Getting your products featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine can be a game-changer for makers and small businesses. With over 7.6 million readers, this iconic publication offers incredible visibility that can drive brand awareness and sales.
But as you can imagine, the editors are inundated with pitches and only have so many pages to fill each issue. To score one of those coveted feature spots, you'll need to craft a pitch that immediately grabs their attention and checks all the right boxes.
So what exactly are the key elements Better Homes & Gardens editors look for when evaluating pitches? Here's an inside look at what can help your products stand out from the crowd.
Original, Unique Product Designs
Above all else, Better Homes & Gardens editors are always on the hunt for fresh, creative and truly original product designs to inspire their readers. They want to showcase items that put an innovative spin on current design trends or showcase unique craftsmanship you can't find anywhere else.
Providing high-quality product samples is crucial when pitching to be featured in Better Homes & Gardens magazine. The editors want to evaluate the actual products in-person to ensure they meet the magazine's standards for quality materials and craftsmanship before considering them for a feature.
Here are some key points about submitting product samples based on the information provided:
Be Prepared to Send Your Best Pieces
Better Homes & Gardens expects to receive the highest quality, most exemplary samples of your products. Don't send prototypes or seconds – the samples need to accurately represent what customers would receive. This allows the editors to get a true sense of the quality you offer beyond just photos.
Samples Allow Hands-On Evaluation
Having the physical products on hand allows the editors to inspect the materials, construction, and overall craftsmanship up close. They can assess the weight, texture, finishes and other details that photos alone cannot convey. If your samples don't meet their quality standards, it will likely be an automatic pass.
Offer to Send Additional Samples
In your pitch, be sure to offer to provide free product samples for the editors to evaluate. You can even suggest sending additional samples beyond your initial submission as a follow-up, showcasing any new releases or different variations.
By submitting high-quality, professionally-made product samples that accurately represent your brand's offerings, you allow the Better Homes & Gardens team to fully assess whether your products are a good fit for their publication and meet their exacting quality standards. Skimping on samples could significantly hurt your chances of being selected.
Compelling Visual Assets
With its gorgeous, photo-heavy aesthetic, Better Homes & Gardens is an extremely visual brand. That means your pitch needs to include high-resolution, well-lit, magazine-quality photos showing your products from multiple angles.
Invest in professional product photography or do your best to mimic the style you see in the magazine's pages. Having video clips that bring your products to life can also help your pitch stand out in a crowded inbox.
Engaging Backstory and Inspiration
While beautiful visuals are crucial, the editors also love learning about the inspiration and personal backstory behind the makers and their designs. Use your pitch to share what motivated you to start your business, your creative process, the materials you use, or any personal connection you have to the craft.
Giving the editors a window into your brand's narrative makes your pitch more engaging and memorable. They want to be able to share those stories and maker profiles with their readers.
Strategic Timing
Like most major publications, Better Homes & Gardens operates on an editorial calendar planned out in advance. That means the timing of when you submit your pitch is critical.
Research their editorial calendar and aim to have your pitch in 4-6 months ahead of your target issue. For example, pitches for their January issue featuring holiday/winter products are likely due in July or August of the previous year.
Persistence and Professionalism
Finally, understand that Better Homes & Gardens receives far more pitches than they can possibly accommodate in each issue. You may not hear back initially, but that doesn't mean your pitch was outright rejected.
Follow up periodically while providing any new product releases, images or samples that could renew their interest. But maintain a friendly, professional demeanor throughout the process. An enthusiastic yet patient approach can help you stand out from the crowd.
By nailing the key elements editors look for – original designs, quality product samples, compelling visuals, an engaging brand story, strategic timing, and a unique content angle – you can greatly increase your chances of seeing your products grace the iconic pages of Better Homes & Gardens.
And, if you'd like to connect directly with editors from Better Homes & Gardens, check out Media Leads – our DIY PR Platform that has helped thousands of brands get featured in the media.
