Forbes · 27 Oct, 10:30 · Business briefing

3 Reasons Why Freelancers Should Add Earned Media To Their Business Plan

A recent Forbes article advises freelancers to incorporate earned media into their business strategies.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

A recent Forbes article advises freelancers to incorporate earned media into their business strategies. The piece outlines three primary reasons for this shift, suggesting that securing third-party coverage enhances credibility and visibility more effectively than paid advertising alone. It highlights how journalists and industry publications can validate a freelancer’s expertise, thereby attracting higher-value clients. This approach moves beyond traditional self-promotion, positioning the professional as an authoritative voice within their sector. The report emphasises the strategic advantage of organic recognition in a crowded marketplace.

Employer demand for Digital Marketing skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This shift means your expertise must be communicable, not just technical. Skills in media relations and narrative construction rise in value, as you must pitch stories effectively to journalists. You should pay attention if you rely solely on inbound leads or cold outreach. A smart professional would audit their current visibility and identify key industry publications. Start by drafting a media kit that highlights your unique insights rather than just your services. Engage with journalists on social platforms to build relationships before pitching. Treat earned media as a long-term investment in trust. By positioning yourself as a thought leader, you reduce dependency on algorithmic changes in paid ads. This strategy builds sustainable authority, allowing you to command premium rates and attract clients who value deep expertise over quick fixes.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

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