If you have ever found yourself stuck in writing the perfect content, or have a deadline knocking on the door, you understand the value of getting immediate help from an expert.
But where do you find that expertise when you need it most? Enter HARO – your secret weapon in the quest for credible sources and expert insights.
HARO is an online platform that connects journalists and bloggers with subject matter experts to get information for their articles.
The platform is equally helpful for both those seeking experts to enrich their content and newcomers eager to establish credibility in their fields.
In this guide, we'll discover everything about HARO and show you how it can elevate your work to new heights.
Ready to unlock the power of HARO? Let's dive in.
What is HARO and How Does it Work?
HARO the acronym for Help A Reporter Out is an online platform (now Connectively) that connects journalists, bloggers, and content creators with a vast network of subject matter experts around the world. The platform works as a bridge between people who seek information and who can deliver it.
For instance, if you are a journalist and you have a deadline to submit six articles to publish by next week, you can post your queries on HARO and get help from experts around the world.
Who will respond to your queries?
Can you remember that we talked about subject matter experts who lack visibility?
Yes, those are the experts who will respond to your queries.
They are the ones who are looking for visibility, they could be small business owners, industry professionals, or passionate individuals who have expertise in the area you are writing about.
By responding to your queries, they get a chance to showcase their expertise and gain the visibility they desire by getting mentioned on your website (if you want).
So, it's a win-win situation for both subject matter experts and journalists.
Subject matter experts or those who seek visibility are mentioned as a “Source” in HARO and every day they receive three emails consisting of a list of queries based on their expertise and interest.
After getting the emails, a source can then decide which quarry to respond and they reply to that email. Such an email is called a “Pitch”.
As of 2024, 75,000+ Journalists and Bloggers are using HARO to submit their queries and over one million subject matter experts (sources) are actively fulfilling content gaps in exchange for visibility as a growing brand.
That’s how HARO works!
Now, let’s talk about its pricing!
The Costing of HARO: Is HARO Still Free?
In 2024, HARO is going through a significant transformation.
At the end of 2023, HARO announced it was changing its name to Connectively and would be offering a free plan (of only 10 pitches) or a paid plan.
The free version allows you to respond to journalists’ queries, but the number of pitches you can send is limited- 10 pitches per month.
At the same time, if you want to send more pitches, you have the option to purchase additional ones.
Here are the costs for additional pitches according to the screenshot you provided:
- 5 pitches: $5.00
- 25 pitches: $20.00
- 50 pitches: $35.00
Please note that any additional pitch you may purchase will expire at the end of your plan’s current monthly cycle.
Most importantly, Connectively (HARO) will not continue to send daily email newsletters from somewhere in 2024.
That means, if you use their free plan, you may not receive three emails per day from the middle or end of 2024.
To get daily emails and access other features, you have to sign up for their “Core” subscription which costs $19 per month.
HARO’s $19/mo Paid plain “Core” gives you 25 pitches per month with email alerts and full access to the journalists’ profiles.
That means you can use HARO as a “Source” for up to 10 pitches per month with limited features you get restrictions on daily email newsletters and full access to journalists' profiles, and if you are a journalist, it’s free for you.
But still, you can benefit from HARO’s free plan without the need for daily email newsletters, as you can browse content queries from journalists and bloggers manually.
Now, let’s talk about how you can join HARO and start using it.
How Can You Join and Use It For Your Benefit?
Whether you are a journalist looking for expert insights or a subject matter expert looking to share your knowledge, HARO (Connectively) is a platform designed to patronize this exchange.
Here’s how you can join and use Connectively to your advantage:
HARO For Subject Matter Experts
- Visit the Connectively website: Go to www.connectively.us.
- Sign up: Click on the ‘Sign Up’ button and fill out the form with your details.
- Verify your email: After signing up, you will receive an email to set a password. Click on the link in the email to verify your account and set your password.
- Complete your profile: Once you have set your password, you can log in and complete your profile. This is your chance to highlight your professional expertise, interests, and background. The more complete your profile, the more likely you are to attract relevant queries.
- Search for Relevant Queries: Once your profile is set up, you can start browsing through the queries posted by journalists. Look for queries that align with your industry, expertise, or personal experience.
- Send the Perfect Pitch: After finding a query that you can provide insights on, now it’s time to pitch. You can easily send your pitch via email. Once you send your pitch, your Connectively profile will be shared with the journalist. If the journalist finds you and your pitch interesting, they will reach out to you.
- Upgrade your plan: If you find that you are hitting the limit of pitches you can send each month, consider upgrading to the paid plan. It will give you more pitches per month, email alerts, and full access to the journalists’ profiles.
HARO For Journalists
Step 1: Create Your Profile
The signup process is the same as for the “Source”. Just visit Connectively’s official website, click on the signup button, provide your details, verify your email, and log in.
After logging in, provide organization details and complete your profile.
Step 2: Submit a Query
Once you have set up your profile, you can start posting queries. These are requests for information or insights related to the story you are working on. Ensure your query includes a brief description of your story, any required qualifications for the experts, and a deadline for responses.
Step 3: Choose the Perfect Pitch
After your query is published, sit back and watch as pitches from experts around the world start rolling in. These pitches will be sent directly to your inbox and will also appear in your Connectively account.
Once you find a pitch that fits your story, you can reach out to the expert for more information.
And that’s how easy it is to get started with Connectively (HARO).
Now, let’s talk about some tips that would help you succeed in HARO.
Some Essential Tips to Success in HARO: Both for Journalists and Sources
Tips For Journalists
1. Craft Your Queries Carefully:
The key to attracting the right experts is to be clear and concise in your queries. While writing each query, specify the type of expertise you are looking for and the deadline for responses. This will help experts understand your needs better and provide more relevant responses.
2. Evaluate Responses Thoroughly:
It’s quite obvious that you may receive hundreds of responses to your query, so it's important to take the time to read and evaluate every pitch. Seek responses that provide unique insights and perspectives that will add value to your story.
3. Build Relationships:
HARO isn't just about getting responses to a single query. It's also about building relationships with experts who can provide valuable insights for your future stories. If a source provides a great response, consider reaching out to them for future stories.
4. Be Open to Different Perspectives:
It's important to be open to pitches that offer a different angle on your story. In this way, you can add depth and diversity to your story, which will make it more engaging for your readers.
For Subject Matter Experts
1. Respond Quickly and Concisely:
Journalists often work on tight deadlines, so timely responses are appreciated. Additionally, you have to keep your responses concise and to the point to make it easier for journalists to evaluate your pitch.
2. Stay on Topic:
Make sure your pitch directly addresses the journalist's query. Avoid going off-topic or promoting your brand excessively. That will increase your chances of your pitch being selected.
3. Highlight Your Expertise:
Politely showcase your credentials and why you are qualified to answer the query. It will help the journalist understand your background and why your insights are valuable.
4. Build Relationships:
Just like journalists, subject matter experts should also aim to build relationships. If a journalist uses your pitch, make sure that you reach out to thank them and offer your expertise for future stories.
5. Keep an Eye Out for Relevant Queries:
Regularly check HARO for queries relevant to your field. Responding to highly relevant queries increases your chances of being selected.
Well, that’s all we have for now. And when you will start using the platform, you will get real-time insights over time.
Remember, success on HARO doesn't come overnight. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn from each interaction.
But with these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to making the most of what HARO has to offer.
We strongly invite simply sign up and give HARO a try, if you sign up as a source and can deliver value, you will get the visibility you deserve.
And if you are a journalist, you will also meet experts around the world.
Happy connecting!
Final Words
In this online era, visibility is the key to establishing your brand. Whether you are a journalist seeking expert insights or a subject matter expert looking to share your knowledge, you need visibility.
Connectively, formerly known as HARO, serves as a bridge between these two groups and enables the exchange of information.
With its easy-to-use interface, and vast network of users Connectively stands out as a valuable tool for anyone looking to make their mark in their respective fields.
Both its free and paid plans fulfill a variety of needs for everyone from entrepreneurs to seasoned professionals.
So, whether you are a journalist on a deadline or an expert with insights to share, why not give Connectively a try?
Who knows, it might just be the tramp card you have been looking for.
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