If you find an article where a journalist has used your data or commentary, but not linked to your website, you have every right to ask for a link.
A polite email asking for credit (i.e. a link) to your website will normally work, but also be aware that sometimes the journalists hands will be tied.
Either will be against editorial policy to add links, or it was the online editing team that decided not to link.
Tip: The sooner you ask for a link the better, so check for coverage regularly.
Step 1: Identify the author
Check who wrote the article and if their email address isn't readily available, use our Journo name search to find it.
If we don't have it, you can request a manual update for the journalist.
Step 2: Crafting the email
Thank the journalist
Start by thanking the journalist for the coverage, and be specific about the piece you’re referencing by including a link to it.
I normally also throw in a simple compliment like 'it's a really interesting article' to set a positive tone.
Request a link
In the next sentence, clearly request a link. Phrasing can vary, but the intent should be transparent.
Here are some example options:
Would it be possible to include a link back to our site in the main body of the article?
I’d appreciate it if you could credit us with a link back to our website.
I would be really grateful if you could credit the story in the form of a link back to my website.
Would it be possible to include a link to the original data source in your article?
Justify the request
Highlight how adding a link will benefit their readers, whether it offers them more context, additional data, or insights into your commentary.
We worked hard to collate the data and I think your readers would find the extra context behind it useful.
It would mean a great deal to us and I think your readers would appreciate being able to learn more about [your company name].
Provide the link
Include the exact URL you’re requesting they link to, making it as easy as possible for them to fulfill your request.
Tip: Make it very obvious you want a link. There's little point beating around the bush and you don't want to risk a misunderstanding.
Step 3: Following up
If the first email isn't successful, email a polite follow-up the next day.
"Just following up on this - thank you again for covering our campaign.
Given the amount of hard work that went into creating the content, we would appreciate you crediting the original source in your article. Here’s the link for your reference ..."
If you are still unsuccessful, you can try your luck sending a third email and copying in the journalist's editor and a corrections email if the outlet has one.
By the third email, I would use a firmer tone, but still keep things polite.
One recommendation you might see online is to include in your original pitch the fact your pitch is under Creative Commons.
You can then use this as a persuasive tactic to encourage a reluctant journalist or publication to include a link.
Here's the tip from @WolfofBaldSt on Twitter:
However, I would recommend being very careful with this approach.
It can come across as rude and threatening, which the journalist will not appreciate. The journalists will also likely view this as an empty threat, because it is very unlikely anyone would actually pursue legal action over one link.
And if they did, all the journalist needs to do is remove the article.
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