Link building has always been integral to search engine optimisation (SEO). Marketers adopt different strategies to drive traffic to their websites. In recent years, there has been a trend of using HARO backlinks. But is this strategy still relevant 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:
- Link building remains an effective strategy for driving website traffic, with 60% of businesses outsourcing link-building tasks.
- Many websites still have minimal or no HARO backlinks, proving the ongoing relevance of link-building efforts.
- Traditional black-hat strategies, like buying links and using PBNs, are now discouraged by search engines and carry high risks.
- HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is a valuable, ethical method for acquiring HARO backlinks. It involves providing expert quotes to journalists.
- Timing, personalised pitches, and relationship-building with journalists are essential to succeed with HARO.
- Monitoring HARO responses with tools like Google Analytics helps refine your link-building strategy and measure effectiveness.
How Relevant is Link Building Today?
Image Credit: BuzzStream
Link building continues to be a relevant strategy for driving traffic to your website. Some crucial 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 evolved mainly due to changes in digital marketing trends and search engine algorithms.
How Link Building Has Changed
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:
Black Hat Link-Building Practice | Description |
Buying Links | Paying websites for HARO backlinks violates 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 to manipulate rankings. PBNs are high-risk and often targeted by search engines. |
Spammy Forum or Blog Comments | Post irrelevant or low-value comments on blogs, forums, or websites with links to your site. These comments are often automated and contribute no meaningful content. |
Automated Link Building Tools | Using tools like GSA, Scrapebox, or XRumer automatically creates thousands of backlinks, which are often low-quality and irrelevant. |
Hidden Links | Placing links on a page in a way that is invisible to users but readable by search engines (e.g., using matching background text colour or font size set to zero). |
Exploiting Vulnerable Websites | Hacking websites to insert backlinks without the owner’s knowledge or permission. This is 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-optimising anchor text with exact-match keywords to manipulate rankings. This is a red flag for search engines. |
Negative SEO | Building spammy or harmful backlinks to a competitor’s site to get them penalised by search engines. |
Search engines discourage such practices. Google can detect and penalise these websites 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 is the use of HARO for link building.
What’s a HARO?
Image Credit: Inquivix
HARO is an abbreviation 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 called a “query.”
So, how does HARO fit into this backlink bonanza? Brace yourself for the simple yet powerful formula:
- Sign Up: First, head to the HARO website and sign up. It’s free and straightforward, like catching up with an old friend.
- Pick Your Battles: HARO sends out daily emails with a list of journalist inquiries. Choose the ones that align with your expertise and industry. Remember, quality over quantity is the name of the game.
- Craft Your Pitch: When you spot an inquiry that tickles your fancy, it’s time to dazzle the journalist with your knowledge. Craft a pitch that’s informative, engaging, and tailored to their needs. Show them you’re the missing puzzle piece they’ve been searching for.
- Seal the Deal: If your pitch is selected, congratulations! You’ve just earned a golden ticket to showcase your expertise and secure that precious HARO backlinks. Provide value in your response, and the backlink will follow.
The idea of HARO may sound too good to be accurate, but it’s not a scam. Of course, some people may suggest otherwise, especially those who have sent dozens of responses but have not received a response from the reporters.
How Do HARO Backlinks Help Your Site?
Image Credit: OutreachMonks
Using HARO isn’t just about collecting backlinks – it’s about creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes for your brand:
- Boosted Authority: Being featured as an expert source boosts your credibility and positions you as a go-to authority in your field. People trust brands that receive the thumbs-up from reputable sources.
- Expanded Reach: Your insights reach a broader audience through media outlets and their readership. This exposure translates into more eyes on your content and potentially more traffic to your website.
- SEO Stardom: Remember our friend, the search engine? Well, it loves well-placed backlinks. Your SEO efforts get a significant boost as you climb higher in SERPs, making you more visible to your target audience.
The pitches you submit on HARO can be a massive 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. However, 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 most substantial 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 notice you and consider your pitches as time passes.
Also, for a particular niche, you have to wait for a relevant query to come in. Don’t rush through the pitches. Instead, give each 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 Backlinks in 2025
HAROs will continue to be effective link-building tools in 2025. They are a cost-effective method for acquiring high-authority backlinks and improving SEO visibility. HAROs provide unique opportunities to connect with journalists and contribute to articles on reputable platforms, often leading to do-follow HARO backlinks that boost domain authority and organic traffic.
Here are some tips on how you can be successful in your HARO strategy:
1. Timing is Everything
Image Credit: Contentellect
When it comes to HARO, timing can make all the difference. Journalists receive a flood of pitches daily, so being among the first to respond to an inquiry increases your chances of getting noticed. Set up email alerts or check HARO’s inquiries as soon as they’re released to maximise your opportunities.
2. Craft Irresistible Subject Lines
Image Credit: WordStream
Your pitch’s subject line is the first thing journalists see, so make it stand out like a sparkling gem. Craft a subject line that’s concise, relevant, and intriguing. A well-crafted subject line can pique a journalist’s curiosity and compel them to open your pitch.
3. Provide Data and Insights
Image Credit: QuestionPro
Journalists love data-backed insights. When pitching, include relevant statistics, case studies, or surveys that support your points. This adds credibility to your pitch and increases the chances of your contribution being accepted.
4. Build Relationships
Image Credit: limbd
Remember that HARO is not just a one-off opportunity. Building relationships with journalists can lead to repeat collaborations and more backlink opportunities in the future. After your contribution is published, take the time to express gratitude and maintain open communication.
5. Personalise Your Pitches
Image Credit: SlideModel
Avoid the temptation of using generic pitches for every inquiry. Take the time to read and understand the journalist’s request, and tailor your pitch accordingly. Personalisation shows that you’ve put thought into your response, increasing your chances of being selected.
6. Leverage HARO Analytics
Image Credit: HAROLinkBuilding
HARO offers analytics that show your success rate, how often you’re quoted, and more. Monitor these metrics to gauge the effectiveness of your pitches and refine your strategy over time.
7. Diversify Your Pitching Strategy
While backlinks are fantastic, consider aiming for other types of media exposure, like quotes in articles or podcast appearances. These opportunities can expand your reach and enhance your brand’s authority in various ways.
8. Quality Over Quantity
It’s tempting to cast a wide net and pitch to every inquiry, but remember that quality always trumps quantity. Focus on providing value in your responses and contributing to stories where you genuinely have expertise.
Keeping Track of Your HARO Responses
As a marketer, you’re well aware that metrics matter. It’s not enough to simply engage in backlink-building activities; you need to measure your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly. Here’s how to do it:
- Backlink Monitoring: Keep track of the backlinks you’ve earned through HARO. Tools like Google Search Console or third-party SEO tools can help you monitor the status of these links.
- Traffic Analysis: Use tools like Google Analytics to measure the traffic driven to your website through these backlinks. Are visitors engaging with your content? Bouncing off quickly? Use this data to refine your content strategy.
- Keyword Rankings: Monitor the performance of your targeted keywords in search engine rankings. As your backlink profile improves, you should see positive movements in your keyword rankings.
- Audience Engagement: Pay attention to how readers engage with the content where your backlinks are featured. Are they leaving comments? Sharing on social media? Engaged audiences are a sign of quality backlinks.
How to Get More HARO Backlinks in 2025
Are you ready to elevate your link-building strategy in 2025? Proper guidance can make all the difference in deciding whether to leverage HARO, refine your guest posting efforts, or explore influencer collaborations.
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 build a more substantial online presence for your business and earn HARO backlinks from journalists.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 reactions 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, avoiding overreliance on AI or submitting generic responses is essential. Ensure your pitches are informative and authentic and offer genuine value to 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.
Are HARO backlinks bad for SEO?
HARO backlinks are not inherently bad for SEO. Quality backlinks from reputable sites can improve your website’s authority and search engine rankings. However, low-quality or spammy backlinks can harm your SEO efforts and lead to penalties. It’s essential to focus on building relevant and trustworthy links.