The Dos and Don’ts of HARO Pitching

Have you ever wondered how to get featured in major publications, or how to build relationships with journalists that boost your brand’s credibility? One tool that can help you achieve these goals is HARO (Help a Reporter Out). 

HARO connects reporters and journalists with credible sources for stories. By responding to HARO queries correctly, you can gain valuable media exposure and secure quality backlinks to your website, which can significantly improve your online visibility.

However, HARO pitching is an art. It's not just about sending a response—it's about sending the right response. Crafting a successful HARO pitch requires understanding the rules, knowing the best practices, and avoiding common mistakes. This guide will walk you through the dos and don’ts of HARO pitching, offering tips to help you stand out and increase your chances of being featured.

The Basics of HARO Pitching

Before diving into the dos and don’ts, let’s review the basics of HARO pitching.

What is HARO?

HARO is an online platform that connects journalists with people who can provide expertise on various topics. Journalists send out queries on a daily basis, looking for experts in different fields to contribute to articles, interviews, or stories they are working on. As a source, you can respond to these queries with your insights, and if the journalist is interested, they may include you in their piece.

Why HARO Matters for SEO & PR?

HARO is a powerful tool for improving your search engine optimization (SEO) and public relations (PR). When you get featured in a respected media outlet, you often get backlinks to your website, which help improve your site's search ranking. Media coverage also boosts your authority in your field, giving your brand more credibility and trust among your audience.

HARO is beneficial for businesses, experts, and influencers looking to gain exposure in a highly competitive digital world. But to make the most of HARO, you need to pitch effectively.

The Dos of HARO Pitching

Now, let’s go through the key dos that will set your HARO pitch apart from the competition. These tips will help you get noticed and improve your chances of landing a mention.

1. Do Respond Quickly

Journalists are on tight deadlines. They need sources as soon as possible, and sometimes, they need them right now. HARO queries often have a short window for responses. If you respond quickly, you’ll increase your chances of being noticed. Setting up HARO alerts in your email inbox ensures that you are notified as soon as a relevant query is posted. Try to respond within an hour of receiving a query.

Being quick doesn’t just mean being the first to respond—it also shows that you are proactive and serious about helping the journalist with their story. Speed can make all the difference.

2. Do Tailor Your Pitch to the Query

A generic, one-size-fits-all pitch won’t impress anyone. Journalists receive hundreds of pitches for each query, so personalizing your pitch is crucial. Carefully read the query and make sure your pitch is relevant to what the journalist is looking for. Tailoring your response shows that you took the time to understand their needs and that you can offer valuable insights.

For example, if the journalist asks for an expert opinion on how businesses can adapt to a changing economy, don’t just send a generic pitch about your business—make sure to directly address the question and offer thoughtful, tailored advice.

3. Do Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

It's not about how many HARO queries you respond to; it’s about the quality of your responses. Instead of sending out a generic pitch to 10 different queries, focus on crafting thoughtful, well-researched pitches that genuinely add value. Your pitch should be concise, clear, and demonstrate your expertise on the subject. Journalists appreciate pitches that get straight to the point and provide relevant, useful information without being too long or complicated.

4. Do Highlight Your Expertise

One of the biggest advantages of HARO is the opportunity to showcase your knowledge and expertise. Be sure to highlight your qualifications or experience that relate to the query. This could include mentioning your job title, relevant projects you’ve worked on, or any accolades that show you are an authority on the topic. If possible, link to any articles, case studies, or interviews that showcase your expertise. The more credible you appear, the more likely a journalist is to feature you.

For example, if you are a financial expert and the query is about budgeting for small businesses, mention your background in finance and any articles or speaking engagements where you’ve shared advice.

5. Do Keep Your Response Brief and Clear

Journalists don’t have time to read long, rambling responses. Keep your pitch short, clear, and to the point. Focus on delivering value in as few words as possible. A concise pitch is easier to read and more likely to be accepted. Make your main points stand out in the first couple of sentences, and provide additional details if the journalist wants to learn more.

6. Do Include Your Contact Information

When sending your HARO pitch, always include your contact information. This includes your full name, job title, company, and any relevant social media profiles or website links. Providing this information helps establish your credibility and makes it easier for the journalist to contact you if they’re interested in your response.

In addition, if you have a media kit or any professional media mentions, feel free to include those as well. The more you can show that you are a legitimate expert, the better.

7. Do Follow Up When Appropriate

If you don’t hear back from a journalist, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email. Wait a couple of days after sending your pitch, and then send a short email to check in. Be sure to keep the follow-up brief and respectful, and never follow up multiple times unless the journalist asks for more information.

The Don’ts of HARO Pitching

Now, let’s discuss the mistakes you should avoid when responding to HARO queries. These “don’ts” can hurt your chances of being featured or even get you blacklisted by journalists.

1. Don’t Send Generic Responses

Sending a generic pitch is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Journalists can tell when you haven’t taken the time to read their query or when your pitch is irrelevant. Personalize your response based on the specifics of the query. Generic responses will only get you ignored, and in some cases, they could damage your credibility.

2. Don’t Pitch Irrelevant Information

Make sure your pitch is relevant to the journalist’s request. If you don’t have the expertise or knowledge needed for the query, don’t pitch. Journalists rely on sources who can provide credible, useful information. If you pitch something off-topic, it’s not only a waste of your time but also a waste of the journalist’s time.

For instance, if the query asks for tips on mental health and wellness, and you’re a tech expert, your pitch may not be the right fit. Avoid pushing irrelevant services or ideas.

3. Don’t Use Jargon or Overcomplicate Things

Avoid using industry jargon that a general audience might not understand. Your goal is to provide clear, accessible, and easy-to-digest information. Journalists want quotes and information that are easy to incorporate into their articles, so use simple language and explain your ideas in a straightforward way. Overcomplicating things can turn off the journalist and make your pitch less attractive.

4. Don’t Write a Novel

Lengthy, long-winded responses are a major turn-off for journalists. Keep your pitch short and impactful. Journalists have limited time to read pitches, so make every word count. Get to the point quickly, and don’t ramble on with unnecessary details. A 2-3 sentence pitch is often enough to make an impact.

5. Don’t Neglect to Follow Up Properly

While following up is important, it’s also important to do so respectfully. Don’t bombard journalists with follow-up emails if they haven’t responded. A single, polite follow-up is enough. Avoid sending multiple follow-ups in a short period of time, as it could annoy the journalist and hurt your reputation.

6. Don’t Forget to Proofread

A pitch filled with typos and grammatical errors can harm your credibility. Proofread your pitch carefully before sending it to ensure there are no mistakes. Errors in your pitch may give the impression that you’re unprofessional or careless, which could hurt your chances of being featured.

7. Don’t Pitch If You’re Not a Fit

If you don’t have relevant experience or knowledge on the topic, don’t pitch. If you’re not a fit for the query, it’s better to pass on that opportunity rather than sending an irrelevant or unhelpful response. Only pitch when you are confident you can provide value to the journalist’s story

Additional Tips for HARO Success

While the dos and don’ts are essential, there are additional tips that can increase your chances of success:

Timing is Everything: Responding quickly is essential. If possible, aim to respond within the first few minutes after a query is posted.

Build Relationships with Journalists: HARO is an excellent way to start building relationships with journalists. Try to make your interactions professional, friendly, and helpful.

Leverage HARO for SEO Benefits: A mention in a respected publication can boost your website’s authority and improve your SEO rankings. Ensure your website is optimized to take advantage of these benefits.

Common HARO Pitching Mistakes to Avoid

Overpitching: Don’t send multiple irrelevant pitches to the same journalist. Instead, focus on sending quality, tailored responses.

Not Researching the Journalist: Always take the time to research the journalist’s previous work to ensure that your pitch is a good match for their style and needs.

Lack of a Call-to-Action: Including a call to action in your pitch can encourage the journalist to reach out for more information or an interview.

Conclusion

Mastering HARO pitching takes practice, but it’s a powerful tool for gaining media exposure and improving your SEO. By following the dos and avoiding the don’ts, you’ll be on your way to landing high-quality media coverage. 

Always remember to respond quickly, tailor your pitches to the query, and highlight your expertise. Over time, you’ll build valuable relationships with journalists, which can lead to more opportunities for your brand.