Link building has always been integral to search engine optimisation (SEO). Marketers adopt different strategies in the hopes of driving traffic to the websites they handle. In recent years, there has been a trend of using HARO for link building purposes. But is it still a relevant strategy today?
In this article, we’ll talk about the relevance of HAROs in 2025, using AI to automate responses and alternative PR strategies to boost your link building strategy.
Key Takeaways:
- Despite evolving strategies, link building is still a vital component of SEO. Over half of marketers outsource link building tasks, reflecting its importance and complexity.
- Black-hat strategies like link buying, spammy comments, and private blog networks are now penalised by search engines, making ethical methods essential.
- HARO provides cost-effective opportunities for high-authority backlinks from reputable media outlets. Success hinges on crafting tailored, high-quality pitches.
- Tools like Jasper and ChatGPT streamline the response process but require human oversight to ensure authenticity and relevance.
- To craft a strategy of using HARO in link building in 2025, focus on crafting specific, expertise-driven pitches. Invest time in understanding journalist needs and tailoring responses accordingly.
How Relevant is Link Building Today?
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Link building continues to be a relevant strategy for driving traffic to your website. According to meetanshi, some important statistics on link building include:
- 17.3% of SEOs use LinkedIn for link building outreach.
- 29.79% of websites have less than three backlinks. 55.24% have none.
- 60% of businesses outsource link building tasks
- 52% of marketers prefer to build links using brand names as anchor text.
The numbers above prove that link building continues to be relevant today. However, link building strategies have largely evolved along with the changes in digital marketing trends and search engine algorithms.
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The strategies that worked in the past no longer produce the same results they used to. Some of these strategies have even been marked as black hat practices, such as:
- Buying Links: Paying websites for backlinks is a violation of Google’s Webmaster Guidelines. This includes using “link farms” or networks specifically created to sell links.
- Private Blog Networks (PBNs): Using a network of websites owned by the same entity to link to each other in an attempt to manipulate rankings. PBNs are a high-risk strategy as they are often targeted and devalued by search engines.
- Spammy Forum or Blog Comments: Posting irrelevant or low-value comments on blogs, forums, or websites with links back to your site. These comments are often automated and contribute no meaningful content.
- Automated Link Building Tools: Using tools like GSA, Scrapebox, or XRumer to create thousands of backlinks automatically. While these links might provide a temporary boost, they are often from low-quality, irrelevant sources.
- Hidden Links: Placing links on a page in a way that is invisible to users but readable by search engines (e.g., using text colour that matches the background or setting the font size to zero).
- Exploiting Vulnerable Websites: Hacking into websites to insert backlinks without the owner’s knowledge or permission is both unethical and illegal.
- Cloaking Links: Displaying different content or links to search engines and users to manipulate rankings.
- Link Exchanges or Reciprocal Linking: “You link to me, and I’ll link to you” arrangements. Excessive reciprocal linking with no contextual relevance is considered manipulative.
- Anchor Text Manipulation: Over-optimizing anchor text with exact-match keywords to manipulate rankings. This practice is a red flag for search engines.
- Negative SEO: Building spammy or harmful backlinks to a competitor’s site to get them penalized by search engines.
Such practices are discouraged by search engines. One way Google can detect and penalise these websites is by constantly improving its algorithms. This is why SEO experts opt for ethical, white-hat link building strategies that provide genuine value to readers. A good example of this is the use of HARO for link building.
What’s a HARO?
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HARO is the short form for Help a Reporter Out. It’s a simple formula that could get you, your information, and practice on prominent media outlets, including CNN, Huffington Post, WebMD, and hundreds more. How much do you pay to enjoy that kind of publicity and all the SEO benefits that come with it? Nothing – no kidding.
How Do HAROs Work?
It’s simple. HARO is an application that allows journalists to submit a request asking for a type of expert or quote that they’d like to feature, interview, or publish their article.
In HARO’s lingo, this request is referred to as a “query.”
The queries are emailed to you (as one of the experts who have signed up for them) three times per day, from Monday to Friday. After you receive the email, you (the expert) are to respond to the query, after which the reporter will be left with the task of selecting one of the experts to feature in their TV show, radio spot, or article.
The idea of HARO may sound like it’s too good to be true. But it’s not a scam. Of course, some people may suggest otherwise, especially those who’ve sent dozens of responses but didn’t manage to receive any response from the reporters.
Do HAROs Work?
The pitches you submit on HARO can be a huge win for your SEO strategy, especially if you manage to get your business linked in the articles. You might not be able to see a dramatic, overnight spike in your web traffic after landing one citation or link. But HARO is an excellent link building strategy for the long road.
Learn to look at each link as a single brick making up your wall of links. You want to make sure you’re working with the strongest brick you can find (read: links from the most prominent sites or media outlets).
Submitting a response to a query on HARO doesn’t guarantee you a feature or quote. It’s important to note that the journalists on HARO receive dozens (sometimes hundreds) of responses. You have to give it time and work on refining your pitches.
Journalists may start to take notice of you, and maybe consider your pitches as time goes on. Also, for a very specific niche, you have to wait for a relevant query to come in. Don’t rush through the pitches. Instead, give each one of them enough time to answer all the queries without shying away from showing off your industry expertise and knowledge.
How to Use HARO for Link Building in 2025
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HAROs continue to be effective link building tools in 2025. It serves as a cost-effective method for acquiring high-authority backlinks and improving SEO visibility. It provides unique opportunities to connect with journalists and contribute to articles on reputable platforms, often leading to dofollow backlinks that boost domain authority and organic traffic.
However, its effectiveness and practicality have evolved, influenced by competition, journalist expectations, and algorithmic shifts in SEO. Here are some tips to use HARO for link building in 2025:
HARO vs. Alternative PR Strategies
While HAROs have emerged as a popular tool for link building, we can’t help but wonder how it compares to other PR and link building strategies like guest posting and influencer collaborations.
Here’s an analysis of their different approaches:
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| When to Use |
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In a nutshell, HARO is a powerful tool for acquiring high-quality backlinks but is most effective when used as part of a broader strategy. Guest posting offers control and niche targeting, while influencer collaborations excel in driving awareness.
Each strategy serves distinct goals, and the best approach often involves a combination tailored to your business needs.
Using AI to Automate HARO Responses
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AI tools are here to stay and provide assistance to our everyday tasks. The best way to deal with change is to accept it and leverage these tools for your benefit.
In the case of using HAROs for link building, AI tool responses can save significant time and effort. However, the process must be approached with care to ensure responses remain authentic, relevant, and aligned with the journalist’s needs.
Tools for AI-Powered HARO Management
Here are some of the best HARO tools to use for link building:
- Jasper.ai: Creates tailored content, optimising for tone and relevance.
- ChatGPT: Generates nuanced, human-like responses based on detailed prompts.
- Canva Docs with Magic Write: Combines visual presentation with AI-driven text creation, useful for multimedia HARO requests.
- Zapier Integration: Automates workflows, such as retrieving HARO queries and generating initial responses.
How to Use AI Tools for HARO Link Building:
- Analyse the Query Carefully: Before relying on AI, read and understand the HARO query. Identify key points, such as required expertise, word count limits, and submission deadlines.
- Customise Prompts for AI: Use clear and specific prompts when drafting responses. For example: “Create a 200-word response to a journalist asking about sustainable fashion trends, written in a professional tone, highlighting our CEO’s expertise in the field.”
- Inject Human Insight: AI tools should assist rather than replace the human element. Add personal anecdotes, unique perspectives, or specific expertise to make the response stand out.
- Fact-Check and Verify: Ensure all information included in AI-generated content is accurate and aligns with the brand’s voice. Journalists value trustworthy and verifiable insights.
- Tailor Tone and Style: HARO queries often specify tone preferences, such as “lighthearted” or “authoritative.” Adjust AI outputs accordingly to meet these expectations.
- Test and Refine: Use multiple drafts to refine AI responses. Tools like Jasper or Notion AI offer suggestions for alternative phrasing or additional points to include.
Ethical Considerations in the Use of AI Tools for HARO Link Building
Here are some things to keep in mind when using AI tools for link building:
- Be Transparent: Avoid over-relying on AI to the point where pitches lack authenticity. Always ensure the final submission reflects genuine expertise.
- Uphold Data Privacy: Be cautious about feeding sensitive information into AI systems, particularly regarding proprietary business insights.
- Choose Quality over Quantity: While AI enables scaling, it’s crucial to prioritise the relevance and quality of responses over sheer volume.
Implementing a Strategy Using HARO for link building in 2025
Are you ready to elevate your link building strategy in 2025? Whether you’re looking to leverage HARO, refine your guest posting efforts, or explore influencer collaborations, the right guidance can make all the difference.
At MediaOne, we specialise in ethical, results-driven SEO strategies that align with the latest industry trends. Our team of experts can help you optimise your link building efforts, drive organic traffic, and achieve sustainable growth.
Let us be your partner in navigating the evolving SEO landscape. Contact MediaOne today to start building a stronger online presence for your business!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HARO for link building?
HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is a platform that connects journalists with experts to provide quotes for articles. By responding to relevant queries, you can secure high-authority backlinks that boost SEO and credibility.
How effective is HARO for link building in 2025?
HARO remains a powerful strategy in 2025, offering opportunities to acquire backlinks from reputable media outlets. Although competitive, consistent, well-crafted pitches can lead to valuable links that enhance SEO over time.
Can AI tools help with HARO link building?
Yes, AI tools like ChatGPT and Jasper can assist in crafting tailored responses for HARO queries. These tools save time but should be used carefully to ensure the responses remain authentic, relevant, and aligned with the journalist’s needs.
Are there ethical considerations when using HARO for link building?
While HARO is a legitimate link building method, it’s essential to avoid over-relying on AI or submitting generic responses. Always ensure your pitches are informative and authentic, and offer genuine value to the journalists and their readers.
How does HARO compare to other link building strategies?
HARO offers high-authority backlinks from reputable outlets, making it ideal for building credibility. Unlike guest posting or influencer collaborations, HARO requires no payment but relies heavily on well-crafted, timely pitches.
