Getting recognized in Fast Company magazine can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovative brands. Known for highlighting leaders, business trends, and disruptive ideas, Fast Company offers a platform that elevates visibility, credibility, and influence. But how can you actually Get Featured In Fast Company Magazine? In this guide, we’ll explore proven strategies, media tips, and PR approaches to help your story attract the attention of the magazine’s editors and readers.
Why Being Featured in Fast Company Magazine Matters
Fast Company is more than a publication; it’s a benchmark for innovation, leadership, and business excellence. A feature in the magazine can provide:
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Credibility and Authority: Being highlighted establishes your brand or leadership as influential and credible.
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Wide Audience Reach: Fast Company has millions of readers who are business leaders, entrepreneurs, and trendsetters.
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Opportunities for Networking: Exposure can lead to partnerships, speaking opportunities, and investor interest.
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Digital Amplification: Fast Company’s online platform extends your reach, driving engagement across social media and search engines.
Whether you’re launching a new product, scaling your startup, or sharing a unique business story, appearing in Fast Company positions you as a thought leader in your industry.
Understanding Fast Company’s Audience
Knowing who reads Fast Company is crucial for crafting a successful pitch:
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Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Professionals seeking insights on leadership, technology, and business growth.
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Industry Leaders and Investors: Decision-makers looking for emerging trends, startups, and successful case studies.
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Trend-Savvy Professionals: Readers interested in culture, design, sustainability, and forward-thinking business strategies.
Your story should align with these interests and demonstrate originality, relevance, and impact.
Steps to Get Featured in Fast Company Magazine
Securing a feature requires a strategic approach. Here’s how to position yourself effectively:
1. Craft a Compelling Story
Editors look for stories that are:
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Unique: Share an innovative idea, breakthrough, or remarkable achievement.
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Timely: Connect your story to current trends, market shifts, or industry movements.
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Engaging: Include human interest, problem-solving elements, or inspiring journeys.
For instance, startups can highlight innovative business models, sustainable initiatives, or technological breakthroughs that make their company stand out.
2. Build a Strong Media Presence
Before pitching, ensure your brand has a credible media presence:
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Professional Press Kit: Include high-quality images, bio, company info, and previous press mentions.
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Website and Social Media: Active, polished profiles demonstrate professionalism and engagement.
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Portfolio Links: Share product demos, case studies, or videos that showcase your work.
A strong media presence signals editors that your story is ready for national coverage.
3. Research the Right Editors and Sections
Fast Company covers multiple categories, from leadership and innovation to sustainability and design:
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Editorial Contacts: Identify writers who cover topics aligned with your story.
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Past Features: Study previous articles to understand content style and angles.
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Engage Respectfully: Follow and engage with editors on social media to understand their interests.
Targeting the right editor improves the likelihood your story will be read and considered.
4. Write a Personalized Pitch
Avoid generic emails. Your pitch should:
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Be Concise: Editors receive hundreds of emails daily, so keep it clear and direct.
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Highlight Newsworthiness: Explain why your story matters now.
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Include Supporting Materials: Attach press kits, media links, or examples of your work.
A compelling pitch demonstrates that you understand the publication’s audience and value.
5. Leverage PR Agencies
Many entrepreneurs and brands secure features through PR professionals. A PR agency can:
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Identify Opportunities: Agencies know which editors and publications are seeking stories.
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Craft Professional Pitches: Ensure your story is polished, relevant, and editorial-ready.
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Manage Follow-Ups: Handle communication, scheduling, and media inquiries.
Partnering with a PR agency specializing in business or tech media can increase your chances significantly.
6. Build Relationships with Editors
Establishing connections with journalists and editors can pay off over time:
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Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences.
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Engage professionally on social media.
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Provide insights, data, or story ideas even before pitching.
Editors are more likely to feature people they trust and recognize as credible sources.
7. Be Persistent and Patient
Features in Fast Company often require multiple touchpoints:
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Follow up politely if there’s no initial response.
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Continue refining and updating your story to maintain relevance.
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Maintain consistent visibility in the industry to stay top-of-mind with editors.
Persistence, combined with strategic storytelling, can eventually lead to a feature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When attempting to get featured in Fast Company magazine, steer clear of these errors:
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Generic Mass Emails: Lack of personalization reduces chances of being noticed.
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Exaggeration: Overstating achievements can hurt credibility.
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Neglecting Media Presence: Editors want accessible, professional online profiles.
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Ignoring Guidelines: Respect submission and editorial preferences to show professionalism.
A strategic, professional, and well-prepared approach sets you apart from competitors.
Alternative Paths to Exposure
If a feature in Fast Company is not immediate, consider:
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Fast Company Online: Digital articles, blogs, or interviews can provide valuable exposure.
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Collaborations: Partner with influencers or recognized brands to gain media traction.
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Other Business Publications: Outlets like Inc., Entrepreneur, or Forbes can build credibility that attracts Fast Company editors.
Building a portfolio of media coverage strengthens your reputation and increases visibility for future opportunities.
Conclusion
Getting featured in Fast Company magazine is a powerful way to boost credibility, visibility, and influence. By crafting a unique story, building a professional media presence, targeting the right editors, leveraging PR agencies, and maintaining persistence, you can maximize your chances of appearing in this prestigious publication. Remember, Fast Company values innovation, relevance, and authenticity. With preparation, strategic outreach, and professionalism, your brand or story can achieve the exposure it deserves.
