Help a Reporter Out – Video Summary

In this video, we’ll delve into the “Help a Reporter Out” (HARO) platform and how you can leverage it to obtain high-quality backlinks through free press. You’ll learn what HARO is, its benefits, its target audience, and how to utilize it effectively, exploring two distinct methods. You can watch the video or read the text summary below:

First, let’s define HARO. “Help a Reporter Out” is a platform that serves as a bridge connecting journalists with potential sources for articles and media content. Founded in 2008 by Peter Shankman, HARO offers a complimentary service where journalists can submit queries or requests for information on specific topics. Experts or individuals possessing relevant knowledge can then respond to these requests. This synergy between journalists and sources is a valuable resource.

Sources, on the other hand, can sign up for HARO and receive daily email digests featuring queries from journalists. They can then respond to queries matching their expertise or interests, potentially earning a spot in a news article or other media outlets. This is where you can secure those coveted high-quality, credible backlinks.

Now, let’s explore the advantages of using HARO:

1. Increased Brand Exposure: Being featured in news articles or media channels can significantly enhance your business’s visibility, potentially opening doors to new business opportunities, partnerships, and valuable backlinks.
2. Enhanced Credibility: When your brand appears in recognized news or media outlets, it adds credibility and bolsters your reputation within your industry or field.
3. Networking Opportunities: Responding to queries can lead to connections with professionals in your industry, potentially resulting in collaborations, partnerships, and high-quality backlinks.
4. Improved Rankings: By securing high-authority backlinks through HARO, you can boost your website’s overall rankings, domain authority, and organic traffic over time.

Who can benefit from this process? Essentially, any business or individual seeking increased visibility and high-quality backlinks stands to gain from HARO. It’s a win-win situation for both journalists and sources, making it a highly recommended platform.

Now, let’s discuss the two methods of using HARO:

Method 1: Email Digest

1. Sign up for a free HARO account on their website.
2. Select “I’m a source” and create a profile, including your expertise and contact information.
3. Check your email for daily HARO queries, organized by industry.
4. Identify queries matching your expertise and craft unique responses, including your URL.
5. Submit your responses via the HARO website or directly through your email client.
6. Follow up with journalists if needed.

Method 2: Using Hike SEO

1. Sign up for a Hike SEO account if you don’t have one already.
2. Complete the onboarding process.
3. Access the “Journalist Outreach” tool under “Backlinks and Backlink Opportunities” in the Hike SEO menu.
4. Enter relevant tracked keywords to filter queries.
5. Review and respond to queries with a premade template within Hike SEO.
6. Monitor responses and track backlinks and website analytics within Hike SEO.

To track the impact of your HARO efforts on your SEO strategy, you can use Google Analytics, Hike SEO, or any backlink monitoring tool. Monitor your website analytics to gauge referral traffic and assess the success of your HARO campaigns.

In conclusion, HARO is a valuable resource for acquiring high-quality backlinks and boosting your online presence. Whether you choose the email digest method or leverage the Hike SEO platform, HARO can be a game-changer in your SEO strategy. Thank you for watching, and if you have any questions about HARO, feel free to ask.

If you haven’t explored Hike SEO yet, it’s worth checking out, especially for its HARO feature, which streamlines the backlink-building process through free press. Have a fantastic day, and I look forward to seeing you in the next video.