Obtaining high-authority backlinks is one of the more difficult components of search engine optimization (SEO). Fortunately, programs such as HARO (Help a Reporter Out) have eased the link-building process, allowing brands to improve their online presence and engage with specific audiences.
Cision, the business behind HARO, stated in 2023 that it will rebrand the HARO website as Connectively.us. The goal is to modernize HARO outreach and deliver more seamless user experiences.
What Is Connectively?
Connectively.us is a novel platform that simplifies how people find and reply to relevant queries. Consider it an internet center where creators, such as journalists, experts, public relations (PR) teams, and link-building companies, can share ideas and assist one another to flourish.
Connectively works comparable to the original Cision HARO platform.
- Once journalists have completed the HARO registration process, they can begin submitting questions outlining the type of information they require. Here’s an example query: “For a story that covers lawn care, I’m looking for effective tips, product recommendations, or any unique practices to maintain a healthy lawn during the winter season.”
- Subject matter experts, including entrepreneurs, can explore queries and respond with information relevant to their sector. They may present their views using links, data, or unique opinions.
- If the journalist likes the HARO pitch, they may include the expert as a source in their article and credit them with quotes.
In the previous HARO Cision platform, potential sources may sign up to receive a daily email digest with journalist queries. They would search through their emails several times each day to find topics or inquiries that matched their expertise.
HARO query emails are delivered daily at 5:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 5:45 p.m. (EST). However, due to HARO’s large subscriber base, the timing of your email may differ somewhat, coming either earlier or later.
Unfortunately, the antiquated HARO Cision email system had obvious flaws. The cluttered inboxes and lack of search criteria made it difficult to find strategic opportunities, resulting in a time-consuming and inconsistent experience.
Connectively strives to address these challenges by expediting the discovery and response processes. This allows professionals to become thought leaders without investing too much time and money in media exposure and link-building.
Haro vs Connectively: New Features and Capabilities
As HARO evolves to meet the changing needs of its users, additional functionalities are added to simplify the research and link-building process.
Let’s look at what the new Connectively platform has to offer:
Easy-To-Use Filtering Options
Connectively includes a searchable database, allowing users to discover relevant content as it becomes available. Instead of sifting through numerous emails, simply filter results by keyword, news outlet, deadline, topic, and date posted.
With its straightforward HARO sign-up process, you can rapidly start researching questions and submitting proposals.
Integrated Pitch Form
Connectively HARO includes an integrated pitch form that allows users to track and manage their pitch history. This feature streamlines and organizes their HARO PR activities.
New HARO Subscription Plan
Users can select between the free version and the Connectively HARO plan, which costs $19 per month. The paid HARO subscription tier contains the following major features:
Increased pitch limit.
In the new HARO Connectively paid model, members receive 15 pitches each month rather than five. This improvement costs $7 in additional pitches.
Additional Keyword Filters.
HARO Cision subscribers now have access to keyword filters, which allow them to store up to two searches.
Email Alerts
Daily HARO emails are scheduled to continue until early 2024. Connectively’s paid subscription includes HARO PR email alerts anytime new results are uploaded to your saved keyword searches.
Pay-To-Pitch Pricing Model
To decrease the chance of spam and AI-generated material, users are charged $1 per pitch after the first five free ones each month. This pricing approach offers the following advantages:
- Higher Quality comments: With less clutter, journalists and experts can concentrate on more credible and useful comments.
- Increased Contributor Visibility: By lowering the volume of AI-generated pitches, real experts are more likely to stand out and receive relevant media coverage.
- Encourages Genuine Queries: The new Connectively HARO price mechanism discourages casual or non-serious inquiries, fostering a fair, collaborative, and efficient environment for all users.
Why Use Haro Connectively as a Link-Building Technique
When used effectively, the HARO PR tool can generate more quality backlinks, bringing various benefits to brands:
Better Search Visibility
Search engines consider backlinks to be endorsements. When reliable websites link to your material, you gain credibility in your niche or business, enhancing your chances of appearing higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Increased Brand Awareness
Earning backlinks from websites with thousands of monthly visits allows you to market your products and services to untapped audiences.
Traffic Referral
Click-throughs from other websites direct traffic to your pages, increasing visibility and potentially resulting in conversions.
Competitive Advantage
Cision HARO allows you to get genuine links that your competitors cannot easily copy. By investing in a strong HARO marketing strategy, you can identify growth opportunities and connections that will propel your company to new heights.
7 HARO Tips: How To Craft Effective Pitches
With over 1 million registered sources and more than 75,000 journalists and bloggers active on the HARO website, how can you make your HARO pitch stand out?
Secure the desired backlinks by following these tried-and-true HARO tips:
Start With a Compelling Subject Line
Journalists get thousands of HARO pitches for each query. Make yours stand out with an excellent subject line.
Your subject line decides whether your email will be opened or ignored among countless responses, so make it simple and to the point. Please provide the title of the HARO query, the person pitching, their role and firm, and their experience.
Ensure Each Sentence Adds Value
The finest HARO pitches are quick but meaningful, so make sure every phrase provides fresh and valuable information. Examine what is already on the SERPs for the topic and consider methods to supplement the existing information. Be innovative and provide distinct perspectives.
Use Clear and Succinct Language
Keep your words short and to the point, avoiding extraneous details. Avoid jargon that may confuse the reader. Use bullet points or numbered lists to structure your ideas and make them more digestible.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Limit your HARO pitch to 200 to 300 words, unless the HARO query requires extensive technical information. Shorter pitches are typically more readable and concentrated. They allow journalists to swiftly examine and absorb the crucial details, increasing the likelihood that your pitch will be evaluated.
Add Real-Life Examples
Share a brief narrative or case study to demonstrate your point or solution. Including real-life examples in your HARO pitch verifies your knowledge. They provide depth to your proposal and set it apart from more broad observations.
Send Polite Follow Up Messages
Once you’ve sent your HARO pitch, you must follow up in a respectful manner. Wait at least a week before sending a quick but courteous follow-up note.
Avoid being pushy about your HARO marketing activities. For example, you may say, “I wanted to confirm receipt of my response to your question about [topic].” I’m available to provide extra details if necessary.”
Practice Is Key
If you do not receive a response, it is absolutely acceptable to move on and seek other possible HARO pitches. Even experienced HARO link builders typically have a success rate of one link for every six pitches.
For individuals with less experience, the success rate may be closer to one connection per ten or twelve pitches. Achieving success with Cision HARO requires patience and constant practice. Take the time to examine successful pitches and improve your approach by understanding the essential components that make them effective.
