Adding collaborators to a post after it's published can significantly boost its reach and engagement. This guide offers clear, tangible steps to achieve this, regardless of your chosen platform. We'll cover common scenarios and address potential challenges.
Understanding the "After the Fact" Collaboration
The process of adding a collaborator after publishing depends heavily on the platform you're using. Unlike adding a collaborator before publishing, this often involves more manual steps and careful consideration of author credit and platform-specific features.
Why Collaborate After Publishing?
There are several valid reasons to add a collaborator after a post goes live:
- Missed Opportunity: You might realize after publishing that a specific individual's expertise would have greatly enhanced the piece.
- Expanded Reach: A collaborator's network can significantly broaden the post's audience.
- Content Enhancement: Adding a collaborator allows for improvements, updates, or additional perspectives.
- Boosting Engagement: Collaboration often sparks more comments, shares, and overall engagement.
Platform-Specific Steps: A Practical Guide
The methods for adding collaborators post-publication differ across platforms. Let's examine some popular options:
WordPress (Self-Hosted and Managed)
For self-hosted WordPress: Adding a collaborator after publishing typically involves editing the post's author or using plugins designed for co-authorship.
- Changing the Author: While this changes the displayed author, it doesn't reflect true collaboration. Consider this option only if you need to transfer authorship for legal or ownership reasons.
- Co-Authorship Plugins: Several plugins add functionality for co-authorship and allow you to credit multiple authors even after the post is published. Research plugins like "Co-Authors Plus" to manage this efficiently. Remember to carefully review plugin reviews and security aspects before installation.
For managed WordPress platforms (like WordPress.com): Their interfaces might be more limited in terms of post-publication collaborator additions. Check their support documentation for specific instructions or contact their support team.
Medium
Medium's system allows for collaboration during the writing process but isn't designed for adding collaborators after publication. Your best bet here is to republish the piece, including the new collaborator as a co-author at the time of republishing.
Other Platforms (Substack, LinkedIn, etc.)
Each platform has its own unique features. Check their help documentation or contact their support for information regarding adding collaborators to posts that are already live.
Best Practices for Post-Publication Collaboration
Regardless of the platform, follow these best practices to ensure a smooth process:
- Communicate Clearly: Reach out to potential collaborators before making changes to your post. Explain your intentions and ensure they are comfortable with the collaboration.
- Credit Properly: Always give proper credit to your collaborators, respecting their contributions. This might involve mentioning them in the post itself or including their bio information.
- Maintain Quality: Any changes made after publication should maintain the overall quality and consistency of the original post.
- Promote the Collaboration: Leverage your collaborators' networks to promote the post and extend its reach.
Overcoming Challenges
You might face some hurdles. Understanding them beforehand can help you navigate them effectively:
- Platform Limitations: Not all platforms readily support post-publication collaborator additions.
- Author Credit Issues: Ensure clear author attribution to avoid confusion or disputes.
- Copyright and Ownership: Clarify copyright and ownership aspects with your collaborators before any changes are made.
By following these steps and best practices, you can successfully add collaborators after publishing your content, enhancing its impact and extending its reach. Remember that clear communication and respecting the rights and contributions of all involved parties are crucial to a successful collaboration.
