Struggling to come up with fresh content ideas? We've all been there.
One solution is to republish articles that have already been published elsewhere. Reposting articles can save you time, increase brand awareness and even increase conversion rates.
However, it's essential to understand the legalities before reposting third-party content.
How to Properly Repost Articles
Reposting articles is a common practice in the digital age, particularly for those who wish to share valuable content with their audience, share business best practices with employees or share industry news across teams. However, reposting articles without permission can lead to copyright infringement and potential legal issues.
Below, we'll explore the correct way to approach reposting articles, dive into the concept of content licensing and provide you with the best practices to ensure you're sharing content ethically and legally.
What is Copyright?
Copyright is the exclusive legal right to print, publish, perform, film or record literary, artistic or musical material and to authorize others to do the same. Copyright laws vary by country, but generally, they grant authors or creators of a work exclusive rights to reproduce or distribute their work.
Republishing Basics
Republishing is the act of publishing content that has already been published elsewhere. Republishing content can be a great way to share quality content with your audience without creating completely new ideas. Repurposing content can also build credibility with audiences since your team can showcase material from world-renowned journalists and writers.
Guidelines for Properly Reposting Articles to Your Website or Blog
It’s important to republish content properly. Here are some guidelines when reposting articles to your website or blog.
Get Permission From the Rightsholder
Before reposting an article, getting permission from the rightsholder is critical. The rightsholder is the person or entity that owns the copyright to the article. The rightsholder may be the author, the publication or another entity. If you do not hear back from the rightsholder, you do not automatically get to use the article how you choose. Copyrighted material is protected by law and cannot be used without permission.
To request permission, you must contact the rightsholder and identify the article and the republishing terms you seek. Be sure to get the agreement in writing, as this legally guarantees your right to republish the article under the agreed-upon terms. Getting a copyright license is often the easiest way to obtain permission to use material if you need content on an ongoing basis. These reasons can include internal communications, educational resources, editorials for a magazine or content marketing.
Be sure to carefully read the terms of the agreement. Just because you have the rights to publish an article on your website does not mean you can edit the content in any way you choose. You are also not allowed to use copyrighted material in ways not stated in the agreement.
Give Proper Credit to the Original Author
While giving credit to the original author is not necessary according to copyright law, it can help with credibility. For example, if your website has an article from The New York Times, your brand benefits from an association with this publication.
Here are some best practices to follow:
• Use a clear headline that indicates that the content is a repost.
• Include a byline with the author's name and publication.
• Link back to the original article.
However, some content licensing agreements may require citations, so fully read the terms and contact a lawyer for questions.
Consider Content Curation
Content curation is the act of finding, selecting and sharing the best and most relevant content with your audience. Sharing links to ungated resources is typically acceptable under copyright law. However, when reposting the article itself, it’s important to have a license.
Leverage Tools for Promoting Reposted Articles
When promoting reposted articles, utilizing the right tools can make all the difference in reaching your target audience and maximizing engagement. Below are a couple of essential tools to help:
Social media tools:
Navigating the world of social media can be challenging, especially when it comes to promoting reposted articles. Each platform has its own set of rules and best practices. To make the most of your promotional efforts, invest time in understanding the nuances of each platform and adapt your strategies accordingly. This will ensure that your reposted content gains the visibility and engagement it deserves.
Content curation newsletters:
Another effective way to promote reposted articles is through content curation newsletters. These emails provide your subscribers with a curated selection of articles that are relevant and valuable to them. By including your reposted content in these newsletters, you can increase brand visibility, drive traffic to your website and position your brand as a valuable resource for your audience.
Misconceptions About Reposting Articles
As you venture into the world of reposting articles, you must be aware of common misconceptions and pitfalls that can lead to unintended copyright violations. In this section, we'll highlight what companies should avoid doing when reposting articles to ensure a smooth and legal process.
Understanding and avoiding these common misconceptions about reposting articles will help you navigate the process more effectively and ensure that your content strategy complies with copyright laws. Always prioritize obtaining proper permissions and respecting the original creator's work as you share valuable content with your audience. If you have doubts, be sure to consult your legal team.
Citations Do Not Substitute the Need for Copyright Permission
While citations are an essential aspect of giving credit to the original author, they are not a substitute for obtaining proper copyright permission. Remember that citing an article's source does not automatically grant you the right to repost it on your platform.
No Response From the Rightsholder
Patience is key when seeking permission to repost content. If the rightsholder doesn't respond to your request, don't assume their silence means consent. It's vital to wait for explicit permission before proceeding with the use of someone else's content.
Articles Cannot Be Altered Without Permission
When you've been granted permission to use an article, you typically must use the content in its entirety. This means refraining from "slicing and dicing" the material, such as repurposing a chart or image from an approved article for use in a different context.
Benefits of Reposted Articles and Content Syndication
Content syndication is the process of republishing articles with permission from the source, offering several advantages to businesses and brands looking to expand their reach and impact.
Save Time
By outsourcing articles, businesses can free up valuable time to focus on other essential tasks, improving efficiency and productivity across the organization.
Increase Conversion Rates
Content syndication allows businesses to access broader perspectives and ideas, creating more compelling content that resonates with their target audience. With consistent and frequent content production, businesses can experience increased traffic, engagement and conversions.
Furthermore, content syndication enables businesses to experiment with different formats, styles and topics to identify what performs best.
Increases Brand Awareness
Reposted articles and content syndication can significantly boost brand awareness by exposing your brand to new audiences and fostering brand recognition and credibility. Additionally, your brand can benefit from an association with reputable publications.
Low Cost
Outsourcing blog posts is a cost-effective solution, as businesses can save money by avoiding hiring a full-time employee or contractor. Additionally, your team can feature timely resources, such as industry updates, without disrupting other projects.
Expert Content
Collaborating with skilled writers through licensed content provides businesses with access to experienced professionals capable of producing high-quality content that meets their needs.
Thought Leadership
Thought leadership is essential in educating audiences on specific topics through engaging content, ultimately helping your brand become an industry expert. By incorporating diverse voices from reputable sources, you can create a unique and compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience.
Licensed Content
Licensed content is a great tool for ensuring that companies can showcase thought leadership across their website, newsletters and other platforms. Below are some publications that offer content licensing packages.
The New York Times
The New York Times is known for its world-class journalism that covers a range of topics — from politics and business to culture and technology. By incorporating articles from The New York Times into your content strategy, you can benefit from the insights and expert perspectives that have made the publication influential in the global news landscape.
Harvard Business Review
Harvard Business Review, or HBR, is a renowned source of management insights and expertise. Drawing from the knowledge of leading academics and industry professionals, HBR provides thought-provoking articles on various business topics, such as leadership, strategy and innovation.
Incorporating HBR content into your content strategy allows you to tap into their wealth of knowledge and expertise, establishing your brand as a credible source of business wisdom.
Scholastic
Scholastic is a trusted name in the world of education and children's publishing. With a focus on promoting literacy and a love for learning, Scholastic provides engaging and educational content for young audiences.
By featuring Scholastic content in your marketing efforts, you demonstrate a commitment to fostering a love for learning and supporting the growth and development of future generations.
Best Ways to Find Articles for Reposting
When it comes to finding high-quality articles for reposting, it's all about knowing where to look and what to keep in mind as you select content. From partnering with reputable sources like NYTLicensing to exploring different types of media, let's dive into how to properly repost articles and high-quality content that resonates with your audience.
Partner With NYT for Licensed Trusted Content
Outsourcing content development is an excellent way to help your business grow and stay ahead of the curve. By partnering with NYTLicensing, you can leverage world-class journalism and curated content solutions tailored to your unique needs, enhancing your connection with diverse audiences.
News Content
NYTLicensing offers a wide array of news content from renowned sources, ensuring you have access to your audience's latest and most relevant stories. By incorporating this high-quality news content and news curation into your platform, you can establish trust and credibility with your readers.
Photos
Visuals play a crucial role in engaging and captivating your audience. NYTLicensing provides a rich collection of stunning and thought-provoking photographs that can elevate your content and make it more visually appealing.
Videos
In today's digital age, video content is more popular than ever. NYTLicensing offers a vast library of engaging and informative videos to help bring your content to life, enriching your platform with captivating storytelling and fostering deeper connections with your audience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, following proper reposting guidelines and best practices can benefit your business. By considering the types of content available, the benefits of each, and how all of that fits into your content strategy, you can make the most out of outsourcing blog posts for your business or personal blog. To simplify the process, consider working with a content agency like NYTLicensing to advise you on your reposting journey and to supply outsourced content that you can be sure is cleared to republish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the world of content sharing and reposting can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding and respecting copyright laws. In this section, we'll address some common questions and concerns to help you make informed decisions when it comes to sharing and reposting content.
Can I Post Someone Else’s Article on My Website?
You can only post someone else's article on your website if you have obtained proper permission from the rightsholder. Simply citing the source is not enough; you must respect copyright laws.
How Do I Legally Share Other People’s Content?
To legally share other people's content, obtain permission from the rightsholder, typically through a content licensing agreement. Always give proper credit to the original source and adhere to any specific guidelines the rightsholder provides.
Can I Post News Articles on My Website Without Breaking Copyright Laws?
You can only post a news article on your website without breaking copyright laws if you have permission from the rightsholder or if the content is in the public domain. In most cases, you'll need to secure a content licensing agreement to legally copy a news article to your website.
How Do I Repost Content on Social Media?
To repost content on social media, follow these steps:
• Obtain permission from the rightsholder, if necessary.
• Give proper credit to the original source, including mentioning the author and linking to the original article.
• Respect the rules and guidelines of each specific social media platform to ensure your reposted content is compliant and effective.
Remember that sharing a link to an article is different from reposting the entire article on your social media account. Typically, sharing a link does not generally require permission (exceptions include if a link is behind a gated form or paywall).
