In the world of public relations, credibility and media exposure are key. One of the most effective tools to gain both is HARO—short for Help a Reporter Out.
HARO is a free online service that connects journalists with sources for their upcoming stories. Every weekday, HARO sends out emails filled with queries from journalists looking for expert quotes, anecdotes, data, and more.
For businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, it’s an opportunity to land valuable media mentions in top outlets like The New York Times, Forbes, USA Today, and Inc.—without needing a PR agency or a massive budget.
How HARO Works: The Basics
Using HARO is simple. You sign up as a source at helpareporter.com, select the industries you’re interested in (like business, lifestyle, health, or tech), and then receive three emails daily—morning, afternoon, and evening.
These emails contain a list of queries from reporters, including the media outlet (sometimes anonymous), a brief description of the story, the requirements for sources, and the deadline for submission. If you see a query that matches your expertise, you can reply directly via email.
Setting Up for Success
Before you start pitching, it’s essential to prepare a few things. First, have a strong bio and short paragraph ready about who you are and why you’re qualified to comment on a topic. This should include your name, job title, organization (if applicable), credentials, and a link to your website or LinkedIn profile.
Next, set up a folder system in your email inbox to organize HARO emails by industry or time of day. Since HARO queries often have tight deadlines—sometimes just a few hours—being able to skim and respond quickly is crucial.
Choosing the Right Queries
Not every HARO query will be a good fit, and responding to every one is not a good use of your time. Be selective. Look for opportunities where you can provide genuine insight or expertise. If the query asks for a “nutritionist” and you’re a personal trainer, you probably won’t qualify.
The more aligned your pitch is with the reporter’s request, the higher your chances of being quoted. Pay close attention to the outlet listed—landing a quote in Reader’s Digest may require a more personal or consumer-friendly story, while TechCrunch will need something more data-driven and technical.
Writing a Strong HARO Pitch
Your pitch should be short, clear, and focused. Reporters are often reading dozens—if not hundreds—of responses, so make yours stand out with clarity and relevance. Begin with a brief introduction (1–2 sentences) about who you are and why you’re a credible source. Then answer the reporter’s question directly.
Use bullet points or short paragraphs to organize your thoughts. Avoid being overly promotional—this is not a sales pitch. End with your contact information, links to your website or LinkedIn, and a headshot if the query requests one.
Example HARO Pitch:
Hi [Reporter Name],
I’m Jane Doe, a registered dietitian and founder of NutriWise, with 12+ years of experience advising clients on food and wellness.
In response to your query about healthy snacks for busy professionals, here are three that I recommend:
– Roasted chickpeas (high in protein and easy to carry)
– Greek yogurt with berries (rich in probiotics and antioxidants)
– Almond butter with apple slices (healthy fats + fiber)I’d be happy to provide more detail if needed. You can find my credentials here: [LinkedIn profile].
Best,
Jane
[Email] | [Phone] | [Website]
How to Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out)Follow the Rules and Deadlines
Every HARO query includes guidelines, and following them increases your chances of getting featured. Respect the deadline—submitting late is an automatic disqualifier.
If the reporter asks for a 100-word response, don’t send 300. If they request no attachments, paste everything into the body of the email. Keep subject lines clear and relevant, usually referencing the topic of the query. HARO’s credibility depends on sources playing by the rules—so avoid spamming or sending off-topic answers.
Build Your Authority Over Time
The more often you respond to relevant queries—and get quoted—the more your online presence and credibility grow. Each time you’re mentioned in a reputable outlet, you’re earning backlinks to your site, visibility with a wider audience, and proof of your expertise.
HARO can be especially powerful for entrepreneurs, small business owners, authors, and experts trying to build personal brands. Over time, journalists may even start reaching out to you directly as a known, trusted source.
Track Your Mentions and Media Wins
Not all journalists notify you when you’ve been featured, so it’s wise to set up Google Alerts for your name and company to track mentions. You can also use media monitoring tools like Mention, Meltwater, or BuzzSumo to keep tabs on where your contributions appear.
Keep a running list or press page on your website to showcase your HARO successes. These earned media mentions are excellent social proof and can be repurposed in newsletters, social media posts, or investor decks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While HARO is a powerful tool, there are a few pitfalls to steer clear of. First, don’t respond to queries that you’re not truly qualified to answer—it wastes the reporter’s time and damages trust. Second, avoid copying and pasting generic bios or promotional fluff; your answers should be tailored and substantive.
Third, don’t expect to be quoted in every pitch you send. Success with HARO takes consistency and patience. Finally, never ghost a journalist if they reach out with follow-up questions. Being responsive and professional will leave a lasting impression.
Consider Premium HARO Accounts
While the basic HARO service is free, there are premium subscription options that offer added features, like early access to queries (before the general public), keyword alerts, and better filtering tools. If you’re serious about media outreach and want a competitive edge, the premium version might be worth the investment—especially for PR professionals, agencies, or high-profile entrepreneurs.
HARO Alternatives to Explore
While HARO is among the most popular source-journalist matching platforms, it’s not the only one. Alternatives like Qwoted, Terkel, ProfNet, and SourceBottle offer similar opportunities, sometimes with more niche coverage or regional focus.
If you’re not seeing many relevant HARO queries, consider supplementing with these tools to broaden your outreach. Each has different pricing models, source requirements, and journalist networks, so explore and test which ones align with your goals.