Wondering exactly how to use HARO Link Building? In this complete guide from Agensify, learn what is HARO Link Building and how to use it to build high-quality backlinks and more.
What is HARO Link Building?
HARO, which stands for Help a Reporter Out, is a platform that connects journalists with expert sources. This connection benefits journalists by giving them reliable information for their stories and helps sources gain media exposure and high-quality backlinks to their websites, improving their SEO strategy.
Originally, HARO worked by sending daily HARO emails with HARO queries to users. Sources would respond to these relevant queries, and if selected, they would be featured in the journalist’s article, often with a quality backlink. This process helped sources elevate their online presence and build a strong backlink profile.
In 2023, HARO transitioned to a new platform called Connectively, under its parent company, Cision.
Connectively retains the essential function of HARO but offers improvements.
- A user-friendly interface.
- Advanced filtering options.
- An integrated pitch form, and better pitch tracking.
These enhancements address issues with the old HARO system, such as crowded inboxes and lack of search filters, making it easier for users to find and respond to HARO requests efficiently.
HARO Backlinks Quality
If a journalist selects your HARO response, you gain a high-quality backlink from their website. These backlinks are typically from high-authority publications with a domain rating ranging between 40-90. HARO backlinks are highly valued by search engines like Google because they act as endorsements of your website’s credibility and content quality. The higher the domain authority of the linking site, the more “link juice” it passes on to your site, boosting your search engine optimization.
The Process of HARO Link Building
Here’s a simple guide on how to use HARO for link building:
- Sign Up: Create an account on Connectively and select your areas of expertise. This helps you receive relevant HARO queries from journalists seeking expert insights.
- Receive Queries: Connectively sends daily emails with HARO requests from journalists seeking expert sources. These can be filtered by category, keyword, or media outlet.
- Craft Responses: Choose relevant opportunities and write concise, compelling HARO pitches. Include your name, credentials, and website URL.
- Get Featured: If a journalist selects your HARO response, your input will be featured in their article with a high-quality backlink to your website. This boosts your SEO strategy by increasing your website’s authority and visibility.
- Engage Continuously: Keep responding to HARO queries to build relationships with journalists and increase your chances of getting featured in more articles.
Consistently providing valuable insights through HARO helps you gain high-quality backlinks over time, improving your site’s search engine rankings and online visibility, and building a powerful backlink profile.
Challenges of HARO Link Building
While HARO is a powerful link building strategy, it comes with its challenges. The process can become tiresome because it consumes time and effort to craft compelling pitches and send them daily to earn those high-quality links.
Agensify has earned over 1500+ media mentions on DR80+ high-authority publications for various clients over the years. Let experts handle your HARO Link Building services and make sure you maximize your SEO performance with high-quality backlinks.
What is the role of HARO Backlinks in SEO
When compared to other link-building tactics like guest posting, social media outreach, or directory submissions, HARO (Help a Reporter Out) stands out for many reasons.
Traditional methods require extensive effort to identify potential sites, pitch content ideas, and create tailored content. There would be no guarantee of landing high-quality backlinks.
HARO directly connects you with journalists from reputable, high-domain authority websites. This direct access means that your chances of obtaining valuable backlinks are higher and often require less content creation on your part.
Backlinks from HARO are more diverse and come from well-respected sources. HARO simplifies the link-building process by providing a platform for gaining high-quality, authoritative backlinks with less effort compared to traditional methods.
1. High Domain Authority Backlinks
HARO connects you with journalists from reputable and authoritative websites such as Forbes, WebMD, and The New York Times. HARO Backlinks from these high-authority publications are highly valued by search engines like Google because they act as endorsements of your website’s credibility and content quality. The higher the domain authority (DA) of the linking site, the more “link juice” it passes on to your site, boosting your SEO.
2. Increased Organic Traffic
Securing a backlink from a high-traffic site not only improves your SEO strategy but also drives significant referral traffic. When your quote or contribution is published on a popular website, readers are likely to click through to your site. This increased traffic can lead to higher engagement, more leads, and potential conversions.
3. Enhanced Search Engine Rankings
Backlinks are the backbone of search engine algorithms. Each high-quality backlink you obtain through HARO improves your site’s backlink profile, making it more likely to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). Higher rankings lead to greater visibility, which in turn can drive more organic traffic to your site.
4. Brand Authority and Recognition
Being featured in authoritative publications helps establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry. Regular mentions in respected media outlets build your reputation and trustworthiness, making your brand more recognizable and credible to both search engines and potential customers.
5. Networking Opportunities
HARO also facilitates networking with journalists and other industry experts. Building relationships with these professionals can lead to ongoing opportunities for media coverage, further backlinks, and collaborations. This long-term strategy can provide sustained benefits beyond immediate SEO improvements.
6. Content Diversity and Quality Signals
Backlinks from a diverse range of sources are viewed positively by search engines. HARO allows you to gain links from various industries and niches, which signals to search engines that your content is broadly relevant and high-quality. This diversity can enhance the overall authority and ranking potential of your site.
Tips and Strategies for Running Effective HARO Campaigns
To run an effective HARO campaign, our pitch expert Maaz has outlined these strategies from personal experience of over 5 years utilizing HARO platform.
Respond Quickly with Strong Subject Lines
Start by acting fast and crafting strong subject lines. Respond to HARO queries quickly, using clear and concise subject lines that include the query topic and your expertise.
Personalize and Highlight Your Expertise
Personalize your pitches by using the journalist’s name and tailoring your response to their specific query. Highlight your relevant experience and credentials immediately.
Be Concise and Follow Instructions
Be concise, get straight to the point, and follow the journalist’s instructions precisely. Make sure your HARO pitch is error-free.
Provide unique insights that go beyond common knowledge to make your response stand out.
Provide Unique Insights
Provide unique insights that go beyond common knowledge to make your response stand out.
Include Full Contact Information
Include your full contact information, such as your name, title, website URL, email address and social media links.
Let journalists know you are available for additional questions or follow-up information, and consider using a response template to save time, customizing it for each query.
Track Success and Build Relationships
Track your success by monitoring which pitches get picked up and analysing why they were successful, refining your strategy accordingly. Building longer-term relationships with journalists can also lead to ongoing opportunities for media coverage and backlinks.
Following these tips and strategies, you can run an effective HARO Links campaign and earn valuable quality backlinks.
If you find the process time-consuming and challenging, let Agensify handle your HARO Link Building process to maximize your SEO performance with high-authority backlinks.
