What is the significance of HARO in the marketing industry?

Help a Reporter Out (HARO) has played a crucial role in the marketing industry since its inception in 2008. It was a vital platform for businesses and marketers seeking media coverage, backlinks, and enhanced domain authority. By connecting journalists with industry experts, HARO facilitated opportunities for brand exposure, enabling companies to gain valuable mentions on major platforms and establish trust with their audiences. Its closure in December 2024 marks the end of an era for many who relied on HARO for their SEO strategies and media outreach efforts.

Why is HARO shutting down?

HARO is shutting down due to a strategic shift by Cision, which now focuses on its main product, CisionOne. As part of this transition, resources will be reallocated away from HARO to enhance CisionOne's offerings for PR and communications experts. This decision has left many users feeling a sense of loss, as HARO provided a straightforward, effective way to connect with journalists and access media opportunities. Cision has acknowledged the impact of this change and committed to ensuring a smooth transition for current subscribers.

What are the alternatives to HARO?

With HARO's impending shutdown, there are several alternatives worth exploring. Options include ProfNet, which connects journalists with industry experts across various fields, and SourceBottle, known for efficiently linking journalists and sources in specific regions. Additionally, JournoRequests on Twitter offers an informal but effective method for real-time media opportunities. Although these platforms provide similar functionalities, many users may find that they do not entirely replicate the unique experience and community that HARO fostered in the industry.

What should current HARO users do before it shuts down?

Current HARO users should take proactive steps before the platform's shutdown in December 2024. Cision has advised users to export essential data, ensuring they retain valuable information gathered throughout their time using HARO. Additionally, users should explore alternative platforms that can provide similar benefits in terms of media outreach and backlink opportunities. By preparing in advance, users can minimize disruption to their strategies and continue to build relationships with journalists and industry experts.

How did HARO evolve since its inception?

Since its launch in 2008 by Peter Shankman, HARO has evolved from a simple Facebook group connecting journalists and sources to a widely popular mailing list and essential tool for marketers. Its integration within various workflows, including API connections to other applications, made it a key part of many SEO strategies. Over the years, HARO provided daily queries from journalists, allowing users to engage effectively with media opportunities and build trust with their audiences, thus becoming an indispensable resource in content marketing.

What impact did HARO have on SEO strategies?

HARO significantly impacted SEO strategies by providing businesses and marketers with access to high-quality backlinks and increased visibility. As users responded to journalist queries, they often received mentions on reputable sites, which positively influenced their domain authority and search rankings. Furthermore, the platform encouraged proactive engagement and relationship-building with journalists, reinforcing the importance of credibility in SEO. The lessons learned from utilizing HARO will continue to shape how marketers approach media outreach and content strategies in the future.

Why did HARO foster a sense of community among users?

HARO fostered a strong sense of community among its users by connecting journalists and industry experts in meaningful ways. This platform allowed individuals to share their expertise and engage in collaborative opportunities, creating lasting partnerships. The daily routine of reviewing journalist queries helped build a proactive network where users supported one another's efforts to gain media exposure. As members responded to requests, they nurtured relationships that transcended typical professional interactions, creating a unique and vibrant community around shared goals and mutual growth.

HARO Shutting Down: Brands to Rethink PR Strategies

13 Nov 2024

HARO, the valued PR tool, is shutting down on December 9, 2024, changing how brands link with journalists.

As the end of 2024 approaches, we say farewell to Help a Reporter Out (HARO), which will officially shut down in December 2024. For many in the industry, this news is hard to accept. HARO has been a key platform for marketers and businesses seeking media coverage and backlinks. Its significance cannot be overstated.

Founded in 2008 by Peter Shankman, HARO began as a way to connect journalists with sources for stories. Starting as a Facebook group, it quickly grew into a popular mailing list, eventually attracting the interest of Vocus, Inc., and later Cision. Over the years, it developed into a useful tool for acquiring high-quality backlinks and improving domain authority.

Every morning, those emails filled inboxes with queries from journalists seeking expert opinions. For many, this became the daily ritual that opened doors for brand exposure. Users sifted through requests, looking for the right match and racing against the clock to respond. With the right approach, it led not just to mentions on major sites but also to building trust with audiences and gaining valuable backlinks recognized by Google.

Concerns about HARO potentially impacting rankings did arise, but many felt the benefits outweighed the risks. Its function as a link between reporters and industry experts was vital. Journalists valued a dependable source of information while marketers appreciated the opportunity to gain backlinks and visibility.

HARO integrated seamlessly into workflows through various API connections. Users connected it to other tools, CRM systems, and email applications, making it an essential part of their SEO strategy. The convenience of getting alerts and drafting responses quickly changed the game for many.

Now known as Connectively, HARO is shutting down as Cision shifts focus to their main product, CisionOne. The aim is to offer more comprehensive solutions for PR and communications experts. As they reallocate resources from HARO to improve CisionOne, many feel a sense of loss. HARO’s straightforwardness became central to many workflows, and its departure feels like saying goodbye to a trusted ally.

With the shutdown approaching, what does this mean for those relying on HARO? Cision has assured current subscribers they will receive pro-rata refunds and urged users to export essential data before the platform closes. They acknowledged the impact of this transition on users, thanking them for the engagement and growth shared.

What’s next? For those feeling the void left by HARO, alternatives exist. Here are a few options to explore:

ProfNet: A competitor that connects journalists with experts in various fields.
SourceBottle: Useful in specific regions, this platform focuses on efficiently linking journalists and sources.
JournoRequests on Twitter: An informal yet effective method to find media opportunities in real-time.

While these alternatives are available, they may not replicate the experience and convenience that HARO provided. HARO was more than a tool—it fostered community and connection.

As we look ahead, it’s important to remember the lessons learned through our experiences with HARO: be proactive, showcase expertise, and adapt to changes. The strategies it provided will continue to shape media outreach and content marketing.

In saying goodbye to HARO, we recognize the partnerships formed and opportunities captured. As we move forward, let’s build on these experiences and discover new ways to connect, collaborate, and grow.