy ensures your pitch aligns with editorial expectations and current news cycles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Sending mass, copy-paste emails
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Pitching without understanding editorial focus
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Making it overly promotional
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Ignoring current news relevance
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Following up too aggressively
Remember: journalists receive hundreds of pitches daily. Respect and relevance make the difference.
Alternative Ways to Appear in The Guardian
Getting featured doesn’t always mean a full profile story. Other opportunities include:
-
Expert commentary in industry articles
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Op-ed contributions
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Sponsored content (clearly labeled)
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Data citations in investigative reports
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Interviews as a thought leader
Each type of coverage contributes to credibility and visibility.
How Long Does It Take to Get Featured?
There’s no fixed timeline. Media placements depend on:
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Editorial calendar
-
Current news trends
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Story strength
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Journalist availability
Some stories gain traction within weeks. Others require consistent outreach over several months.
Final Thoughts: Positioning Your Brand for High-Impact Coverage
To Get Featured in The Guardian, you need more than a good story — you need the right positioning, timing, and strategic outreach.
Focus on:
-
Authentic storytelling
-
Clear value for readers
-
Data-driven insights
-
Professional media communication
-
Long-term relationship building
When done correctly, a feature in The Guardian can transform your brand perception, increase digital authority, and open doors to new partnerships and opportunities.
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