Cutting to the chase, newsjacker articles are a hit-or-miss tactic, and whether they’re worth it depends entirely on your execution and intent.
What Are Newsjacker Articles?
Newsjacking is the practice of piggybacking on current events or trending topics to inject your brand into the conversation.
Sounds clever, right?
Sure, if you don’t look desperate or out of touch doing it.
Done well, it positions you as a relevant, quick-to-act thought leader.
Done poorly, it reeks of opportunism and clickbait.
Think of it this way: everyone’s chasing the same spotlight when a hot topic breaks.
If you’re the one adding true value or a fresh perspective, you’ll stand out.
But if your content is just a regurgitation of the news with a sprinkle of self-promotion, you’re wasting your time—and worse, you’re wasting your audience’s time.
Are They Worth It?
Yes, if you can deliver value or unique insights.
Here’s the catch: most people can’t.
Jumping on a topic because it’s trending doesn’t automatically make it relevant to your audience or your expertise.
If your connection to the news feels forced, people will see right through it.
You have to ask yourself:
- Do I have a unique perspective on this topic?
- Can I offer actionable insights or advice?
- Does this align with my brand and audience’s interests?
If the answer to these is “no,” skip it.
Newsjacking isn’t worth diluting your brand with half-baked content that adds zero value.
Your credibility will take a hit, and no trending hashtag can fix that.
The Bottom Line
Newsjacker articles only work if you’re sharp, fast, and authentic.
If you’re slow or phoning it in, don’t even bother.
How About “As Seen On” PR Products?
If you’ve ever been tempted by those “Get featured in major publications like Forbes and Bloomberg” services, let me save you some money: they’re mostly BS.
How They Work
These services sell the idea that being “featured” in big-name outlets will boost your credibility.
In reality, they’re paying for placements in low-visibility sections of those websites.
It’s essentially sponsored content, and it’s buried so deep that the only people who’ll see it are those you send the link to.
The Problems:
- It’s Not Real Press.
Being “as seen on” doesn’t mean squat if it’s obvious you paid to play. Real media features come from earned coverage—when a journalist or outlet finds your story compelling enough to cover. Paying for fluff undermines your authenticity. - Low ROI.
Most of these placements do nothing to drive traffic or leads. You’re better off putting that money into targeted advertising or high-value content that actually converts. - It Can Backfire.
People are skeptical. If they Google your name and the only “press” they find is a bunch of paid placements, you look less credible, not more.
When It Might Work:
If you’re launching a new product or service and want a shiny “as seen on” badge for superficial credibility, fine.
Just know it’s a vanity play and nothing more.
It won’t bring in clients, but it might make you feel good about your website’s footer.
The Bottom Line
“As seen on” PR products are a shortcut—and not a very good one.
If you’re serious about building credibility, focus on creating authentic content, nurturing relationships, and earning genuine media coverage.
Stop wasting money trying to impress people with fluff.
Final Takeaway
If you’re going to invest time and money into marketing, be real about what works and what doesn’t.
Newsjacker articles and “as seen on” PR products both have their place, but they’re not magic bullets.
Authenticity, value, and consistency win every time.
Everything else? Just noise.
Are you ready to grow your personal brand with high-impact content—designed to rank on Google and AI?
I’m Ivan Jimenez, a digital marketer with over a decade of experience in marketing and advertising (and the creator of this website).
This is my passion project… helping people create highly optimized content designed to position them as authorities in their space so they can land higher paying jobs that actually appreciate their value, attract amazing clients, and live their best favorite life.
If your goal is to become a thought-leader, grow your influence, and allow opportunities to find you (instead of the other way around), then you need to read this right now.