HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a free platform that connects journalists with experts for their stories. It’s a simple way to gain media exposure, build credibility, and earn high-quality backlinks for SEO. Here’s how it works:

• Sign up for HARO as a source/expert.
• Get daily emails with journalist queries.
• Respond to relevant queries with tailored pitches.
• Land media mentions in top outlets like Forbes or The New York Times.

Quick Tips for Success:

• Write concise, specific pitches that directly answer the journalist’s query.
• Highlight your expertise with stats, examples, or unique insights.
• Track your submissions and follow up professionally.

HARO is a powerful tool for affordable PR and boosting visibility when used consistently and strategically.

Update 2024: HARO (Help A Reporter Out), the link-building collaboration tool beloved by many SEOs, has officially been discontinued as of April 2024. Cision has folded it into their new product called Connectively. This transition comes after HARO had been deteriorating in quality for some time, with the platform becoming overwhelmed by AI-generated responses and spam from agencies mass-producing pitches for clients.

Many journalists found themselves sifting through hundreds of low-quality submissions just to find a few legitimate expert insights. For those still seeking quality connections between experts and content creators, alternative approaches include other platforms like the ones we leverage at our agency. You can also directly reach out to established authorities in your field via email or social media, using tools like Ahrefs’ Content Explorer to identify genuine subject matter experts, or engaging your audience on social platforms to gather authentic insights.

While Connectively might serve as HARO’s replacement, be aware that its paid submission model raises questions about whether links gained through it might be considered paid links under Google’s guidelines.

How to Use HARO To Land Media Coverage

Step 1: Getting Started with HARO

Setting up HARO correctly is essential for landing media opportunities. Here’s how to get started.

Setting Up Your Account

Head to help.helpareporter.com and sign up for a free Source/Expert account:

• Select "Source/Expert" as your account type.
• Fill in your name, email, and company details.
• Confirm your email with the link sent to your inbox.
• Create a secure password.

Pro Tip: Use your professional email address for a polished first impression.

Setting Email Alerts

HARO delivers email alerts with media opportunities. To avoid unnecessary clutter, select categories that align with your expertise. This helps you respond promptly to relevant requests.

Building Your Expert Profile

A strong profile boosts your credibility and attracts journalists. Here’s what to include:

• Professional Bio: Write a clear, concise bio showcasing your current role, key experience, achievements, and areas of specialization.
• Contact Information: Share your professional email, phone number, LinkedIn profile, and company website.
• Media Assets: Add a professional headshot, company logo (if applicable), a short and extended bio, and a list of past speaking engagements or publications.

Pro Tip: Focus on your niche expertise – journalists prefer specialists over generalists.

Step 2: Writing Strong HARO Pitches

Key Elements of a Winning Pitch

To grab a journalist’s attention, your HARO pitch needs to include these essential parts:

• Clear Subject Line: Mention the query headline and your expertise (e.g., "HARO: Digital Marketing Expert – Social Media Trends 2025").
• Professional Greeting: Address the journalist by name, if it’s provided.
• Highlight Your Credentials: Lead with your most relevant qualifications for the query.
• Direct Answers: Respond specifically to the questions in the query.
• Back It Up: Include relevant stats, examples, or case studies to strengthen your response.
• Contact Information: Share your full name, title, company, and how they can reach you.

Tips to Make Your Pitch Stand Out

Once you’ve nailed the basics, take your pitch to the next level with these strategies:

• Showcase Your Authority: Highlight achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
• Offer Unique Perspectives: Share insights based on your experience that others might not provide.
• Keep It Short and Sweet: Stick to 2–3 concise paragraphs.
• Add Extra Value: Include data, research findings, or industry trends that support your points.
• Make It Easy to Quote: Structure your key points so they can be used as-is in the article.
• Double-Check Everything: Proofread for grammar, spelling, and formatting mistakes.

"We know what makes news. Our team includes ex-journalists who worked in newsrooms. They reviewed many pitches and press releases. We use their experience to secure earned media for you." – Authority Engine

Common Pitch Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these errors that can hurt your chances of success:

Pro Tip: Before you send your pitch, read it as if you’re the journalist. Ask yourself, "Does this add value to their story?" If the answer is no, tweak it until it does.

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Step 3: Managing Your HARO Responses

Tracking Your Pitches

Keep your HARO submissions organized with a simple spreadsheet. Include these columns:

• Query Date: The date you received the request (e.g., Mar 7, 2025)
• Publication: The name of the media outlet (e.g., Forbes)
• Topic: The subject of the query (e.g., Digital Marketing Trends)
• Deadline: The response due date and time (e.g., Mar 8, 2025, 3:00 PM EST)
• Submission Status: The current status of your pitch (e.g., Submitted)
• Follow-up Date: When you plan to follow up (e.g., Mar 15, 2025)
• Outcome: The result of your pitch (e.g., Published, Pending, or Declined)

Set up deadline reminders to make sure you never miss a submission. If you’re juggling several pitches, tools like Trello or Asana can help you stay on top of things. Staying organized lets you follow up on time and build trust with journalists.

Connecting with Journalists

Once your pitches are tracked, shift your focus to nurturing relationships with journalists. Wait 5–7 business days after the deadline, then send a short, polite follow-up email. Mention the date and topic of your original pitch, and keep your tone professional.

Take it further by connecting with journalists on platforms like LinkedIn. Share their articles and offer thoughtful insights when appropriate. If you don’t hear back, revisit your pitch to see if it could be improved and keep engaging.

"We know what makes news. Our team includes ex-journalists who worked in newsrooms. They reviewed many pitches and press releases. We use their experience to secure earned media for you." – Authority Engine

Step 4: Getting More from HARO Placements

Once you’ve landed successful HARO placements, it’s time to make the most of them. Here’s how to maximize their value and track your progress.

Sharing Your Media Coverage

Turn your HARO mentions into tools that boost your credibility. Start by adding a dedicated ‘Press’ or ‘Media Coverage’ page to your website. Then, share your mentions strategically across various platforms:

• LinkedIn: Post the article link and include key takeaways from your contribution.
• Twitter: Tag the publication and journalist, and emphasize your expertise.
• Email Newsletter: Highlight recent mentions in your updates to subscribers.
• Company Blog: Write a post sharing behind-the-scenes insights about the featured topic.

This approach keeps your audience engaged and reinforces your reputation as an industry expert.

Measuring Success

Use the following metrics to gauge how your HARO efforts are performing:

Set up Google Analytics to track conversions linked to traffic from sites where you’ve been featured. These insights will help you fine-tune your strategy as you expand your media outreach.

Pro Tips for Better Results

Consistency is key. Pitch daily to increase your chances of landing more placements. Focus on high-authority queries and support your responses with strong data and unique insights.

For example, a SaaS company saw noticeable growth in domain authority in just six months by strategically targeting high-quality media placements. Each successful placement builds your credibility, making journalists more likely to feature you in the future. Instead of chasing one-off mentions, invest in building long-term relationships with media professionals.

Conclusion: Quick Tips for HARO Success

Achieving success with HARO requires a mix of consistency, professionalism, and precision. Here are some key strategies to boost your chances of media placements:

• Write pitches that highlight your expertise. Keep your responses short and to the point while showcasing what sets you apart.
• Offer specific insights. Journalists receive a flood of pitches, so make yours stand out by providing clear and unique perspectives.
• Maintain professional follow-ups. Building lasting relationships with journalists can open doors to future opportunities.

Incorporate these practices into your overall PR plan by staying in regular, meaningful contact with media professionals.

For a more streamlined approach, consider teaming up with PR experts like AuthorityEngine.

"We know what makes news. Our team includes ex-journalists who worked in newsrooms. They reviewed many pitches and press releases. We use their experience to secure earned media for you." – AuthorityEngine

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