Glossary
What are journalist requests (HARO)?
Journalist requests are queries from reporters looking for expert sources, sent through services that collect them and pass them to subscribers. Help a Reporter Out (HARO) was the best-known one. Answering quickly with a specific, quotable reply can earn a quote, a mention and sometimes a link.
How it works
A reporter posts a request ("Looking for SaaS founders who launched on Product Hunt this year"), the service emails it to subscribers or lists it on a dashboard, and experts reply by the deadline. The reporter picks a few replies to quote. Several services exist, and the field changed in 2024 when the original HARO was shut down by its owner; the name has since been revived by another company.
How to get quoted
- Reply within the first hours.
- Answer the exact question in the first two sentences.
- Give a specific number, example or opinion.
- Add one line of credentials and your preferred name and title.
- Skip attachments and pitches for your product.
What to expect
A small share of replies get used. When they do, you get a quote, often a mention of your company and sometimes a link. Links from news sites are frequently nofollow; the exposure and brand mention still help, including for how AI assistants describe you.
Example
A founder answers ten requests in a month with short replies based on her launch data. Two get published, one with a followed link from a business publication.
FAQ
Is HARO still around?
The original was shut down in 2024; the brand has since been relaunched by another company, and several similar services exist.
Is answering journalist requests free?
Most services have free tiers; some charge for more requests or filters.
How long should my reply be?
Short: 100 to 200 words, with the answer first.