HARO (Help a Reporter Out) has become a go-to strategy for achieving high-quality backlinks. It connects journalists with experts, offering a unique opportunity to earn mentions and backlinks from reputable websites.
This comprehensive guide explores HARO’s potential, covering its basics, strategies for success, and pros and cons.
Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or SEO professional, mastering HARO can be beneficial. It can enhance your link-building efforts and boost your site’s credibility.
Let’s dive into how HARO works and why it’s a powerful link-building tool.
Table of Contents
What Is HARO?
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a platform that connects journalists who need expert input with professionals and agencies eager to share their expertise.
Founded in 2008, HARO has become one of the most popular tools for sourcing quotes and insights for articles, interviews, and reports.
Note that HARO is now featured under Connectively.
How It Works
Journalists from major publications like Forbes, The New York Times, and niche industry blogs post queries on HARO. Through these queries, they request insights from qualified experts.
Subscribers to HARO receive these queries via email and can respond directly to the journalist if their expertise matches the request.
Types of Opportunities Available
- Expert Quotes: Provide a brief, expert opinion for an article.
- Case Studies: Share detailed stories or data that align with the journalist’s topic.
- Interviews: Offer to participate in a more in-depth feature.
- Product Features: Submit your product for review or recommendation articles.
HARO is a win-win platform: journalists get credible sources, and respondents gain exposure and the chance to earn high-quality backlinks.
What Is HARO Link Building?
HARO link building is the process of leveraging the HARO platform to secure backlinks from reputable media outlets and websites.
By responding to journalist queries with valuable insights, businesses and individuals can earn mentions and links.
These links are often very valuable since they come from reputable sources with high domain authority (DA). Thus, the process enhances the responder’s website’s authority and visibility.
How HARO Link Building Works
- Identify Relevant Queries: After subscribing to HARO, users receive daily email alerts. Reviewing these lets you identify journalist requests that align with your expertise or industry.
- Craft a Strong Pitch: Respond to queries with concise, well-written pitches that directly address the journalist’s needs. Include a link to your website or resource for attribution.
- Track and Amplify Success: Once your response is accepted and published, track the backlink and promote the feature across your channels.
Rising Trend of HARO-Specific SEO Agencies
As HARO link building gains popularity, SEO agencies specializing in HARO campaigns are emerging.
These agencies handle the entire process, from identifying opportunities to crafting pitches. They aim to ensure businesses maximize their chances of success without investing significant time.
Pros of HARO Link Building
- High-Quality Backlinks: Links from reputable media outlets boost your domain authority.
- Increased Brand Exposure: Mentions in top-tier publications enhance your credibility and visibility.
- Cost-Effective: HARO is free to use, making it a budget-friendly strategy compared to paid media placements.
Cons of HARO Link Building
- High Competition: Many queries receive dozens of responses, making it challenging to stand out.
- Time-Consuming: Crafting personalized pitches for multiple queries requires significant effort.
- No Guarantee of Links: Even with a great response, there’s no certainty the journalist will use it or provide a backlink.
Why Manual HARO Link Building Is Better Than Hiring HARO Link Building Agencies
While hiring a HARO link-building agency can save time, manual HARO link-building often ensures better control and quality.
Agencies may submit pitches on your behalf that you don’t fully agree with or that don’t align with your brand voice. Sometimes, this can lead to low-quality quotes being published under your name, potentially harming your reputation.
Additionally, HARO agencies can be expensive. On top of their fees, you might still need to pay for premium HARO subscriptions.
This can make the overall cost higher than necessary, especially if the agency’s success rate is low.
That said, HARO agencies can be beneficial if you lack the time or resources to handle queries yourself. They bring expertise and streamline the process, increasing your chances of getting published.
However, manually crafting pitches allows you to ensure authenticity, relevance, and alignment with your professional goals.
Why Should You Use HARO for Link Building?
Using HARO, you can secure mentions and links from authoritative websites while building your brand’s credibility and visibility. Here are some benefits you can enjoy from this platform-
High-Authority Backlinks
One of the primary reasons to use HARO is the opportunity to earn backlinks from reputable media outlets.
Many queries come from high-domain-authority websites such as Forbes, The New York Times, or niche industry blogs. Backlinks from such sites carry significant weight in improving your search engine rankings.
These links are considered natural and trustworthy, aligning with search engines’ best practices.
Increased Credibility and Brand Visibility
Being featured as an expert in a prominent publication can significantly increase your credibility and brand awareness. Your referral domain KPI can be met this way easily.
Potential clients, customers, or partners who see your name or business mentioned in respected media are more likely to trust your expertise.
This increased visibility helps establish your authority. Many audiences may make you a go-to source for future collaborations or media opportunities.
Boost in Organic Traffic
Backlinks acquired through HARO can drive referral traffic from authoritative sites directly to your website.
For example, if you provide a compelling quote for a widely-read article, readers may click through to learn more about you or your business.
These visitors are often highly engaged and relevant to your target audience, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
Cost-Effective Link Building
HARO is free to use for basic users, making it a cost-effective strategy compared to paid advertising or link-building services.
With only an investment of time and effort, you can achieve high returns in terms of SEO and exposure.
Even HARO’s premium subscriptions, which provide added features, are relatively affordable compared to hiring a PR agency.
Opportunities for Niche Expertise
HARO queries are often tailored to specific industries, allowing you to showcase your expertise in areas relevant to your business.
Here, you can target niche-specific queries and build high-quality and highly relevant links.
The 4-Step Guide to HARO Link Building
HARO link building is a straightforward but effective process that requires strategic planning and consistent effort. To maximize your chances of success, you must follow a clear, step-by-step approach.
Below, we’ll guide you through each phase of the HARO link-building process, from setting up your account to crafting responses that get noticed.
Step 1: Set Up Your HARO Account
Creating a HARO account is the first and most essential step. The process is simple, but paying attention to the details can ensure you’re set up for success.
- Visit the HARO Website: Go to HARO’s official website and click on the “Sign Up” button.
- Choose Your User Type: HARO offers different account types, such as “Source” (for experts and businesses responding to queries) or “Journalist” (for those submitting queries). Select the “Source” option.
- Complete the Registration Form: Provide basic information, including your name, email, and company details.
Choose a professional email address, as journalists are more likely to trust and respond to legitimate sources.
- Select Your Subscription Plan:
- HARO offers a free plan and premium options. The free plan provides query access.
- Meanwhile, the premium plans allow advanced features like keyword alerts and faster query delivery. If you’re serious about HARO link building, consider upgrading to a premium plan.
Once your account is set up, you’ll start receiving daily emails with journalist queries.
Be sure to verify your email address and configure your notification preferences to ensure you only receive relevant queries.
Step 2: Monitor HARO Queries
After setting up your account, the next step is to monitor HARO queries for relevant opportunities. Identifying and prioritizing the right queries is imperative to respond to journalists most likely to offer high-quality backlinks.
Finding Relevant Topics
To narrow your focus, identify the topics most aligned with your expertise or industry. Use SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to analyze which keywords and topics drive traffic to your site.
You can type in your industry in SEMrush’s Topic Research Tool. Then, click on ‘Get Content Ideas.’
Afterward, the tool will show you several content keywords you can target as queries in HARO.
Afterward, go to HARO’s Connectively app and search with each topic keyword to find relevant queries related to your expertise.
You can use the filters to get more customized results. Afterward, you can select any query you see fit to get more details.
Note that before you select any query, you must check who is posting it. It won’t be very beneficial to go for queries posted by less authoritative websites.
Before we get the website authority checking, let’s give you some pointers about HARO queries first.
Monitoring HARO Queries
HARO sends out emails three times a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) with categorized journalist requests. Here’s how to stay on top of these opportunities:
- Organize by Category: HARO queries are divided into categories like Health, Business, Lifestyle, and Tech. Focus on the categories most relevant to your expertise.
- Set Up Keyword Alerts: Premium HARO users can create alerts for specific keywords (e.g., “marketing,” “eCommerce,” or “fitness”), ensuring you receive tailored queries. Free users will need to scan emails for relevant topics manually.
- Use Filtering Tools: If you receive a high volume of queries, tools like Gmail filters or HARO-specific automation services can help you sort and prioritize requests.
Check the Authority of Websites
Before responding to a query, evaluate the credibility and authority of the publication to ensure it aligns with your link-building goals. Use tools like:
- Ahrefs or Moz: Check the site’s domain authority (DA) or domain rating (DR). A DA/DR of 50+ is typically considered strong. However, you can start with around 30+.
- SEMrush or SimilarWeb: Analyze the site’s organic traffic to gauge its reach and influence. Target the ones with at least 1k monthly traffic.
- Search for Previous Mentions: Look for past HARO links from the publication to verify its reputation.
Craft Effective Responses
Crafting a compelling pitch is the cornerstone of HARO link-building. Journalists receive dozens, sometimes hundreds, of responses to their queries, so your pitch needs to stand out.
A well-written response increases your chances of earning a backlink and positions you as a credible expert.
The Importance of a Compelling Pitch
Journalists often work on tight deadlines, which means they prioritize concise, relevant, and professional responses.
A compelling pitch demonstrates your expertise while directly addressing the journalist’s needs. A thoughtful, well-crafted response increases the likelihood of being selected.
It will also ensure the information you provide aligns with your brand’s values and message.
How to Start Writing a Pitch on HARO
- Read the Query Thoroughly: Understand what the journalist is asking for. Identify the key points they need, such as specific data, personal experiences, or professional insights.
- Plan Your Response: Draft an outline focusing on how your expertise can address the query. Avoid general or vague statements—be specific.
- Use the HARO Platform: Respond directly to the query through the HARO email link. Include your name, title, and contact information, which builds credibility.
Click on the ‘Pitch’ on the query to start giving your details and writing the pitch.
Key Elements of a Winning Pitch
Here are some elements that most winning pitches have (and you should consider adding them too)-
Attention-Grabbing Subject Line
Your subject line should be clear and concise, highlighting your expertise. For example, “Expert Insights on Sustainable Marketing Strategies.”
Concise Introduction
Introduce yourself briefly. Include your name, title, and a one-sentence summary of your qualifications.
Example: “My name is [Your Name], and I’m the founder of [Your Company], specializing in [Your Niche]. I have over 10 years of experience in this field.”
Direct and Valuable Content
Address the journalist’s query specifically. Provide actionable insights, data, or quotes that align with their needs. Avoid overloading your response with unnecessary information.
Credibility Boosters
If applicable, mention credentials, awards, or previous features in notable publications.
Call to Action and Contact Information
Conclude your pitch with an offer to provide further details if needed and include your contact information.
Tips for Personalization
Personalization is crucial to increase your chance of getting selected. Consider these factors-
- Address the Journalist by Name: If their name is provided in the query, use it in your salutation.
- Tailor Responses: Avoid generic pitches. Reference the specific details in the query to show you’ve read it thoroughly.
- Align with Their Audience: Consider the publication’s tone and target audience when crafting your pitch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic Responses: Avoid sending boilerplate pitches. Journalists can spot and dismiss them easily.
- Overly Promotional Language: Focus on providing value, not promoting your brand.
- Ignoring Deadlines: Ensure you submit your pitch within the specified time frame. Late responses are rarely considered.
Example Pitch for a Query
Query: “Looking for marketing professionals to share tips on engaging Gen Z customers.”
Subject Line: Expert Tips on Connecting with Gen Z Customers
Response:
| Hi [Journalist’s Name],My name is [Your Name], and I’m the Marketing Director at [Your Company]. I have over 12 years of experience in consumer engagement strategies and specialize in connecting brands with Gen Z audiences.Here are three actionable tips for engaging Gen Z customers:Leverage Authentic Storytelling: Gen Z values authenticity. Use platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories to share real, behind-the-scenes content.Embrace Social Causes: This generation supports brands that align with their values. Highlight your commitment to social and environmental causes.Personalize Communication: Gen Z prefers personalized messages. Invest in tools like chatbots and data analytics to tailor your interactions.I’d be happy to provide additional insights or examples if needed. Please feel free to reach out at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number].Thank you for the opportunity! Best regards, [Your Name] |
What to Do Once the Query Poster Responds to Your Pitch
If the journalist responds positively to your pitch, here’s what you should do:
- Reply Promptly: Acknowledge their response quickly, even if only to confirm that you’ll provide further details or answer follow-up questions.
- Provide Additional Information: If the journalist requests more details, ensure your response is timely and comprehensive.
- Track the Mention: Once the article is published, verify that your quote is included and that the backlink is functional. Use tools like Ahrefs or Google Alerts to monitor mentions.
- Promote the Feature: Share the published article on your website, blog, or social media to amplify its impact.
Step-4: Track and Leverage Your HARO Success
Tracking your HARO performance is critical to understanding the effectiveness of your efforts. It also ensures that you maximize the benefits of published quotes and backlinks.
HARO provides tools to help you monitor your pitches, while additional strategies can amplify the impact of your successes.
Use HARO’s “Pitches” Tab
The “Pitches” tab on the HARO platform is a valuable tool for tracking which pitches were read or checked by journalists.
- Checked Pitches: If a journalist opens your pitch, it will show as “checked.” While this doesn’t guarantee publication, it indicates interest in your response.
- Refine Your Approach: Use this data to identify trends in successful pitches, such as tone, structure, or subject matter, and apply those insights to future responses.
Check for Published Mentions and Backlinks
Once your pitch is accepted, monitor whether the query poster includes your quote or provides a backlink-
- Manual Search: Search the publication’s website for your name or quote.
- Google Alerts: Set up alerts for your name, brand, or unique keywords from your pitch to be notified when an article goes live.
- SEO Tools: Platforms like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz can track new backlinks to your site, ensuring none are missed.
Simply do a backlink audit and check the new backlinks you gained. Check whether you got any backlinks from the query posters on HARO.
Amplify Your HARO Links
After securing a mention or backlink, make the most of it by amplifying its impact-
- Promote on Social Media: Share the article across your social platforms, tagging the publication or journalist where appropriate. This increases visibility and strengthens relationships with media outlets.
- Repurpose Content: Use quotes or insights from the article in your own blogs, newsletters, or case studies. This not only maximizes the value of the published content but also reinforces your expertise.
Alternatives to HARO for Link Building
While HARO is a powerful tool for building backlinks, it’s not the only platform available. Several alternatives are there also to help you the same way HARO does.
These options cater to different regions, niches, and outreach styles, offering flexibility for businesses and individuals.
Below, we explore some of the best HARO alternatives, their features, and their advantages in no particular order.
SourceBottle
SourceBottle is an online platform similar to HARO. It is primarily popular in Australia and New Zealand, though it is available worldwide.
It connects journalists with experts looking to contribute to articles, podcasts, and other media.
Major Publications/Users: Often used by regional publications, lifestyle bloggers, and niche industry media in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
Pros
- Free to use for both journalists and sources.
- Categories include lifestyle, business, health, and more, making it versatile for various industries.
- Focuses on regional audiences, offering less competition than HARO.
- Email alerts for specific topics ensure you don’t miss relevant opportunities.
Qwoted
Qwoted is a growing platform designed to streamline the connection between journalists and industry experts. It offers a more interactive interface compared to HARO.
Major Publications/Users: Journalists from outlets like Bloomberg, Business Insider, and The New York Times actively use Qwoted.
Pros
- Advanced search features allow experts to find opportunities quickly.
- Provides a professional profile for users, showcasing credentials and past media features.
- Less crowded than HARO, increasing the chances of your pitch being noticed.
- More transparency in communication with journalists.
ResponseSource
ResponseSource is a UK-based platform that connects journalists with experts, PR professionals, and businesses. It is particularly popular in Europe.
Major Publications/Users: Frequently used by UK publications like The Guardian, BBC, and local magazines.
Pros
- Strong focus on UK and European media, ideal for regional link-building efforts.
- Allows targeted outreach through categorized media request alerts.
- Supports various content types, including case studies, press releases, and quotes.
PR Newswire
PR Newswire is a press release distribution service that indirectly supports link-building by disseminating your content to journalists, bloggers, and news outlets.
Major Publications/Users: Widely used by media outlets like Reuters, Yahoo News, and CNN to source content.
Pros
- Ensures wide distribution of your press releases to reputable media outlets.
- Increases brand visibility and credibility through mentions in high-authority publications.
- Allows multimedia submissions, including images and videos, to enhance engagement.
Featured (Formerly Terkel)
Featured is an expert-sourcing platform that matches journalists with professionals and business leaders. It focuses on providing well-curated, insightful responses to media queries.
Major Publications/Users: Writers and journalists from Forbes, Zapier, GoDaddy, Business Insider, Fast Company, and Inc. often use Featured to source insights.
Pros
- Ideal for building authority in niche industries.
- Curated questions ensure relevance and quality responses.
- Simplified interface makes it beginner-friendly.
- Strong focus on storytelling and thought leadership.
Help a B2B Writer
Help a B2B Writer is a growing platform that connects business-to-business (B2B) writers with industry experts. It’s designed to help writers craft high-quality, well-researched content.
Major Publications/Users: Frequently used by B2B content creators, marketers, and contributors to niche industry blogs and business platforms.
Pros:
- Ideal for professionals in B2B industries looking to build authority and acquire links from specialized publications.
- Less competition than HARO, increasing the likelihood of your pitch being selected.
- Writers typically request specific expertise, ensuring your responses are relevant and impactful.
- Like HARO, the platform offers free access for sources and writers.
Common Challenges in HARO Link Building and How to Overcome Them
While HARO is a powerful tool for building high-quality backlinks, it comes with challenges that can hinder your success. It’s best you learn about them and be prepared from beforehand.
High Competition for Queries
Journalists often receive dozens or even hundreds of responses to their HARO queries, making it difficult for your pitch to stand out.
How to Overcome
- Focus on relevance by targeting queries that closely align with your expertise.
- Craft personalized pitches that directly address the journalist’s needs.
- Use attention-grabbing subject lines and concise introductions to quickly draw the journalist’s attention.
Time Constraints
HARO queries are time-sensitive, with most requiring responses within a day or two. Failing to reply promptly can result in missed opportunities.
How to Overcome
- Set reminders to check HARO emails as soon as they are sent.
- Use filters or keyword alerts to prioritize relevant queries.
- Develop reusable templates for common query types, customizing them as needed to save time.
Low Response Rates
Even well-crafted pitches may not receive a response, which can discourage users who invest time crafting detailed replies.
How to Overcome
- Track your pitches using HARO’s “Pitches” tab to analyze which responses are opened or ignored.
- Refine your pitch strategy by learning from successful submissions.
- Maintain persistence, and don’t let rejections deter you from responding to new queries.
No Backlinks or Improper Attribution
Some journalists may publish your quote without including a backlink or provide improper attribution. It reduces the SEO value of the mention.
How to Overcome
- Politely follow up with the journalist to request a backlink or correct attribution.
- Use tools like Ahrefs or Google Alerts to monitor mentions and ensure your quote is correctly linked.
- Consider adding a prewritten attribution request in your pitch to clarify how you’d like to be credited.
Conclusion
HARO link building is an effective strategy for securing high-quality backlinks and building authority. However, success requires effort and consistency.
Don’t forget that persistence and thoughtful pitching are key to creating long-term value and amplifying your online presence through this platform.
