Why promoting your research matters—and how to get comfortable doing it

Publishing a research article is a huge accomplishment—it definitely calls for a celebration! But here’s the thing: just because it’s published doesn’t mean people will automatically find it, read it, or share it. Even the best research can slip under the radar without a little extra push. And especially now, when healthcare research feels more valuable than ever, we can’t afford to let good work go unseen.

The good news? It doesn’t take much to make a big difference. Here are seven simple (and proven) ways to help more people discover your research:

1. Look at it this way. You and your co-authors have invested countless hours—and precious funding—into this research, with the goal of improving healthcare. But to achieve that goal, your published work has to be read, understood, and put into practice. Promoting your research isn’t bragging; it’s part of serving patients and advancing the field. So get comfortable sharing your work—it’s a critical step in making a difference.

2. Share your article with your colleagues. Start with the people who know you best—your colleagues, collaborators, and professional circles. Send them the link directly, mention it at meetings, and add it to your email signature. Encourage your co-authors to do the same.

3. Loop in your research office. It’s easy to assume that your institution’s Research Office knows about every new publication—but unless your department has a Sosido community automatically tracking member publications, they might not. Let them (or your Communications team) know about your article. They may be able to help spread the word through newsletters, websites, or social media, giving your work an even bigger audience.

4. Engage with your professional community. Professional associations are powerful hubs for connecting with the people who care about your work. Join, attend conferences, and look for ways to showcase your research. If your association has a community on Sosido, you’re set—your research will be automatically featured in weekly Sosido digests, landing directly in front of the right audience.

5. Get social. Research doesn’t have to stay stuck in journals—share it where conversations are happening! Post a short, punchy summary on social platforms like LinkedIn, Bluesky, or Instagram, and on academic networks like ResearchGate. Highlight a key figure from your paper, tag your co-authors and institutions, and use a few well-chosen hashtags to expand your reach.

6. Make it easy to access. If readers hit a paywall, they’ll often just move on. Whenever you can, publish open access or post a preprint in a repository like arXiv or PubMed Central. If your article is behind a paywall, most journals still allow you to share a PDF privately if someone asks—so don’t hesitate to offer it.

7. Tell the story behind the science. People remember stories, not just stats. Share a striking figure, a quick visual summary, or a short video about your research. Or simply explain the real-world problem your work helps solve. A little storytelling can go a long way in helping your research stick.

Getting your research noticed takes some extra effort—but it’s important. More readers means more conversations, more collaborations, and more impact.