9 Best HARO Alternatives to Boost your PR Game in 2025

With Connectively (formerly HARO – Help a Reporter Out) closing its doors on December 9, 2024, PR professionals and marketing managers are now looking for fresh ways to maintain their media outreach efforts

We took this opportunity and thought of helping publishers and marketers like you with a list of 9 Best HARO alternatives platforms. 

Stay with me till the end as I am also going to uncover some proven ways you can drive better and more conversions from your outreach campaigns.

Let’s get started.

Scale Up Your PR Efforts in 2025 with these 9 HARO Alternative Platforms

1. Help a B2B Writer (HaB2BW)

Best for:

Those working on B2B assets, sales, marketing, technology, and content marketing. If your startup operates on a limited budget, this platform may well be included in your media outreach toolkit.

Value Proposition:

HaB2BW is run by Superpath, the world’s best content marketing community. It works like HARO but takes a different approach, which may intrigue you. Unlike HARO, it provides basic SEO metrics and a great conversion rate.

What sets Help a B2B Writer apart is that it’s a free platform where you can find quality marketing opportunities. It connects you with subject matter experts and secures high-quality backlinks and media placements without any cost.

Pros:

• Unlike HARO, this platform gives you a better opportunity to connect with sources good for you
• You will get exclusively unique quotes (specifically written for you) from subject matter experts that you would not find anywhere else
• There are basic SEO metrics in the platform, along with some backlink policy information, which other similar niche platforms don’t offer
• It’s a no-cost affair, best for B2B writers and marketers who don’t want to break the bank for better quality and conversion rates
• It offers quick response times, making it easier for you to accelerate your content creation process

Cons:

• Limited scope for B2C writers and those who may need broader outreach opportunities
• Sometimes, the quality of pitches can be inconsistent
• High competition often leads to pitches going unanswered

Pricing:

It’s an entirely free platform and is worth checking out.

For Example:

Brand24, a social media monitoring tool, increased its media coverage and drove tangible results upon engagement with HaB2BW. The marketing team secured valuable backlinks by connecting with writers seeking expert insights on social media, digital marketing, and analytics topics.

2. Qwoted

Best for:

Subject matter experts for themselves or their startups, PR and marketing pros seeking exclusive relationships with elite members of the media, such as reporters, writers, podcasters, producers, and event organisers, to secure substantial press coverage.

Value Proposition:

What makes Qwoted stand out is that it focuses on quality over quantity. Unlike HARO, it’s one of the best paid PR outreach platforms that lets you uncover the hidden gems of knowledge from rigorously selected contributors.

Pros:

• Real-time media requests (from top journalists) allow users to respond quickly to inquiries
• Multiple account types cater to experts (or businesses), PR professionals, and journalists
• Qwoted offers both free and paid options, meaning you can start with basic (free) features and then upgrade according to your needs
• You receive personalised media requests tailored to your areas of expertise
• The Pitch Intelligence feature provides insights into who else has pitched the request
• Profile view alerts allow you to monitor your profile activity, pitch responses, media requests, follower notifications and more
• User-friendly interface facilitates quick source addition and seamless pitching within an hour
• Paid members get easy access to a dashboard with reporters they have communicated with, a stats bar (number of pitches sent, responses received, placements secured), current pitched opportunities, and more

Cons:

• Not for SEO agencies
• The free plan is only for a limited time
• It’s a bit on the pricier side
• Smaller database of media requests compared to sites like Help a Reporter Out

Pricing:

First, you can opt for a free plan (2 pitches a month with a 2-hour delay before your request to be seen). After that, you will have to pay $100 per month for the basic paid plan and $149.99 per month for the pro plan. Custom pricing is also available.

Let’s see if the hefty price tag is worth it with a real-world example.

For Example:

Bospar, a media-savvy public relations agency, recognised Qwoted’s potential to achieve ground-breaking media coverage, including features in major publications like Forbes.

In fact, they were recently honoured with the Qwoted 100 accolade, meaning they are the top 100 PR professionals in the industry. They mentioned that Qwoted’s advanced technology and AI helped them achieve this goal of becoming a prominent media player.

3. OnePitch

Best for:

• Startups and small businesses (especially those in the technology industry).
• PR professionals.
• Marketers looking to pitch stories to journalists.

Value Proposition:

If you are a tech-savvy PR professional looking to earn valuable media placements, then OnePitch would be an excellent alternative option to HARO. This niche site connects you with tech journalists without burning a hole in your pocket.

Pros:

• Enjoy the perks of a curated media journalist database, personalised pitching capacities, and helpful journalist insights.
• Connect with media professionals on a deeper level through specifically designed events in your niche
• Join the exclusive community to learn from stand-out folks for PR success
• Create and place personalised and highly effective pitches in seconds, saving valuable time and effort
• Stay informed about the latest industry trends and meet top journalists with Daily Media Glances emails
• Pitch Posse (an exclusive OnePitch community) allows you to have access to highly advanced features like a hot jobs board, peer pods, monthly pitch sessions with live journalists
• Get a precise, detailed, and personalised media list for every pitch in no more than 5 seconds
• Try OnePitch firsthand with a 30-day free trial to experience the difference and then sign up for it

Cons:

• The platform is primarily for those into technology
• It’s not for non-tech-savvy people, as navigating the platform requires a learning curve
• Unlike HARO, OnePitch has a limited media database

Pricing:

What you are getting from this platform is well worth every penny. It’s affordable, value for money, and suitable for budding startups, too. At just $50 a month, you can start building connections with the most relevant journalists.

For Example:

Unito, a B2B SaaS startup, was ready to make waves in the tech world. They had the right tools, a passionate team, and a vision to transform workflows. But how could they get their story heard above the noise?

They decided to try OnePitch to simplify their media outreach. With OnePitch’s intuitive tools, Unito was able to connect with the right journalists, craft compelling pitches, and land those coveted media placements.

The result? High-profile media coverage that boosted their brand visibility and attracted potential customers.

Here are some kind words from Jillian Amyot, a Marketing Specialist at Unito herself. She says, “OnePitch took me from a PR rookie to landing pieces in tier 1 publications.”

4. SourceBottle

Best for:

Small businesses and entrepreneurs with budget constraints.

Value Proposition:

It’s a free platform that makes connecting with journalists easier than ever. PR professionals and subject-matter experts looking for publicity opportunities will greatly benefit from SourceBottle. This pitching platform is heavily relied on by Australian media, and you will receive feature requests from The Guardian and ABC Australia.

Pros:

• Larger businesses looking to expand their online footprint
• It’s a free tool, ensuring easy access to everyone looking to connect for mutual benefit
• Users can customise daily email alerts to fit their schedules and interests
• SourceBottle experts do the pitching for you, thanks to the “Expert Profile” feature
• Every response you send includes your details profile, saving you time and effort

Cons:

• Email alerts are not always helpful as you may not have access to them at the right time
• Limited search filters can make finding specific sources difficult

Pricing:

The free and paid plans allow you to customize your outreach media strategy. The platform’s “Drink Up” subscription costs $5.95 a month and allows you to receive instant email alerts on new pitch opportunities.

Plus, event managers and PR professionals can opt for a $25 monthly subscription plan for:

• Giveaways (subscriptions)
• Samples
• Goody bag filled with products to review
• Insightful case studies

5. Meltwater

Best for: 

• Enterprises and large organisations looking for a comprehensive media monitoring and analytics tool.
• PR and marketing teams looking to enhance outreach and track media coverage will also benefit from this tool.

Value Proposition:

Meltwater, being a robust media intelligence platform, offers a suite of tools for monitoring media coverage, analysing sentiment, and identifying relevant journalists and influencers. It’s a paid HARO alternative if you want to:

• Gain insights into industry trends
• Track your brand presence across various channels
• Engage with the key media professionals and
• Enhance your media presence

Pros:

• Users can have access to daily or weekly newsletters tailored to specific keywords or topics
• Businesses looking to build targeted databases will benefit from reporter contact details provided by the platform
• You can monitor your brand’s media coverage across online, broadcast and print channels

Cons:

• The high price may not be suitable for startups
• Only for PR teams and is not helpful for individual experts seeking exposure
• Some people have also found the interface challenging to navigate

Pricing:

The average cost is around twelve thousand dollars per user per year. However, the price can vary, with the lowest price being around eight thousand dollars, and the highest price exceeding 30 or 40 thousand dollars a year per user.

You can find more about Meltwater’s Pricing from this blog.

For Example:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC), a global humanitarian aid organization, turned to Meltwater to streamline its global communications. The platform’s AI-powered tools provided real-time insights into instant media monitoring and sentiment analysis.

As a result, IRC benefitted by improved coordination, reduced duplication, and increased impactful media coverage.

Read the full Case Study

6. ProfNet

Best for:

Large-scale organisations or enterprises and medium-sized businesses that prioritise quality over quantity and have a decent budget for media outreach.

Value Proposition:

Imagine using a platform where relevant journalists, actively seeking your expertise, land in your inbox every day. ProfNet, a service offered by PR Newswire, has a 20-year track record of connecting PR and marketing professionals with the media (eager journalists, publishers) to save you time and hassle of endless cold pitching.

So, if you want to try your luck with ProfNet for valuable media coverage and quality placements, consider the perks and flaws before diving in.

Pros:

• ProfNet Expert Alerts help you proactively pitch trending topics to ensure your brand stays the talk of the town
• Unlike sites like HARO, ProfNet delivers personalised queries depending on your chosen industries and expertise
• ProfNet has less competition, meaning you are in a better position to bypass the noise and get direct access to journalists
• You can tailor your experience by setting the frequency and subject areas you want to hear about
• Exclusive thought leadership opportunities for getting featured in higher-tier publications than HARO

Cons:

• There’s a subscription fee associated with ProfNet membership, unlike HARO
• Doesn’t guarantee media placements
• It takes significant time and commitment

Pricing:

Membership Options:

• Annual Membership: Starting at just $195, this fee grants you access to a vast network of media professionals (https://req.co/insights/article/pr-tools-should-be-your-toolbox).
• Press Release Costs: Each press release begins at $350, allowing you to share your news with a broad audience.

For those looking for more customized solutions, ProfNet offers industry-specific access, which starts at $1,500 per segment . This package includes five accounts for information officers, making it ideal for teams that need to collaborate on media outreach.

For Example:

Beth Silver, the managing director of Doubet Consulting, a management and marketing consulting firm based in New York City, says,

“The return on investment has been well worth the cost for the ProfNet service. I am better able to see trends based on the requests journalists are making, which I think makes me a sharper marketer.

I waited two years to make a decision to call PR Newswire to see how my business could benefit from its services. I regret not having followed my gut and calling sooner.”

7. Editorielle

Best for:

Startups (any industry), freelancers, and small PR teams that need to act fast on opportunities in the UK’s top-tier publications. Although it may not be as fruitful for those looking for international media coverage.

As the majority of the platform users are UK-based, Editorielle does have a growing number of international members. If journalists are seeking non-UK-based products and experiences, they can specify this in their requests.

Value Proposition:

What if you had access to a daily newsletter that allows you to get featured in Forbes, BBC, and more? Editorielle, a paid platform based in the UK, makes it simple to find instant press opportunities to get featured fast. All you need is to pay 5 euro per Instant Category to receive round-the-clock alerts in real-time via email.

It also provides you with daily updates on press opportunities from top-tier publications like Grazia, Daily Mail, and more.

Pros:

• Users receive daily updates on UK-focused PR opportunities
• Focused categories make it easier to find relevant opportunities tailored to the industry
• A cost-effective solution for startups and small businesses looking to enhance their PR efforts
• Your pitch goes straight to the journalist’s inbox, ensuring seamless connection and greater chances of being noticed
• You get instant category notifications the minute a new press opportunity arises
• Users get real-time alerts on 12 press categories of their choice and can be the first to pitch their story

Cons:

• UK-centric focus limits its effectiveness for businesses seeking global coverage
• Unlike Help a Reporter Out alternative, Editorielle’s free offerings are limited

Pricing:

The basic membership plan allows you to connect with journalists for only £10 monthly. It includes access to daily press opportunities. You need to pay £5 per category per month for instant alerts on specific requests.

There’s no obligation; the platform allows you to cancel the plan at any time.

For Example:

By strategically using Editorielle, MyBeautySquad, a leading beauty service provider in the UK, successfully leveraged a press opportunity for “Worldwide Beauty Experts” to secure a coveted spot in one of the world’s most influential fashion magazines, ELLE UK.

Read the full story.

8. PitchBox

Best for:

Digital marketing agencies, SEO specialists, and established enterprises looking to streamline their influencer outreach and backlink building efforts.

Value Proposition:

While HARO was all about journalists posting queries for contributors, PitchBox gives you better control over the outreach process. As an all-in-one influencer and outreach platform, it simplifies critical aspects of digital marketing, including:

• Email prospecting to find and engage with the right contacts
• Content promotion to amplify your visibility
• Link-building campaigns to strengthen your site’s authority

Its seamless integration with powerful tools like Ahrefs, Google Analytics, and SEMrush sets it apart from HARO. These integrations allow marketers to prioritise targets based on key metrics, ensuring efficient and data-driven outreach.

The platform’s advanced automation and analytics capabilities make it a scalable solution perfect for handling both small—and large-scale campaigns.

Pros:  

• Users can find influencers and link opportunities with robust search filters and integrations
• PitchBox automates email sequences while allowing for tailored messaging to maintain a human touch
• Its CRM-like functionality aids in media relations management by tracking interactions, responses, and follow-ups in a centralised dashboard
• Its team collaboration feature is perfect for teams, with role-based permissions and shared reporting

Cons:

• The pricing can be a deal-breaker for startups or solopreneurs
• It requires users to make that extra effort and pitch actively, unlike HARO

Pricing:

• Pro Plan ($165/month): Perfect for solo link builders, with 2 users, 2 email accounts, 2,000 outreach emails, and 25 campaigns monthly.
• Advanced Plan ($420/month): Built for agencies, featuring unlimited users, 6+ email accounts, 5,000+ outreach emails, and unlimited campaigns.

For Example:

Hive19, a growing link-building agency, turned to PitchBox to scale its outreach without overspending. Here’s how PitchBox made a difference:

• PitchBox streamlined tasks like journalist research and outreach, saving Hive19 time and resources.
• Advanced filtering and segmentation helped Hive19 identify and target relevant journalists and publications.
• Data-driven insights allowed Hive19 to track performance and make informed choices.

The results?

• 20% boost in Domain Rating
• 36% increase in website traffic
• Reduced staffing needs by 8-10 employees

Read the full case study.

9. Response Source

Best for:

Enterprises and mid-sized companies will benefit from this effective journalist enquiry system.

Value Proposition:

Enhancing a brand’s media presence requires hot leads and meaningful relationships with journalists. Response Source is the secret weapon in your arsenal, connecting you directly with journalists who are actively seeking experts like you.

Pros:

• Subscribers get email alerts based on what they select
• Search journalist inquiries right from the dashboard
• Quickly connect with journalists and share your news with Vuelio’s Media Database and Press Release Wire
• Response Source expands your media reach through effective journalist networking
• Save time and focus on what matters with the platform’s streamlined media outreach process

Cons:

• It’s more expensive than other HARO alternatives
• The free version has limited access

Pricing:

The pay-as-you-go plan needs you to pay a flat fee of £85 per release. PR and marketing teams who want to distribute press releases regularly can choose from the following:

• 10 Release Bundle: £675 (includes all categories and attachments)
• 20 Release Bundle: £1050 (includes all categories and attachments)

For Example:

Motorpoint, the UK’s largest independent retailer of used vehicles, wanted to increase the number of articles written about them in the news. They wanted to be seen as experts in the vehicle industry.

“Since we subscribed to the Journalist Enquiry Service at the end of 2022, we’ve been able to
secure some incredibly valuable coverage and links through the platform, says Lizzie Parr, Digital PR Lead at Motorpoint.

“Some of the most notable include a broadcast feature on ITV Tonight discussing if now is a
good time to buy an electric vehicle, commentary in the Express about the ULEZ expansion,
and print coverage in Women’s Own about common car cleaning mistakes.”

Read the full case study.

[Bonus] 5 Proven Ways to Maximise Outreach Success with These Tools

Imagine pouring hours of your life into crafting that perfect pitch, only to watch it land in the bin without a glance. Does it make you wonder if all that effort was truly worth it?

You are confident you will get replies, but your inbox says different. Then what went wrong? We all know that it’s not easy to run PR outreach campaigns. But with the right approach, it is very much achievable and you can do it too.

Here’s a tried-and-true guide to ensure your outreach does not end up in the digital trash can:

1. Personalise Your Outreach:

Picture receiving an email that feels like it was written for you and you only. That’s what personalisation looks like. Instead of generic pitches, spend time researching the journalist’s recent work, interests, or the beats they cover. A simple Google search or LinkedIn research can help you get an insight into their style and preferences.

A pitch referencing a recent article they wrote will stand out in a sea of copy-paste emails. Remember, people respond to authenticity. Show that you care enough to tailor your message.

2. Use a Strong Subject Line:

First impressions matter. Nothing will happen if your subject line does not intrigue the person on the other side. A concise and curiosity-piquing subject line matters most, as journalists receive hundreds of pitches weekly.

For example, “Exclusive Data: The Surprising Trend Redefining [Industry]” works better than “Press Release.” So, keep your subject line relevant and intriguing; after all, you only have a few seconds to grab attention.

3. Offer Something Unique:

Journalists have a soft spot for stories that are fresh, exclusive, or backed by strong data. If you are pitching, offer something only you can offer—whether it’s breaking news, a compelling visual, or a fresh perspective. Make it clear that your content is not just another spin but a true value-add.

4. Tell a Story:

What makes you remember a good book, movie, or TV series? A story that speaks to your heart. It’s the same when you are pitching. Instead of dumping data, weave a narrative. How did your startup deal with a major challenge? Stories with emotional hooks are more likely to resonate with journalists and their audiences. Keep it concise yet impactful.

5. Build Relationships and Quality Connections:

Finally, think of outreach as planting seeds. Don’t expect instant results. Invest in building genuine connections, engaging with their work on social media, sharing thoughtful comments on their articles, and offering help beyond self-promotion. It takes time and a lot of effort, but the long-term payoff is worth it.

Great PR is not just about shouting into the void; it’s about meaningful conversations. So, focus on personalisation, storytelling, and building relationships. The rest will work out automatically.

Wrap Up

Unlike Connectively HARO’s mass-pitching approach, the alternatives mentioned today open the door to something much more meaningful: genuine relationships with reporters and media people. Building these connections takes time. When you invest in quality relationships, your PR efforts become not just streamlined but also much more effective.

With the tips shared here, you are laying the foundation for long-term success. PR is not just about getting numerous media mentions– it’s about creating partnerships. Once you do, rewards will keep coming!