<b>The credibility line that earns the quote</b>

<b>The credibility line that earns the quote</b>

Reporters can't quote a stranger. They need to tell readers who you are in a few words, so they need you to hand them those words.

This is your "credibility line" — one short phrase proving you're allowed to have an opinion on this topic.

Think of it like a name tag at a conference. "Sam, Plumber, 12 years" tells people instantly why your plumbing advice counts.

Here's how to build yours:

— 1. Your role and company. "Founder of a payroll software firm."
— 2. A number that shows depth. "Worked with 400 small businesses."
— 3. Skip awards and buzzwords nobody can check.

That line often gets copied word-for-word into the article, so write it like you'd want to be introduced.

Try this today: write three different credibility lines for yourself and keep the clearest one in a notes file.