Getting featured in Forbes, Business Insider, or The Wall Street Journal used to be as simple as replying to a HARO email.
Not anymore.
HARO is gone, and with it, the easiest way to land high-authority backlinks.
So, what now?
Should you give up on journalist link building?
Not a chance.
While HARO may be discontinued, there are new platforms, new strategies, and even new opportunities to get featured in major publications.
The game has changed, but the rewards are still there for those who know how to play it right.
In this guide, I’ll show you how journalist link building still works—even without HARO.
You’ll learn where to find media opportunities, how to craft killer pitches, and the best ways to turn journalist features into powerful backlinks.
What is HARO Link Building?
HARO was a link building strategy that helped businesses earn high-authority backlinks by connecting with journalists.
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) was a platform where reporters posted queries, looking for expert insights.
If you provided a strong response, you could get quoted in major publications like Forbes, Business Insider, or The Wall Street Journal—often with a backlink to your site.
These links were valuable for SEO, credibility, and referral traffic. HARO made it possible to secure backlinks without paying for them or running outreach campaigns.
But as of December 9, 2024, HARO was shut down.
While HARO itself is gone, journalist-sourcing platforms like Source of Sources, Qwoted, and Featured have taken its place, offering new opportunities for link building.
The process is still the same—respond to journalist requests, provide valuable insights, and earn backlinks from authoritative sites—but now, you need to use different platforms to get results.
Best HARO Link Building Alternative Platforms
HARO was once the go-to platform for securing high-authority backlinks, but it shut down on December 9, 2024.
Fortunately, several alternatives have stepped up to fill the gap.
If you want to maximize your media mentions and backlinks, using multiple journalist-sourcing platforms can increase your chances.
Each of these options offers unique benefits, from niche-specific queries to better journalist filtering.
Here are the best HARO-style platforms available today.
1. Source of Sources (SOS)
Created by HARO’s original founder, Source of Sources (SOS) closely mirrors HARO’s process.
It sends three daily emails filled with journalist queries, giving you the opportunity to respond and secure media coverage.
Since it’s new, competition is lower than HARO, making it a great platform for early adopters looking for backlinks.
2. Qwoted
Qwoted works like HARO but is more Source of Sources (SOS).
Journalists often prefer it because they receive fewer, high-quality responses, making it easier to filter out spammy pitches.
As a source, you create a profile, showcase your expertise, and pitch to relevant media queries.
Since the competition is lower than HARO, well-structured pitches have a higher chance of getting selected.
3. SourceBottle
SourceBottle is widely used in Australia and the UK but is gaining traction globally.
Unlike HARO, it allows anonymous journalist queries, meaning some opportunities won’t disclose publication names.
While this adds an element of uncertainty, it also means less competition for responses.
If you’re looking to build backlinks from international media outlets, SourceBottle is a great HARO alternative.
4. Featured (formerly Terkel)
Featured takes a different approach to media outreach.
Instead of responding to journalist queries, you submit your expert profile, and media outlets reach out to you when they need insights.
This means you don’t have to constantly scan emails for opportunities—journalists come to you.
It’s a passive but effective way to earn backlinks, especially if you’re a thought leader in your industry.
5. Help a B2B Writer
If your focus is on business, SaaS, or B2B marketing, this is one of the best platforms available.
Help a B2B Writer connects business writers with founders, marketers, and industry experts who can provide insights for their articles.
Since it’s B2B-specific, it’s a great way to secure backlinks from high-authority business and tech publications.
Using multiple HARO-style platforms increases your chances of getting published.
Some focus on broad media coverage, while others target niche industries.
Set up profiles on the ones that fit your expertise, track responses, and stay consistent.
The more opportunities you engage with, the more high-authority backlinks you’ll secure, boosting your search rankings and brand credibility.
How Journalist Link Building Works Without HARO
With HARO shut down, earning high-quality backlinks from journalists is still possible, but the approach has changed.
Instead of relying on HARO’s daily emails, you need to be proactive in finding journalist queries and responding effectively.
The process remains similar: identify opportunities, craft compelling pitches, and build media relationships.
Here’s how journalist link building works now.
Choose the Right Journalist-Sourcing Platforms
Since HARO is no longer available, several alternative platforms now connect experts with journalists.
The most effective ones include:
- Source of Sources (SOS) – Created by HARO’s founder, this platform offers daily journalist queries similar to HARO’s email model.
- Qwoted – A premium platform where journalists can search for expert sources, making it easier to get discovered.
- Featured (formerly Terkel) – Matches experts with media opportunities by curating insights for publications.
Signing up for multiple platforms increases your chances of getting featured and allows you to access a broader range of journalist requests.
Monitor Journalist Queries
Instead of receiving HARO’s three daily emails, you now need to actively check and filter journalist queries.
Each platform has its own way of delivering media requests.
Some provide real-time notifications, while others require manual browsing of journalist posts.
Additionally, tools like Google Alerts, Twitter (via #JournoRequest), and LinkedIn posts from journalists can help you stay ahead of new opportunities.
Identify Relevant Requests
Not every query will be a fit, so you need to filter out low-value opportunities and focus on those that match your expertise.
When evaluating journalist requests, look for:
- Relevance to your industry (business, tech, health, finance, etc.)
- Authority of the publication (higher domain authority = better SEO impact)
- Expert requirements (some reporters require insights from CEOs, PhDs, or niche specialists)
- Deadline feasibility (most journalist queries have a 24-48 hour turnaround)
Focusing on the right opportunities increases your success rate and helps you land more impactful media placements.
Craft a Winning Journalist Pitch
Now comes the most important part—your response to the journalist.
Without HARO, competition may be lower on newer platforms, but journalists still receive a high volume of pitches.
To stand out, make sure your pitch is:
- Straight to the point – Start strong with an impressive credential or key insight.
- Easy to read – Use short paragraphs and bullet points when possible.
- Genuinely valuable – Offer a unique angle, specific data, or a compelling quote.
- Well-formatted – Journalists scan quickly, so clarity and structure matter.
- Credible – Include a short bio, website link, and relevant credentials if required.
Example of a strong journalist pitch:
Subject: Expert Insight on [Journalist’s Topic]
Hi [Journalist’s Name],
As a [your role] at [your company], I’ve worked with [relevant industry experience].
Here’s my take on [journalist’s question]:
- Key insight #1 (include relevant data or an example)
- Key insight #2 (keep it original and valuable)
Let me know if you need more details. Happy to provide additional insights!
Best, [Your Name]
A well-structured, concise response improves your chances of getting quoted in the final article.
Track Your Media Mentions & Backlinks
Since many journalists won’t notify you if you’re featured, tracking your mentions and backlinks is crucial.
You can use:
- Google Alerts – Set up alerts for your name, company, and key terms.
- Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz – Track new backlinks and monitor referral traffic.
- Manual searches – Occasionally Google your name and expertise to find unreported media mentions.
Staying on top of your mentions helps you engage with the journalist, share the feature, and build stronger connections for future opportunities.
Scale Your Outreach & Build Relationships
Journalist link building isn’t a one-time effort—the more consistently you pitch, the more backlinks you’ll earn.
Aiming for 3-5 well-targeted responses per week can lead to regular media features over time.
Building relationships with journalists is also key.
If a journalist quotes you once, follow up, connect on LinkedIn, and offer insights for future articles.
Establishing trust can lead to ongoing media coverage, reducing the need to chase new journalist queries every time.
HARO may be gone, but journalist link building is still a powerful strategy for securing high-quality backlinks and media exposure.
The key is to adapt to new platforms, refine your pitch strategy, and stay consistent.
The Secret Sauce: Crafting Winning Journalist Pitches
Most journalist pitches fail because they’re too generic, too long, or lack real value.
Without HARO, media outreach has become more competitive, meaning your pitch needs to stand out instantly.
Journalists receive hundreds of responses, and they don’t have time to sift through weak submissions.
A winning pitch is clear, concise, and delivers value upfront.
The goal isn’t just to answer a query—it’s to make it effortless for the journalist to quote you.
The more structured and useful your response, the higher your chances of getting featured.
Hook Them Fast
The first sentence matters more than ever.
Lead with a strong credential or an insight that grabs attention.
Journalists decide quickly, so your opening should make them want to keep reading.
Avoid generic introductions like “Hi, my name is…” and jump straight into your expertise.
Establish credibility in the first few seconds and show why you’re the right source for their article.
Keep It Clear and Concise
Long-winded responses get ignored.
Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and proper formatting to make your pitch easy to scan.
Keep it 150-200 words max, focusing on delivering value, not fluff.
If your response is too long or hard to read, it will likely get skipped.
Make every sentence count and get straight to the point.
Offer Unique Value
Journalists look for expert insights, data, and fresh perspectives.
A generic response won’t cut it.
Share something specific and useful that adds depth to the story.
If you have relevant numbers, studies, or industry insights, include them—but keep them brief and digestible.
Think about what would make a journalist’s article stronger and tailor your response accordingly.
The more helpful your response, the more likely it is to be featured.
End with a Solid Bio
Wrap up with a brief, credibility-driven bio.
Keep it short but impactful, highlighting your expertise and why you’re a reliable source.
If allowed, include a link to your website, LinkedIn, or previous media features to establish further credibility.
Your bio should reinforce your authority without sounding overly promotional.
A strong journalist pitch is direct, valuable, and formatted for quick reading.
The more refined your approach, the better your chances of securing media features and high-authority backlinks.
Stay consistent, track your success, and refine your strategy over time.
The more you practice, the better you’ll get—and the more media mentions you’ll land.
Pro Tools That Supercharge Your HARO Game
Winning at journalist outreach isn’t just about writing great pitches—it’s about speed, precision, and efficiency.
The right tools can help you track queries, craft stronger responses, and manage your workflow more effectively.
Since HARO was discontinued, these tools will help you adapt to new platforms like Source of Sources, Qwoted, and Featured while keeping your link-building strategy strong.
SEO Outreach Tool
Journalist outreach is just one piece of an effective SEO and link-building strategy.
To scale your efforts, using an SEO outreach tool can help automate and personalize your campaigns.
Influno is a great option—it streamlines email outreach, tracks responses, and automates follow-ups, ensuring you never miss an opportunity.
With smart follow-up sequences, it helps you build relationships with journalists and website owners for ongoing link-building success.
Google Alerts
Not all journalists notify you when your response is published.
Google Alerts helps you track brand mentions, backlinks, and media features without manually checking every publication.
Set up alerts for your name, company, and website URL to automatically get notified when you’re featured.
This way, you can track new links, engage with journalists, and share your features across social media to maximize exposure.
Link Monitoring Tool
Backlinks are great, but tracking their impact is just as important.
Ahrefs and SEMrush help you monitor new backlinks, analyze their domain authority, and measure referral traffic from media placements.
These tools also help you spot lost or broken links, so you can reach out to journalists for a fix if needed.
Understanding which placements bring the most value allows you to refine your pitching strategy over time.
Query Tracking & Response Tools
Since HARO is no longer available, platforms like Source of Sources (SOS), Qwoted, and Featured are taking its place.
Each has its own notification system, but setting up email filters and using tools like can help you respond faster and more efficiently.
With HARO gone, journalist outreach is changing, but high-authority backlinks are still within reach.
Using the right tools will keep your link-building strategy effective and scalable, no matter which platform you use.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Journalist Link Building
Landing high-quality backlinks through journalist outreach can be incredibly effective, but common mistakes often hold people back.
If you’re not seeing results, chances are your approach needs some tweaking.
Avoid these pitfalls to improve your success rate and increase your chances of getting featured.
- Sending Generic Responses – Journalists can spot copy-paste pitches instantly. Every response should be personalized and relevant to the query.
- Responding Too Late – Journalist queries get flooded with pitches quickly. If you wait too long, your response might never be seen. Aim to reply within the first 1-2 hours for the best chance of success.
- Ignoring Query Requirements – Journalists specify exactly what they need. If they ask for a 100-word response and your credentials, don’t send a 300-word essay with no verification.
- Weak Subject Lines – Reporters scan their inboxes quickly. If your subject line doesn’t grab attention, your pitch won’t get opened. Keep it short, clear, and relevant.
- Lack of Credibility – If you don’t include proof of expertise, your pitch loses value. Add a brief but strong bio and link to your LinkedIn, website, or previous features.
- Focusing Too Much on Self-Promotion – Journalists want valuable insights, not a sales pitch. Keep the focus on helping them craft a better story, not promoting yourself.
- Not Tracking Your Mentions – Many journalists won’t notify you if you’re featured. Use Google Alerts, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to track new backlinks and mentions.
Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll increase your success rate, land more high-authority backlinks, and build lasting media relationships.
Small adjustments can make a big difference—refine your approach, stay consistent, and watch your media features grow.
The Future of Journalist Link Building
With HARO discontinued, journalist outreach is shifting, and staying ahead means adapting your strategy.
Reporters are becoming more selective, prioritizing sources with strong credentials and unique insights.
Generic pitches that worked in the past won’t cut it anymore.
New platforms like Source of Sources (SOS), Qwoted, and Featured are filling the gap, but they come with different rules and competition levels.
Journalists increasingly prefer short, data-driven responses that add immediate value to their stories.
Some are even experimenting with video and audio responses, making multimedia pitches a potential game-changer.
AI-powered tools are also changing the way journalist queries are managed, helping reporters filter responses faster.
This makes timing and pitch quality more critical than ever.
The best way forward is to stay consistent, refine your outreach strategy, and leverage multiple platforms.
HARO may be gone, but high-authority backlinks and media exposure are still within reach—as long as you evolve with the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About HARO Link Building
With HARO shut down, many businesses and professionals are now turning to alternative journalist-sourcing platforms to build backlinks.
If you’re wondering how to adapt your strategy, track results, and maximize your efforts, here are some important questions to consider.
How long does it take to see results from HARO link building?
It depends on how often you pitch and the quality of your responses.
Some people land a media mention in their first few weeks, while others take a few months to secure their first backlink.
On average, it takes 1-3 months to start seeing results.
The key is consistency—the more well-crafted, high-quality pitches you send, the better your chances.
Platforms like Source of Sources, Qwoted, and Featured may have different response times, so tracking your outreach performance is essential.
What types of businesses benefit the most from journalist outreach?
Journalist sourcing platforms work best for businesses and individuals who can provide expert insights.
If you’re a founder, marketer, consultant, doctor, lawyer, or industry expert, your chances of getting quoted are higher.
Journalists prefer credible, well-researched responses, so businesses in finance, health, tech, and business-related industries tend to see more success.
That said, small businesses and startups can still leverage these platforms by offering unique insights and industry expertise.
The key is positioning yourself as a trusted authority in your niche.
Can HARO link building help local businesses?
Yes, but it requires a strategic approach.
Most journalist-sourcing platforms focus on national and global media, so the direct impact on local audiences may be limited.
However, being featured in high-authority publications improves your website’s overall SEO and credibility, which can help you rank better in local search results.
If local visibility is your goal, mention your city or region in your bio and focus on responding to queries related to local business trends, community insights, or industry-specific news.
Succeeding in journalist outreach means understanding how these platforms work, optimizing your pitches, and staying consistent.
HARO may be gone, but the opportunity to earn high-authority backlinks and media exposure is still very much alive.
Key Takeaways on HARO Link Building
With HARO shut down, journalist outreach is evolving, but the opportunity for high-authority backlinks remains strong.
Platforms like Source of Sources (SOS), Qwoted, and Featured now connect experts with journalists, offering new ways to land media placements.
Success still depends on timing, strategy, and high-quality pitching.
Reporters receive countless responses, so concise, value-driven pitches with strong credibility have the best chance of getting picked.
More journalists are favoring data-driven insights and even video or audio responses, making adaptability key.
Tracking results is just as important as outreach.
Google Alerts, Ahrefs, and SEMrush help monitor backlinks, while tools like Influno streamline outreach beyond journalist queries.
HARO may be gone, but those who refine their strategy and leverage multiple platforms will continue securing media exposure, backlinks, and SEO growth.
