September 30, 2024
Breaking Into HARO: A Practical Guide for First Success
Practical HARO guide from the trenches: Research-based strategies, tested templates & realistic timeframes. Learn from common pitfalls to land your first media placement.
The Reality of HARO
Like many of us, I've tried HARO campaigns without immediate success. Through research and community insights, I've learned that breaking through requires understanding some key challenges:
- High competition (sometimes 50+ responses per query)
- Quick response windows (best opportunities fill within hours)
- Need for unique angles to stand out
This guide combines what I've learned from my attempts with researched strategies from successful HARO users.
What Actually Works (According to Research)
Based on analysis from successful HARO users and journalists:
- Response Time: Most accepted pitches are sent within 4 hours of query posting
- Length Sweet Spot: 150-200 words get the highest response rates
- Unique Data: Responses with specific numbers or statistics are 3x more likely to be chosen
Source: Respona HARO Analysis
My Current Testing Strategy
Here's the approach I'm implementing to improve response rates:
1. Query Selection
- Focusing only on topics where I have direct, provable experience
- Prioritizing newer publications (often have less competition)
- Setting up email filters to catch relevant queries instantly
2. Response Template I Tested
HARO Response Template
Subject: {Query Topic}: Perspective from {Specific Experience}
Hi {Journalist Name},
I noticed your query about {topic} and wanted to share insights from my experience as {role/background}.
Specific to your question:
- {Main point backed by personal experience}
- {Supporting data point if available}
- {Unique angle from my work}
Quick background on my expertise:
- {Most relevant experience}
- {Specific project or result}
Happy to provide more details if helpful.
{Name}
{Current Role}
{Contact Info}
Note: Replace all text in {brackets} with your specific information. Keep responses concise and focused on the journalist's query.
Common Patterns in Rejected Pitches
From analyzing my previous attempts and feedback:
- Too Generic: Responses that could apply to any company/situation
- Lack of Proof: Claims without specific examples
- Poor Timing: Sending responses near the deadline
- Missing Requirements: Not directly addressing all query points
New Approach
Daily Process:
- Morning Review (30 mins)
- Check 5:35 AM ET emails immediately
- Flag top 2-3 relevant queries
- Research publication requirements
- Response Preparation
- Create response drafts for flagged queries
- Include specific examples from experience
- Add relevant data points
- Track & Learn
- Keep spreadsheet of sent pitches
- Note response patterns
- Adjust approach based on results
Realistic Goals & Timeframes
First 3 Months
Focus on refining pitch process and timing. Build templates and optimize response speed.
Months 3-6
Send 20-30 quality pitches. Expect first acceptance during this period. Track and analyze responses.
6+ Months
Build relationships with journalists who accept pitches. Establish regular contribution patterns.
Key Metric: Track response rate (replies/pitches) rather than just acceptances
Let's Learn Together
I'm actively testing these strategies and would love to hear about your experiences. What's working or not working in your HARO attempts? Share your insights and let's build a better understanding together.
Current Testing Points:
- Different subject line formats
- Response timing vs. acceptance rates
- Impact of including specific data points
- Best practices for follow-ups
