connectively vs terkel
Connectively vs Terkel — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
Both Connectively and Terkel serve the digital PR space by connecting experts with journalists and publishers, but they take fundamentally different approaches. Connectively, launched in 2023 as the successor to HARO (Help a Reporter Out), maintains the traditional journalist-query model where reporters post requests and sources respond. Terkel flips this dynamic, focusing on curated expert matching and premium positioning for higher-value placements.
The core difference lies in scalability versus quality. Connectively operates on volume — thousands of queries flowing through daily with free participation — while Terkel emphasizes strategic placement through paid positioning and expert curation. This creates distinct user experiences and outcomes for digital PR professionals.
Feature Comparison
Connectively preserves HARO's familiar three-daily email format, delivering journalist queries across categories like business, lifestyle, and technology. Sources respond directly to queries, competing with potentially hundreds of other experts for each opportunity. The platform includes basic filtering by category and keyword alerts, but the experience remains largely manual and reactive. Terkel offers a more sophisticated matching system with expert profiles, portfolio showcasing, and algorithmic matching between sources and publishers. Their platform includes advanced filtering, priority positioning for paid members, and dedicated account management for enterprise clients. Terkel also provides detailed analytics on pitch performance and conversion rates, helping users optimize their outreach strategy over time. The query quality differs significantly between platforms. Connectively's open submission model means more volume but variable quality — you'll see everything from major publication requests to low-authority blog queries. Terkel's curation process filters for higher-authority publications and more strategic opportunities, though at lower overall volume.
Pricing Comparison
Connectively operates on a freemium model with basic access at no cost — you can receive queries and respond without payment. Premium features like advanced filtering and priority response positioning start around the free tier, making it accessible for individual consultants and small agencies testing digital PR waters. Terkel's paid model begins at $99 monthly, positioning it as a professional tool from the start. This pricing includes expert profile optimization, priority matching, and performance analytics. Enterprise plans scale based on team size and feature requirements, typically running several hundred dollars monthly for agencies managing multiple client campaigns. The value proposition reflects each platform's positioning: Connectively offers democratic access with optional upgrades, while Terkel treats digital PR as a professional service requiring investment for optimal results.
Best For
Connectively works best for individual consultants, small agencies, and anyone new to digital PR who wants to test the waters without upfront investment. The high query volume and familiar HARO format make it ideal for those comfortable with manual filtering and high-volume pitching. It's also perfect for experts in niche industries where even lower-tier publications provide valuable exposure. Terkel suits established PR agencies, enterprise marketing teams, and consultants focused on high-authority placements over volume. The curated matching and premium positioning justify the monthly investment when you're targeting major publications and need consistent, measurable results. It's particularly valuable for agencies managing multiple client accounts requiring detailed reporting and ROI tracking.
The Verdict
Choose Connectively if you're starting in digital PR or operating on a tight budget — the free tier provides genuine value and lets you learn the space without financial risk. However, if you're serious about digital PR as a core marketing strategy and need consistent, high-quality placements, Terkel's curated approach and professional features justify the monthly investment. Most successful PR professionals eventually migrate from volume-based platforms like Connectively to quality-focused services like Terkel as their strategies mature.