Step 1. Define Your Target PublicationNot all media fit your niche. Here’s a breakdown:
Outlet | Best For | Ukrainian Case Study |
Forbes | CEOs, investors, scale-ups | MacPaw’s US expansion story |
TechCrunch | Tech startups, VC | Grammarly’s 2017 feature |
Bloomberg | Finance, macroeconomics | NBU’s comments on currency rates |
Yahoo Finance | Fintech, stock markets | KUNA crypto exchange feature |
How to choose?- Check where competitors are featured (Google: "[niche] site:forbes.com").
- Study sections (e.g., Forbes has separate columns for startups, leadership, tech).
Step 2. Prepare a Media Kit That Stands OutInternational journalists get hundreds of pitches daily. To get noticed:
- Be relevant (match the outlet’s trends).
- Provide ready-to-publish content (not just “we’re cool,” but a concrete case).
What to include?✔
News/angle: E.g., “How a Ukrainian Startup Raised $5M During the War.”
✔
Data: Charts, surveys (e.g., “Ukraine’s AI Market Grew 120% in 2024”).
✔
Expert commentary: Unique insights (“Why Europe Needs Ukrainian IT Talent”).
✔
Media assets: High-res photos/videos.
Example of a winning TechCrunch pitch:
“Hi [Journalist’s Name], We’re [Startup Name], a Ukrainian team building an AI tool for cancer detection (40% accuracy boost in 2024, data attached). This could fit your Health Tech column. Our CEO is available for an exclusive interview.”Step 3. Find Entry Points1. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)- How it works: Reporters post expert requests on helpareporter.com.
- Sample query: “Seeking European founders who raised funding during crisis.”
2. LinkedIn Networking- Find journalists covering your topic (e.g., fintech reporters at Bloomberg).
- Engage with their posts (add value, not ads).
- After 2-3 interactions, pitch your story.
3. PR Agencies- Pros: They have editor contacts. A Forbes feature via an agency costs €3K-€10K.
Step 4. Write a Guest PostMany outlets accept expert contributions.
Tips to get published:
- Follow the format: Forbes (800-1K words), TechCrunch (500-700 words).
- Offer unique data: E.g., “Survey of 100 CEOs on AI Adoption.”
- Avoid self-promo: Focus on insights, not your product.
2025’s Winning Topics:
- “How Ukraine’s War Reshaped Global Markets.”
- “Why Western Investors Bet on Ukrainian Cybersecurity.”
Step 5. Nail the InterviewIf a journalist says yes:
- Prepare 3 key messages (e.g., “Our tech saves clients $1M/year”).
- Practice: Simulate Q&A with ChatGPT.
- Avoid politics (unless the outlet specializes in it).
What NOT to say:
❌
“We’re the best in Ukraine.” → ✅
“Our solution cut European clients’ costs by 30%.”Real Ukrainian Success Stories1. Grammarly in TechCrunch- How: Pitched an exclusive about their new AI feature.
- Result: 15K new sign-ups.
2. Max Polyakov in Forbes- Strategy: Focused on his global IT empire, not just Ukrainian roots.
ConclusionLanding international coverage is achievable. Key steps:
- Target the right outlet (specific section, not just “Forbes”).
- Prepare pro materials (data, case studies, expert quotes).
- Use LinkedIn & HARO to connect with journalists.