What is HARO?

If you’re in the world of digital marketing, you’ve probably already heard about HARO (Help a Reporter Out). HARO is a platform that connects journalists in need of sources with experts in their respective fields. This isn’t a brand-new idea – reporters have used other methods to find sources for years – but it has become increasingly popular in recent years because it can be an incredibly effective way to gain backlinks, boost brand exposure, and establish yourself as an authority in your industry.

How does HARO work?

HARO sends out three emails a day to subscribers. Each email contains a list of journalists in need of sources, along with a brief summary of the topic they are writing about. As a source, you can respond to the journalist’s request by offering your insights and expertise. If the journalist decides to use your input in their article, you get a valuable backlink and exposure for your brand.

Why is HARO crucial for your business?

Here are some reasons why you should consider using HARO:

You get high-quality backlinks:

Backlinks are crucial for SEO, and HARO can help you get valuable links from high-authority sites. When you become a source for a reporter, they will usually include a link to your website in their article. This can give you a significant boost in search engine rankings.

You get exposure for your brand:

When you get featured in an online publication, it can give you a massive amount of exposure to new audiences. This can help you establish yourself as an authority in your industry and gain credibility with potential customers.

You connect with journalists:

By using HARO, you get the opportunity to connect with journalists who are looking for experts in your field. This can lead to long-term relationships with reporters who might feature your brand in future articles.

How to Win with HARO?

Be Quick to Respond

One of the critical elements of winning with HARO is responding quickly. Journalists are working on tight deadlines, and they usually receive hundreds of responses to their requests, so you need to act fast. Make sure you’re checking the emails regularly and responding within the timeframe requested by the journalist. If you respond quickly and provide excellent insights, you’re much more likely to get featured in the article.

Be Specific About Your Expertise

When you respond to a journalist’s request, make sure you’re specific about your expertise. Journalists are looking for experts, so if you can position yourself as an authority in a particular area, you’ll have a better chance of getting featured in the article. Make sure you’re clear about your credentials and how they relate to the topic at hand.

Provide Valuable Insights

Journalists want sources who can provide valuable insights and unique perspectives. When responding to a request, make sure you’re offering something different from what other sources are providing. This can make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting featured in the article.

Don’t Sell Yourself Too Hard

While you want to showcase your expertise, it’s essential not to sell yourself too hard. Journalists don’t want sources who are overly self-promotional or who have a hidden agenda. Make sure you’re providing value without being pushy. This can help you establish a long-term relationship with the journalist and keep you front of mind for future opportunities.

Follow up

After you’ve sent your response to the journalist, it’s a good idea to follow up. You can send a brief email thanking them for the opportunity and asking if they need any additional information. This can increase your chances of getting featured in the article and establish a relationship with the journalist.

Examples of Successful HARO Pitches

Example 1: Getting Featured in Forbes

One of the most remarkable things HARO can do for you is bringing in high-authority backlinks. Among Forbes’ reliability, getting featured on the platform guarantees your voice is heard by industry leaders and entrepreneurs. In late 2020, for example, Thrive Global’s Rachel Johnson offered insights on how tattoo artists are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. By responding in a few hours, Johnson got a feature on Forbes where she shared her trademark insights.

Example 2: Getting Interviewed

While most people look at getting featured in publications as the main goal of being a HARO source, it is also possible to get personal interviews. In an interview with The Clydebank Post, Catherine Maguire – a UK-based indoor cycling instructor – got interviewed about her award-winning outdoor cycling initiative.

Example 3: Tapping into a Global Audience

If you want to go big, HARO can connect you with global publications like the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). In March 2020, Jordan-born Kayan Health CEO in Georgia-made the BBC Health and did not only get a platform to engage a global audience, but also landed high-domain backlinks.

Conclusion

In summary, HARO can be a valuable tool for boosting your brand exposure, gaining backlinks, and establishing yourself as an authority in your industry. By following the tips outlined above and offering valuable insights, you can increase your chances of getting featured in top publications and developing relationships with journalists. With a little effort, HARO can become a crucial part of your marketing strategy and lead to significant results for your brand.