You can have the best website, the most engaging Instagram, and a perfectly curated LinkedIn profile. But here’s the reality: People don’t fully trust what you say about yourself.
They trust what others say about you.
This is where third-party validation comes in—and it’s one of the most powerful tools you can leverage in PR.
What is Third-Party Validation?
Third-party validation is endorsement or recognition from an independent, credible source.
It’s when:
- A well-known publication features your story
- An industry expert quotes you in an article
- A podcast invites you to share your insights
- Your business wins awards covered by the press
These external signals instantly build credibility because they’re earned, not self-proclaimed.
Why Self-Promotion Isn’t Enough
Most brands are busy posting about themselves:
- “We’re the best in the industry”
- “Our product is revolutionary”
- “We have years of experience”
But here’s the problem: your audience expects you to say that.
What actually influences them is when someone else says it.
This is why brands with strong PR always have an edge—they’ve built social proof that’s more trustworthy than their own marketing.
How Third-Party Validation Changes the Game
It Builds Instant Trust
A Forbes or Entrepreneur feature says more about your credibility than a month of self-promotion.
It Influences Buying Decisions
People are more likely to work with you when they see you endorsed by media they already trust.
It Boosts Your Google Presence
Third-party articles often rank higher than your own website, controlling what people see when they search your name.
It Opens New Opportunities
Media features attract speaking gigs, podcast invites, partnerships, and more.
Where PR Comes In
Third-party validation doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s the result of proactive, strategic PR efforts.
At Level Up PR, we specialize in:
- Getting brands featured in credible media
- Securing guest spots on industry podcasts
- Positioning founders as expert sources
- Building a lasting digital footprint that people can trust
We help you move beyond self-promotion and step into earned influence.
Final Thought
People are Googling you.
What they find has to make them trust you.
If you want to stand out in a crowded market, you don’t just need to tell your story—you need the right people to tell it for you.
Let’s build that credibility together.
