Introduction
If you don’t know about HARO yet, you’re not alone. Even though it’s a mighty secret weapon in the SEO and digital marketing industry, many brands still don’t know how to use it properly. Whether you’re a complete newbie or an experienced SEO specialist, this article will guide you through all things HARO, step by step.
What is HARO (Help A Reporter Out )?
It’s a web platform that brings journalists and bloggers into contact with experts or sources. If you possess knowledge, experience, or an interesting story, HARO is your key to becoming published in top magazines such as Forbes, Business Insider, HuffPost, etc.
In short: A journalist requires a quote. You have it. HARO brings you both together.
What is the HARO Technique?
The HARO strategy is a tactical approach where marketers, brands, SEO experts, and entrepreneurs answer journalists’ questions related to their niche with intelligent responses, hoping to be quoted in their content.
This is the main idea:
- Look for an appropriate query in the field.
- Write a well-written, helpful response.
- Your quote will be included along with a backlink to your website or brand if the journalist finds it appealing.
- This implies that you can gain free PR and SEO benefits without investing any money in advertising.
What is HARO used for?
- Backlink Building
For SEO, high-authority backlinks are invaluable. Google loves DA 80+ websites, and HARO helps you gain links from them.
- Brand Visibility and Credibility
Being cited in prestigious publications fosters credibility and thought leadership. It serves as social confirmation of your expertise.
- Traffic growth
A high-traffic website’s link can direct people to your blog, product, or landing page.
- Networking Opportunities
You establish connections with editors and journalists that may result in continued media attention.
What is HARO in Marketing?
In marketing, HARO is an unconventional PR and SEO trick.
It enables you to:
- Become a recognised industry expert
- Build domain authority
- Drive new audiences
- Improve conversion rates with increased credibility
Digital marketers leverage HARO within their off-page SEO and content marketing strategy to amplify brand awareness and authority organically.
How to use HARO?
Here’s how to use HARO step-by-step even if you’re just starting.
Step 1: Sign up
- Go to https://www.helpareporter.com
- Create a free account as a source.
Step 2: Select Your Categories
- Pick industries you know well (e.g., Business, Tech, Health, Lifestyle).
Step 3: Check Your Inbox
- HARO delivers 3 emails a day (morning, afternoon, evening) packed with journalist questions.
Step 4: Write a Solid Pitch
- When you spot a query that’s on point:
- Reply quickly (in a few hours).
- Insert your expert quote.
- Insert your name, title, website, and bio.
- Keep it brief and authentic — journalists haven’t got time for filler.
Step 5: Wait (and Track)
You may not receive a response to every pitch, but when you do, it’s perfect! Monitor mentions and backlinks using tools such as Ahrefs, Semrush, or Google Alerts.
BONUS TIP:
Save your favourite pitches. You can reuse them for blog posts, social media, or upcoming queries.
What does HARO mean in SEO?
HARO is an SEO technique for obtaining backlinks from reputable websites.
What makes that significant?
- Links from reliable sources are viewed by Google as endorsements.
- Your domain rating, search engine rankings, and organic traffic can all be enhanced by these hyperlinks.
- These are the best links you can find since they are editorial, contextual, and relevant.
- HARO serves as a link between search engine optimisation and journalism.
What replaced HARO?
By 2024, HARO is becoming less and less relevant, and alternative platforms are taking its place.
The following are HARO substitutes (and sometimes replacements):
- Qwoted is an easy-to-use platform featuring verified experts and journalists.
- Terkel Excellent for sites with mid-tier and specialist content.
Support a B2B Writer: Designed especially for B2B content producers and marketers.
- SourceBottle is particularly well-liked in the UK and Australia.
Featured: Developed to link content producers and subject matter specialists.
Note: In an effort to provide a more contemporary experience for source-journalist contacts, Cision, the company that controls HARO, has recently unveiled a new tool called Connectively. HARO might eventually be phased out entirely.
Final Thoughts: Is HARO Worth It Anymore?
Yes — if you do it correctly.
To startups, solopreneurs, marketers, and SEO agencies, HARO remains a secret gem. Though it’s slower than paid PR, the long-term benefit is gigantic. You establish authority, build backlinks, and increase the presence of your brand — all naturally.
If you’re starting, make HARO a daily habit.
If you’re seasoned, have a VA or use tools such as BuzzStream or PitchResponse to automate it.
Ready to Be Quoted in Forbes or Entrepreneur?
Get started with HARO today. Get the hang of pitching. And see your brand authority — and Google rankings — soar.
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Sign up for our SEO Mastery Certification Course — perfect for beginners and experts alike.