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06 May
Are you struggling to get your website noticed in the crowded digital landscape? Many businesses invest heavily in SEO and content marketing but find themselves battling for visibility. Traditional link building methods can be slow, expensive, and often yield low-quality links that harm your domain authority. What if there was a way to tap into established media outlets and gain valuable backlinks organically? HARO offers just that – a powerful platform connecting journalists with expert sources, providing an unprecedented opportunity to build credibility and drive targeted traffic.
HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is a free service run by Eileen Murphy, which connects journalists seeking sources with experts in various fields. Reporters from major publications – including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and many more – post queries requesting quotes, insights, or data for their articles. Responding to these HARO emails can be a highly effective strategy for building backlinks because it positions you as an authority within your industry.
The key is that journalists are actively searching for knowledgeable individuals to interview. When you provide a valuable response directly addressing their needs, they’re more likely to feature your expertise in their article – and often include a link back to your website. This isn’t just about getting links; it’s about earning media mentions that boost your brand reputation and drive organic traffic.
HARO operates through three types of queries: Morning, Afternoon, and Weekend. These are categorized by the type of information being sought. Understanding these distinctions allows you to tailor your responses more effectively.
| Query Type | Focus Area | Example Query | Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breaking News & Current Events | “We are writing a story about the impact of recent supply chain disruptions. Can you share your thoughts? | Experts in logistics, retail, or economics responding to timely events. |
| Afternoon | Industry Trends & Analysis | “Looking for an expert to discuss the future of remote work and its impact on productivity.” | Thought leaders offering insights into industry trends – marketing, technology, finance, etc. |
| Weekend | Longer-Form Content & Research | “We’re researching best practices for sustainable business operations. Can you provide data on your company’s environmental initiatives?” | Businesses with demonstrable sustainability efforts or those conducting research in specialized fields. |
Simply sending a generic response won’t cut it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting responses that grab a journalist’s attention:
The first step is to subscribe to the HARO emails you want to receive. You can choose from several categories, including Business, Tech, Health & Wellness, Marketing, and more. Check the emails daily – particularly mornings for breaking news.
Don’t waste time responding to queries that aren’t relevant to your expertise. Journalists are busy; a poorly targeted response will be ignored. Consider whether you genuinely have valuable insights to offer and if it aligns with your business goals. This is where understanding the query types helps – select the appropriate HARO email for your niche.
Your response should be no more than three sentences long, adhering strictly to the journalist’s guidelines. Focus on providing a clear, concise answer directly addressing their question. Don’t pitch your business or website – the goal is to provide value first.
Example: A reporter asks, “We are writing about the challenges of cybersecurity for small businesses. Can you share your perspective?”
A strong response might be: “Small businesses often struggle with limited resources and expertise when it comes to cybersecurity. Our recent research shows that 68 percent of SMBs have experienced a cyberattack in the past year. We offer affordable, tailored security solutions designed specifically for small business needs.”
Only include a link to your website if it’s directly relevant and provides further context to your answer. Don’t make it the primary focus of your response. Journalists are looking for information, not a sales pitch.
If you don’t hear back within a few days, consider sending a polite follow-up email. However, avoid being overly persistent – respect the journalist’s time and workflow. A simple reminder is sufficient.
Several companies have successfully leveraged HARO to generate significant backlinks. For example, Neil Patel, a leading digital marketing strategist, frequently uses HARO to position himself as an expert in SEO and content marketing. His responses often lead to high-profile media mentions, driving substantial traffic to his website.
Another example is a small SaaS company specializing in project management software. By responding to HARO queries about productivity challenges and offering actionable tips, they secured coverage in Forbes and Entrepreneur, resulting in dozens of valuable backlinks and a surge in qualified leads.
Studies have shown that HARO responses can lead to an average of 3-5 backlinks per response. While results vary depending on your industry and the quality of your response, the potential ROI is significant.
Q: Is HARO free? A: Yes, HARO is completely free to use for both journalists and experts.
Q: How often should I check HARO emails? A: We recommend checking the emails daily – particularly mornings for breaking news queries.
Q: What if no one responds to my HARO query? A: Don’t be discouraged. Not every response will lead to a media mention, but consistent effort increases your chances of success.
Q: Can I respond to multiple HARO queries in one email? A: No. You must respond to each query individually.
Q: How long does it take to see results from a HARO response? A: It can take several weeks or even months for your response to be published, as journalists’ articles are scheduled around their publication timelines.
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