Gaining high-authority backlinks is one of the most challenging aspects of search engine optimization (SEO). Fortunately, tools like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) have streamlined the link-building process, making it easier for brands to enhance their online visibility and connect with targeted audiences.
In 2023, Cision, the company behind HARO, announced that they’re rebranding the HARO website into Connectively.us. The goal is to modernize HARO outreach and provide smoother user experiences.
In this blog, we unpack:
• What Is Connectively?
• Haro vs Connectively: New Features and Capabilities
• Why Use Haro Connectively as a Link Building Technique
• 7 HARO Tips: How To Craft Effective Pitches
What Is Connectively?
Connectively.us is an innovative platform that streamlines how users find and respond to relevant queries. Think of it as an online hub where creators, including journalists, experts, public relations (PR) teams and link-building agencies, gather to exchange ideas and help each other grow.
Connectively functions similarly to the original Cision HARO platform:
• Once they’ve completed the HARO sign up process, journalists can start posting queries describing the type of information they need. Here’s a sample query: “For a story that covers lawn care, I’m looking for effective tips, product recommendations or any unique practices to maintain a healthy lawn during the winter season.”
• Subject matter experts, including entrepreneurs, can browse through queries and provide responses that match their field. They may pitch their insights by incorporating links, facts or unique perspectives.
• If the journalist finds the HARO pitch appealing, they may include the expert as a source in their article and credit them with quotes.
In the former HARO Cision platform, potential sources could sign up to receive a daily email digest containing journalist queries. They would sift through their emails multiple times a day to identify topics or questions that match their expertise.
HARO query emails are scheduled for delivery at 5:45 am, 12:45 pm and 5:45 pm (EST) daily. However, due to HARO’s extensive list of subscribers, the timing of your email may vary slightly, arriving either a bit earlier or later.
Unfortunately, the outdated HARO Cision email system had clear drawbacks. The crowded inboxes and the lack of search filters made it challenging to identify strategic opportunities, leading to a time-consuming and inconsistent experience.
Connectively aims to solve these roadblocks by streamlining the discovery and response process. This way, professionals can become thought leaders without spending too much time and money on media exposure and link building.
Haro vs Connectively: New Features and Capabilities
As HARO continues to adapt to users’ evolving needs, it introduces new functions that simplify the research and link building process.
Let’s delve into what the new Connectively platform has to offer:
1. Easy-To-Use Filtering Options
Connectively features a searchable database that allows users to discover relevant entries as they go live. Instead of scanning through endless emails, just filter queries by keyword, news outlet, deadline, topic and date posted.
With its simple HARO sign up process, you can quickly begin exploring inquiries and submitting pitches.
2. Integrated Pitch Form
Connectively HARO comes with a built-in pitch form that lets users track and manage their pitch history. This feature makes their HARO PR efforts more efficient and organized.
3. New HARO Subscription Plan
Users can choose between the free version and a paid Connectively HARO plan ($19/month). The paid HARO subscription tier includes these notable features:
Increased Pitch Limit
In the new HARO Connectively paid model, users get 15 pitches monthly instead of five. This upgrade is worth $7 in additional pitches.
Additional Keyword Filters
HARO Cision subscribers now have access to keyword filters, allowing them to save up to two keyword searches.
Email Alerts
Daily HARO emails are set to continue only until early 2024. With Connectively’s paid subscription, you’ll receive HARO PR email alerts whenever new results are added to your saved keyword searches.
4. Pay-To-Pitch Pricing Model
To reduce the likelihood of spam and AI-generated content, users are charged $1 for pitches beyond the initial five free ones each month. This pricing model provides the following advantages:
• Higher Quality Responses: With less clutter, journalists and experts can focus on more credible and valuable responses.
• Enhanced Visibility for Contributors: By reducing the influx of AI-generated pitches, real experts are more likely to stand out and gain meaningful media exposure.
• Encourages Genuine Queries: The new Connectively HARO pricing model discourages casual or non-serious questions, promoting a fair, collaborative and efficient space for all users.
Why Use Haro Connectively as a Link Building Technique
When used correctly, the HARO PR tool can attract more quality backlinks, offering several advantages for brands:
Better Search Visibility
Search engines view backlinks as endorsements. When credible websites link to your content, it boosts your authority in your niche or industry, increasing your chances of ranking higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Increased Brand Awareness
Earning backlinks from websites with thousands of monthly visitors lets you promote your products and services to untapped markets.
Traffic Referral
Click-throughs from other websites drive traffic to your pages, enhancing visibility and potentially leading to conversions.
Competitive Advantage
Cision HARO lets you acquire genuine links your competitors can’t easily replicate. By investing in a solid HARO marketing plan, you can discover growth opportunities and connections that can take your brand to new heights.
7 HARO Tips: How To Craft Effective Pitches
With over 1 million registered sources and more than 75,000 journalists and bloggers actively using the HARO website, how do you make your HARO pitch stand out?
Secure those sought-after backlinks by following these tried-and-tested HARO tips:
1. Start With a Compelling Subject Line
Journalists receive thousands of HARO pitches for each inquiry. Make yours stand out with a top-notch subject line.
Your subject line determines whether your email will be opened or overlooked among numerous responses, so ensure it’s clear and direct to the point. Indicate the title of the HARO query, the person pitching, their role and company and their experience.
Here’s a sample template:
“RE: Lawn Care Tips for Winter – George Miller – Lawn Care Technician at ABC Lawn Company – 10 years of experience in residential lawn maintenance.”
2. Ensure Each Sentence Adds Value
The best HARO pitches are brief but meaningful, so ensure each sentence offers new and valuable insights. Check what’s already on the SERPs for the topic and find ways to add more to the existing content. Be creative and offer unique perspectives.
3. Use Clear and Succinct Language
Keep sentences short and get straight to your key points without unnecessary details. Avoid jargon that might confuse the reader. Use bullet points or numbered lists to organize your thoughts and make them easily digestible.
4. Keep It Short and Sweet
Limit your HARO pitch to 200 to 300 words unless the HARO query calls for highly technical details. Shorter pitches are generally more readable and focused. They allow journalists to quickly scan and grasp the essential details, making it more likely for your pitch to be considered.
5. Add Real-Life Examples
Share a brief story or case study that highlights your point or solution. Adding real-life examples to your HARO pitch validates your expertise. They add depth to your pitch and differentiate it from more general insights.
6. Send Polite Follow Up Messages
Once you’ve sent your HARO pitch, it’s crucial to follow up respectfully. Wait at least a week before sending a brief and polite follow-up message.
Avoid being pushy with your HARO marketing efforts. For instance, you could say, “I wanted to confirm receipt of my response to your query on [topic]. I’m available for additional information if needed.”
7. Practice Is Key
If you don’t get a response, it’s perfectly fine to move on and explore other suitable HARO pitches. Even seasoned HARO link builders typically achieve a success rate of about one link for every six pitches.
For those with less experience, this success rate might be closer to one link for every 10 or 12 pitches. Achieving success with Cision HARO relies on patience and consistent practice. Take time to study successful pitches and refine your approach by understanding the key elements that make them effective.
Build an Outstanding Backlink Profile With Thrive
While HARO outreach and link building offer numerous benefits, the process of choosing and responding to relevant queries demands consistent time and attention.
Thrive Internet Marketing Agency’s HARO link building and local SEO service can help you refine your link building efforts, from pitch to publication.
We help strengthen your brand reach with mentions on high domain authority (DA) sites such as Business Insider, AOL, UpCity and Forbes. Our team will assist you with HARO sign up, profile optimization and pitch management.
Contact us now and get started with your HARO Connectively strategy!
