How to Get Quoted in the Press for Free and Why AI Notices

Getting quoted in the press isn’t just for PR firms with big budgets. Journalist-source platforms like Qwoted or HARO (Help a Reporter Out) let you respond directly to reporters seeking expert commentary. One well-placed mention can boost your visibility in both traditional search and AI answers, even without a backlink. Here’s how it works.

How journalist-source platforms operate

Reporters post queries on these platforms when they need expert input on tight deadlines. You’ll see requests like “Seeking SME on sustainable packaging for retail” or “Interview: impact of remote work on commercial real estate.” Filter alerts by your industry and respond quickly, most journalists select sources within hours. Keep your pitch concise: two sentences establishing credibility (e.g., “We’ve helped 200 ecommerce brands switch to compostable mailers”) and one offering a specific insight.

Why press mentions matter without links

Google’s AI Overviews and featured snippets often pull data from news articles. A mention in a credible outlet like Forbes or industry trade press signals E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) to algorithms. For example, if a journalist writes “According to [Your Name], founder of [Business], ‘75% of clients now ask for AI opt-out clauses,’” that standalone fact may surface in AI answers. Track these via Google Alerts for your name or company.

What makes AI notice a quote

AI systems prioritize recent, authoritative sources. A quote in a high-domain-authority news site carries more weight than a blog mention. Specificity helps: “The average response time dropped from 48 to 3 hours” is more likely to be extracted than “We improved efficiency.” This is why reactive PR works, you’re providing structured data points journalists (and by extension, AI) need. For more on how AI interprets content, see how AI visibility works.

Three habits for consistent opportunities

1. Set up saved searches on Qwoted/HARO for your niche (e.g., “B2B SaaS” or “organic skincare”)
2. Maintain a ‘press kit’ Google Doc with pre-written quotes on common industry topics (regulations, trends, case studies)
3. Follow journalists who’ve quoted you before, they often revisit reliable sources

Press mentions compound over time. One quote can lead to interview requests, podcast invites, or inclusion in roundups. Start small with trade publications before targeting national outlets.

Ready to be seen as an authority? Tell us your niche and we’ll suggest relevant journalist queries.