6 Best HARO Alternatives

HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a popular platform that connects journalists with sources, but several alternatives provide similar services for those looking to gain media coverage. Here are six of the best HARO alternatives.

1. Pressflow

Pressflow focuses on helping users build authority and connect with media opportunities by creating profiles and exploring press opportunities. It’s specifically designed for those looking to establish themselves as thought leaders and get noticed by the media.

• Key Features:

  • The only alternative that offers a completely free service like HARO.

  • A platform to explore relevant press opportunities that match the user's niche or expertise.

  • Resources and guidance on how to effectively pitch to the media and optimise visibility.

  • Keyword alerts designed for quick pitching

    
    

• Best For: Small businesses, personal brands, PRs and experts who want a structured approach to media outreach without needing to comb through numerous daily requests. It’s ideal for those seeking a mix of proactive outreach and profile visibility.

2. SourceBottle

SourceBottle is a platform that connects journalists and bloggers with expert sources. It has a strong presence in Australia but serves users worldwide.

• Key Features

• It allows users to filter requests by region and industry, making it easier to find relevant media opportunities.

• Best for brands and experts looking for opportunities in niche markets or specific regions.

• Pros: Free to use and allows users to filter opportunities by region and industry.

• Cons: It has a stronger presence in specific regions like Australia, which may limit its reach for users outside those markets.

3. ProfNet (by Cision)

ProfNet, part of Cision, offers a premium service to connect journalists with expert sources. It has a long-standing reputation in the industry and is known for being highly targeted.

• Key Features

  • Access to a wide network of PR professionals and the ability to receive inquiries from well-known media outlets.

    
    

• Best For

  • Larger businesses or agencies with a budget for a premium service and those looking to connect with high-profile journalists.

• Pros: Premium service with a reputation for providing access to high-profile media outlets.

• Cons: The cost can be prohibitive for small businesses or independent experts.

4. ExpertFile

ExpertFile provides a platform for experts to create profiles and get discovered by journalists and researchers. It’s used by institutions like universities to connect their faculty with media opportunities.

• Key Features:

  • SEO-optimized profiles and integration with organization websites, making it easier for journalists to find experts.

• Best For:

  • Academics, thought leaders, and organizations looking for an inbound approach to media opportunities.
    

• Pros: SEO-optimized profiles that are easy for journalists to find.

• Cons: Primarily focused on academic and institutional experts, which may not suit everyone’s needs.

5. JournoRequests (via Twitter)

JournoRequests is a hashtag and service that curates media requests from journalists on Twitter. Using #JournoRequest, journalists post queries, and sources can respond directly.

• Key Features:

  • Real-time access to media opportunities and direct interaction with journalists.

• Best For:

  • Individuals who prefer a more hands-on approach and have time to monitor Twitter for relevant opportunities.

    
    

• Pros: Real-time access to journalist requests via Twitter, allowing for direct communication.

• Cons: Requires users to actively monitor social media, which can be time-consuming.

6. Qwoted

Qwoted connects journalists with experts and sources and is known for a curated approach that helps ensure high-quality matches. It provides a platform where sources can respond to queries in a streamlined way.

• Key Features:

  • Verification of experts, tracking interactions, and offering profiles for easier follow-up.
    

• Best For:

  • Professionals and businesses looking for a more selective, quality-over-quantity approach to media opportunities.

    
    

• Pros: Curated matches between journalists and sources, ensuring higher quality interactions.

• Cons: May have a cost associated and is more selective, which can limit the number of opportunities.

These alternatives offer a range of services to suit different needs, from real-time Twitter interactions to curated connections with high-profile media outlets. Depending on your approach and resources, one of these might serve as a better fit than HARO.