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How to Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out) for Building Authoritative Links

   By: Hayden Jarman


Struggling to build authoritative links for your website?


Every marketer wants backlinks that actually move the needle for SEO. HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is one of the best ways to get high-quality backlinks from trusted publications like Forbes and The New York Times.

This isn't about gaming the system---it's about positioning yourself as the go-to expert journalists need.

If you're ready to earn authoritative links and boost your site's visibility, let's dive into how you can make HARO your secret weapon.


 

Table of Contents:



 

📝 "Are You Crafting the Perfect Pitch?" Quiz 🎯

Test your knowledge of HARO pitching best practices and get tailored feedback!

1. What is the ideal length for a HARO pitch?



2. How soon should you respond to a HARO query?



3. What should your subject line focus on?



4. Should you include additional resources in your pitch?



5. How important is personalization in a HARO pitch?







Why HARO is a Game-Changer for Link Building

HARO connects journalists with experts. If you can provide valuable insights, they'll quote you and link to your site. That's it. No fluff. Just results.


Here's why HARO works so well:

  • Authority Links: Over 50% of HARO placements in 2023 were dofollow links. These are the gold standard for SEO.
  • Speed: About 30% of HARO placements get published in a week, and 50% go live within two weeks.
  • Reach: HARO gives you access to media outlets you'd never reach on your own, like The Wall Street Journal or CNN.


And the best part? It's free to use.

If you're running a campaign to improve rankings on keywords like SEO Health Check, HARO can amplify those efforts.
 

How to Get Started with HARO

Signing up for HARO takes five minutes, but setting yourself up for success requires a little more effort.


Here's what to do:

1. Sign Up

Head over to helpareporter.com and create an account as a source. Choose categories relevant to your expertise, like health, finance, or technology. You'll get three emails a day packed with journalist queries.

2. Set Alerts

Respond fast. Pitching within six hours increases your chances of being featured by 20%. Make it a habit to check HARO emails as soon as they hit your inbox.

3. Prepare Your Credentials

Journalists want credible sources. Here's what you need:

  • A clear bio highlighting your expertise.
  • Links to professional profiles like LinkedIn or your company's website.
  • A high-quality headshot if requested.


Being prepared makes responding quick and efficient.
 

How HARO Works

The platform's simplicity is what makes it so effective. Journalists post queries. You pitch insights. They feature you if it's relevant. Done.


Key Elements of a HARO Query:

Element Details
Summary Quick overview of the journalist's needs
Requirements Specific criteria (e.g., credentials)
Deadline Exact date and time your pitch is due



HARO isn't about blasting generic responses. It's about matching your expertise with a journalist's needs. And when you get it right, the backlinks speak for themselves.
 

How to Write Winning HARO Pitches

Every journalist is drowning in pitches. Yours needs to rise above the noise.


The Anatomy of a Perfect HARO Pitch:

  • Subject Line: Simple and direct. (Example: Expert Quote for "Digital Marketing Trends 2024" Query)
  • Personalized Greeting: Address the journalist by name if possible.
  • Introduction: Establish your authority in one sentence.
  • Insight or Quote: Deliver value first. Answer their question clearly.
  • Credentials: Briefly explain why you're the right person.
  • Call to Action: Offer to provide more details if needed.


Example:

Hi [Journalist's Name],

I'm [Your Name], a digital marketing specialist at [Your Company]. Here's a quick insight I believe will resonate with your audience:

"In 2024, businesses that prioritize hyperlocal SEO will outperform their competitors. Tools like Google My Business are key to optimizing regional visibility."

If you'd like more data or specific examples, let me know.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

 

Timing Is Everything

HARO is competitive. Journalists typically review pitches shortly after queries go live, so speed is critical.


Response Timing Insights:

Response Time Success Rate
Within 6 hours 20% higher chance
6–12 hours Moderate success
After 12 hours Low success



If you wait, your pitch is dead in the water.

Set reminders or schedule daily blocks to review and respond to queries immediately.
 

Choosing the Right Queries

Not all HARO queries are created equal. Responding to everything is a waste of time.


Focus on High-Value Queries:

  • Health: Great for wellness, medical, or weight-loss experts.
  • Finance: Perfect for financial advisors or fintech startups.
  • Home Improvement: Ideal for interior design or real estate professionals.


Stick to niches where your expertise shines. Responding to queries outside your wheelhouse doesn't just waste time—it dilutes your credibility.

For example, if your business focuses on SEO, prioritize topics related to Building Topical Authority.
 

HARO Best Practices

Want to maximize your success? Follow these rules.


Be Concise

  • Keep pitches under 200 words.
  • Use bullet points or numbered lists to make your insights scannable.


Personalize Every Pitch

  • Mention the journalist's name and publication.
  • Tailor your response to the specific query.


Offer Value First

  • Lead with your best insight or statistic.
  • Avoid generic language—be specific and actionable.


HARO success isn't about volume. It's about precision.
 

Common HARO Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes, but avoiding these will save you time and frustration.

Mistake Why It Fails How to Fix It
Generic responses Journalists ignore them Personalize every pitch
Delayed submissions Missed deadlines Respond within 6 hours
Overloading with details Pitches become hard to read Be concise and to the point



HARO is about quality, not quantity. One well-crafted pitch will always beat ten sloppy ones.
 

Tracking Your HARO Success

You need to measure the impact of your efforts. Otherwise, what's the point?


Metrics to Track:

  • Backlinks: Use tools like Google Search Console to see which HARO links are live.
  • Domain Authority (DA): Check if your HARO placements are boosting your DA.
  • Referral Traffic: Analyze how much traffic HARO-generated links bring to your site.


Tracking these metrics will show you what's working and where to improve.




How to Use HARO for Backlinks - infographic


 

Final Thoughts

HARO isn't just another SEO hack. It's a proven strategy for building authority, credibility, and visibility.

By crafting personalized pitches, responding quickly, and focusing on high-value queries, you can secure backlinks that truly matter.

Ready to see your name in lights—or at least in The New York Times? HARO is waiting.


 


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