Getting Media Coverage for your Startup using HARO: A Free PR Powerhouse
Tags: mediacoverage, newsmentions, haro, marketing
Published: 2023-12-18 07:51:26

Struggling to get your startup noticed in the crowded marketplace? You're not alone. With limited resources and an ever-growing sea of competitors, securing media coverage for your fledgling business can feel like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. But fear not, intrepid entrepreneur! There's a powerful tool in your arsenal that can level the playing field and land you valuable press mentions – [Help A Reporter Out (HARO)](https://www.helpareporter.com/).

## What is HARO and Why Should You Care?

[HARO](https://bulldogdigitalmedia.co.uk/blog/power-of-haro/) is a free online platform that connects journalists seeking expert sources with qualified individuals like you. Think of it as a matchmaking service for the media world. Journalists post queries on specific topics, and HARO sends them out to its vast network of registered sources. If your expertise aligns with a query, you can pitch your response, and voilà, you might just land yourself featured in a major publication!

## HARO's Benefits for Startups:

**Free PR:** Unlike traditional PR agencies that can cost a fortune, HARO is completely free to use. You simply sign up, create a profile, and start pitching.

**Targeted Reach:** Journalists on HARO come from a wide range of media outlets, from online blogs to national newspapers. This allows you to target your pitches to the publications most relevant to your target audience.

**Credibility Boost:** Being quoted in a reputable publication instantly adds credibility and legitimacy to your startup.
SEO Advantage: Backlinks from high-authority websites like those journalists write for can significantly improve your startup's search engine ranking.

**Brand Awareness:** Media coverage is a fantastic way to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
Conquering HARO: Pitching like a Pro

Now that you're sold on HARO's potential, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of crafting winning pitches. Here are some key tips:

**Be Relevant:** Don't just respond to every query that comes your way. Only pitch to queries where your expertise truly shines.
Read the Query Carefully: Pay close attention to the journalist's specific needs and tailor your response accordingly.

**Hook 'em Fast:** Your pitch should grab the journalist's attention within the first few lines. Highlight your unique insights and why you're the perfect source for their story.
Keep it Concise: Journalists are busy people. Keep your pitch brief and to the point, ideally around 200-300 words.
Show, Don't Tell: Don't just say you're an expert; prove it! Include relevant data, case studies, or personal anecdotes to back up your claims.

**Offer More Than Just Words:** If possible, offer the journalist additional resources, such as images, infographics, or even an interview.

**Follow Up (Respectfully):** If you don't hear back right away, don't send a barrage of emails. A polite follow-up a few days later is perfectly acceptable.

## HARO Success Stories: Inspiration for Your Startup

Don't just take our word for it! Here are a few inspiring examples of startups that have successfully leveraged HARO to land amazing media coverage:

**CoSchedule:** This marketing startup used HARO to get featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and other top publications, resulting in a significant boost in website traffic and leads.
Buffer: This social media management tool landed a coveted spot on The New York Times' "Small Business" blog thanks to a well-crafted HARO pitch.

**Moz: **This SEO software company regularly uses HARO to secure backlinks from high-authority websites, improving their search engine ranking.

**Remember:** HARO is a game of numbers. The more you pitch, the more likely you are to land coverage. So don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away. Keep pitching, keep honing your craft, and eventually, you'll see your startup splashed across the headlines.

**Bonus Tips:**

Optimize your HARO profile: Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date, highlighting your expertise and areas of interest.

Build relationships with journalists: Once you've landed a few placements, take the time to connect with the journalists on social media or email them a thank-you note. This can help build rapport and increase your chances of being featured again in the future.

Use HARO as part of your overall PR strategy: Don't rely solely on HARO for media coverage. Combine it with other PR tactics, such as social media outreach and blogger outreach, for maximum impact.

**HARO is a powerful tool that can