People often ask me how they can get themselves quoted in the press.

Whatever messaging you’re putting out will have a powerful impact on this.

What will grab the attention of a writer under pressure to deliver a good article on a particular angle – and exploring the internet for the right person to quote? What will make them feel you’re a dead cert?

If they’re on a tight deadline, they won’t spend long poring over your profile if it’s confusing or doesn’t tick the right boxes. This is how journalists think if they are considering asking you to give expert input for an article.

  • “Is this person a credible expert? “
    This is not just about having the credentials but also having a real depth of experience that the editor won’t question.
  • “Do I like what they’re saying?”
    Opinions that resonate and strike the right tone, showing knowledge about contemporary issues and a good turn of phrase, will get you noticed.
  • “Do they stand out?”
    In a crowded market, where other people deliver similar services to you, making your expertise and personality rise head and shoulders above the rest could be the clincher.
  • “Do they communicate with authority?”
    It needs to be clear that you really know your stuff and aren’t afraid to express opinions. It really helps if you’ve published a book that demonstrates this!
  • “Are they the real deal?”
    Beware of creating confusion about what you do. If you do a multitude of things, is your expertise failing to come through?
  • “Do I know what they stand for?”
    Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile, your website, your book, press release, socials or whatever, your messaging needs to match.
  • “Have they been quoted elsewhere?”
    Show that you’ve been trusted to give opinion as an expert in your field by your industry, trade press, authors, podcasters, media, whoever.
  • “Do their clients acknowledge their value?”
    This is where testimonials and reviews come in.

You may not tick every box, but these are the factors that will really help a journalist on a tight deadline decide you’re the one to message for a quote – and to add you to their Rolodex (do people still use those?) of contacts and pass on your details to other journos.