HARO
Digital PRConnect with journalists for earned media links
Overview
HARO launched in 2008 as Help a Reporter Out, connecting journalists with expert sources through email newsletters. After acquisition by Cision and rebranding to Connectively, the platform now processes over 100,000 media opportunities annually. The service sends daily emails containing journalist requests across business, lifestyle, and technology categories, with sources responding directly to reporters.
The platform operates on a simple premise: journalists need expert sources for stories, and businesses need earned media coverage. Unlike traditional PR agencies that charge monthly retainers, HARO democratizes media relations by providing direct access to reporters from major publications including Forbes, Business Insider, and industry trade publications. The AI-powered matching system introduced under Connectively reduces the noise that plagued the original HARO format.
Connectively competes directly with Qwoted and Featured.com, while serving as an alternative to expensive PR agencies for smaller businesses. The platform's strength lies in its established journalist network and the authentic editorial nature of earned placements, which search engines value more highly than sponsored content or purchased links.
Key features
Daily Journalist Queries
Receive 3 daily emails with journalist requests organized by business, lifestyle, and tech categories. Queries include publication details, deadlines, and specific requirements.
AI-Powered Query Matching
Connectively's AI analyzes your profile and expertise to surface the most relevant opportunities. Reduces manual filtering through hundreds of irrelevant requests.
Response Tracking
Monitor which journalists opened your pitches and track response rates. Premium plans include detailed analytics on pitch performance.
Publication Database
Access to detailed publication profiles including domain authority, audience demographics, and typical response times. Helps prioritize high-value opportunities.
Keyword Alerts
Set custom alerts for specific topics, industries, or keywords. Receive notifications when relevant queries match your expertise areas.
Deadline Management
Built-in calendar integration and deadline reminders prevent missed opportunities. Queries are sorted by urgency and deadline proximity.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | Basic journalist queries, email alerts, limited responses |
| Standard | $19/month | Early access to queries, pitch tracking, enhanced filtering |
| Premium | $49/month | Priority access, advanced analytics, keyword alerts, dedicated support |
FAQ
What happened to HARO and why is it now Connectively?
Cision acquired HARO in 2021 and rebranded it as Connectively in 2023. The core functionality remains the same, but Connectively added AI-powered matching and improved filtering capabilities.
How effective is HARO for getting backlinks?
Success rates vary widely by industry and expertise level. Most practitioners report 5-15% response rates from targeted pitches, with higher success for specialized expertise and timely responses.
Do HARO links provide SEO value?
Yes, when earned naturally. HARO links come from legitimate publications and include proper attribution and context, making them valuable for both referral traffic and domain authority.
How much time should I spend on HARO daily?
Effective HARO usage requires 15-30 minutes daily to review queries and craft 2-5 targeted responses. Batch processing queries and using templates can reduce time investment.
What types of businesses succeed most with HARO?
B2B service providers, consultants, and companies with specialized expertise see the best results. Generic product companies or those without clear thought leadership struggle to get responses.
Review Sentiment
80 reviews across 1 source
Bottom line
A free tool that actually delivers: HARO stands out for free platform connecting sources with journalists for earned media coverage. The trade-off is many queries are anonymous or from low-authority, but at zero cost it's a must-have for PR and outreach teams.
People love
- +Free platform connecting sources with journalists for earned media coverage
- +Excellent for building high-authority backlinks through legitimate PR outreach
- +Simple email-based workflow makes it accessible for solopreneurs and small teams
Common complaints
- –Many queries are anonymous or from low-authority publications
- –High competition per query leads to low response rates for pitches
- –Platform underwent disruptive rebrand to Connectively before returning as HARO in 2025
Last updated Feb 2026