Wait? Is there actual etiquette on quoting people or resources in your blog? The answer is – yes there are some things to think about before quoting. Quoting people or resources helps you build authority in your niche. It shows others that you’re not another cuckoo bird, spouting junk from your soapbox.
Some benefits of quoting people or resources on your blog:
- Builds authority.
- Gives credit where it’s due, especially if the quote comes from someone famous or extremely newsworthy.
- Gives your interested readers more resources to enjoy.
- Make you look more friendly and humble when you share the credit with someone else.
- It’s just good karma to link to other websites.
The thing is, you didn’t become an expert by yourself. You used something or learned from someone, in order to be able to create content. The only way you were an immediate expert, is if you discovered or originally created something. Sure, you might have your own unique golden nuggets of knowledge, but some people said it first, and sometimes it’s okay to share the thunder.
In not linking out or referring to other people or resources, you end up being like that person that stands in crowds, and shouts, also known as “standing on a soap box”. More often than not, people either ignore that person, or believe that person to be saying false things, or crazy things. You don’t want to be that person right?
Here are some tips on how to quote people or resources in your blog.
The Etiquette Of Quoting People or Resources In Your Blog
When is it appropriate to quote people or resources in your blog?
It’s always appropriate to quote people or resources. You should quote when you can, only if it relates to what you’re blogging about, and if it can add value to the entire post. Useless quotes just make you look lazy. In fact, if there are facts out there to support your content, quote them, and then give credit. The best credit you can do is either mention the person, or link to where you found the information, or do both.
Can you quote others in your blog?
Yes, definitely. Why wouldn’t you? Now, if your blog is a news venue and you’ve been interviewing people, make sure that if you’re recording conversations, in order to gain quotes, you need to get permission. For example, if you’re having a friendly off-topic conversation or one that is “off the record”, you probably shouldn’t share that.
Now, some bloggers are into gossip, so sometimes, in quoting people or resources, there’s a fine line. Use some common sense if you don’t want to create a terrible backlash.
What is too much when quoting a resource, like another website or a book?
So, yes, you can abuse quoting by posting too much on a single resource. For example, if you use a large block of text from a book, you could face some legal problems. Make sure, that if the content you’re quoting is long, try summarizing it, and only quoting, or highlighting a small area of it. This saves you from plagiarism accusations.
Your blog post should have more of your blog voice shining through, rather than chock full of quotes.
Want to learn more, Darren Rowse of ProBlogger, also talked on How to Use Quotes in Your Blog Content Legally and Ethically.
Do you like to reference other people or resources in your blog? Have any tips that aren’t mentioned here?
Builds authority.
Gives credit where it’s due, especially if the quote comes from someone famous or extremely newsworthy.
Gives your interested readers more resources to enjoy.
I m totally agree with this point
nice Information Although
What if you have idea and nobody ready to collaborate with you inorder to develop the idea. Sometimes, I feel so depressed about this.
I really appreciate your article…keep up the good work buddy…
This tips are very helpful. I do think it is a good way to reach consumers…Thank you for sharing this! It does give a new insight in success….
Have a nice day…
The information that you have give can not b ignored, it is unique and apply it.
I agree! Nice article, thanks for sharing! Quoting people on your blog can help in more reach.
I really appreciate this post, I have wondered/worried about how to reconcile the little experience I have with the idea of teaching others, and this post (and in particular the movie reference) really has got me thinking in a different way than I have been.
Thanks again!
i read your some post very nice please share more content seo related i will waiting your next post
Even if you have quotation marks around something, it’s still plagiarism if you don’t identify the speaker. No one wants to see their stuff taken without credit. Thanks for the post, Nile! Regards
This is useful and something I didn’t understand fully. I have started to use more quotes in my posts as I think it adds more clarity to what I’m writing about.
Never ever thought and considered that, well this gave me a helpful insight.
Thanks for Great share Nile
Hi Nile,
It was a great read! I think quoting people in your blog post is important, but doing it with the right etiquette is important. I really appreciate you sharing about this subject. I think this is one of the least talked about subjects online, and I found your article very helpful. It was a great read, and I learned a lot from it. All of this information will definitely help me quote others better and ensure it is done with the utmost respect.
We definitely learned much more about this today. Thanks for the great share Nile! Using quotes in your blog definitely builds authority if done the right way.