Byline
A line identifying the author of an article, often securing thought leadership placement.
Definition
A byline is the line identifying who wrote an article. In PR, "byline articles" or "contributed articles" are thought leadership pieces written by or for clients that publications run under the client's name. Securing bylines positions executives as industry experts.
Byline opportunities vary from trade publications to major business media. Requirements range from fully ghostwritten submissions to collaborative editing with publication staff.
Why It Matters
Bylines build thought leadership credibility and SEO benefits while giving clients control over messaging. They're valuable third-party validation of expertise.
A strategic byline program can establish executives as go-to industry voices.
Examples in Practice
A CEO's byline in Harvard Business Review establishing industry thought leadership.
Monthly trade publication bylines building consistent visibility in a target industry.
Byline articles repurposed for owned channels, sales materials, and speaking proposals.