Best HARO Alternatives: My Favorite 10 Platforms (Free and Paid)

As someone who’s been in search engine optimization (SEO) for over ten years and worked a lot with Help a Reporter Out (HARO), later rebranded Connectively, I know how useful it’s been for getting backlinks and brand mentions.

Now that Connectively is closing doors, you might be looking for a replacement. The good news is there are plenty of options available.

I’ve tested several of these platforms, and in this post, I’ll break down each one and how they compare in terms of effectiveness. Stay tuned to find out which platforms are worth your time.

Let’s dive right in.

Alternatives to HARO in 2025 [Key Takeaways]

• With the discontinuation of Connectively (formerly HARO), media professionals can explore alternatives like SourceBottle, Help a B2B Writer, and Featured, each offering tailored features to meet diverse needs.
• Platforms like ProfNet and Qwoted cater to industry leaders and experts seeking credible exposure, though premium access can be costly.
• Emerging tools such as PressLinker and Editorielle offer user-friendly, affordable solutions tailored to the modern needs of journalists and public relations (PR) professionals.
• Performance metrics, based on my experience, show varying success rates, with Featured achieving a standout 42.31% success rate, while Qwoted and SourceBottle provide moderate opportunities.
• Outsourcing HARO outreach to professional agencies is a strategic option for obtaining high-quality backlinks and efficient media placements.

Top 10 Best Haro Alternatives for 2025

Finding the right platform can make all the difference, so here are my ten top picks for HARO alternatives for 2025.

1. SourceBottle

SourceBottle is a platform that connects bloggers and journalists with sources who have expertise or stories to share. It helps them find relevant and reliable sources for their articles, podcasts, videos, and other media projects. It’s also beneficial for sources—they gain exposure and credibility by being featured in the media.

SourceBottle key features

• Free and easy to use for both journalists and sources.
• Access to thousands of media opportunities across various topics and industries.
• Create custom alerts and receive notifications when a media opportunity matches your criteria.
• Pitch yourself or your client as a source for a media opportunity.
• Browse and search for media opportunities by keyword, category, deadline, or location.
• Share media opportunities with your network via email or social media.

SourceBottle pros and cons

Pros:

• Saves time and effort for bloggers and journalists
• Provides exposure and credibility for sources
• Covers a wide range of topics and industries
• Has a large and active community of journalists and sources

Cons:

• Competitive and challenging to stand out as a source
• Risky and unpredictable to trust unknown sources
• Might be spammy and annoying to receive irrelevant pitches
• Costly to pay for a premium subscription

“From my experience in doing off-page SEO for almost a decade, I’d say that when selecting the right HARO alternative for your unique needs, first, evaluate the platform’s credibility and reputation within your industry. Look for alternatives that attract quality sources and provide reputable connections.” — Carlos Rosado, Director of SEO, Integrated Digital Strategies

SourceBottle pricing

SourceBottle is a free online media service for both sources and journalists.

However, there is an option to create an “Expert Profile” for $25 per month and present it to journalists and writers looking for experts with your skills.

Additionally, there is a paid subscription service for “Giveaways/Case Studies” and “Agency Access” that comes at $95 per month.

2. Help a B2B Writer (HaB2BW)

Help a B2B Writer is a web-based tool that facilitates business-to-business (B2B) writers to create engaging and effective content for their clients. It’s different from HARO, yet a great alternative. Whether you need to make your blog post ideas come to life or write a white paper, a case study, or a landing page, Help a B2B Writer can guide you through the process and provide you with tips, templates, and examples.

“I’ve used a bunch of different press request sites, including HARO, over my years in marketing. One thing I always advise people to do when they are analysing alternatives is to look at the type of press outlets putting requests through. This is so they can ensure they are spending their valuable time on a service that is tailored to them as much as it can be. 
Sites like HARO can be tailored to suit your organisation, it’s the same with Help a B2B Writer. You can select industries that meet your needs and ensure you’re only notified about relevant queries. Other sites, like Qwoted and SourceBottle, are more general, so you need to see what kinds of opportunities are on there before spending a huge amount of time there.” — Ryan Jones, Marketing Manager, SEOTesting

Help a B2B Writer key features

• Connects writers with sources based on specific expertise for relevant connections
• Filters requests to reduce irrelevant inquiries, improving productivity for both parties
• Features an intuitive design for easy navigation and oversight of requests
• Provides access to a wide range of expert sources, enriching content quality for B2B audiences

Help a B2B Writer pros and cons

Pros:

• Saves time and effort with a structured and streamlined workflow for creating content
• Improves writing skills by giving feedback and suggestions on how to improve content
• Increases conversion rates with the right persuasive content for your target audience
• Boosts your credibility with trustworthy content from B2B writers

Cons:

• May not capture the nuances or subtleties of your brand voice
• May not cover all types of content or formats
• Requires an internet connection to use the tool
• May not be compatible with some browsers or devices

Help a B2B Writer pricing

Help a B2B Writer is a free service that connects B2B writers with sources. There is no cost for sources to be on the list, and it’s free for writers to submit requests. However, there is no clear information about the pricing of Help a B2B Writer for different types of users.

3. Source of Sources (SOS)

SOS is a HARO-like platform designed to streamline the connection between journalists and credible sources. It offers a free service that allows journalists to submit queries and receive relevant responses from experts, enhancing the quality of media coverage.

SOS key features

• Users receive up to three emails daily with queries from various media outlets.
• The platform emphasizes quality by requiring sources to only reply if they can provide valuable insights, ensuring productive engagements.
• It operates on a free model, making it accessible for experts seeking media exposure without any financial commitment.

SOS pros and cons

Pros:

• Fast and easy access for journalists to find credible sources
• Provides networking opportunities between journalists and experts
• Free for sources, encouraging participation without financial barriers

Cons:

• May not cover all topics and regions, limiting the usefulness of some inquiries
• Quality issues with responses if sources do not adhere to guidelines

SOS pricing

SOS is free for sources to join and respond to journalist queries. There are no costs associated with being a source on the platform, making it accessible for experts seeking media exposure. Journalists can also use the service without any fees.

4. Featured (formerly Terkel)

Featured provides a knowledge-sharing online space for creating community-driven content based on insights from trusted experts. It connects brands with industry experts by featuring thousands of panelists in articles through daily questions. Anyone can sign up for free and share their experiences by answering relevant questions and eventually get published.

Featured key features

• Poses daily questions to its panelists, allowing them to share their expertise and experiences in a variety of fields.
• By answering relevant questions, contributors can get published and boost their expertise online.
• Community-driven content with expert insights and commentary from panelists, providing a diverse range of voices and perspectives.
• Anyone can sign up for the free version and access its resources and tools.

Featured pros and cons

Pros:

• Democratizes thought leadership and offers a diverse range of expert insights
• Provides a platform for experts to enhance their online profile and share their expertise
• Offers free access to its resources and tools

Cons:

• The daily questions posed to experts may not always be relevant to a user’s specific needs or interests
• Relatively new platform that may not have the same level of trust as some of its more established competitors
• Doesn’t support multilingual questions

“Featured and Help a B2B Writer are great alternatives to HARO. Factors to consider are how speedy the service is at providing responses, how often queries are updated, robust UX, and whether it registers details of the source.” — Neelabja Adkuloo, Sr. Content Marketing Manager, Mailmodo

Featured pricing

Plan	Price	Features
Starter	Free	Up to 3 answers per month
Pro	$39.80 per user/month (billed yearly)	Unlimited answers per month Accommodates over 100 seats Ideal for small businesses
Business	$79.20 per month	Unlimited answers per month Multiple account connections Artificial intelligence (AI) recommendations for higher success rates

5. ProfNet

ProfNet is a service connecting journalists and content creators with industry experts for their stories. It’s part of PR Newswire—a leading provider of news distribution and media monitoring services. ProfNet has been operating since 1992 and has access to more than 14,000 public relations professionals and hundreds of thousands of experts in various fields.

ProfNet key features

• Journalists can submit detailed queries specifying the expertise they need, deadlines, and response preferences, ensuring they connect with the right experts for their stories.
• Requests can be filtered by institution type and location, helping to refine results and find suitable experts.
• Experts matching the criteria can reach out directly, enabling quick and effective communication.
• Journalists receive alerts about experts available for commentary on current events, potential story ideas, and links to media job opportunities.  

ProfNet pros and cons

Pros:

• Fast and easy way for journalists to find credible experts
• Large and diverse network of experts
• Facilitates networking between journalists and experts

Cons:

• Not free for experts and PR professionals
• May not cover all topics and regions
• Quality issues with the responses

ProfNet pricing

ProfNet offers flexible pricing that changes depending on factors like the number of users, the organization type, and the industry categories chosen. This helps organizations choose a plan that suits their needs and budget. If you want to learn more, ProfNet suggests contacting them for detailed information and customized pricing.

6. Qwoted

Qwoted is a free platform where journalists can meet experts seeking media opportunities. It’s among the best HARO alternatives on the market. If you’re looking for a way to get more exposure and credibility for your business or personal brand, Qwoted might be a good option for you.

Qwoted key features

• Create a profile to showcase your expertise, experience, and media appearances.  
• Browse and apply to pertinent media requests from journalists seeking sources and quotes.  
• Get notified when relevant journalists express interest in your pitch or profile, allowing direct communication through the platform.  
• Track and measure the impact of your press coverage and easily share it with your network.

Qwoted pros and cons

Pros:

• Increases visibility and authority by being featured in reputable media outlets
• Saves time and hassle by connecting you with the right media opportunities
• As a credible source, you can build relationships with journalists

Cons:

• High competition to get a placement
• Media mentions are not guaranteed
• Not a substitute for a PR link building strategy

Qwoted pricing

Plan	Price	Features
Basic	Free	Appears in the reporter’s expert database Ability to apply to two media requests per month Daily opportunities email
Pro	$99/month	Unlimited access to media requestsPriority ranking and support
Teams	Custom pricing	Customized for larger organizations Additional features such as team management and white labeling

7. X (Twitter) #journorequests

X (formerly Twitter) is a social media platform that allows users to share short messages, images, videos, and links with their followers and the public. It is also a popular source of news and information as well as a tool for journalists to find sources, stories, and trends.

One of the hashtags that journalists use on X is #journorequests, which is a way of asking for advice or contacts from other users who might have relevant expertise or experience.

Publicists and PR professionals also use this hashtag to identify potential media opportunities for their clients and ultimately secure media coverage. By following the #journorequest hashtag, experts can scan and react quickly to requests from journalists for sources in their industry, increasing their chances of receiving publicity.

X #journorequests key features

• Helps journalists connect with a broader range of sources beyond their network
• Enables publicists, PR professionals, and experts to identify media opportunities and contribute insights
• Facilitates connections between journalists and sources, leading to more comprehensive, well-informed stories
• The hashtag is searchable and included in third-party tools, making it easy to find and follow up on requests
• Its simplicity and popularity make it a go-to resource for journalists, publicists, and experts to collaborate

X #journorequests pros and cons

Pros:

• Widely used influential platform giving access to a large and diverse audience
• Fast and easy way to share requests with the public
• Finding useful sources of news and information
• Great tool for journalists to find sources with the #journorequests hashtag

Cons:

• Limited character count for expressing complex or nuanced ideas
• Distracting due to the large volume and variety of content on X
• Misinformation from irrelevant sources with misleading intentions
• May have a negative impact on the credibility of journalism due to unverified or biased sources

X #journorequests pricing

X is free to use for anyone who has an account there. #journorequest is a free hashtag that journalists use to find experts.

8. PressLinker

PressLinker is poised to become the ideal replacement for Connectively, especially with its impending closure on December 9, 2024. Designed to streamline connections between journalists and media professionals, PressLinker enhances the traditional HARO model with modern features tailored for effective collaboration.

PressLinker key features

• Journalists can connect directly with verified content creators and experts, ensuring relevant and insightful interactions.
• The platform offers user-friendly filters to help you manage HARO pitches efficiently.
• Users can quickly find relevant media contact information and subject matter experts, improving the speed of sourcing information.
• It’s simple to track pitch success and engagement metrics to measure effectiveness.
• Early subscribers will gain access to exclusive discounts and promotions, including a special 10% discount for former Connectively users.

PressLinker pros and cons

Pros:

• Simplifies the process of connecting with credible experts, enhancing journalistic quality
• Provides valuable tools for managing pitches and tracking performance
• Offers a user-friendly interface tailored to meet the needs of modern content creators

Cons:

• As a newer platform, it may still be developing its user base and features compared to more established competitors.
• Limited historical data may affect insights for users transitioning from other platforms

PressLinker pricing

Plan	Price	Features
Essential	$96.80 yearly	Send 25 pitches monthly Set 2 email alerts
Professional	$252.64 yearly	Send 50 pitches monthly Advanced search capabilities Set 6 email alerts
Elite	$720.02 yearly	Send 150 pitches monthly Set 20 email alerts Extra support

Moreover, former Connectively users receive a 10% discount on any plan.

9. Editorielle

Editorielle links journalists with brands, PR experts, and specialists, like Connectively (HARO), but with a focus on the UK. This platform lets you get your name out there without needing contracts or minimum commitments. It is a budget-friendly option to appear on major sites like Forbes, Daily Mail, Grazia, and BBC.

Editorielle key features

• Users receive a daily newsletter featuring various journalist requests, allowing them to quickly identify relevant press opportunities.
• Subscribers can opt for round-the-clock alerts for selected categories before they appear in the newsletter, increasing their chances of success.
• Brands and experts can pitch their products, services, or expertise directly to journalists, facilitating meaningful connections.
• The platform includes an easy-to-use dashboard for overseeing plans and team members efficiently.

Editorielle pros and cons

Pros:

• Free for journalists, making it accessible for media professionals
• Tailored for brands and PR professionals, enhancing targeted outreach
• Clean and aesthetic interface that simplifies the pitching process

Cons:

• Additional monthly fee of £5 per instant category alert or an additional team member, depending on the pricing plan
• Primarily focused on UK markets, which may limit its appeal to international users

Editorielle pricing

Plan	Price	Features
Individual	£5 per month	Daily newsletter with press opportunitiesIndividual dashboard for managing pitches Unlimited submissions to over 1,000 publications
Team	£10 per month (for 2 users)	All features of the Individual Plan Team dashboard Ability to invite up to 100 members Additional £5 per month for each extra team member
Optional аlerts	£5 per category	Instant category alerts available for both plans

10. Forbes Councils

Forbes Councils is an exclusive, invitation-only community designed for senior-level executives and business leaders, providing a platform for networking, thought leadership, and professional growth.

Each council is tailored to specific industries or professional fields, such as the Forbes Business Council for business leaders, the Forbes Nonprofit Council for executives in the nonprofit sector, and others focused on areas like technology and finance.

Forbes Councils key features

• Connect with a diverse group of successful professionals across various sectors
• Contribute articles to Forbes.com, establishing credibility and authority in your field
• Access industry research, webinars, and coaching sessions tailored to business leaders
• Participate in exclusive events and summits to engage with peers and share insights

Forbes Councils pros and cons

Pros:

• Enhanced visibility through published contributions on a prestigious platform
• Opportunities for meaningful connections with other industry leaders
• Access to valuable resources that support professional development

Cons:

• Membership does not guarantee article publication; submissions must pass an editorial review.
• Some professionals find the requirements for obtaining membership prohibitive.

Forbes Councils pricing

While pricing is not officially disclosed on the Forbes website, some resources claim that there’s a $600 invitation fee, and the annual membership fees range from $2,500 to $6,800, depending on the selected council and package. There’s no free trial associated with this service.

My Take on HARO Alternatives: Real Results from January to October 2024

As promised, I’m sharing my hands-on experience with platforms similar to HARO based on my activity from January to October this year. These are the numbers that show how well each platform performed for me, giving you a clearer picture of the outcomes I experienced.

The breakdown: pitches, published quotes, and success rates

Here’s a quick rundown of the pitches I sent as an expert and the results I achieved on each platform:

Platform	Pitches sent	Published quotes	Success rate (%)
Connectively	160	7	4.38%
HaB2Bw	93	7	7.53%
Featured	26	11	42.31%
SOS	4	0	0.0%
Qwoted	47	2	4.26%
SourceBottle	2	1	50.0%

Apparently, Featured is the standout here with a much higher success rate compared to the other platforms. While platforms like Connectively and Qwoted had lower success rates, they still yielded some decent opportunities.

Although Connectively worked quite well, Cision—the company behind it—decided to discontinue the service, and therefore it is a priority to reorient ourselves to other options.

Platform domain ratings (DR): Where the big dogs are

I have also checked the average domain ratings of the websites that look for sources on these platforms as well. Here’s a snapshot of how they measure up:

As you can see, the DR ranges from 65 to 72, which is impressive. This tells you these platforms generally feature authoritative websites, making your quoted content more likely to reach a wider and more credible audience.

Check out my guide on HARO link building to level up your SEO game.

Why Outsource to an Agency for HARO Link Building?

If you want to get high-quality HARO backlinks from authoritative media outlets but don’t have the time or expertise to do it yourself, then outsourcing your efforts to a professional agency might be the best option for you.

SEO companies and digital PR agencies have the experience and skills to craft compelling pitches that match the reporters’ queries and get their attention. They also have the resources and connections to monitor and respond to hundreds of HARO opportunities every day, increasing your chances of being featured and earning valuable links. 

By outsourcing your HARO efforts to an agency, you can save time, money, and hassle while boosting your online reputation and visibility.

Why InBound Blogging?

Our HARO link building service can help you achieve your SEO and PR goals faster and more effectively than doing it on your own.

Here’s how InBound Blogging can help you:

• We find the best HARO queries for your niche and industry.
• We craft compelling and relevant pitches that highlight your expertise and value proposition.
• We follow up with reporters and editors to make sure your pitches get noticed and accepted.
• We track and measure the outcomes of your HARO campaigns and provide you with detailed reports.
• We form long-term relationships with influencers and journalists in your field.
• We leverage our existing network of media contacts to get more exposure and links for your brand.

Take your HARO link building strategy to the next level! Our team of experienced HARO writers will help you get featured in top-tier publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc., Business Insider, and other reputable media sites.

Our HARO link building agency offers affordable and flexible packages that suit your budget and needs. We guarantee high-quality links that will boost your organic traffic, conversions, and authority.

Let’s grow your business with our premium HARO link building service. Contact us today!

Wrap Up

We’ve covered some of the best HARO alternatives and competitors out there, from niche-specific online platforms to general media databases. Each one has its own pros and cons, so you’ll need to find the ones that suit your goals and budget.

But don’t limit yourself to just one option. You can use a combination of HARO alternatives to connect with journalists, foster meaningful relationships, and maximize your chances of getting media coverage in relevant publications.

The possibilities are endless. So go ahead and explore these HARO alternatives and see what works for you. You might be surprised by the results.

Discover the secret to unlocking powerful backlinks and boosting your website’s authority in my article on outsourcing link building.