Get free public relations for your site by being a source called
HARO. What's HARO you say? HARO stands for "Help A Reporter Out." Often,
a reporter will need a knowledgeable source for an article or column
they're doing and they are up against a time deadline with little time
for research. That's when they reach for the phone and call a HARO
source with expertise in the field they need.
To become involved, sign up with the service online and specify your area(s) of expertise. You'll probably begin receiving emails three times a day. Simply answer the questions posed in the emails. Likely as not, you'll be quoted somewhere in the article, thus establishing you as an expert in that particular segment of expertise.
To build your credibility even further, there are a few points to watch as you respond. Following these guidelines will make it even easier for the reporter to use your information quickly and efficiently. These two characteristics, plus accuracy, will make you someone the reporter likes to use repeatedly. The more times you're quoted, the more public relations for your site.
1. Time is of the essence here. Again, reporters often turn to HARO because they don't have time to research a source. A quick but thorough response is key.
2. Avoid anonymous questions. You really don't know where your name will appear. A lack of professionalism in the final article can reflect poorly on you as well.
3. What's the value of being quoted to your site? If the article is closely aligned with your site's quality and subject, then it's probably a good fit.
4. Answer the questions asked, above all else. That is, after all, why the reporter is tapping you as an expert. Follow closely any format the reporter specifies. Otherwise, using bullets in two or three paragraphs with appropriate links and examples will be much more usable.
5. Stay on the subject. Don't digress into unrelated topics that the reporter has to dredge through.
6. Proof your response. Be sure to proofread your work carefully. Typos or poor grammar always place a shadow over your overall credibility.
7. Demonstrate your expertise. Show expertise through a well-written piece and a brief outline of your credentials and a link to your site.
8. Respond as efficiently as possible. Answering even a handful of HARO questions takes time, so be as efficient as possible. Gmail's canned response section can help here. Then, you spend time answering the question, not with the administrative details.
9. Anticipate an interview only if the reporter requests one. If a reporter is on deadline, there usually isn't time for an interview. If they request one, give them the time if you can.
10. If you're quoted, send the reporter a thank you via LinkedIn or other avenue so you'll be thought of the next time. You can also publish the quote on your site.
Taking a few minutes to answer a question in a concise, accurate way, on schedule will give both you and your site credibility. And some poor reporter will appreciate it.
To become involved, sign up with the service online and specify your area(s) of expertise. You'll probably begin receiving emails three times a day. Simply answer the questions posed in the emails. Likely as not, you'll be quoted somewhere in the article, thus establishing you as an expert in that particular segment of expertise.
To build your credibility even further, there are a few points to watch as you respond. Following these guidelines will make it even easier for the reporter to use your information quickly and efficiently. These two characteristics, plus accuracy, will make you someone the reporter likes to use repeatedly. The more times you're quoted, the more public relations for your site.
1. Time is of the essence here. Again, reporters often turn to HARO because they don't have time to research a source. A quick but thorough response is key.
2. Avoid anonymous questions. You really don't know where your name will appear. A lack of professionalism in the final article can reflect poorly on you as well.
3. What's the value of being quoted to your site? If the article is closely aligned with your site's quality and subject, then it's probably a good fit.
4. Answer the questions asked, above all else. That is, after all, why the reporter is tapping you as an expert. Follow closely any format the reporter specifies. Otherwise, using bullets in two or three paragraphs with appropriate links and examples will be much more usable.
5. Stay on the subject. Don't digress into unrelated topics that the reporter has to dredge through.
6. Proof your response. Be sure to proofread your work carefully. Typos or poor grammar always place a shadow over your overall credibility.
7. Demonstrate your expertise. Show expertise through a well-written piece and a brief outline of your credentials and a link to your site.
8. Respond as efficiently as possible. Answering even a handful of HARO questions takes time, so be as efficient as possible. Gmail's canned response section can help here. Then, you spend time answering the question, not with the administrative details.
9. Anticipate an interview only if the reporter requests one. If a reporter is on deadline, there usually isn't time for an interview. If they request one, give them the time if you can.
10. If you're quoted, send the reporter a thank you via LinkedIn or other avenue so you'll be thought of the next time. You can also publish the quote on your site.
Taking a few minutes to answer a question in a concise, accurate way, on schedule will give both you and your site credibility. And some poor reporter will appreciate it.
