Link building remains a key component of search engine optimisation (SEO), and HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is one of the most effective avenues for earning high-quality backlinks. HARO connects journalists and content creators with experts, allowing them to contribute insights and expertise to articles, in return for which they often receive a backlink.
While HARO offers this opportunity, gaining backlinks from authoritative sites requires a strategic approach. This article will provide a detailed explanation of how HARO works, why it is an effective tool, and offer actionable strategies to enhance your success. We’ll also highlight common mistakes to avoid and provide best practices for maximising your chances of success.
Understanding HARO
HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is a platform that bridges the gap between journalists and subject matter experts (SMEs). Launched in 2008, HARO was created to assist journalists in finding credible sources for their articles while providing SMEs a way to gain media exposure and backlinks. The service now boasts tens of thousands of journalists and bloggers from major media outlets as well as a growing pool of SMEs from a variety of industries.
The platform sends out daily email alerts, with each alert containing dozens of media queries across multiple categories. These categories span everything from business and technology to health, travel, and lifestyle. When an expert identifies a relevant query, they can submit a response. If chosen, the journalist will feature their insight in the piece, often including a backlink to the expert’s website.
This dynamic exchange benefits both parties: journalists receive credible input, while experts get exposure and backlinks from reputable websites
Why Is HARO Important for Link Building?
Backlinks, especially those from high-authority websites, are one of the strongest ranking factors in Google’s algorithm. When a trusted, high-traffic site links to your website, it sends a signal to search engines that your content is credible and valuable. This can lead to increased search engine rankings and improved domain authority.
HARO is particularly valuable because it allows you to earn links from highly respected media outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, and The Guardian. These sites have high domain authority, and backlinks from such sources are considered extremely valuable by search engines. Beyond the SEO benefits, backlinks from trusted media outlets also help to build your brand’s credibility and authority in your industry.
How HARO Works: A Detailed Breakdown
Step 1: Create an Account To start using HARO, you first need to create an account. There are free and premium options available. While the free version allows you to receive daily alerts, a premium account provides additional features, such as keyword filtering and real-time alerts, which can give you an edge over competitors.
Step 2: Subscribe to Relevant Categories Once registered, users can choose the categories that best match their expertise. This is essential, as HARO sends out emails with media queries grouped into categories like business, technology, lifestyle, and more. Focusing on categories aligned with your expertise ensures you receive relevant queries.
Step 3: Monitor Daily Alerts HARO sends out emails three times a day. These alerts contain a list of queries with details about the topic, the type of expert sought, and the submission deadline. It’s important to monitor these alerts closely to identify opportunities that align with your expertise.
Step 4: Crafting Your Response Once you identify a relevant query, the next step is to craft your response. Your pitch should be concise, clear, and provide value to the journalist. It’s critical to address their specific needs and offer unique insights or data that support the topic.
Step 5: Wait for the Results If a journalist selects your response, they will typically notify you via email. You’ll receive credit in the article, often along with a backlink to your website. While it’s not guaranteed that every response will earn a link, consistent efforts over time can lead to a steady stream of backlinks.
Why HARO is an Effective Link-Building Tool
HARO provides several key benefits that make it a valuable tool for SEO and brand building. Below, we break down the reasons HARO stands out for link building.
1. Earning High-Authority Backlinks
The most obvious advantage of HARO is the potential to earn backlinks from highly respected websites. High-authority backlinks are particularly valuable because they directly influence your website’s domain authority—a metric used by search engines to assess the trustworthiness of your site.
Let’s say you secure a backlink from Forbes (domain authority: 95). Not only will this backlink increase your domain authority, but it could also lead to significant referral traffic as readers follow the link to learn more about you or your company. Additionally, the backlink helps improve your ranking for specific keywords, making it easier for prospective customers to find your website through organic search.
2. Brand Visibility and Credibility
Appearing in respected publications helps to elevate your brand’s credibility. When readers see your name or brand featured in outlets such as The Guardian or CNN, they are more likely to view you as a credible authority in your field. Over time, frequent mentions can lead to increased trust, making it easier to build relationships with potential clients or partners.
For example, a consultant specialising in mental health who regularly appears in Psychology Today will naturally gain recognition as a trusted expert, leading to more speaking opportunities, client inquiries, and media requests.
3. Targeted Audience Exposure
HARO allows you to respond to queries that directly relate to your industry, ensuring that any exposure you gain is highly relevant to your audience. This targeted exposure can lead to improved brand awareness and website traffic, as readers who are interested in your field are more likely to follow links to your site.
For instance, a tech startup providing cybersecurity solutions could respond to technology-related queries, gaining exposure to an audience likely to be interested in their services. This form of marketing is much more efficient than broad, untargeted campaigns.
4. Opportunities for Networking
Another underrated benefit of HARO is the opportunity to build relationships with journalists, bloggers, and influencers. Providing high-quality insights can establish your credibility with journalists, potentially leading to future collaborations. This opens doors for PR opportunities, guest posts, or long-term partnerships.
Journalists, particularly those who write for top-tier outlets, often maintain a network of reliable sources. If you consistently provide valuable responses, you may become a go-to expert for future articles.
Effective Strategies for Success on HARO
While HARO offers numerous opportunities, achieving consistent success requires a strategic approach. Below are some actionable strategies to improve your chances of being featured.
1. Respond Promptly
One of the most important factors in succeeding with HARO is timing. Journalists often have tight deadlines, and the first few responses they receive are the ones most likely to be selected. Aim to respond as soon as possible after receiving the email—ideally within the first hour. To stay competitive, consider upgrading to a premium HARO account to receive alerts more quickly.
2. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
Rather than responding to as many queries as possible, focus on those that are most relevant to your expertise. Journalists seek credible, insightful contributions, and submitting a well-crafted response in your area of expertise will give you a better chance of success. Stretching your knowledge too thin by responding to irrelevant topics may result in a weaker pitch, reducing your chances of being selected.
3. Optimise Your Profile
Your HARO profile is the first point of contact between you and the journalist, so it’s crucial to make a strong impression. Ensure your profile includes a professional headshot, a succinct bio that highlights your qualifications, and links to your website and social media. A complete and well-crafted profile can significantly increase your chances of being chosen, as it reinforces your credibility.
4. Craft a Compelling Pitch
Your pitch should be concise, relevant, and valuable. Begin by clearly stating your credentials to establish your authority on the topic. Then, provide a thoughtful response that directly addresses the journalist’s question. Avoid long-winded explanations—journalists are busy and prefer pitches that are easy to digest.
Here’s an example of a well-structured pitch:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your credentials (no more than 2-3 sentences).
- Main Response: Offer a direct answer to the journalist’s query, providing data, examples, or insights.
- Closing: Wrap up by offering additional information or a willingness to answer further questions.
5. Personalise Each Pitch
A generic pitch that could apply to any query is unlikely to stand out. Take the time to personalise your response by addressing the journalist by name (if provided), mentioning their publication, and explaining why your insights are relevant to their story. Personalisation shows the journalist that you’ve taken the time to craft a thoughtful response, increasing your chances of being selected.
6. Add Value with Data or Examples
Journalists are often looking for hard facts to back up their stories. Where possible, include data, statistics, or real-world examples to support your response. This not only makes your pitch more compelling but also demonstrates that you’re a knowledgeable expert.
For example, if responding to a query about cybersecurity, you could provide data on recent trends in cyberattacks, along with specific examples from your own experience. This type of insight adds significant value to the article.
7. Proofread Your Pitches
It should go without saying, but ensure that your pitches are free of spelling and grammatical errors. A well-written response reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which can make a significant difference in the eyes of the journalist.
8. Avoid Being Overly Promotional
While HARO provides a platform for gaining exposure, it’s important to avoid coming across as overly promotional. Journalists are looking for genuine insights, not sales pitches. Focus on offering valuable information rather than trying to promote your services.
Common HARO Mistakes to Avoid
While HARO can be a powerful tool for building backlinks and establishing your brand’s credibility, many users fall into common traps that can hurt their chances of success. Below are some mistakes to avoid:
- Pitching Without Adding Value: Journalists receive hundreds of responses to each query. A response that doesn’t add unique value is unlikely to be chosen. Ensure your pitch offers something the journalist can’t find elsewhere.
- Responding to Irrelevant Queries: Stick to your area of expertise. Responding to irrelevant queries dilutes your credibility and wastes time.
- Ignoring Deadlines: Journalists work under tight deadlines, and responses submitted after the deadline will almost never be considered.
- Sending Generic Responses: A pitch that reads like a template is unlikely to catch a journalist’s attention. Personalise each response to stand out.
Tracking Your HARO Success
Once you begin submitting responses to HARO queries, it’s important to track the results to assess the effectiveness of your strategy. Tools such as Ahrefs, Moz, and SEMrush allow you to track backlinks, monitor changes in domain authority, and analyse referral traffic.
Tracking your performance over time can help you identify which types of queries are most likely to result in successful placements, allowing you to refine your strategy and focus on what works best.
Conclusion
HARO is a powerful platform that, when used strategically, can be a valuable tool for building high-quality backlinks, increasing brand visibility, and establishing your authority within your industry. By responding promptly to relevant queries, crafting personalised and insightful pitches, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can maximise your chances of earning backlinks from authoritative publications.
Ultimately, HARO is about more than just earning links; it’s about contributing valuable insights that enhance the quality of the content journalists create. With consistent effort and a thoughtful approach, HARO can play an integral role in your link-building and brand-building strategies.
