HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a valuable platform that connects journalists with subject matter experts. By responding to requests from journalists who need expert insights or quotes, you can secure high-quality backlinks from reputable news outlets, blogs, and industry publications. HARO is an effective and ethical link-building strategy that allows you to build your brand’s authority while earning valuable backlinks from authoritative websites.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to use HARO for link building, how to craft successful responses, and best practices to maximize your chances of getting featured.
What is HARO?
Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is a platform that enables journalists to find experts and sources for their stories. Journalists post specific queries looking for quotes, expert opinions, or case studies, and businesses or individuals respond to those requests with insights. If the journalist selects your response, they will typically include your name, company, and a link to your website in their article.
HARO is a win-win for both parties: journalists get access to reliable, expert sources, and businesses or experts gain exposure and a backlink from a reputable site. The platform is widely used by journalists from leading publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, making it a valuable tool for link building.
Why HARO is a Powerful Tool for Link Building
Using HARO for link building is an effective way to earn backlinks from high-authority domains and reputable media outlets. Unlike traditional outreach methods, HARO allows you to connect directly with journalists and bloggers who are already looking for sources to include in their stories. Here’s why HARO is a powerful tool for link building:
1. Access to High-Authority Websites
HARO is used by journalists from some of the most authoritative websites in the world, including top-tier news outlets, industry blogs, and niche publications. Securing a backlink from a high-authority domain like Forbes or The Huffington Post can significantly boost your website’s SEO and increase your brand’s credibility.
2. Builds Your Brand’s Authority
By contributing expert insights to a reputable publication, you position yourself and your brand as an authority in your industry. When readers see your name associated with credible sources, it enhances your reputation and helps establish your expertise in your field.
3. Enhances Organic Traffic
Earning backlinks from widely-read publications increases your brand’s visibility, driving more organic traffic to your website. The more readers click on your links, the more traffic and engagement your site will receive, leading to potential leads or conversions.
HARO provides a direct route to securing high-quality backlinks that can have a lasting impact on your SEO and online presence.
How to Use HARO for Link Building
Using HARO for link building is a straightforward process, but to maximize your success, you need to be strategic. Follow these steps to effectively use HARO to earn high-quality backlinks:
1. Sign Up for HARO
The first step is to sign up for a HARO account at helpareporter.com. HARO offers both free and paid subscription options. The free version sends you daily email alerts with queries from journalists, while the paid version offers additional features, such as filtering queries by industry.
When you sign up, you’ll be able to select categories that are relevant to your industry. HARO will then send you emails containing journalist queries from your chosen categories. These emails typically arrive three times a day, so you’ll have multiple opportunities to respond.
2. Monitor HARO Queries
Once you’re subscribed, you’ll receive daily HARO alerts with journalist requests. These queries will include:
- The journalist’s name and publication (sometimes anonymized).
- The specific query or question they need help with.
- Deadline for responses.
- Contact information for submitting your response.
To maximize your chances of success, regularly monitor your HARO emails and respond to relevant queries as soon as possible. Journalists often receive dozens of responses, so being prompt can improve your chances of being selected.
3. Respond with Valuable, Relevant Insights
When responding to a HARO query, it’s essential to provide high-quality, relevant insights that address the journalist’s question. Your response should be concise, informative, and demonstrate your expertise. Here are some tips for crafting an effective HARO response:
- Address the journalist by name (if available), and reference their query in your opening line.
- Provide valuable, actionable insights that directly answer the question. Avoid vague or overly promotional responses.
- Keep your response concise—journalists often prefer brief, to-the-point answers. Aim for 2-4 sentences that pack valuable information.
- Include your credentials to establish your authority on the subject. If you’re a CEO, expert in your field, or have relevant experience, mention it.
- Link to your website or a relevant page only if the query asks for it, and don’t spam multiple links in your response.
Providing a thoughtful, well-crafted response increases your chances of being featured in the journalist’s article and securing a backlink.
Best Practices for HARO Success
To get the most out of HARO for link building, follow these best practices:
1. Be Selective with Your Responses
While HARO sends out numerous queries each day, not all of them will be relevant to your business or expertise. Focus on responding to queries that align with your industry, expertise, and target audience. Responding to too many irrelevant queries can waste time and reduce your chances of securing valuable backlinks.
2. Respond Quickly
Speed is critical when using HARO. Journalists often have tight deadlines, and they typically select sources quickly. Try to respond as soon as possible after receiving the HARO email—ideally within a few hours of the query being posted. Early responses are more likely to get noticed.
3. Provide Unique, Expert Insights
Your response needs to stand out from the crowd. Journalists may receive dozens of similar responses, so offering unique, expert-level insights can increase your chances of being selected. Share something that other respondents may not have mentioned, or back up your insights with data or examples.
4. Keep Your Responses Professional and Concise
Journalists are busy and don’t have time to read lengthy responses. Keep your response short and to the point. Avoid self-promotion—focus on delivering helpful and valuable information that addresses the query. Your expertise and professionalism will speak for itself.
5. Track Your Mentions and Backlinks
Once you’ve submitted your responses, track your mentions and backlinks using tools like Google Alerts, Ahrefs, or Moz. These tools can notify you when your brand or website is mentioned online, allowing you to monitor which HARO responses led to backlinks.
HARO is a numbers game, and you won’t be selected every time. However, by consistently following best practices and submitting high-quality responses, you can earn backlinks from reputable sources over time.
Benefits of Using HARO for Link Building
The benefits of using HARO for link building extend beyond just SEO. Here’s how HARO can benefit your business:
1. Earn High-Authority Backlinks
HARO connects you with journalists from top-tier publications, giving you the opportunity to earn backlinks from authoritative websites. Backlinks from sites like CNN, Forbes, or Inc. carry significant SEO value and help improve your website’s rankings.
2. Increase Brand Visibility
Being featured in well-known publications boosts your brand’s visibility and credibility. When readers see your name or business mentioned in a trusted source, it enhances your reputation and helps establish you as a thought leader in your industry.
3. Drive Targeted Traffic
Backlinks from reputable publications can drive targeted traffic to your website. Readers who come across your expert insights may visit your site to learn more about your business or services, potentially leading to new leads or conversions.
By leveraging HARO as part of your link-building strategy, you can secure valuable backlinks, increase brand exposure, and drive more traffic to your site.
Conclusion
Using HARO for link building is an effective way to earn high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites while positioning yourself as an expert in your industry. By responding to relevant queries with thoughtful, well-crafted insights, you can secure backlinks from leading publications, boost your SEO, and enhance your brand’s credibility.
