Looking for the best HARO alternatives to earn authoritative, journalist-credited backlinks in 2026? The original HARO shut down and relaunched, but a strong set of journalist-request platforms now do the same job — connecting you with reporters who quote experts and link to their sites.
Key takeaways: HARO (Help a Reporter Out) was shut down as “Connectively” in December 2024, then relaunched by Featured.com in 2025 as a free newsletter. The best HARO alternatives today are Featured, Qwoted, Help a B2B Writer, and Source of Sources. These earn genuine editorial links from real publications — the highest-quality backlinks you can build.
What happened to HARO?
HARO was acquired by Cision and rebranded as Connectively, which Cision shut down on December 9, 2024. In April 2025, Featured.com acquired the HARO brand and relaunched it as a free email newsletter with daily journalist requests. So HARO lives on in a new form — and several excellent alternatives have grown alongside it.
Best HARO alternatives in 2026
| Platform | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Featured (HARO) | Free + paid | Expert answers & media links |
| Qwoted | Free + paid | Closest HARO experience |
| Help a B2B Writer | Free | B2B & SaaS niches |
| Source of Sources (SOS) | Free | High request volume |
| SourceBottle | Free | Lifestyle & consumer |
| ResponseSource | Paid | UK & European media |
| Prowly | Paid | Full PR + media database |
| JustReachOut | Paid | DIY PR outreach |
| #journorequest (X / Bluesky) | Free | Fast, real-time requests |
Why HARO-style links are the best backlinks
Unlike directory or profile links, journalist-request platforms earn you editorial backlinks — a real reporter quotes you and links to your site from a genuine news article. These links carry high authority, drive referral traffic, and build brand credibility, which is exactly what Google and AI search reward.
How to use HARO alternatives the right way
Sign up for a few platforms, monitor requests in your area of expertise, and respond fast with concise, genuinely useful answers and credentials. Give reporters quotable insights (not a sales pitch), include your name, title, and site, and follow each query’s deadline and format. The best results come from working a small stack of platforms at once.
Mistakes to avoid
Avoid generic, self-promotional pitches, missing deadlines, and answering questions outside your expertise. Quality and speed win. Pair digital PR with guest posting sites and press release submission sites for a well-rounded link profile.
Frequently asked questions
Is HARO still available in 2026?
Yes, in a new form. Connectively (formerly HARO) shut down in December 2024, and Featured.com relaunched the HARO brand as a free newsletter in 2025.
What is the best HARO alternative?
Qwoted and Featured are the closest replacements, while Help a B2B Writer and Source of Sources are excellent free options.
Are HARO-style backlinks dofollow?
Often yes. Because they come from editorial news articles, many are dofollow and highly authoritative — among the best links you can earn.
Are HARO alternatives free?
Several are free, including Help a B2B Writer, Source of Sources, and SourceBottle. Others offer free tiers plus paid plans with more features.
Conclusion
The best HARO alternatives let you earn authoritative, editorial backlinks by helping journalists — the highest-quality links in SEO. Sign up for a few platforms, answer fast with real expertise, and you’ll build media links no directory can match. To learn more, see Featured (HARO).
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