What HARO Is and How It Works
Help a Reporter Out (HARO), now part of Cision, is a service that connects journalists from publications ranging from local blogs to the New York Times with expert sources for their stories. Three times daily on weekdays, HARO sends emails containing dozens of journalist queries. Experts scan the queries, identify those relevant to their expertise, and respond with a brief pitch offering their knowledge. Journalists select the sources they find most useful and include them in published articles—generating press mentions, quotes, and backlinks for the sources chosen.
Why Press Mentions Matter for Reputation
A quote in a Forbes article, a mention in an industry trade publication, or a source credit in a widely-read news story does several things simultaneously. It creates a high-authority backlink to your website or social profile. It generates a page of content on a respected domain that references your name and expertise. It establishes the social proof that you are someone journalists turn to for authoritative comment on your topic. Over time, consistent press mentions shift your public identity from practitioner to recognized expert.
Writing Effective HARO Pitches
HARO queries receive dozens to hundreds of responses. To be selected, your pitch must be fast (journalists often have same-day deadlines), specific (answer the journalist’s actual question), quotable (write in complete, polished sentences that could appear in print), and brief (3-5 sentences is usually right). Lead with the insight, not your bio. Include your credentials briefly at the end.
Building a System for Consistent Results
Occasional HARO responses rarely produce results; consistent daily scanning and pitching does. Set up a system: block 15 minutes each morning to review the latest digest, identify 1-3 queries you can answer excellently, and pitch them before noon. Track which query types you get selected for and double down on those. Over six months of consistent effort, professionals in most industries generate enough press mentions to significantly strengthen their search presence.
