Get noticed, offer advice, and Build Authority and “Brand Cred” with HARO. Already familiar with HARO? We’ll explain how to get the most out of it. Plus, we reveal additional resources you’ll definitely want to consider adding to your branding toolbox. Find out which outlets, reporters and online sources are looking for your expertise. Then, share your ideas and watch the buzz around your brand become louder and louder. Welcome to Growth Tactic #48 in your 100-Day Digital Growth Plan. Our best tips and insights will help keep you learning, growing (and buzzing) well into 2017!

OVERVIEW – Build Authority & “Brand Cred” with HARO

Looking to build authority & “brand cred” on a budget? Meet HARO – your helpful new budget-friendly BFF. HARO stands for Help A Reporter Out. This popular online resource is the ultimate tool for both journalists and sources to pitch and respond to requests for stories, products, expert advice, tips and tricks, and more.

As a source, you can reply to a query by offering up your knowledge, product, or service. Then, if your response is chosen for inclusion, you could score some extra authority points quickly and easily. This service will help you supplement “brand cred” in between pricier PR pushes and Influencer Marketing collaborations. Although the name HARO makes it seem like the reporter is reaping all the benefits – this simply isn’t true. The free (or nearly free) exposure you gain will have you thinking of HARO as your new hero.

HOW-TO

STEP ONE: Head to HelpAReporter.com and sign up for a free account as a source (not a journalist). What happens next? Morning, noon, and night you’ll receive an email with dozens of queries, looking for products, services, advice – you name it. (Want to spend a little to get a little more? Explore the features that come with paid packages.)

STEP TWO: Not every query is going to be a fit for your brand. Your job is to dig through the masses until you find your gold. What should you be keeping your eye out for? Try journalists from sites with high domain authorities, bloggers with interactive followings – queries that will allow you to share your brain or your brand. Not sure if the site deserves your mark? Check out the Resources and Tools section below.

STEP THREE: Start replying with your suggestions and guidance. And don’t forget to always include a link to your site and a few lines about who (and how awesome) you are.

RESOURCES AND TOOLS

• HARO (sign up for free to be a source)
• BuzzSumo (learn more about a particular site)
• MOZ (discover how strong a site is)
• Other HARO-Like Tools to Consider:

• SourceBottle
• NARO
• Twitter Journalist Request
• Twitter PR Request

We’re committed to providing a deep source of information and education for our community. Find more resources in our Learn page and visit us here again for the next 100-Day Digital Growth Plan Tactic! Then, contact us for more ideas on digital growth and your website.

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