What Happened to HARO? The 2025 Reality Check
If you’ve spent any time doing PR or link building in the last decade, you’ve probably heard of HARO — Help a Reporter Out. For years, it was the go-to platform where journalists and experts connected. But if you tried using HARO recently and thought, “Wait… something feels off,” you’re not wrong.
HARO Is No Longer What It Used to Be
In late 2024, HARO quietly rebranded to Connectively. While the core idea remains the same—journalist requests, expert responses—the experience has shifted dramatically. Many users found the platform slower, less intuitive, and filled with irrelevant queries or spam-like requests.
So… Did HARO Shut Down?
Not officially. But for many users, HARO’s transformation into Connectively felt more like a shutdown than a rebrand. The familiar interface? Gone. The massive volume of relevant queries? Significantly reduced. For serious PR pros, the effectiveness just isn’t what it once was.
Why People Are Walking Away from Connectively
Here’s what PR professionals, SEO experts, and marketers have reported:
- Low-quality queries with minimal context
- Poor vetting of journalists (some not even verified)
- Delayed email digests or inconsistent timing
- No real engagement from journalists after responding
- Spammy pitches flooding inboxes due to a lack of filters
“HARO used to be my #1 way to earn white-hat links. But lately, it feels like shouting into a void.” — a PR freelancer on Reddit
So, Is HARO (Connectively) Still Worth Using?
That depends. If you’re just starting out and want to get familiar with the media pitching process, it can still be a good sandbox. But if you’re looking for reliable backlink opportunities or high-response rates, many in the SEO and PR space are now turning to better HARO alternatives.
And trust me, there are some incredible platforms out there—some powered by AI, others created by ex-HARO users who knew there had to be a better way.
> Want a shortcut to the best HARO alternatives? We’ve reviewed and ranked them for effectiveness, ease, and results.
Quick Recap: What You Need to Know
- HARO rebranded to Connectively in late 2024.
- Many users feel the quality has dropped significantly.
- Connectively still operates—but it’s not the same HARO we all knew.
- The PR and SEO community is actively seeking more modern and efficient tools.
Why You Need HARO Alternatives in 2025
HARO Isn’t What It Used to Be
If you’ve used HARO in the past, you probably remember how exciting it was to open your inbox and find real, relevant journalist queries waiting for expert responses. It felt like a goldmine for PR professionals, bloggers, and SEOs alike. But fast forward to 2025, and that same goldmine feels more like a spam folder.
Over the last couple of years, HARO’s value has steadily declined—and after its rebrand to Connectively, things didn’t improve much. In fact, many say they got worse.
What Changed (and Why It Matters)
HARO’s problems didn’t appear overnight. They crept in gradually, and now they’re hard to ignore. Here’s what most users, myself included, have experienced:
- Vague or poorly written journalist requests
- Long delays between pitching and any kind of response
- High competition—sometimes hundreds of pitches per query
- Fewer quality backlinks even when your pitch gets accepted
- No filtering or personalization in query emails
And worst of all? You can spend hours writing thoughtful, well-researched replies and never hear back.
When ROI Doesn’t Add Up
If you’re using HARO for link building, brand visibility, or thought leadership, you’re probably tracking time spent vs. outcomes. And lately, that ratio isn’t great.
Let’s break it down:
- Time spent per pitch: 20–30 minutes (at least)
- Response rate: Often below 5%
- Backlinks earned per month: 1 or 2 if you’re lucky
- ROI: Too low to justify the effort for many professionals
When we compare that to some of the newer HARO alternatives—especially those with smarter filters, AI-matching, or journalist vetting—it becomes clear: the game has changed.
What Today’s PR Pros Actually Need
- You need platforms that are built for 2025—not 2010. That means:
- Better vetting of journalist queries
- Faster turnaround and response times
- Real-time alerts, not just daily email dumps
- Niches and filtering based on your expertise
- Actual chances of being featured, not just a pitch graveyard
If you’re serious about earning backlinks or building authority, you need tools that respect your time and offer a real shot at results. HARO just doesn’t do that anymore—and that’s why exploring its alternatives isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Best HARO Alternatives (Reviewed & Ranked)
1.Featured (formerly Terkel)
If you’re tired of sending dozens of HARO pitches with little to no response, Featured might be exactly what you need. Originally launched as Terkel, this platform rebranded with a sharper focus on matching expert insights with high-authority publishers. Unlike HARO, which often feels like a free-for-all, Featured is curated, transparent, and actually built for experts who want real results—without wasting time.
Pricing & Plans
Free plan
- Up to 3 expert answers per month
- 3 keyword alerts
- Basic tracking of accepted replies
Pro/Starter plan
- Unlimited answers and full-length Q&A submissions
- Access to publisher Domain Rating (DR) info
- Credit-based extras (approx. $49.75–$99/month)
- Credit-based extras
- Pay‑as‑you‑go for additional answers (~$4.99–$6.99 each)
Ideal Audience
- Freelancers & consultants seeking media visibility
- Small businesses & startups that can’t afford expensive PR
- Thought leaders & B2B experts aiming to build credibility
- Content teams wanting expert quotes for articles
Backlink Strategy & Quality
- Features often include attribution with outbound link (do-follow)
- Supports both quote-only and full-length Q&A formats
- Publications include top-tier outlets like Fortune, Fast Company, and niche industry sites
- Trustpilot reviews highlight high conversion rates—up to 25% acceptance in some cases
Core Features
Curated Q&A dashboard—see opportunities aligned to your niche
Domain Rating visibility to help judge link value
Dashboard tracking—submit, accept, publish status all in one place
Bylined content options—submit full answers or interviews for earned placements
Performance & Social Proof
On Reddit, one SEO pro shared:
> “On Featured, I can submit 100 pitches and get 5–10 solid backlinks. So going from a 0% conversion rate to 5–10% conversion is a great step in the right direction.”
Trustpilot reviews report real improvement:
A user grew from “Ahrefs rating <1 to 24 in just over 2 months” with ~25% selection rate
Another says: “I have 10+ mentions in a month and more than 20 pitches selected for publishing.”
Why Featured Stands Out
1. Transparent vetting—only verified experts and publishers
2. High conversion potential—up to ~25% selection out of pitches
3. Flexible formats—submit quotes or endure full-length interviews
4. Actionable data—see DR and link type before answering
2. Qwoted: Premium Pitching for Expert Visibility
If you’re aiming for placements in top-tier media—think NYT, Forbes, or Reuters—Qwoted is one of the most robust journalist–expert platforms out there. Designed for professionals and PR pros, it uses AI and vetting to connect you with relevant media opportunities in real time.
Pricing & Plans
Basic (Free)
- 2 pitches/month
- 2-hour delay before seeing requests
- Ideal for testing the platform
Pro ($99–149.99/month)
- Unlimited pitches
- Instant request alerts
- Pitch intelligence & analytics
- Onboarding support, expert profile boosts, media database access
Teams (Custom Pricing)
If you’re managing a brand—or even working in an agency—and crave more control and visibility over your media outreach, Press Hook could be your next best move. Instead of waiting to respond to queries, this platform lets journalists discover you first, making it a proactive alternative to HARO.
- Unlimited users & pitches
- White-labeling, team features, premium support
Ideal Audience
Qwoted works best for:
- Freelancers, consultants, and solo experts
- PR/marketing professionals managing spokespeople
- Agencies targeting consistent PR placements
- Small to mid-size businesses seeking high-quality coverage
Backlink Types & Media Reach
- Placements often include contextual do-follow backlinks within articles
- Trusted by elite outlets like AP, The New York Times, Forbes, HuffPost, Reuters
- Offers visibility into pitch views and engagement, helping refine follow-up—more transparency than HARO
Core Features
- Real-time AI-powered matching aligns your expertise to relevant queries
- Submit directly through the Qwoted dashboard—no email forwarding required
- Pitch intelligence: view when your pitch is read or engaged with
- Verified expert profiles with demographics and media experience, reducing journalist doubt
- Built-in AI detection (GPTZero) ensures quality and flags suspicious content
Real-World Feedback & Considerations
Pros:
- Streamlined pitching with faster alerts
- Fewer spam pitches and better vetting
- Higher-quality placements—better than HARO’s “spray and pray” method
Cons / Caution:
- Higher cost than HARO—can reach $150–700/month for premium teams
- Strict vetting may flag AI-assisted pitches—some users reported account bans
- Fewer query opportunities than HARO due to selective filtering
3.SourceBottle: Your Gateway to Aussie & NZ Media Pickup
If you’re targeting exposure in Australia, New Zealand, or even the UK, SourceBottle is a standout HARO alternative that shouldn’t be overlooked. Think of it as a regional HARO—with a strong focus on local journalists, case studies, product reviews, and media briefings.
Pricing & Plans
Free Plan
- Email alerts (“Drink Up!”) twice daily
- Unlimited search and response to calls
Drink Up Subscription ($5.95/mo)
- Respond directly from emails without logging in
Expert Profile & Product Opportunities ($25/mo)
- Adds expert profile to directory
- Unlocks product review, case study, and giveaway opportunities
Agency Access ($95/mo)
- Multi-profile/team access
- Ideal for PR agencies managing multiple experts
Ideal Audience
Freelancers, consultants, and small businesses seeking regional media coverage
PR professionals working with clients in Australia, NZ, UK, or Commonwealth markets
Experts interested in product reviews, giveaways, and case studies
Bloggers and podcasters looking for more than just quote-based mentions
Backlink Type & Coverage
- Typically offers do-follow backlinks from regional media and niche blogs
- Better chance for contextual and niche-specific placements
- Includes mentions in local outlets like Financial Review, ABC Australia, The Guardian AU, regional magazines—often featuring case studies or product mentions
Core Features
Twice-daily “Drink Up!” email alerts with curated media requests based on your chosen categories
- Direct reply capability—send pitches straight from your inbox (with subscription)
- Expert profile listing with keywords and niches for better journalist discovery
- Specialized opportunities for product reviews, giveaways, case studies, and guest contributions
- Filtering by region and topic, so you get relevant opportunities only
Real Feedback from Users
“Thanks again SourceBottle! Our business was quoted in 3 national magazines this month.” — Dr. Joann Lukins, SourceBottle testimonial
Ellie from Prosperity Media shared:
> “We’ve used SourceBottle to source case studies… securing coverage in top-tier publications like The Daily Telegraph…”
Praised as a free and easy-to-use tool, especially for Australasian markets
4. Help A B2B Writer: Niche Connections for Quality B2B Coverage
If you’re in the B2B space—think SaaS, enterprise software, or tech marketing—Help A B2B Writer is one of the smartest HARO alternatives you can find. It was designed specifically to bridge the gap between writers in the B2B space and subject matter experts, making it perfect for getting featured in niche industry publications.
Pricing & Plans
Free Plan :
- Unlimited access to pitch and respond. No paid plans required.
Premium (Coming Soon):
- CEO Jimmy Daly mentioned upcoming premium features like reputation scoring and an API for power users. Still free today, but some advanced tools may be paid later.
Ideal Audience
This platform is ideal for:
- B2B marketing professionals
- SaaS content creators
- Tech-focused consultants or practitioners
- Freelance writers working in business niches
If you have a background in marketing, sales, technology, or software, you’re in the right place.
Backlink Types & Placement Quality
- Mostly contextual backlinks embedded in bylines or expert quotes
- Publications are B2B-focused—such as niche software, enterprise IT, or marketing outlets
- You provide firsthand insights, lessons learned, or industry stats—making links naturally earned and relevant
Core Features
- Daily tailored email alerts: You only receive queries matching your selected expertise areas
- Dual roles: Sign up as a writer or source—if you wear both hats, you can access relevant requests and contribute as an expert
- SEO metrics: Some requests show domain authority and backlink guidelines—unique transparency HAMO lacks
- Building reputation: Coming soon—platform will allow writers to rate experts, boosting credibility
- Community integration: Requests are distributed through Superpath’s Slack group and email alerts
Real-World Feedback
CEO Jimmy Daly emphasized standout insights:
> “The best responses almost always include stories of firsthand experience… lessons learned are every bit as interesting as success stories.”
Industry leaders have used it to grow their backlink profiles:
> “I use it for a few reasons: Because it’s B2B only… most of the sites looking for contributions are highly relevant… I’d say around 40% [of my submissions] get used.” — Eric Doty, Dock content lead
5.Press Hook: High-Touch PR for Brands & Agencies
PressHook is where real media opportunities meet real brands.
In a world where credibility drives conversions, PressHook gives growing businesses direct access to journalists actively looking for expert sources, products, and stories. Instead of waiting for press coverage, brands can now position themselves right where editors search. Built for founders, marketers, and PR pros who value speed, transparency, and trust, PressHook simplifies public relations—without cutting corners on quality.
Pricing & Plans
Free plan :
- Free Expert Profile
- You can set up a public page and allow journalists to find you.
Proactive Plan (~$374/month billed annually)
- Full campaign dashboard, curated media list builder, AI-powered pitch generation.
Premium & Agency Tiers
- Custom pricing with white-glove onboarding, team access, and dedicated support.
Ideal Audience
- Brands & CPG companies seeking consistent media exposure
- PR agencies managing campaigns across clients
- Marketing teams that treat PR as a strategic channel
- Founders or spokespeople who want visibility without hiring a full-time PR staff
Backlink Type & Coverage
- Typically contextual mentions and featured quotes, often embedded in press articles
- Supports both product features and story-driven placements
- Access to vetted journalists across industries—ideal for high-value, industry-specific brand mentions
Core Features
- Journalist-facing expert profiles—allows inbound inquiry opportunities
- AI-powered pitch generator—drafts personalized outreach messages in minutes
- Campaign tracking dashboard—organize pitches, responses, and outcomes efficiently
- Digital press kit builder—quickly generate assets journalists need
- Built-in analytics—measure pick-up rates, impressions, and backlinks earned
Performance & Social Proof
- Impressive platform stats: 10,000+ press articles placed and 100B+ impressions generated
- Users across industries—from CPG to tech—report strong brand placements. One example:
- “275 press placements in 1 year” for Rise Brewing Co.
Capterra rating: 5.0/5 with high marks for usability and ROI
HARO Alternatives Comparison Table (2025 Edition)
| Platform | Best For | Cost | AI-Support | Success Rate | Filters | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Featured (Terkel) | Freelancers, bloggers, B2B experts | Free → $49–99/mo + credits | Partial (pitch assist) | High (~15–25%) | Yes – by industry & DR | Global |
| Qwoted | PR pros, agencies, media-savvy experts | Free → $99–149/mo | Yes (AI vetting, alerts) | Medium–High (~10–15%) | Yes – real-time alerts, niche filtering | Global (strong US focus) |
| SourceBottle | Local brands, consultants, AUS/NZ businesses | Free → $6–95/mo | No | Medium (~5–10%) | Yes – by country & category | Australia, NZ, UK |
| Help A B2B Writer | B2B SaaS, marketers, content professionals | Free | No (manual curation) | High (~20–40%) | Yes – B2B niche, role-specific | Global (US-heavy content) |
| Press Hook | Brands, startups, PR teams needing consistent PR | Free profile → $374/mo+ | Yes (AI pitching, dashboard) | High (with budget & team) | Yes – journalist-facing profiles, PR kits | US-centric (with global reach) |
How to Use This Table:
- Low Budget? Start with Help A B2B Writer or Featured’s free plan.
- Want regional exposure? Go with SourceBottle if targeting AUS/NZ.
- High-volume, serious PR? Press Hook is powerful, but best for brands with a budget.
- Looking for media efficiency? Qwoted gives you alerts fast with AI vetting to cut through spam.
Direct Outreach vs PR Tools: Which One Actually Wins in 2025?
When it comes to building powerful backlinks or landing media mentions, you’re likely torn between two major strategies: using PR platforms (like HARO or Qwoted) or going the direct outreach route using tools like Hunter.io, Instantly.ai, or Pitchbox.
I’ve personally tested both for B2B clients, agencies, and even personal branding—and trust me, both have their pros and cons. But which one truly gives you the highest ROI in 2025?
What Is Direct Outreach?
Direct outreach means manually identifying journalists, bloggers, or website editors in your niche, and contacting them—usually via cold email.
Instead of waiting for media queries (like in HARO), you start the conversation.
Popular Tools for Direct Outreach:
- Hunter.io – helps find verified journalist emails from domains
- Instantly.ai – automates cold email sequences at scale
- Pitchbox – end-to-end outreach CRM with smart follow-ups
What Are PR Platforms?
PR platforms act like matchmaking services between journalists and experts. You wait for a relevant query (like “Looking for marketing experts on AI”) and submit your pitch.
Examples include:
- Qwoted
- Featured
- Help A B2B Writer
They’re often easier to use but more competitive.
Best For –
Direct Outreach: Link building campaigns, guest posts
PR Platforms: Authority, press quotes, PR exposure
When Direct Outreach Makes More Sense
From experience, direct outreach is a game-changer if you’re focused on link building—especially in niches like SaaS, affiliate SEO, or agency work. Tools like Instantly.ai let you run bulk email sequences with personalization at scale.
Here’s what an outreach flow might look like:
Sample Cold Outreach Flow (With Tools) –
1. Find Prospects with Hunter.io using filters (DA > 40, niche: AI blogs)
2. Verify Emails and segment based on verticals
3. Write personalized emails with a strong value hook
4. Use Instantly.ai or Pitchbox to send drip emails over 7–10 days
5. Track replies and schedule follow-ups or link placements
Example Email Template:
Subject: Can I contribute an expert insight on [topic]?
Hi [First Name],
I came across your article on [Article Title]—loved your take on [mention a specific point]. I’m a [Your Role] working with [Brand/Project], and I’ve been deep in [Topic] for a while.
If you’re open to updating that post or accepting expert quotes, I’d love to contribute a quick stat or unique insight that your readers might find valuable.
Let me know if that’s something you’re open to—I’ll keep it brief and useful.
Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn or Website]
When PR Platforms Work Better
Use platforms like Qwoted or Featured when:
- You want passive visibility with journalists
- You don’t have time for custom outreach
- You’re building thought leadership in a specific niche
They’re easier to use and deliver high-authority placements with less effort—especially if you’re new to PR.
Combine Both for Best Results
Here’s what I’ve found works best in 2025 –
- Use PR tools to capture inbound visibility and branded quotes
- Leverage direct outreach for targeted backlinks and scalable campaigns
If you’re running SEO for clients or your own site, this hybrid model helps you dominate both authority and link equity—without burning out.
Which HARO Alternative Is Right for You?
Not all PR platforms are created equal—and if you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering, “Which HARO alternative actually fits my goals and budget?”
Whether you’re a startup, an agency, a B2B SaaS company, or a solopreneur, the right tool depends on what you value most: reach, relevance, speed, or affordability.
Let’s help you decide with real insights, use-case breakdowns, and even a handy decision tree.
Start Here: What Kind of User Are You?
1. Startups
- You’re lean on budget, but need brand mentions and early media traction
- Your founder might be your PR team
You care more about exposure than backlink metrics
Best Pick:
→ Featured (Terkel) for affordability and volume
→ Qwoted if you’re targeting media buzz and real-time alerts
2. Agencies
- You manage multiple clients and need scale + reliability
You want workflow automation and team features
Best Pick:
→ Press Hook for campaign dashboards & press kits
→ Qwoted Pro for fast journalist matching and visibility
3. B2B SaaS Companies
- You care about thought leadership and link quality
You have experts in-house who can share real insights
Best Pick:
→ Help A B2B Writer – 100% relevant, highly contextual backlinks
→ Qwoted for added media value
4. Solopreneurs & Consultants
- You’re doing PR yourself
You want low-effort visibility with a good success rate
Best Pick:
→ Featured (free plan to start)
→ SourceBottle if you’re in AUS/NZ markets
Decision Factors to Weigh
Here’s what you need to think through:
- Budget: Are you bootstrapping or ready to invest $300+ monthly?
- Region: Are you targeting global, U.S., or local (like AU/NZ) visibility?
- Backlink Goals: Need high DA contextual links or just branded mentions?
- Volume vs Quality: Want 50 small blogs or 2 killer features in top outlets?
- Time Commitment: Can you pitch manually, or need journalist-led tools?
HARO Alternative Decision Tree (Simplified)
Follow this quick flow to find your match:
Final Thought
Here’s the honest truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all PR solution. But when you match the right tool with your business type and goals, that’s when your PR starts working with you—not against you.
Still confused between a couple of options? I can help you break it down further—just ask in the comments or reach out.
