What is HARO?

HARO, which stands for Help a Reporter Out, is a platform that connects journalists and experts in various fields. It is a powerful tool for link building and PR, allowing businesses and individuals to gain exposure and media coverage through relevant and credible sources.

HARO was founded in 2008 by Peter Shankman and has since become a go-to resource for journalists and experts alike. The platform allows journalists to post queries seeking sources for their stories, and experts can respond with their insights and expertise.

HARO has become increasingly popular among PR professionals and businesses seeking media coverage and backlinks.

Quick guide to use HARO

Here is a short guide on how to use HARO for link building and public relations:

• HARO Registration: First, you must register with Help a Reporter Out (HARO). It is a platform that connects journalists with sources who can provide information for their stories.
• Filter HARO results: Once you have registered, you will receive hundreds of inquiries daily.
  It is recommended to set up a filter in Gmail for all upcoming emails from HARO, set them to Read and direct them to a specific label.
  You can also try setting up a more granular filter in Google Mail by filtering emails with the address haro@helpareporter.com and relevant keywords, automatically sending them to a labeled inbox.
• Create a perfect pitch: To get a response to your HARO response, you need to create a proper subject line that won't be criticized. Start with the correct subject line.
  You should only respond to inquiries that meet the following criteria: You are qualified to answer them. They are relevant to your industry. You have read the guidelines carefully. You can add a unique value to them.
• Publish: If your proposal is accepted, it will be published and you will receive a link to your website.
  This can help you build backlinks and improve your brand ranking to increase public relations, regardless of your industry field.

Benefits of using HARO for link building and PR

Using HARO for link building and PR has many benefits:

• Increased brand visibility.
• Improved search engine rankings.
• Enhanced credibility through media coverage.

For example, a study by Moz found that backlinks from high-authority sources, such as news websites, can significantly improve a website's search engine rankings.

HARO has also been used successfully by businesses such as Freshbooks, which gained media coverage and backlinks from sources such as Forbes and Entrepreneur through their HARO pitches.

Best practices for utilizing HARO

To make the most of HARO for link building and PR, it is essential to follow best practices:

• It is important to identify relevant queries and opportunities that align with your brand messaging and goals. This involves regularly monitoring HARO queries and responding promptly to relevant opportunities.
• Crafting effective pitches that meet journalist's needs is also crucial.
  This means providing concise and informative responses that demonstrate your expertise and add value to the journalist's story.
• Building relationships with reporters and journalists through HARO can also lead to ongoing media coverage opportunities.
  For example, by consistently providing high-quality responses to queries, businesses can establish themselves as reliable sources and build trust with journalists.

Common mistakes to avoid

While HARO can be a powerful tool for link building and PR, there are also common mistakes to avoid:

• Overpitching and spamming journalists with irrelevant responses can damage your brand's reputation and lead to being blacklisted from HARO.
• Failing to follow up or provide quality responses can also result in missed opportunities and a damaged reputation.
• It is crucial to align pitches with brand messaging and goals to ensure that media coverage and backlinks are relevant and beneficial.

For example, a business that specializes in sustainable fashion should focus on responding to queries related to sustainability and ethical fashion rather than unrelated topics.

Conclusion

HARO is a valuable resource for businesses and individuals seeking media coverage and backlinks.

By understanding the benefits of using HARO, following best practices, and avoiding common mistakes, businesses can successfully use the platform for link building and PR.

HARO provides a unique opportunity to connect with journalists and establish credibility through media coverage, making it an essential tool in any PR strategy.