How to Get Quoted as Expert in Media Stories

Getting quoted in media stories is a fast‑track way to build credibility, attract new opportunities, and amplify your personal brand. In this guide we break down the exact steps, checklists, and real‑world examples you need to become a go‑to source for journalists. Whether you are a startup founder, a tech specialist, or a career coach, the tactics below work across industries.

Why Media Quotes Matter

• Authority boost – A single quote in a reputable outlet can increase perceived expertise by up to 70% (source: Edelman Trust Barometer).
• SEO benefits – Backlinks from high‑authority news sites improve your search rankings.
• Lead generation – 45% of professionals say they contacted a speaker after reading a quote in a story (HubSpot, 2023).

These numbers show that media coverage isn’t just vanity; it’s a measurable growth engine.

Step 1: Identify Your Niche and Build Authority

Before you pitch, you must know what you are an expert on. A clear niche makes it easier for journalists to match you with their story angles.

Checklist

• Define your core expertise in one sentence. Example: “I help SaaS companies reduce churn through data‑driven onboarding.”
• List 3‑5 sub‑topics you can speak on (e.g., churn analytics, onboarding automation, customer success metrics).
• Publish at least three pieces of original content (blog posts, whitepapers, or LinkedIn articles) on those sub‑topics.
• Gather social proof: awards, certifications, or past media mentions.

Do focus on a narrow field; Don’t claim to be an expert in everything.

Step 2: Craft a Media‑Ready Expert Profile

Journalists skim bios. Your profile must answer three questions instantly: Who are you? What do you know? Why should I trust you?

1. Headline – Use a punchy title that includes your niche. Example: Data‑Driven Onboarding Strategist for SaaS.
2. One‑line summary – Combine role, years of experience, and a quantifiable result. “10+ years helping SaaS firms cut churn by 25%.”
3. Key achievements – Bullet three metrics or awards.
4. Contact info – Direct email and a short, professional photo.

A well‑crafted profile can be built quickly with Resumly’s AI Resume Builder, which formats your achievements for both recruiters and journalists.

Step 3: Create Pitch‑Ready Content Assets

Journalists love ready‑to‑use assets. Prepare the following:

• Press kit (PDF) with bio, headshot, fact sheet, and recent quotes.
• One‑pager that outlines your talking points for trending topics (e.g., AI ethics, remote work trends).
• Video intro (30‑seconds) that can be embedded in emails.

Store these files in a cloud folder and include a short link in every pitch.

Step 4: Build Relationships with Journalists

Cold‑emailing works, but warm relationships increase response rates from 15% to 45% (Cision, 2022).

Do

• Follow journalists on Twitter, LinkedIn, and comment thoughtfully on their recent articles.
• Share their work with a brief note on why it matters to you.
• Offer a quick, data‑backed insight without asking for a placement.

Don’t

• Spam generic pitches.
• Ask for coverage before establishing rapport.
• Overpromise on expertise you don’t have.

Step 5: Use Timely Angles and News Hooks

Media outlets prioritize relevance. Align your pitch with:

1. Industry reports – Cite the latest Gartner or Forrester data.
2. Seasonal trends – Example: “Why Q4 is the critical period for SaaS churn reduction.”
3. Breaking news – Offer a quick comment on a recent acquisition or policy change.

A good formula: [Your Insight] + [Current Event] + [Why It Matters to Readers].

Step 6: Respond Quickly and Provide Value

When a journalist replies, speed is crucial. Aim to respond within 2 hours.

Response checklist

• Confirm receipt (“Got it, I’ll send the details in 30 minutes”).
• Attach the requested asset(s).
• Offer an additional statistic or quote that wasn’t in the original pitch.
• Keep the tone professional but conversational.

Step 7: Leverage Social Proof and Past Quotes

After you land a quote, amplify it:

• Share the story on LinkedIn with a short commentary.
• Add the media logo to your Resumly profile using the AI Cover Letter tool to showcase credibility.
• Include the quote in future pitches as a credibility badge.

You can also write a recap post on the Resumly blog to attract more journalists who browse the site for experts.

Mini‑Checklist: Get Quoted in 30 Days

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over‑generalizing – Vague statements like “I think AI is important” get ignored.
• Ignoring the journalist’s beat – Pitching a tech expert to a lifestyle editor rarely works.
• Failing to proofread – Typos damage credibility instantly.
• Not tracking results – Use a simple spreadsheet or Resumly’s Application Tracker to log pitches, responses, and placements.

Real‑World Case Study: From Zero to Five Quotes in Two Months

Background – Maya, a cybersecurity consultant, wanted media exposure.

Actions

1. Defined niche: “Ransomware prevention for mid‑size firms.”
2. Built a press kit using Resumly’s AI tools.
3. Engaged three journalists on LinkedIn, commenting on their ransomware coverage.
4. Pitched a timely angle after a high‑profile breach, offering a 3‑point checklist.
5. Delivered the quote within an hour of the request.

Results

• Featured in TechCrunch, Wired, and a regional business journal.
• Saw a 40% increase in inbound consulting inquiries.
• Added the media logos to her Resumly profile, boosting her LinkedIn follower count by 2,300.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I find the right journalists to pitch? Use media databases like Cision, follow bylines on industry sites, and search Twitter for keywords + “author”.

2. What if I’m not comfortable on camera? Start with written quotes; once you have a few placements, offer a short video intro for future pitches.

3. How many pitches should I send per week? Aim for 5‑7 highly personalized pitches. Quality beats quantity.

4. Do I need a PR agency to get quoted? Not necessarily. A disciplined DIY approach, as outlined here, can achieve results for most professionals.

5. How can I measure the impact of a media quote? Track website traffic spikes, inbound leads, and social engagement using UTM parameters. Resumly’s Career Guide explains how to set up tracking.

6. What if a journalist asks for a comment on a topic I’m not an expert in? Politely decline or refer them to a colleague. Maintaining credibility is more important than a quick placement.

7. Can I reuse the same quote for multiple outlets? Yes, but tweak the framing to match each publication’s audience.

Conclusion

Getting quoted as an expert in media stories is a systematic process: define a clear niche, craft a media‑ready profile, build genuine journalist relationships, and respond with speed and value. By following the step‑by‑step guide, using the provided checklists, and leveraging Resumly’s AI tools for a polished professional presence, you can turn a single quote into a cascade of brand‑building opportunities. Start today, track your progress, and watch your authority grow—one media story at a time.