3 Steps to Finding Expert Commentary 

As a journalist, finding expert commentary can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of your work.

Whether you are writing an in-depth feature or seeking a quick comment to add depth to a story, knowing where to look can make all the difference. And there are some easy ways to find what you need.

So if you’re reading this and you’re struggling to source expert comments… we’ve got you covered. Check out these easy ways to connect with the right experts for your next story.

1. X – #journorequest Hashtag

Ever wondered what methods PRs rely on when it comes to sourcing opportunities for their clients and experts? 

Well, many PRs keep a close eye on the #journorequest hashtag on X, looking for requests they can help fill. So as a journalist you can use the hashtag to request an expert comment on anything from irons to economics. 

What’s the downside? 

Well, not every comment will be relevant to you as you’re going to reach such a broad pool of people. You may also find PRs contact you well after your deadline leading to a chaotic inbox.

2. Online Communities 

Another way of finding expert comments is by joining relevant online forums or communities. From Reddit to Facebook, there are tons of forums where people chat about every topic you could imagine. Even LinkedIn can be a great place to find experts already publicly talking about the topics you’re interested in. 

It can sometimes take a bit of time to get responses and permissions meaning this isn’t the best method if looking for a quick hit, but it can be a great way of finding real-life stories. 

3. Email-based request services

Another way to source expert commentary is through an email-based request service. 

These services are really simple to use as a journalist. You register, login and then share your request, telling PRs what outlet you’re writing for, what you’re looking for, the deadline you’re working to and any other information they might need to know. 

This then gets sent out to PRs who are subscribed, telling them you’re looking for content and encouraging them to respond directly to that email with their pitch. These services even stop that email address after your deadline has passed. 

The downside? Well, PRs say that they easily receive 1000 requests a day via these services, meaning they only really get around to checking them every few days or so and most of the requests they’re receiving are irrelevant to them. Plus even if that services ‘turns off’ your request after the deadline has passed, the PR can easily just continue to email you.

4. Synapse 

Synapse also has a request feature that you can use to source expert commentary. The process is similar to email-based request services, except it doesn’t lead to more emails. 

You log in, write your request, tag it against relevant sectors and then share it. It’ll automatically go to any PRs with those sectors on their profile. 

The bonus here is that you will get responses directly through Synapse – no more juggling emails, and it targets PRs actively working in the right sectors, meaning you get quicker, more accurate responses in as little as 10 minutes. 

Conclusion 

All these methods can be helpful when sourcing expert commentary. Depending on what you’re looking for, and how quickly you need a response, there are different solutions to suit your needs. 

If you’re interested in using Synapse, get in touch with us to find out more and register. 

Every relevant PR in our network receives alerts for requests, ensuring that your query reaches the right PRs quickly and efficiently.

If you want to know more, register today and try it for yourself.