How to write a good HARO pitch

Are you struggling to get media coverage for your brand? Do you want to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry? Then HARO (Help a Reporter Out) may be the perfect platform for you.

HARO is a free service that connects journalists with sources for their stories. It has become an invaluable resource for media professionals and businesses alike. With over 35,000 journalists and thousands of sources, HARO provides a unique opportunity to get your brand in front of a massive audience.

But with so many sources vying for attention, how do you stand out from the crowd? The key is crafting an effective HARO pitch. In this article, we’ll discuss some tried and true tips for writing better HARO pitches.

How to use the HARO platform

The first step in crafting an effective pitch is understanding the HARO platform. There are over 30 categories, each covering a different topic. It’s essential to choose the right category for your pitch, depending on your industry and the topic at hand.

It’s also important to submit your pitch within the specified time frame, as pitches sent outside of designated times won’t be considered.

If you really want to beat the competition, consider paying for HARO Pro as you will receive the HARO emails earlier than the basic subscription (free) accounts.

To create a HARO account, simply sign up on their website and set up email notifications. This way, you’ll receive alerts when journalists are looking for sources that match your interests and expertise.

How to write a HARO pitch that journalists will love

Now that you’re familiar with the platform, it’s time to focus on crafting your pitch. The first thing you need is a compelling subject line that catches the journalist’s attention. A well-crafted subject line can make or break your pitch, so make sure to keep it concise and punchy.

When writing your pitch, make sure it’s clear, concise, and to the point. Provide relevant background information to establish your credibility and relevance. Focus on answering the journalist’s query by providing unique insights and information.

Proofread and edit your pitch before submitting it. While a minor typo may not seem like a big deal, it can be a turnoff for a busy journalist scanning dozens of pitches in a short amount of time.

Elevating your HARO pitches

In addition to following the best practices outlined above, there are several other strategies you can use to elevate your pitches even further. One approach is to make your pitch more relevant and timely by incorporating recent industry news or trends.

It’s also essential to tailor your pitch to the specific journalist you’re pitching to, rather than sending out a generic pitch to multiple journalists. By showing that you’ve done your research and have a good understanding of the journalist’s work, you’ll stand out from the crowd.

Finally, building relationships with journalists can be a game-changer for landing opportunities beyond your original pitch. Maintaining contact and providing quality content can help you establish yourself as a reliable source and may lead to future opportunities.

What to do when your pitch is accepted

Congratulations, your pitch has been accepted! Get the bottle of champagne cracked open!

Now what? The first thing to do is to follow up promptly, express your gratitude, and ask when the journalist needs the information.

Be sure to provide high-quality content that matches the requirements outlined in the journalist’s request. Doing so helps to establish yourself as a trustworthy source and may lead to further opportunities down the road.

Finally, it’s crucial to maintain your relationship with the journalist. You never know when they might need another source for an upcoming story.

Common mistakes to avoid

There are several common mistakes you should avoid when crafting your HARO pitches.

First, avoid using overused phrases and clichés. These phrases can make your pitch sound generic and lacking originality.

Another mistake is to provide too much or too little information, leading to a pitch that’s either overwhelming or irrelevant. Make sure to follow the submission guidelines closely and only provide the information required to answer the journalist’s query.

Never send information unsolicited. Journalists are busy professionals, and sending unwanted or unrelated pitches can harm your reputation and lead to being blacklisted from opportunities.

Finally, avoid using Chat GPT or other AI writing tools as journalists consume unhealthy amounts of content on a daily basis – they are the human version of an AI detector. You run the chance of burning a bridge, getting blacklisted by that journalist, and ruining your chances of getting on great publications!

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