Hey everyone! Let’s talk PR and link building. If you’ve been in the game for a while, you probably felt a little pang when you heard the news about HARO (Help a Reporter Out) officially shutting down its services. It was like a trusty old friend, right? For over a decade, it was the place to connect with journalists and snag those valuable media placements and backlinks.
And then came Connectively, HARO’s rebranded version, which also sadly discontinued its platform on December 9, 2024. Bummer, right? This leaves a bit of a void for us PR folks, marketers, and thought leaders who relied on HARO to build those crucial media relationships and get some serious press.
But hey, don’t fret! The good news is, just like when your favorite coffee shop closes (heartbreaking, I know!), there are other fantastic options out there. If you’re on the hunt for better ways to get your name out there, score some prime media exposure, and build those all-important backlinks, you’re definitely not alone. That’s why we’re diving into some of the most promising HARO alternatives to help you make a smart choice and keep those media outreach efforts strong. Let’s find your next go-to platform!
What’s the Deal with HARO (and Connectively)?
So, what was the magic behind HARO? Well, it started way back in 2008 as a simple email-based service by Peter Shankman. The idea was brilliant: connect journalists looking for expert insights with the folks who had those insights. It was a win-win, helping experts share their knowledge and journalists add some serious weight to their stories. Over time, HARO became a go-to for journalists, small businesses, content creators, and subject matter experts alike.
Fast forward a bit, and HARO was acquired by Vocus in 2010, which then merged with Cision in 2014, making HARO one of Cision’s brands. In 2023, Cision decided to give HARO a fresh coat of paint and rebranded it as Connectively. The aim was to offer a more comprehensive suite of communication tools beyond just simple connections.
But, as we know, things didn’t quite go as planned. Earlier in 2024, Connectively (formerly HARO) announced it would be shutting down in December 2024. While the exact reasons might be a little murky, it seems the transition to a paid subscription model didn’t quite land. And that’s where we are today, looking for what’s next.
Alright, Let’s Talk Alternatives: Your New Go-To Platforms
Even though HARO is now part of history, the good news is there’s a whole bunch of robust alternatives ready to step up and help you reach your media outreach goals. Whether you’re after a streamlined way to connect with journalists or need something with more bells and whistles for managing full PR campaigns, there are options that can effectively fill that HARO-shaped hole. Let’s take a peek at some of the best, especially with link building in mind:
Source of Sources (SOS): The Familiar Free Option
- Think of Source of Sources (SOS) as HARO 2.0. Why? Because it’s founded by none other than Peter Shankman, the original creator of HARO!
- Just like the HARO we knew and (sometimes) loved, SOS uses the same free email newsletter format. So, if you were a HARO regular, you’ll feel right at home.
- Good news for link builders: It’s completely free! Plus, coming from the original HARO guy, there’s potential for quality connections.
- Things to keep in mind: Just like old times, you won’t find built-in SEO data. You’ll need to do your own digging to check domain ratings and backlink policies. Some users have also reported needing to send more pitches for a placement currently.
- Best for: Those who loved the HARO experience and are happy to put in a little extra work researching SEO metrics for free opportunities.
Featured (formerly Terkel): High Conversion Rates with SEO Insights
- Looking to boost your outreach? Meet Featured. This platform, formerly known as Terkel, is designed to streamline your PR efforts.
- While HARO was free, Featured operates on a paid subscription model, though they do have a free plan with limited submissions.
- Here’s where it gets interesting for link building: Paid plans actually give you basic SEO metrics like Domain Rating (DR) and whether the link is DoFollow or NoFollow. Plus, they boast a high conversion rate, meaning your pitches have a good chance of getting picked.
- A word of caution: The subscription model can get a bit pricey depending on how many team members you have. Also, there have been some concerns raised about their emerging private blog network (PBN), so it’s something to be aware of.
- Best for: Those who are willing to invest a bit for a higher chance of securing links and appreciate having some basic SEO data at their fingertips.
C. Help a B2B Writer (HaB2BW): Niche Focus for Quality Marketing Links
- If you’re in the B2B world – specifically marketing, sales, or tech – Help a B2B Writer (HaB2BW) could be your new best friend. This platform was acquired by the content marketing community Superpath in 2023.
- The great thing about HaB2BW is that it’s free to use!
- Why it’s great for links: Within its niche, it’s known for a really good conversion rate. Even better, unlike some other free options, Help A B2B Writer often includes basic SEO metrics and backlink policy info in the requests (when the journalist provides it).
- Keep in mind: Its scope is limited to B2B marketing, tech, and related fields, and you might find a lower volume of opportunities compared to broader platforms.
- Best for: Those working in the B2B marketing niche who want high-quality, free link opportunities with some SEO context.
D. ProfNet: Established Platform for High-Authority Opportunities
- ProfNet has been around the block since 1992, making it a pretty established player in the PR game.
- Unlike HARO’s free model, ProfNet operates behind a paywall for experts. While journalists can often submit queries for free, experts usually need a subscription.
- The link building perk: ProfNet is known for having higher quality opportunities often from higher-tier publications. Plus, with fewer users compared to the HARO days, your chances of getting picked might be better. Our data even suggests ProfNet rivals Source of Sources in placement quality.
- Things to consider: It costs money for experts to participate (around $1,650 annually for a single industry), and it still uses that older email newsletter format. You’ll also need to do your own SEO research.
- Best for: Those with a decent budget for media outreach who prioritize landing links from high-authority domains.
E. Qwoted: Access to Top-Tier Media for Prestigious Mentions
- Want to connect with some of the big names in media? Qwoted focuses on connecting journalists with expert sources for top-tier publications.
- While they do offer a free plan with two pitches per month, the more robust features come with paid plans, starting at $99 per month.
- Why it’s good for links (if you play it right): Qwoted boasts higher conversion rates due to a stricter vetting process, which means less spam. Getting quoted in those prestigious publications can seriously boost your brand’s authority.
- A potential drawback for SEO-focused folks: Qwoted seems to be less focused on SEO agencies. Also, the paid plans can be a bit of an investment.
- Best for: Those with a solid PR budget who are aiming for mentions in prestigious, high-authority publications, even if SEO isn’t their primary focus.
F. SourceBottle: A User-Friendly and Globally-Reaching Free Option
- Looking for a platform with a global reach? SourceBottle connects journalists, bloggers, and content creators with experts.
- The great news is they offer a free plan.
- Link building potential: The free plan allows you to respond to journalist “Call Outs,” potentially leading to media exposure and backlinks. It’s also known for its user-friendly interface.
- Things to be aware of: You might find limited pitch opportunities on the free plan, and the lack of strict qualifying criteria could mean some less targeted opportunities pop up. Their user base is also smaller than HARO’s was.
- Good for: Those just starting out or on a tight budget who want a free and easy-to-use platform to explore potential link opportunities.
G. JournoRequests (on X/Twitter): Real-Time Opportunities Directly from Journalists
- Who needs a dedicated platform when you’ve got social media? Many journalists and PR pros now use X (formerly Twitter) with hashtags like #journorequest and #PRrequest to find sources.
- The best part? It’s free (unless you opt for X’s premium features).
- Link building upside: You can connect directly with journalists in real-time and potentially snag a link. It offers a wide range of topics.
- The catch: These hashtags aren’t categorized, so it can take some time to sift through and find relevant requests. It can also be a bit of a free-for-all with lots of competition and the potential for spam.
- Ideal for: Those who are active on X and don’t mind the manual effort of monitoring hashtags for timely link opportunities.
Beyond the Top 7: Keeping Your Options Open
It’s worth noting that there are even more avenues to explore! Consider:
- Direct Outreach: Don’t underestimate the power of reaching out to journalists and publications directly. Building those relationships can lead to ongoing opportunities. Tools like Apollo.io can help you find relevant contacts.
- Niche Platforms: Depending on your industry, there might be specialized platforms like HealthSource (for health and beauty), ExpertPitch (for finance and legal), or TechJournal (for tech).
- Monitoring Tools: Set up Google Alerts for keywords like “seeking expert” or “media request” in your niche.
- Email Newsletters: Keep an eye out for email newsletters from platforms like Featured and others that curate media opportunities.
- LinkedIn: Engage with journalists and industry experts on LinkedIn. Sometimes, journalists will post direct media requests in groups.
Choosing the Right HARO Link Alternative for You
So, which of these should you try? Well, it really depends on what you need and what you’re looking for. Think about your:
- Budget: Are you looking for free options, or do you have some room in your budget for paid platforms?
- Time: Some platforms are more streamlined than others. How much time do you have to dedicate to sifting through requests and pitching?
- Industry Niche: Some platforms are more specialized than others (like Help a B2B Writer).
- Link Goals: Are you prioritizing high-authority links, or are you looking for more volume?
- Ease of Use: How comfortable are you with different interfaces and formats?
The best approach might be to try a mix of both free and paid options. Experiment with a few different platforms to see which ones bring you the best results for your specific needs.
One final tip: No matter which platform you choose, always remember that providing genuine value in your pitches is key to earning those high-quality, sustainable backlinks.
Wrapping Up
Alright, so while saying goodbye to HARO might feel a little strange, the good news is that the world of media outreach is still buzzing with opportunities. There are plenty of effective HARO alternatives ready and waiting to help you keep building those valuable backlinks and boosting your authority in 2025. So, get out there, explore these options, and keep sharing your expertise! Happy pitching!
