WooHoo! We’ve just completed the quarterly updating of the PRToolFinder database and when that happens, we always run across a tool gem we forgot was in there that you should know about! One of these gems was in the Journalist Networks category!
If you’ve ever spent hours combing through media lists, sending cold emails to journalists, and hoping for a response, you know that getting quoted in the press isn’t easy. Enter Vetted, a journalist-expert connection platform that flips the traditional media outreach model on its head. Instead of sending endless pitches, journalists find you, and you only pay when you get quoted. (Whaaat?)
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into what Vetted is, how it works, key features, pricing, comparisons to similar tools, and how you can use platforms like this to streamline your media outreach and get your clients featured in the press.
What is Vetted?
Vetted is a verified expert directory that connects professionals, authors, thought leaders, and PR experts with journalists seeking sources for their stories. Unlike traditional media databases or query services that require you to pitch, Vetted focuses on inbound opportunities: journalists search the directory, find experts in their field, and send interview requests directly.
The goal? Save time, increase credibility, and get more media placements without the frustration of cold outreach.
How Vetted Works
Getting started with Vetted is straightforward:
- Apply & Verify
You submit your professional details for review ($79.00, 1X) Verification typically takes 1–7 days and ensures that your expertise is legitimate. - Journalists Search for You
Once approved, journalists can search Vetted’s directory by industry, topic, or expertise to find sources for their stories. - Receive Requests
Interview requests arrive in your inbox. You can choose which to accept or decline, putting you in control of your media appearances. - Pay Only When Quoted
Avoid paying subscriptions or recurring fees, only pay when your quote is published in a story.
Key Features
Vetted is packed with features designed to simplify media outreach:
- Verified Expert Directory: Establishes credibility and makes it easier for journalists to trust your expertise.
- Inbound Interview Requests: Journalists come to you; no cold emailing needed.
- PR Agency Support: Agencies can manage multiple client profiles from a single account.
- Journalist Search Filters: Allows journalists to narrow down experts by industry and niche.
- Pay-on-Results Model: You only pay if you are quoted in a published story, reducing upfront costs and risk.
Pricing
Vetted’s pricing model is performance-based, meaning there are no ongoing subscriptions, just a one-time verification fee and optional placement fees! Really, why would you not?
For Individual Experts:
- Verification Fee: ~$79 (after approval)
- Placement Fees (only if quoted):
- Regional U.S.: ~$350/article
- Industry-Specific: ~$400/article
- National U.S.: ~$500/article
- International: ~$600/article
For PR Professionals / Agencies:
- Agency Onboarding Fee: ~$179 for up to 5 client profiles
- Reduced placement fees for clients: e.g., National placements ~$425/article
Journalists can use Vetted for free, making it a trusted and cost-effective source for high-quality media contacts.
How Vetted Compares to Other Journalist Networks
It’s helpful to understand Vetted’s unique position relative to example tools in other platforms:
- Vs. SOS / Qwoted: Those services rely on you actively pitching journalists in response to queries. Vetted flips the model, letting journalists discover you.
- Vs. Muck Rack / Cision: Traditional media databases require active outreach and expensive subscriptions. Vetted is performance-based, which offers a low-risk alternative.
- Vs. SourceBottle: SourceBottle is query-based and free, while Vetted offers verified profiles and paid placement options for higher-profile exposure.
In short, Vetted is perfect for professionals who want inbound media opportunities, verified credibility, and no upfront subscription fees.
Why PR Pros Should Consider Vetted
- Time-Saving: No more guessing which journalists to pitch or sending dozens of cold emails.
- Credibility: Being part of a verified expert directory boosts trust with journalists.
- Cost-Efficient: Pay only when results happen — no ongoing subscription.
- Agency-Friendly: Manage multiple clients under one account with performance-based billing.
Accessing Vetted and Other Journalist Tools
Did you find this info helplful? Vetted is just one example of the many journalist networks, media databases, and PR tools available to PR professionals. Whether you’re looking to:
- Find journalists quickly,
- Track media opportunities,
- Build expert credibility, or
- Automate outreach,
PRToolFinder has you covered. Our “no brainer” subscription plans give you access to detailed information on hundreds of PR tools, including pricing, key features, and more…all regularly updated.
- 3-Month Subscription: Ideal for short-term campaigns or seasonal PR efforts.
- Yearly Subscription: Best for ongoing media relations and full access to all tools and categories and the forum.
With PRToolFinder, you can make smarter, faster decisions, and confidently choose the right tools for your PR strategy, all without spending hours researching individual platforms.
Discover Vetted and hundreds of other PR tools today. Streamline your media outreach, save time, and maximize your coverage — all through a single, easy-to-access directory.
Why wait, it’s a brand new year? Start your subscription to PRToolFinder.com today!