Connectively, one of the top platforms designed to streamline outreach and collaboration between journalists and sources, is officially shutting down on December 9th, 2024.
Not long ago, in an email sent to users, Cision announced its decision to cease Connectively’s operations by the end of this year. This left many public relations (PR) professionals, search engine optimization experts (SEOs), and digital marketers in search of viable alternatives.
For some, this announcement was logical and expected, but for me, it was a bit of a shock. Not because there are no other options but because this marks the peculiar collapse of a giant from the recent past.
A Look Back at Connectively’s Journey
Founded in 2007 by Peter Shankman, Help a Reporter Out (HARO) began as a Facebook group and evolved into an email newsletter that became a vital resource for journalists seeking expert opinions and insights for their articles. Over the years, it has facilitated countless connections between media professionals and knowledgeable sources across various fields.
In June 2010, HARO was acquired by Vocus, Inc. The following year, in 2014, Vocus merged with Cision Ltd., making HARO one of Cision’s brands. In 2023, Cision announced that they’re rebranding the HARO website into Connectively.us. The goal was to modernize HARO outreach and provide a smoother user experience.
While HARO was always intended to be a newsletter, the new Connectively seemed promising as an all-in-one platform where you can post queries and pitches with a couple of clicks.
My experience with Connectively was mostly satisfying. It worked well and felt innovative. Sadly, it turned out that retiring the service was the best thing Cision could do from an economic standpoint. Instead of investing time and resources into Connectively, the company decided to focus on improving its core product, CisionOne.
How to Prepare for the Connectively Shutdown
You need to think about adapting your strategies even before Connectively closes to be well-prepared for the change. By being proactive, you’ll reduce any disruptions to your workflow.
Start by exporting your data, which includes downloading all your contacts, pitches, and emails before December 9. If you need assistance, you can access the guide in your account dashboard.
Don’t forget to take care of your relationships as well. Get in touch with the journalists you’ve worked with on Connectively and do your best to avoid losing these contacts.
What Are the Connectively Alternatives?
While Connectively’s shutdown may feel like a setback, it’s also a reminder that every once in a while we should evaluate our strategies and diversify our toolkit.
If you’ve been relying on the Connectively platform, it’s time to explore other media outreach tools. Here’s a list of a few opportunities worth considering:
- Help a B2B Writer: This platform simplifies communication between journalists and industry experts, making it easier to obtain quotes and information. This improves the quality and credibility of business-to-business (B2B) content.
- Qwoted: A rising star in the industry, Qwoted offers AI-driven insights to help match journalists and sources more effectively.
- SourceBottle: Particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand, SourceBottle caters to niche markets and industries.
- Source of Source (SOS): Created by the founder of HARO, SOS leverages Shankman’s extensive experience in media and public relations for effective communication between reporters and PR specialists.
- ProfNet: A service provided by PR Newswire that connects journalists with expert sources for their stories.
- Featured: Previously known as Terkel, this platform is among the first and strongest HARO competitors. Featured uses tailored algorithms to match experts with relevant media opportunities.
- X (#journorequest): This popular hashtag on X (former Twitter) has been facilitating immediate connections between reporters and various qualified sources for years.
In light of current events, don’t let the closure of Connectively derail your outreach efforts—start exploring the variety of tools available today.
Looking for more alternatives?
I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to HARO alternatives that can help you navigate this transition smoothly.
My Final Thoughts
Back in the day, HARO sparked a revolution. Despite HARO’s simplicity, the platform was my go-to place whenever I needed to enrich my articles with first-person expertise.
HARO even gave its name to what can be called an entire branch of SEO: HARO link building. This umbrella term now covers the use of various platforms that allow you to secure media coverage by working with journalists. The editorial links acquired hold tremendous value for your backlink profile, making your website stand out in search engine rankings.
And while Connectively is dying, HARO still lives on in all other platforms for journalists and expert sources.
If you’re not sure which alternative to choose yet, boost your online presence with our professional HARO link building service starting today.
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Article by
Nikola Baldikov