Contributed content is any material submitted by someone other than a journalist to a publication or other platform. Typically, contributed content is in the form of blogs and articles to magazines, blog platforms, industry journals, and trade publications. It can also assume the form of interviews, infographics, or video content.

Contributed content helps build and elevate a brand or company awareness, establish business credibility, and position an organization’s expertise with target audiences. Although many editors want contributed content for their publications, it's essential to develop a pitch strategy and ensure that content resonates with these gatekeepers. A key strategy when preparing contributed content for third-party publications is to avoid self-promoting.

Rather than promote your product or service, contributed content should share neutral perspectives and insights on your topic of interest. Explore opportunities that link back to your official site in a non-promotional manner, following the publication’s guidelines and writing style.