Techniques for Making Query Services Work

There are a number of journalist query services, including ProfNet, HARO, Gorkana, and Businesswire. Some don't do much, and some can create inundation. Someone on a writers' forum had mentioned getting swamped by responses, so much so that using the service in question became a problem. Here are some suggestions I had for how to effectively use the services and cut down on the unnecessary flood:

• Choose the right service for the right use. Over time you'll get a sense of how they work in different circumstances. For example, I've found that to reach lawyers at large firms, for example, ProfNet is the way to go. HARO has a broader reach. As you use a service over time, learn the characteristics and put it to the most effective use possible.


• If you're being swamped for days, set your deadline for same day or next morning. That alone will reduce things. You'll still get some people trying after the deadline, but you won't get the people who do respect deadlines, which will cut back the volume.


• Use it for specific, possibly "technical" (as in referring to specific expertise or knowledge of a subject) topics. Fewer people will assume that they could position themselves to be a fit.


• Quickly scan emails and have a "thanks, but no thanks" copied onto the clipboard. Then hit reply, past in the answer, and send it off.