HARO Link Building — Get Backlinks From Forbes, HuffPost
What Is HARO and Why It's a Link Building Gold Mine
Help a Reporter Out (HARO) is a free platform that connects journalists with expert sources. Reporters post queries when they need quotes, statistics, or expert opinions for articles. Sources respond. If selected, they get quoted and typically linked.
The result: editorial backlinks from some of the world's highest-authority publications — Forbes, HuffPost, Business Insider, Inc., Entrepreneur — earned through genuine expertise, not outreach or payment.
How HARO Works
HARO sends three email digests per day (5:35 AM, 12:35 PM, 5:35 PM ET) containing journalist queries across categories including Business & Finance, Technology, Marketing, Health, and General.
Each query includes: the publication name, the topic, the specific question, the response deadline, and any requirements (title, expertise level, etc.).
Setting Up for Success
Sign Up Strategically
At connectively.us (HARO was rebranded to Connectively in 2024). Choose email digest categories relevant to your expertise. Don't sign up for all categories — you'll be overwhelmed and miss the relevant ones.
Define Your Expert Angles
Before queries start arriving, list 5-10 topics you can speak to with genuine authority. Be specific. "Digital marketing expert" is too broad. "B2B SaaS email marketing" is pitchable. Know your angles before you pitch.
Set Up a Fast Response System
Speed is critical. Many reporters work with the first 5-10 responses they receive. Set up a Gmail filter to flag HARO emails and get mobile notifications. Respond within 30 minutes of digest arrival for best results.
📊 HARO Response Success Factors
| Factor | Impact on Selection | Actionable Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Response Speed | Very High | Reply within 30 min |
| Relevance of Expertise | Very High | Only pitch your niche |
| Quote Quality | High | Be specific, cite data |
| Credentials | High | Title + company + proof |
| Response Length | Medium | 150-300 words ideal |
Writing HARO Responses That Get Selected
The Structure That Works
Line 1: Your name, title, and company (one line, establishes credibility immediately)
Lines 2-4: Direct answer to the question with a specific quote. Journalists copy-paste quotes directly — write it as you want it published.
Lines 5-7: Optional: one supporting point, statistic, or example
Final line: Contact info and website URL
What Makes a Quote Publishable
- Specific, not vague: "We increased conversions by 34% using this tactic" beats "Many businesses see improvements"
- Unique perspective: Offer an angle the reporter hasn't heard from other sources
- Quotable language: Write how you'd speak, not how you'd write an email
- Relevant expertise: Your experience should clearly qualify you to speak to this topic
What to Pitch and What to Skip
Pitch when:
- The topic is directly in your area of expertise
- The publication is worth the effort (check their DR — target DR 50+)
- The deadline is still hours away
Skip when:
- The topic is a stretch from your expertise (journalists notice inauthentic pitches)
- The deadline has passed
- The publication is unknown with low authority
- The query is looking for very specific credentials you don't have
Scaling HARO for More Links
At scale, HARO becomes a consistent link acquisition channel:
- Create response templates for your 5-10 expert angles
- Customize the opening line and specific data for each query
- Track responses in a spreadsheet (query, pitch sent, result, publication, link)
- Identify which query types you win most — focus there
Experienced HARO practitioners get 1-3 placements per week, with 5-15% of pitches converting to placements.
📊 Track Your HARO Links
Use Ahrefs to monitor new backlinks to your domain. When a HARO placement goes live, you'll see it appear in your backlink profile — often from a DR80+ publication.
Monitor Backlinks with Ahrefs →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a HARO link?
After a pitch is accepted, articles typically publish within 1-4 weeks. Some link within days; some take months. You won't always get notified — monitor your backlinks in Ahrefs or set up Google Alerts for your name.
Are HARO links always DoFollow?
Not always — major publications like Forbes often use nofollow. But these links still drive direct referral traffic, build brand authority, and contribute to topical trust signals. They're worth pursuing regardless of follow status.