5 Simple Ways to Say Thanks to a Reporter

 

 

Expressing ‘Thanks’ can be powerful — both for the person giving and for the one receiving.

 

Recognizing someone who takes the time to showcase your career successes will probably make you feel good — as long as it comes from a place of sincerity. But, you’d be surprised at how many people often forget to convey a little gratitude to a Reporter.

 

I’m not suggesting you do anything extravagant. In fact, NEVER send a gift or money or anything else that might compromise a Reporter’s ethics or integrity.

 

And, don’t fake it. If you’re looking to win them over with manufactured kindness so they’ll write about you again in the future – don’t bother.

 

However, if you like a story they wrote about you and you want let them know that, there are some easy ways you can respectfully show them a bit of appreciation for covering your story. 

 

Here’s 5 Simple Ways to Say Thanks to a Reporter:

 

Literally Say ‘Thank You’

Don’t underestimate the power of a saying ‘Thank You’ at the end of an interview. Yes, it’s a Reporter’s job to conduct interviews, but they didn’t have to choose your story. Trust me; they probably had plenty of other opportunities. But, something about your story idea grabbed their attention.

 

Be careful not to go too overboard, spouting gratefulness to the point of no return. Just an honest statement of thanks will do.

 

Send a Written ‘Thank You’

Following up an interview or published article with a written thank you note is astute. Of course, it’s important that it comes from a genuine place, so don’t send a cookie cutter form letter. Instead, personalize it by explaining exactly what you liked about their article. Let them know if there was a specific question or critical detail they included that you appreciated.

 

Don’t wait too long. It’s best to write your thank you within a day or two after an in-person or phone interview. Also, if you can send a handwritten note via postal mail, then you might gain a few extra bonus points in their book.

 

Share On Social

Don’t forget to share any articles about you far and wide on social media. Passing along an article to your followers is an easy signal to a Reporter that you like the story and feel confident about their coverage. Plus, your shares also help the Reporter and the press outlet gain views and fans, too.

 

Remember to tag a Reporter and the press outlet in your social shares. They might even share your posts, giving you another opportunity to attract their audience.

 

Be Active With Articles

Most online sites allow for ‘Comments’ at the end of an article. So, whenever an article about you posts, try adding a positive comment that expresses your appreciation. But, don’t stop with that. Instead return to the article a few days and weeks afterwards, continuing the conversation by posting additional comments to others who write something, too. This will be a signal to the Reporter that you’re interested in helping to give their audience a full experience and access that other outlets don’t have.

 

If you enjoy the Reporter’s work, take it a step further by commenting on some of their other published articles. This will authentically convey your support for their work and help you establish a long-lasting rapport.

 

Give Them A Scoop

Reporters are always looking to be the first to break a juicy story. Offering up an exclusive or “scoop” to a Reporter who has previously shown you some attention can be considered a savvy way to express your appreciation for their work. This will also go a long way in building a trusting professional relationship with a member of the press and possibly make them more receptive to additional story ideas in the future.

 

Just be sure to keep your expectations realistic. A single Reporter will probably not be able to cover every story opportunity you share with them. But, approaching them with appropriate and timely story ideas is a smart way to build a solid rapport.

 

Overall, expressing gratitude to a Reporter (or anyone) should come from a place of sincerity and make you feel good afterwards.

 

THANKS!