Introduction
Why Link Building Still Matters in 2025
In the world of SEO, link building remains one of the most potent tools to climb the search rankings. Backlinks are very important for your site. They act like strong endorsements, especially when they come from trusted sources. While content and on-page optimization matter, backlinks help search engines see your site’s value. They signal trust, relevance, and authority.
Without solid backlinks, even the best content can struggle to get noticed.
Enter HARO: Help a Reporter Out
If you’re tired of outdated link-building tactics or paying for sketchy backlinks, you’re not alone. That’s where HARO (Help a Reporter Out) steps in. HARO is a free platform that connects journalists with subject matter experts. Every day, media pros from top outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, and The New York Times use HARO. They look for quotes and expert insights for their stories.
And here’s the gold: when your pitch gets picked, you earn a backlink from a high-authority domain—completely free.
Why HARO is a Game-Changer for SEO?
HARO link building is different from traditional outreach or guest posting. It is an organic, white-hat method that creates a strong impact. You’re gaining backlinks. You’re also earning credibility and visibility on trusted platforms. This exposure can boost your domain authority, raise referral traffic, and build lasting brand trust.
Whether you’re a startup founder, marketer, freelancer, or agency, learning how to use HARO for SEO can be a serious competitive edge.
What is HARO, and How Does It Work?
What Exactly is HARO?
HARO stands for Help a Reporter Out. It is a free online platform that links journalists to expert sources. It was made to simplify how reporters gather reliable quotes and insights. This helps them work faster, especially when they have tight deadlines.
On the flip side, it lets business owners, professionals, and marketers share their knowledge. In return, they can get featured in respected publications.
How HARO Works (Step-by-Step)
After you sign up as a source on HARO, you’ll get three emails each day—one in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. These emails are filled with questions from journalists seeking expert input on specific topics.
Here’s how the process works:
- You read through the queries to find topics that match your expertise.
- You reply directly to the journalist’s email, offering a valuable, relevant quote or insight.
- If the journalist likes your pitch, they might use your response in their article. They may also add a backlink to your website or LinkedIn.
It’s a simple yet powerful loop: value in, visibility out.
Who Uses HARO?
On one side, you have journalists from major outlets like:
- Forbes
- Business Insider
- The New York Times
- TechCrunch
- Inc. Magazine
- Mashable
- Entrepreneur
These writers often work on tight timelines and rely on HARO to quickly find trustworthy, quotable sources.
Entrepreneurs, marketers, consultants, authors, and experts from various fields use HARO. They build brand authority, gain press features, and earn valuable backlinks.
A Win-Win Platform
HARO is special. Journalists gain real insights from actual people. Meanwhile, sources enjoy exposure and SEO benefits in return. It’s not about gaming the system—it’s about sharing expertise and building credibility the right way.
Why HARO is a Goldmine for SEO
Authority Links Without the Hassle
A big challenge in SEO is getting high-authority backlinks. These links can boost your Google rankings. Traditional link-building usually means cold outreach, guest posting, or paying for placements. Google doesn’t like the last option.
HARO flips the script. You get direct access to journalists who write for high DA websites, scoring 70 or more. These are links you can’t easily buy or beg for. You earn them by being helpful and credible.
Getting featured through HARO gives you more than a backlink. It shows that respected media outlets trust you, and Google values that. Using AI for website SEO is smart way in today’s world.
Boosts Domain Authority and Trust
Backlinks from sites like Forbes, Inc., and Business Insider do more than just raise numbers. They signal to Google that your site is trustworthy, authoritative, and relevant.
These signals can:
- Improve your Domain Rating (DR) on tools like Ahrefs
- Increase your search rankings for key pages
- Help you compete with bigger players in your industry
- Attract more natural links as others discover your features
In SEO terms, that’s the equivalent of digital gold.
Builds E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Since Google’s Helpful Content and E-E-A-T guidelines gained attention, showing true expertise is now more important than ever. HARO helps you do precisely that.
Every time you’re quoted in an article with your real name and credentials, you’re boosting your authority signals. Citations help build your online reputation. They also support your brand as a thought leader.
In Google’s eyes, this makes your content more trustworthy and more likely to rank.
Increases referral traffic and visibility
While the SEO benefits are impressive, don’t overlook the direct traffic boost. When you get quoted in a popular article, readers may click your link to learn more about you or your brand.
This creates:
- A stream of targeted referral traffic
- Higher chances of email sign-ups, sales, or brand mentions
- Stronger brand recognition over time
A good quote can lead to podcast invites, speaking gigs, or partnerships. All of this can come from just one smart placement.
Cost-Effective and White Hat
Many link-building strategies need hefty budgets, outreach tools, or hiring agencies. HARO, has no cost for use. All it costs is your time and effort to respond thoughtfully.
This represents the highest standard of white-hat SEO. You’re not manipulating the algorithm—you’re adding genuine value to real content. That’s exactly the kind of signal Google rewards long-term.
Real-World Results
Just 3–5 good HARO placements can boost organic traffic. SEO experts say this can raise DR by 5–15 points. It also helps improve keyword rankings overall. These results don’t happen overnight, but they’re sustainable and Google-approved.
Step-by-Step: How to Use HARO for SEO Success
Mastering HARO isn’t just about answering emails. It’s about building credibility, offering value, and being a reliable presence. Here’s a simple guide to turn HARO into a valuable SEO tool. It can help you get quality backlinks and boost your brand visibility.
Step 1: Sign Up as a Source
Start by visiting HelpAReporter.com and creating a free “Source” account. This is the side of HARO meant for individuals who want to respond to journalists’ requests.
During registration, you’ll be asked to:
- Choose your categories of interest (e.g., Business, Technology, Health, Lifestyle)
- Enter your name, email, and organization
- Agree to their terms of use (respecting confidentiality and journalists’ rights)
After signing up, you’ll get three daily emails—morning, afternoon, and evening. Each one will have many press opportunities.
Step 2: Monitor HARO Emails regularly
You will receive HARO emails formatted by category. Scan through each section and look for questions that match your expertise.
Tips to stay organized:
- Create a Gmail filter to tag HARO emails automatically.
- Use labels like “Reply ASAP” or “High Authority.”
- Check emails immediately after they arrive—speed matters!
Why? Because journalists often receive dozens (or even hundreds) of responses. Arriving early increases your chances of others seeing and selecting you.
Step 3: Choose the Right Queries
Don’t waste time replying to every request. Instead, be selective and strategic.
Ask yourself:
- Is this topic truly within my area of expertise?
- Is the outlet well-known or relevant to my industry?
- Will the backlink (if given) add value to my SEO profile?
Focus on quality over quantity. A quote on Entrepreneur.com is far more valuable than ten placements on unknown blogs.
Step 4: Craft a Winning Pitch
Your pitch is the deal-breaker. This is where you convince the journalist that you’re the right voice for their story.
What to include in a great HARO pitch:
- Directly answer the question in the first sentence
- Keep it short, insightful, and quotable
- Add a brief one-line bio (credentials help build authority)
- Include your full name, title, and website URL (if allowed)
- Optional: A high-quality headshot or LinkedIn profile link
📌 Important: Do not include attachments unless the journalist specifically asks for them.
Step 5: Focus on Value, Not Promotion
Journalists are not looking to promote your business—they’re looking for expert insight. If your answer feels like an ad, people will likely ignore it.
The secret? Lead with value. Share a unique viewpoint, a helpful stat, or a real experience that adds to their story. The backlink is a reward for your contribution, not a request.
Step 6: Respond Quickly
HARO queries often have tight deadlines—sometimes just a few hours. The sooner you reply, the higher your chances of getting featured.
⏱️ Pro tip: Set alerts or check the emails right when they arrive (typically at 5:35 AM, 12:35 PM, and 5:35 PM EST). Journalists often review the first few responses and ignore the rest.
Step 7: Track Your Submissions and Features
To get the most SEO value, track the features you’ve received and the pitches you successfully made. This helps you:
- Understand what types of pitches work best
- Build a growing press and backlinks portfolio
- Measure the SEO impact of each feature (via Ahrefs, SEMrush, etc.)
You can use a simple Google Sheet. Tools like BuzzStream or Pitchbox also work. Log all submissions and follow up as needed.
Step 8: Follow Up (when appropriate)
Some journalists will notify you if they feature you, but many won’t. It’s okay to follow up politely after 7–10 days, especially if you think your pitch was strong.
Example:
“Hi [Name], just checking in to see if my quote made it into your piece on [Topic]. Appreciate your time either way!”
Step 9: Share Your Feature and Build More Authority
Once you get featured, don’t let it sit idle. Promote it!
- Share on social media (tag the publication and author)
- Add it to your “As Seen In” section on your website
- Link to it from your blog or press page
- Mention it in future pitches for added credibility
Pro Tips to Increase Your HARO Success Rate
Getting started with HARO is simple, but landing features on a regular basis presents a challenge. That’s where the real skill comes in. Below are some proven tips to help you stand out in a crowded inbox and maximize your HARO ROI.
1. Be Lightning Fast
Speed often makes the difference between getting featured and being ignored. Journalists sometimes receive 100+ responses within an hour of posting a query. That means your pitch has a better chance if it’s one of the first few they read.
Tip: Set up push notifications or check HARO emails immediately upon their arrival, which usually occurs at 5:35 AM, 12:35 PM, and 5:35 PM EST. The faster you respond—without sacrificing quality—the better.
2. Focus on being helpful, not promotional
HARO isn’t a platform for selling your services. Think like a journalist. They want unique, quotable insights. These insights should add value to their articles.
Lead with your knowledge or experience, not your brand. If your advice stands out, they’ll include your name, title, and often a backlink—without you having to ask.
3. Write Like You’re Already in the Article
Avoid sending long bios or sales pitches. Instead, craft your response as if it’s a direct quote ready to be copy-pasted.
- Get to the point in the first line.
- Be clear, confident, and concise.
- Avoid fluff—every word should add value.
Bonus: Use bullet points or short paragraphs to improve readability.
4. Personalize Your Pitches (Even Just a Little)
Most HARO users send the same generic response to every query. Don’t be that person.
Adding a small personal touch, such as the journalist’s name or the outlet’s style, boosts your credibility. Show them you care about their article, not just the backlink.
5. Showcase Your Expertise Up Front
You don’t need to publish a book or run a company to be quoted. But you do need to explain why your input matters.
Include a quick 1–2 sentence bio that explains your relevance.
Example:
“I’m a digital marketing strategist. I have over 8 years of experience. I help e-commerce brands grow through SEO.”
Make it sound human and honest, not boastful or robotic.
6. Track What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Not every pitch will land, and that’s okay. But it’s important to track your efforts so you can refine your approach.
Create a simple spreadsheet that includes the following:
- Date of submission
- Query topic
- Journalist’s name or outlet
- Your response
- Whether you got featured
Over time, you’ll spot patterns—certain formats, tones, or subjects that perform best.
7. Use the Right Tools
A few small tools can make your HARO workflow smoother and more effective:
- Grammarly: To catch errors before you hit send
- Google Alerts: To monitor where your name or brand appears
- Ahrefs or SEMrush: To check the authority of sites quoting you
- Gmail filters: To automatically sort and flag HARO emails
- Google Docs: To keep reusable pitch templates on hand
The more efficient your system, the more pitches you can send—without burning out.
🎤 8. Stay Consistent, Even When You Don’t Get a Reply
One of the biggest mistakes new users make is quitting too soon. HARO is a long game. You might send 10 pitches and hear back from none, but then land a feature on Forbes with pitch #11.
Stay consistent. Keep refining. Every pitch you write improves your chances next time.
What to Do After You Get Featured?
So, your quote made it into a major publication—congratulations! That’s a big win. But don’t stop there. Getting featured through HARO is just the beginning. How you handle what comes next will determine the real value you get from your placement.
Verify the Link and Record It
First, take a moment to locate and verify the published article. Verify that your name, quote, and website link (if applicable) are all included correctly. Sometimes, journalists miss small edits or forget links. Catching it early lets you ask for a correction nicely. After verification, save the article link. Then, record it in your tracking spreadsheet or digital portfolio.
Promote the Feature on Your Channels
Being mentioned in a respected publication gives your brand a level of social proof that money can’t buy. Share the article on your social media—LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram Stories. Let your email list know. Add a note like, “Excited to be featured in [Publication Name]!” along with a short takeaway or quote from the article. This shows your credibility and engagement in your field. It doesn’t feel self-promotional.
Add it to your website or Press Page
Don’t let your feature get buried in your feed or forgotten after a week. Add it to your website under a “Featured In” or “Press” section. If you have a blog, consider embedding the link within relevant content to improve internal SEO. Backlinks boost your authority with both readers and search engines. They help strengthen your off-page SEO profile.
Mention it in future HARO Pitches
Future HARO responses are stronger when you can reference past features. A simple line like, “As seen in Business Insider and TechCrunch,” can boost your credibility. This may help a journalist take your pitch more seriously. It shows you are skilled, reliable, and know how to add value to professional articles.
Monitor for SEO Impact
Give it a few weeks, then review your analytics to see the results. Watch for referral traffic spikes from the feature and check if Google indexes the link. Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can help you monitor how the backlinks are influencing your domain rating or keyword rankings. Even if the SEO lift is gradual, these high-quality mentions often pay dividends over time.
Build relationships with the journalists
If the journalist liked your work or praised you, think about sending a quick thank-you email. Be genuine and respectful—don’t pitch them again immediately. Instead, express appreciation and let them know you’re open to contributing in the future if relevant. This gentle follow-up can transform a one-time feature into a lasting media relationship.
Keep the Momentum Going
The real power of HARO comes with consistency. Don’t treat one success as the finish line. Each placement builds your online footprint, boosts your credibility, and opens new doors. Keep responding to relevant queries, refining your approach, and building your digital presence—brick by brick.
Common HARO Mistakes to Avoid
HARO is a great tool for getting high-authority backlinks and media exposure. But beginners can easily fall into some traps. Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly increase your chances of getting featured and respected as a trusted source.
Ignoring Relevance
One of the biggest mistakes people make is responding to every query, even when it’s not in their area of expertise. Always prioritize quality over quantity. If the query doesn’t align with your knowledge or niche, skip it.
Sending generic or overly promotional pitches
Journalists aren’t looking for a sales pitch—they want insight, experience, and usable quotes. Avoid copy-pasting the same canned response to multiple queries. Likewise, don’t focus on pushing your product or brand. Instead, lead with genuine value, and let your link be a natural part of your bio, not the focus of your message.
Writing Long-Winded Responses
Time is tight for journalists. If your pitch takes too long to get to the point, it probably won’t get read. A common misstep is writing lengthy intros or padding your answer with unnecessary fluff. Start strong, answer the question directly, and keep your response brief yet informative. Remember: clarity wins.
Failing to Include Your Credentials
Even if your response is great, it may be overlooked if you don’t establish why your voice matters. Always include a short line explaining who you are and what qualifies you to speak on the Topic. It doesn’t have to be flashy—just clear and relevant. This small touch adds instant credibility.
Ignoring submission deadlines
Many people don’t realize how quickly HARO queries expire. If you wait a few hours after posting your query, you can greatly lower your chances of being featured. If you plan to use HARO regularly, build the habit of checking for new queries as soon as the emails land in your inbox.
Missing the Follow-Up
Sometimes, your quote gets published without any notification. Many users make the mistake of never checking whether they are featured. Always search for your name or use tools like Google Alerts to monitor mentions. When you find a feature, promote it and thank the journalist if appropriate. These small steps help build long-term relationships.
Not Tracking Your Pitches
If you don’t track your efforts, you won’t know what’s working. Some people send dozens of responses without keeping records. That makes it hard to improve your approach or follow up effectively. Keep a simple spreadsheet of what you sent, when, and to whom. Over time, you’ll see patterns that reveal what leads to success.
Giving Up Too Soon
It’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t land a placement after a few tries. Many users give up right before things start to click. HARO is a long-term strategy. The more you practice writing concise, high-value responses, the better your results will be. Stay consistent and keep showing up—that’s where the real payoff lives.
