Table of Contents
0 min read How to Get Free Links & Press with HARO
A lot of people wishing to get into the media industry may find it overwhelming at first. However, if you use efficient methods of link building, you may attract the attention of journalists seeking stories like yours, who will then link to your site from theirs. In this article, we’ll explore HARO link building, its inner workings, and how you may best use it to get free links & press with HARO coverage for your company.
Businesses featured in authoritative media see up to 70% more inbound traffic than those without media coverage. Read more about the impact of backlinks here.
What Is HARO?
Peter Shankman, a well-known public relations specialist and entrepreneur, created the online platform HARO (“Help A Reporter Out”) in 2008. The premise behind HARO is deceptively straightforward:
- Journalists need insights, anecdotes, and credible quotes
- Sources want exposure and backlinks
What Is HARO Link Building?
Over 75,000 journalists and bloggers routinely use HARO, and the program has over 1 million registered sources covering topics like:
- Business & Finance
- Health & Wellness
- Tech & Marketing
- Lifestyle & Travel
HARO Request Email Includes:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Publication Name | Where the journalist writes (e.g., Forbes) |
| Deadline | Response cut-off time |
| Guidelines | Formatting or content requirements |
| Email Address | Where to send your pitch |
Want quality backlinks like these? Learn the steps to get premium backlinks .
How Does HARO Work?
As a platform that links journalists with sources, HARO stands out for its SEO and PR value. Here’s how it works:
Step-by-Step HARO Process:
- Step 1: Register as a source on HARO for free
- Step 2: Choose your industry categories
- Step 3: Receive email requests (3x daily)
- Step 4: Respond to relevant queries quickly
-
Step 5: Include:
- Direct answer to the query
- Short bio with credentials
- Link to your website or socials
Journalists typically choose sources within the first 25 responses. Speed = Visibility
One of our clients, a SaaS founder, secured a backlink from Inc.com and saw a 23% boost in organic traffic within 30 days.
HARO Link Building
By using HARO to its full potential, you may increase your website’s search engine optimization and online visibility by securing high-quality backlinks from reputable domains. The following is a guide on using HARO for inbound linking purposes:
- Create a profile and register: Sign up with HARO as a source and include detailed, relevant information to increase your chances of being selected.
- Monitor journalist requests: HARO sends daily emails with queries from reporters. Focus on those matching your expertise and reply quickly—speed matters.
- Craft thoughtful responses: Provide valuable insights, data, and commentary that make it easy for journalists to quote you.
- Follow instructions exactly: Adhere to formatting, subject lines, and content requirements—journalists may skip your pitch otherwise.
- Build ongoing relationships: Consistently offer useful responses. Journalists prefer reliable, credible sources for future stories.
- Promote your features: Share published articles that include your input on your website and social media for added credibility and visibility.
- Track backlinks: Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor performance, identify what’s working, and refine your HARO strategy.
- Prepare for growth: Be ready for traffic spikes and new leads. Maintain high-quality content to maximize retention and engagement.
HARO Link Building Benefits
Using HARO to its full potential can:
- Earn backlinks from high-authority media
- Improve SEO and domain authority
- Boost brand visibility and trust
- Provide referral traffic from media articles
Pro Tips:
- Use filters to focus on your niche (e.g., “SEO” or “Digital Marketing”)
- Craft custom, concise, and quote-worthy answers
- Monitor your pitches and track live links with Google Analytics
How to Use HARO Effectively
Want to get quoted consistently? Use these pitch-winning tips:
Pick and choose
Focus on questions more relevant to your specialty, audience, and objectives than answering every single one. By picking and choosing, you may put your energy where it will do the most good.
Act Swiftly
Reporters often work on tight deadlines, so they must have answers to their questions as soon as possible. Responding quickly increases your profile and the chance that a journalist will notice you.
Be Helpful
Be useful by giving journalists something they can use, such as clear and thorough comments. Don’t only try to advertise yourself or your company. Demonstrate your knowledge and eagerness to provide helpful information by answering their questions.
Be Friendly
Have a cordial demeanor while communicating with media members. Say thanks for listening and reading this far. It’s a good idea to follow up when it’s needed.
Practice Patience
HARO’s outcomes may not immediately become evident. Sometimes, you won’t hear back from the writer, and it might be a while before your name or link appears in an article. The key is persistence and constantly fine-tuning your pitches.
Marketing Tip: Add one statistics-driven point to your answer for added credibility. Example: “According to a 2024 BrightLocal study, 87% of users trust media articles with expert quotes.”
The Way Forward
If you implement the recommended procedures for HARO, you will see it for yourself. HARO is an effective and simple method of getting your company free publicity and backlinks.
FOMO Reminder: Every unanswered HARO query is a lost opportunity for a high-authority backlink!
FAQs
Is HARO free to use?
Yes, HARO offers a free plan that gives you daily queries. Paid plans offer keyword alerts and better filtering.
How long does it take to see results?
You can get featured within a week if your pitch is accepted. However, some articles take 2–3 weeks to go live.
Do all HARO responses get backlinks?
Not all. Some mentions may not include a link, but many reputable sources do link back.
Can I automate HARO responses?
Automation is discouraged. Journalists prefer personalized and relevant answers.
What industries benefit most from HARO?
Tech, marketing, health, finance, and legal industries often have the highest HARO activity.
Win Free Links and Expand Your Influence with Silver Ant Marketing (SAM)
After reading this, we hope you will feel prepared to launch your link-building campaign with HARO. Other link-building resources may be available, but you should pay attention to what HARO has to offer. It’s the most cost-effective way companies can establish relationships with media outlets and promote their products online without going bankrupt.
Our HARO link-building agency and services are ready to help if this seems too complicated. Get free press coverage and increase your online impact with Silver Ant Marketing’s SEO specialists and link builders. Also, the connections you need to succeed aren’t the simple ones.
In previous years, SAM’s link-building team has used top-notch tactics to earn numerous significant links. Contact us if you want our help developing a strategy for increasing inbound links or gaining exposure in the media. If you need assistance, our link-building services are available 24/7.
Smart Marketing Starts Here
At Silver Ant Marketing, we craft data-driven strategies to elevate your brand. Our expertise in digital marketing ensures maximum reach and engagement for your business.
