Are you familiar with Help a Reporter Out?
If not, let me introduce you to HARO – a platform that bridges the gap between reporters seeking information and knowledgeable sources across various topics. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, HARO is a goldmine when it comes to gaining press coverage and boosting your business’s visibility.
By signing up as a source on HARO, you’ll receive daily emails with requests from journalists looking for insights. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to establish your authority in your niche and secure mentions in publications ranging from Grasshopper’s blog to renowned names like The Wall Street Journal.
The Power of HARO
Getting mentioned in leading publications within your industry comes with countless benefits. Engaging with HARO can offer you:
-
Exposure: Increase visibility for your business.
-
Link building: Boost your SEO rankings with backlinks from reputable sites.
-
Referral traffic: Drive traffic to your website through referral links.
Exciting, isn’t it? But does it really work?
Grasshopper, as a publisher, has witnessed success using HARO to find sources. However, to validate the effectiveness of HARO for sources, let’s explore some success stories:
“We’ve landed some significant mentions via HARO, including those in Fast Company, CNBC, VentureBeat, Examiner.com, Workopolis, Monster, The Globe and Mail, and The Guardian, to name just a few,” shared Trisha Beausaert of Voices.com.
Bob King from Legally Nanny attested to the benefits, and Nancy Cleary from Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing emphasized that HARO has been instrumental in their media success.
Convinced yet?
Step 1: Register and Customize Your Preferences
The initial step is to create an account as a source on HARO. Fill in your details to complete your profile. Upon registration, you’ll start receiving daily emails with queries categorized under various topics.
Set Your Targeting Preferences
Opt to receive specialized emails tailored to your expertise by selecting specific targeting preferences. This can enhance your chances of landing relevant mentions but keep in mind that it may lead to more emails in your inbox.
Step 2: Craft Compelling Pitches
Responding to queries on HARO requires thoughtful pitches, especially when competing for attention. Tailor your responses to the journalist’s needs by following their guidelines diligently.
Offer comprehensive information upfront, include contact details, avoid overt self-promotion, and maintain a concise format to make your pitch stand out.
Choose Queries Wisely
Select queries aligning with your expertise and provide unique perspectives or data to differentiate your pitch. Be selective about the publications you target to ensure quality mentions.
Engage with Key Influencers
Follow influential journalists and outlets on social media to glean insights on their preferences and pitching techniques. Leveraging this information can give you an edge over other sources.
Step 3: Monitor Mentions and Amplify Outreach
Stay alert for mentions in articles and leverage Google Alerts to track online references to your name or business. Celebrate your mentions by sharing them across your social platforms and networks.
By leveraging HARO effectively, you can secure valuable press coverage for your business and expand your brand’s reach. Follow our guide, refine your pitches, and watch your business thrive in the media spotlight.