HARO has been a go-to platform for connecting journalists and sources for a long time, but it’s not your only option. The best 15 alternatives to HARO can be a gateway to niche-specific PR platforms, faster responses, and more personalized media inquiries.
If you’re a journalist, PR pro, or business owner, these other tools can help elevate your content marketing and build genuine media connections. Spend a little time reading on to find out which platform is best for you.
1. Terkel
Terkel is a platform for content by experts for businesses, driven by a community. But where HARO is all about quotes, Terkel delivers full articles. Terkel collects responses from its expert community when a partner submits a question, and curates the best insights. After that, Terkel used the information to write a full-length article for approval.
Terkel works with partners like the University of Arizona, Keap, and SCORE to get the content published on trusted sites. Terkel is a great feature for businesses looking for quality exposure. Terkel fulfills the need to fill gaps in editorial needs better than HARO, by providing complete articles.
Terkel offers free and paid plans from $99 to $199 per month. Therefore, businesses looking to increase visibility have something to work with.
2. Qwoted
Qwoted is a free platform that connects journalists to verified expert sources to streamline the process of getting industry insights. Qwoted helps diversify source requests and connect professionals with media opportunities, like HARO. But what makes Qwoted different is that the tool reduces email overload. The platform allows users to manage queries directly and mute discussions when they’ve found a good source, instead of flooding inboxes.
Another big difference is credibility. Journalists often leave source verification to HARO, which means spam and unreliable information. Qwoted solves this problem by maintaining a private network where the sources can be filtered by factors such as gender and location. Therefore, the sources of Qwoted reflect the target audience accurately.
Moreover, Qwoted provides a fresh approach for journalists looking for reliable sources, or small business owners looking for media exposure. Qwoted is free to use, which makes it an easy, cost-effective solution for media outreach.
3. ProfNet
ProfNet is a way to connect journalists to expert sources for press releases. Like HARO, ProfNet is managed by Cision, the same parent company, and the goal is very similar: to connect journalists with credible experts. However, the two platforms have different purposes.
ProfNet is a service for public relations professionals who want to write press releases about their companies. Unlike HARO, which functions as an expert matching platform for articles. ProfNet is a PR Newswire subdomain, which is the best choice for businesses looking to get some visibility through formal media releases.
Moreover, ProfNet is a dedicated space for press release opportunities if you’re in public relations and want to increase your company’s media presence. ProfNet is free, plus it’s an accessible option for businesses of any size.
4. Twitter
If you’re looking for journalists looking for expert sources, Twitter is a great place to start. You can easily find journalist requests for quotes or insights by searching the hashtag #journorequests. Many journalists include their email addresses on their profiles so you can pitch directly. Additionally, you can respond to their tweets or send them a direct message.
One benefit of using Twitter for media inquiries is the lower competition compared to other platforms. However, you have to research journalists and check the credibility of the sites where your quote might be published. But if you want to get high-quality exposure, you need to reach out to journalists from credible, high-authority sites. Twitter is a free tool to use to get media attention with little investment.
5. SourceBottle
SourceBottle is a free online platform that brings journalists together with reliable sources for their content. Unlike Haro, SourceBottle is unique in that it provides opportunities for giveaways and case studies. The Giveaways service helps businesses to connect with companies that offer products for review or sample inclusion in goody bags or promotional campaigns.
SourceBottle also offers PR professionals the chance to contribute expert opinions for case studies. Therefore, the tool helps them build media pitches. SourceBottle is unique in that the tool serves smaller, independent media outlets (bloggers and podcasters). Moreover, SourceBottle also allows them to find expert sources or guest posting authors.
To use HARO, publishers must have a website with an Alexa ranking of less than one million. In contrast, SourceBottle doesn’t put this restriction on you, which makes the tool a good choice for smaller businesses or independent media.
SourceBottle is a free resource for companies and media professionals who need expert insights or content contributions.
6. OnePitch
OnePitch is a free service designed to connect public relations professionals with tech journalists for media placements. The tech focus of this platform makes OnePitch the perfect HARO alternative for those working in the tech industry.
OnePitch uses Artificial intelligence (AI) to improve pitch effectiveness. Users fill out a pitch template or upload a press release. The AI compares the proposal to data from top-tier news outlets. Then OnePitch AI gives a list of journalists who are a good fit for the story. Therefore, OnePitch is an easy tool to contact and increases the likelihood of getting media coverage.
OnePitch is a free tool for PR professionals who want to get their tech-related stories.
7. PitchBox
PitchBox is a great platform for link building and influencer marketing outreach. PitchBox is highly regarded by top marketers and is used by major brands because the tool features are far beyond a typical HARO alternative. PitchBox automates email pitches and follow-ups, streamlines outreach, and cuts the time it takes to prospect links.
If your blog is smaller, PitchBox may exceed your needs. There are plans ranging from $200 to $1,500 a month, depending on what you need. Before signing up, you must book a demo to explore its features.
8. PitchRate
PitchRate is a free platform that provides a way for experts to connect with journalists who are looking for credible sources. PitchRate provides opportunities for collaboration with more than 2,600 journalists and 6,700 experts. The platform has a rating system to prevent spam pitches and to increase interaction quality.
While the system requires some adjustment, PitchRate remains a useful tool for building connections without any financial cost. Therefore, PitchRate is a viable option for budget-conscious users.
9. Pitch Response (formerly Sourcery)
Pitch Response is a journalist outreach platform built to simplify outreach. Pitch Response gives you tools for analytics, automation, and alerts to help you optimize your pitching process. Moreover, Pitch Response also helps you track results and improve your pitch quality.
Pricing ranges from $30 to $200 per month (with advanced analytics and automation available only on higher-tier plans). While Pitch Response won’t replace HARO directly, the tool does have a lot of powerful features for those who are willing to pay. For businesses that want data-driven insights to improve their outreach strategy, Pitch Response is a good option.
10. Muck Rack
Muck Rack is a feature-rich platform for journalist research, news monitoring, and media coverage reporting. Muck Rack enables users to keep track of media lists, see when journalists interact with their profiles, and get notifications when they’re mentioned or covered. Muck Rack helps build media relationships and analyze coverage impact, syndication, and republication.
While Muck Rack is great for large agencies and PR pros, the tool is expensive (about $5,000 per year). For those managing large-scale media outreach, Muck Rack remains an excellent choice.
11. JustReachOut
JustReachOut helps connect experts with content creators across different mediums (reporters, podcast hosts, bloggers). Users can also show off their expertise to get features, interviews, or guest post opportunities. The platform allows experts to link in thought leadership by connecting them to appropriate content creators in their fields.
At $50 per month, the pricing goes up to $200 depending on your chosen features and services.
12. NinjaOutreach
NinjaOutreach is the perfect platform to connect businesses with influencers. NinjaOutreach has over 120 million influencer profiles in different industries. With built-in analytics, users can automate email outreach and use pre-designed email templates. NinjaOutreach also works with other CRMs and email marketing tools.
NinjaOutreach is strong with its expansive database and automation functions. However, the tool has an influencer marketing focus so it will only work for certain PR needs. Át $49/month with a 7-day free trial.
13. Help a B2B Writer
Help a B2B Writer connect freelance writers to find job opportunities in the B2B space. Help a B2B Writer have a job board with writing gigs, a weekly newsletter, a resource library, and a supportive writer community.
If you are a B2B writer, a freelancer, a content creator, or a marketer then this platform is for you. Basic resources are available in the free version, while a premium membership at $99 per month gives you access to advanced features. For writers looking for industry-specific opportunities, Help a B2B Writer is a great tool.
14. ExpertFile
The ExpertFile is a user-friendly platform that connects journalists with subject matter experts on more than 50,000 topics. ExpertFile’s features include detailed expert profiles, search and filter options, and notifications for journalist inquiries. The Spotlight Builder tool helps organizations create branded microsites for their thought leaders.
ExpertFile is a great tool for journalists, PR professionals, and experts looking for media opportunities. While the free search is useful, advanced functionalities require paid subscriptions starting at $399/month.
15. ResponseSource
ResponseSource is a leading alternative to Connectively, previously known as JournoRequest. ResponseSource is a tool for PR professionals and journalists to use to source and share information effectively. Users can also search a huge media database, send press releases, and find expert sources through the Journalist Enquiry Service. Convenience is provided by customizable email alerts and a daily digest.
This is the perfect tool for PR teams, businesses, brands, and media professionals. At 85$/month and free use one week.
Final Words
The best 15 alternatives to HARO will help you prime yourself for a more customized, more effective PR experience. Let’s begin using these alternatives today and see your media outreach and brand visibility explode!
