Building high-quality backlinks is one of the most effective ways to improve your website’s visibility in search engines. But let’s be honest—most small business owners don’t have the time, budget, or know-how to dive into traditional link-building methods like guest posting or cold outreach. If that sounds familiar, there’s a resource that could make a big difference for you: HARO.
What Is HARO?
HARO stands for Help a Reporter Out. It’s a free platform that connects journalists with sources. And if you’re a small business owner, you can be that source.
Every day, journalists and writers are looking for credible insights and expert opinions to include in their articles. HARO lets you sign up and receive these media requests directly in your inbox. In return for your contribution, you may be featured—or even get a backlink—from major websites, blogs, or news outlets.
The best part? It only takes a few minutes a day and doesn’t cost a dime (unless you opt for a premium version, which we’ll cover below).
Why HARO Matters for Small Business SEO
A single link from a high-authority site can do more for your SEO than dozens of low-quality ones. And HARO is one of the few free methods that can help you land those valuable backlinks.
Even if a story isn’t directly related to your business, if you can speak to the topic, it’s still a potential win. For example, being featured in a major publication—even without a backlink—can still boost your credibility in the eyes of search engines and customers alike.
How It Works
- Sign Up
Go to the HARO website and register as a source. Choose the categories that match your expertise or life experience. - Check Your Inbox
You’ll get three emails a day with lists of journalist requests. Each one includes a short description, the topic, and the type of source they’re looking for. - Respond Quickly
If something is a good fit, reply through the platform’s masked email system. This keeps everything anonymous until the reporter decides to reach out.
How to Write a Great HARO Response
Reporters get flooded with responses, so make yours stand out:
- Respond ASAP – The sooner, the better. Ideally within the first hour.
- State Your Credentials Up Front – Why are you qualified to speak on this?
- Answer Clearly and Concisely – Use proper grammar and complete thoughts. Avoid slang, sales pitches, or fluff.
- Add a Short Bio – A sentence or two at the end with your name, business name, and a link to your website (if appropriate).
Important: Not all mentions will include a link, especially on bigger media sites that have strict editorial guidelines. But even an unlinked mention can be helpful—Google still uses them to evaluate your business’s trustworthiness and authority.
Is It Worth Paying for HARO?
There are paid versions that offer keyword alerts, profile templates, and extra features. But for most small business owners, the free plan is enough to get started. The premium plans may be useful if you want more control or if you’re targeting very specific topics and don’t want to sift through all the daily emails.
Should You Hire Someone to Handle HARO for You?
Generally, no. You are the best spokesperson for your business. A generic or inaccurate response from someone else could do more harm than good. If you need help crafting responses, consider getting assistance with writing or creating a few reusable templates, but keep the actual pitching personal and authentic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a low-cost, low-effort way to build your business’s online presence, HARO is worth exploring. It can help you get in front of new audiences, earn media mentions, and improve your site’s authority—all without needing to be an SEO expert.
Set aside 15–30 minutes a week, check those emails, and start pitching. You never know which opportunity might be the one that puts your business on the map.
HARO for Small Business Owners: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is HARO?
HARO stands for Help a Reporter Out. It’s a free platform that connects journalists looking for sources with people who have relevant knowledge, experience, or stories to share. As a small business owner, you can use it to gain media exposure and possibly earn valuable backlinks to your website.
2. How do I sign up for HARO?
Go to helpareporter.com, click “I’m a Source,” and create a free account. Choose categories that match your expertise or interests so you receive relevant queries.
3. How often will I get emails from HARO?
You’ll receive three emails a day, Monday through Friday:
- Morning (around 5:30 AM ET)
- Afternoon (around 12:30 PM ET)
- Evening (around 5:30 PM ET)
Each email contains dozens of media opportunities from blogs, podcasts, news outlets, and major publications.
4. What kind of topics will I see?
HARO covers a wide range of categories, including:
- Business and finance
- Marketing and entrepreneurship
- Health and wellness
- Tech and apps
- Lifestyle and parenting
- Travel And more! Some stories may be business-related, while others might just be a chance to share your personal experiences.
5. How do I respond to a query?
Click the email address listed in the HARO query. Craft a short, clear, and professional response that:
- Highlights your expertise
- Answers the reporter’s questions
- Includes a short bio and link to your website (if allowed)
Respond quickly—ideally within the first few hours.
6. Will I always get a backlink?
Not always. Some outlets mention your name or business but don’t include a clickable link. However, unlinked brand mentions still add value, especially when they come from reputable sites. They help build your authority and visibility in search engines.
7. Is HARO really free?
Yes, the basic HARO account is completely free and enough for most small business owners. Paid plans are available if you want additional features like keyword filtering, text alerts, or more advanced tools.
8. Should I use a paid HARO plan?
Only if:
- You’re short on time and want to filter queries faster
- You need to monitor specific keywords
- You’re ready to scale your outreach efforts
Otherwise, the free version offers plenty of value.
9. Can I hire someone to respond to HARO on my behalf?
It’s not recommended. Reporters are looking for genuine, insightful responses. You’re the expert on your business—so it’s best to respond personally. However, you can get help crafting strong templates or refining your pitch.
10. How long does it take to see results?
Like most marketing strategies, HARO results can vary. Some responses get picked up quickly; others may take weeks or never get published. Consistency is key. Even 1–2 strong media mentions a month can build significant credibility over time.
11. What happens if my response is chosen?
The reporter may:
- Quote you in their article
- Include your business name
- Link to your website (if allowed) You’ll usually be notified when the story goes live, though not always. It’s a good idea to track your name or business with tools like Google Alerts to catch mentions.