4 Ways To Find More Sources

Finding sources is an important way to get new content and build connections at the same time. While writing my book Lead The Stampede, I had the privilege of building strong connections with many people who I did not know about before. These sources provided content and stories related to my book, and I added those stories in my book. While the book is still scheduled to be published some time in the summer, I can share with you how I found sources for the book.

1. Yahoo! and Wiki Answers. These places are where experts gather to answer questions that other people have. Once you find the person who is an expert in your niche, contact that person asking if they would like to be in your book and ask them for more information (this is best done with 3-5 questions).
2. Help A Reporter Out (HARO). I cannot emphasize enough how important HARO is both for getting sources and being found. I use HARO every day to either read emails or send pitches. Most of my sources were as a result of HARO.
3. Search on Google. By searching phrases based on your niche, you will be able to find the most popular blogs on the web. Even the bloggers with “celebrity” status will be eager to be in your book or blog post. Every blogger, even the big ones, want more traffic. Getting mentioned in a blog post or book would be a great way to get a backlink and build credibility.
4. Look through your list of followers on your social networks. This will be harder for some people depending on the number of followers that you have. If you and another person are mutually following each other, that person is more likely to become a source for your story or blog post. In addition, if you are not following a person who you ask to become a source, be sure to follow that person immediately so they are more likely to become a source for your story or blog post.

These are the four ways to get more sources. Whether you are the news anchor for a national TV channel or new blogger, it is important to get sources so you can add different views and more tips for your readers.