Link Building
HARO
Quick definition
HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is a service that connects journalists with expert sources, often resulting in backlinks from major publications.
Journalists post queries; experts respond with quotes; if used, you typically get a byline and a backlink from the published article. HARO and its successors (Qwoted, Featured, Connectively) are core to modern digital PR.
Why HARO matters
HARO links can be extremely high-value: placements on Forbes, TechCrunch, Inc., HubSpot, and major industry blogs are common rewards for consistent, expert-quality responses.
How HARO works in practice
Success requires speed, relevance, and quotable answers. Set up alerts for relevant beats, respond within an hour or two, and lead with a one-line headline takeaway followed by supporting detail.
Best practices
- Respond in the first hour after the query goes live.
- Lead with a quotable, opinionated takeaway.
- Add credentials and one piece of original data or insight.
- Track wins in a simple spreadsheet.