HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is an online platform designed to connect journalists and writers with sources who can provide expert insights and information for their stories. Here’s a detailed overview of what HARO does and its key features:
What is HARO?
HARO stands for Help a Reporter Out and is a service that facilitates communication between journalists seeking information and sources who can provide relevant expertise. This platform is beneficial for both parties: journalists can quickly find reliable sources, while sources can gain media exposure and build their credibility.
Key Features and Functionality
Journalist Queries
Journalists use HARO to post queries related to the topics they are covering. These queries include details such as the name and URL of the media outlet, a description of the information needed, any specific requirements, and a submission deadline. Queries are categorized and can be marked as urgent if necessary.
Daily Emails
HARO sends out three daily emails, Monday through Friday, containing the queries from journalists. These emails are sent to registered sources who have selected their areas of interest. Sources can then respond to the queries that align with their expertise.
User Profiles and Preferences
Sources can set up their profiles and select specific industries or topics they are interested in. This ensures they receive relevant queries and can respond accordingly. Users can opt for the “Master HARO” list to receive all queries across various industries.
Response and Inclusion
Sources respond to queries via an anonymous email address provided by HARO, which helps protect against spam. Journalists review the responses and choose which ones to include in their articles. While linking back to the source is not mandatory, it is a common practice that benefits both the journalist and the source.
Benefits
- For Journalists: HARO provides easy access to a diverse range of expert opinions, saving time on research and allowing them to include unique perspectives in their stories.
- For Sources: Responding to queries can lead to media coverage, high-quality backlinks, and increased credibility and exposure for their business or brand.
Pricing
HARO offers both free and premium plans. The free plan provides basic access to the daily emails and support, while premium plans, starting at $19 per month, offer first access to journalists’ requests and premium support.
Usage
HARO is used by a wide range of individuals and organizations, including:
- Journalists from major news outlets and smaller niche websites
- Bloggers and influencers
- PR professionals
- Business owners looking to enhance their media presence and build backlinks.
In summary, HARO is a powerful tool that connects journalists with expert sources, facilitating the exchange of information and providing mutual benefits in terms of media coverage, credibility, and link building.