Don’t Fake It Till You Make It: The Real Cost of Pay-to-Play “Press”

“Top Entrepreneurs on Yahoo.” 

“10 Female Founders to Watch.” 

“Leaders to Follow in 2025.”

You’ve probably seen these headlines all over social media—especially in the bios and highlight reels of entrepreneurs who look like they’ve made it. Maybe you’ve even been approached via DM or email: “We can get you featured on Yahoo Finance, Entrepreneur, or Forbes. Just $500.”

Here’s the truth: If you have to pay to be featured, it’s not real PR. It’s a sponsored post dressed up to look like editorial—and it’s hurting more than it’s helping.

At BrandBomb PR, we don’t do fake press. We don’t buy credibility. We build it the right way—with earned media placements that are authentic, trusted and lasting. Let’s break down why pay-to-play “features” are a red flag and why real PR is the only way to make a real impact.

Paid Press Is Not Public Relations

Let’s call it what it is: advertising.

Paying to appear in a “Top 10” article on Yahoo or other well-known outlets might sound like a fast track to credibility. But these lists are often hosted on third-party content platforms, not the actual editorial arm of the outlet. There’s no editor, no journalist, no pitch and definitely no fact-checking. You’re essentially renting space on a page that’s been copy-pasted and reused for dozens of other paying “features.”

You pay → you're placed → your audience scrolls past.

When savvy readers see “sponsored” at the top of a piece, they instantly know it’s paid for. The trust factor? Gone. And because these “articles” aren’t earned, they’re not indexed as valuable by Google. That means no long-term SEO benefit and no lasting digital footprint. Many of these links even disappear after a few months, along with your hard-earned dollars.

A Screenshot Is Not a Strategy

Yes, it’s tempting to get that flashy screenshot that says “As Seen On Yahoo.” It might even get you a few likes or a congratulatory DM. But what happens when people start to dig deeper? When they realize the article you’re promoting is a pay-to-play listicle filled with others who also bought their way in?

It damages your reputation.

Your credibility takes a hit, especially with other founders, investors, or journalists who can spot these paid placements from a mile away. Instead of elevating your brand, it raises questions about your authenticity.

Real PR Is Earned, Not Bought

At BrandBomb PR, we believe in earned media—coverage you deserve because of who you are, what you do and the value you bring to your industry. We pitch real journalists, editors and producers. We craft stories that resonate. We secure interviews, bylines, profiles and expert commentary in outlets people know and trust.

Earned media takes more effort, more strategy and more finesse—but it delivers real results:

• Trust – When you’re interviewed by a respected journalist or featured as an expert, it tells your audience you’re the real deal.

• SEO – Articles from reputable publications rank on Google, driving organic traffic to your name and business for months or even years.

• Longevity – Earned press doesn’t vanish when the payment stops. It becomes part of your digital legacy.

• Momentum – Media begets media. A credible feature opens the door to even more opportunities and bigger outlets.

  
  

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not sure if something is paid or earned? Here are a few signs you’re looking at a fake PR opportunity:

• You’re asked to pay to be featured in a “Top” list or profile.

• There’s no interview, editor, or vetting process.

• The article lives on a little-known blog or “partner content” platform.

• It says “sponsored” or “brand content” at the top.

• The entire piece is just a copy-paste bio with no original reporting.

These aren’t features—they’re ads. And smart audiences can tell the difference.

At BrandBomb PR, We Don’t Do Fake

We work hard to secure real media wins for our clients. Whether it’s a feature in a national magazine, a TV interview, a quote in a trend story, or a spotlight in a local business journal, our goal is always to position you as a trusted voice in your space.

And yes—it takes time. There are no shortcuts to real credibility. But when your business is backed by authentic press, the results speak for themselves.

Because faking it might get you a screenshot…

 But making it gets you momentum, reputation and long-term growth.

Ready to Stop Faking It?

If you’re serious about building a brand that lasts, it’s time to stop chasing paid “features” and start investing in real public relations. We’re here to help you stand out the right way—with earned media that builds trust, drives results and gets people talking for all the right reasons.

Work with us at BrandBomb PR. Because you don’t need to fake it—you just need the right team to help you make it.