How to Choose a HARO Agency: An Expert’s Step-by-Step Guide

Link building stands as one of SEO’s most challenging aspects – it demands time, involves complexity, and often leads to frustration. You might wonder how to choose a HARO agency that delivers genuine results. We’ll address this question head-on today. HARO link building has become incredibly popular, and with good reason too – it delivers results. These specialized services help you secure more media coverage and quality backlinks from high-authority domains. However, not every HARO link building service provides equal value. Choosing the right HARO link building agency can revolutionize your backlink profile while you handle other business priorities. A poor choice will drain your budget on low-quality links that fail to impact your rankings. This piece walks you through everything you should know about picking a HARO agency that aligns with your goals. We cover all essential aspects – from crafting effective pitches to evaluating pricing models. Are you ready to make an informed decision? Let’s take a closer look!    

Understand What HARO Link Building Is

HARO (Help A Reporter Out) connects expert sources with journalists who need insights for their articles. This powerful platform lets your expertise earn you valuable backlinks from respected publications. You need to understand HARO basics to pick the right agency that manages this process for you.

How HARO works for backlinks

HARO matches journalists with industry experts. The system sends three daily email batches (at 5:35 am, 12:35 pm, and 5:35 pm ET) Monday through Friday. Each email lists journalist queries by category. Here’s the process:

1. Journalists submit queries asking for expert insights for upcoming articles
2. Sources (that’s you or your agency) review these queries and respond to relevant ones
3. Journalists select the best responses to include in their content
4. Your published contribution usually has your name, company, and a backlink

The platform launched a new pitching system called Connectively that lets you see journalist requests live and track your pitches within the platform. Time matters a lot with HARO. Quick responses often win links because journalists tend to pick the first suitable pitch they see. Research shows pitching within the first 6 hours after a request boosts your conversion rate by 20%.

Why journalists use HARO

Journalists work with tight deadlines and need expert sources to make their content more credible. HARO gives them quick access to industry specialists without long research or cold outreach. Journalists use HARO to find:

• Expert commentary and quotes
• Ground examples
• Statistical support and data
• Industry viewpoints

Writers from major publications like Forbes, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Huffington Post use HARO to find sources. These publications’ high domain authority makes their backlinks very valuable for SEO. About 33% of journalist queries turn into published articles, which means three out of ten requests lead to articles. Half of all articles appear within two weeks of the query, though timing can range from one day to nine months.

Benefits of HARO for SEO

Quality backlinks are HARO’s main SEO benefit. A study of 1,500 journalist queries found 68% had a domain rating of 50 or higher, and 89% of published queries came from sites with DR 50+. You could earn links from highly authoritative domains. On top of that, more than half of all published articles used dofollow links, which pass SEO value to your website directly. The rest are usually nofollow links that still give brand visibility and potential referral traffic. HARO responses succeed 5-10% of the time, though specialists might do better. This rate might seem low, but a few high-authority backlinks can boost your SEO performance by a lot. HARO offers more benefits beyond link building:

• You become a trusted industry authority
• Your brand gets more visible in relevant publications
• You get referral traffic from readers who value your expertise
• You build relationships with journalists for future chances

HARO connects you with real journalistic opportunities instead of paid placements, so these backlinks look natural to search engines. This approach fits Google’s guidelines that stress earning links through valuable content rather than buying them. Look for a HARO agency that knows these mechanics well and shows steady success in your specific industry.    

Know When You Need a HARO Agency

The choice between managing HARO outreach yourself or hiring an agency needs careful thought. Your resources, expertise, and goals will determine the best path forward.

Signs you should outsource

Not every business needs a HARO agency. Many companies struggle to keep up with HARO’s requirements. Here’s how to tell if you need professional help:

• Limited time or resources: A HARO service can save your team precious time by taking care of everything from pitch to publication. You need to act fast with HARO – quick responders usually win the best opportunities.
• Lack of specialized expertise: HARO SEO services have experts who know how to create pitches journalists actually pick. Without this know-how, you might see few responses.
• Difficulty identifying relevant opportunities: HARO sends dozens of requests daily in a variety of categories. Experts can quickly spot the topics that match your business.
• Inconsistent results from in-house efforts: An agency’s proven methods could work better if your own HARO attempts haven’t paid off. The platform’s peak days are behind us – journalists now receive over 100 replies per query.
• Need for faster results: Agencies typically deliver links within a month. Building an in-house team takes much longer to show results.

You should think about outsourcing when the cost of managing HARO internally becomes higher than paying for professional help.

In-house vs. agency pros and cons

Each approach offers unique benefits based on your situation. Agency Advantages:

• Immediate expertise access: Agencies bring knowledge from working with clients of all sizes. They know what works and can adapt quickly, unlike new hires.
• Established publisher relationships: Many agencies have built connections with editors and site owners that help secure spots on high-authority domains.
• Faster execution: Their existing systems often deliver results in weeks.
• Clear deliverables: Most services guarantee a specific number of monthly links through contracts.
• Specialized tools and knowledge: Agencies invest in HARO-specific tools and training.

Agency Disadvantages:

• Higher monthly costs: Expert services, tools, and profit margins add up.
• Less control over the process: You won’t manage outreach communications directly.
• Potential quality concerns: Some agencies might use questionable tactics.
• Limited customization: Many use standard processes instead of tailored approaches.

In-house Team Advantages:

• Greater control: You oversee brand voice, quality, and strategy directly.
• Deeper integration: Your team works closely with other departments.
• Flexibility to shift priorities: Changes happen quickly without contract negotiations.
• Budget-friendly long-term: This works well for larger operations that need constant link building.
• Authentic industry expertise: Nobody knows your business better than your own team.

In-house Team Disadvantages:

• Slower ramp-up time: Internal teams need months to show results.
• Resource demands: You’ll need to hire, train, and manage dedicated staff.
• Scaling limitations: Small teams might struggle with multiple markets.
• Potential burnout: Staff turnover can happen due to repetitive outreach work.

Note that HARO works best for professional services, SaaS, and eCommerce businesses. An in-house approach might work if your team has the skills and bandwidth. If not, a HARO link building agency could be a smart investment.    

Step 1: Define Your Link Building Goals

You need to be absolutely clear about your goals before you reach out to any HARO agency. Your choice of agency depends on what you want to achieve with your link building.

Do you want homepage or internal links?

HARO backlinks mostly point to homepages (about 95%). This fact could shape your decision. Homepage links come with several advantages:

• They boost your entire domain’s authority, which helps all pages gradually
• They distribute link equity throughout your site when you use proper internal linking
• You’ll find them easier to get through HARO compared to deep links

Homepage links work best if you want to:

• Boost your overall Domain Rating (DR) or Domain Authority (DA)
• Quickly raise your DR by 10-20 points if you’re selling links
• Build baseline authority for new websites

Internal page links serve a different purpose. One expert puts it this way: “If you’re trying to rank inner pages and don’t have a ton of time or resources to spread around, you may need to look elsewhere to target those pages”. Should you go after both types? The ideal answer is yes. Search engines like to see a balanced link profile. Most agencies focus on homepage links through HARO because they’re more successful.

Are you targeting specific industries or DR levels?

Domain Rating (DR) or Domain Authority (DA) shows how likely a website is to rank in search results. These scores go from 1 to 100 – the higher the score, the better the ranking potential. Here are some key metrics to think about:

• Most DR scores fall between 40-50
• Any score above 60 is high
• Sites with DR 60+ give you premium SEO value
• Mid-tier publications (DR 40-60) are great for link building

Your industry plays a big role in what you can achieve. HARO success rates vary quite a bit across different niches:

• Business and finance topics see the most queries
• Pet-related queries pop up more often than music ones
• Gambling and Adult industries struggle the most

“The potential of link building depends on the niche  –  the more queries related to a specific topic, the greater the possibility of obtaining links”. Link attributes matter too. HARO backlinks are split almost evenly between dofollow and nofollow. Dofollow links pass SEO value directly, but nofollow links help create a natural link profile. Be realistic about anchor text. Journalists rarely accept specific anchor text requests because it reveals your SEO motives. HARO links usually use branded anchors or simple URLs. Quality beats quantity every time. A few high-authority backlinks can boost your rankings more than many low-authority ones. Look for an agency that gets this principle and focuses on quality placements. It’s worth mentioning that HARO is just one tool in your link building toolkit. “HARO should be part of your link building strategy, even if it’s not the only one”. Good agencies understand this and can show you how HARO fits into your broader SEO strategy. Set clear goals for your domain rating targets, link types, and industry focus. This makes it easier to find a HARO agency that delivers what you need.    

Step 2: Research HARO Link Building Services

You’ve set your goals. Now let’s find agencies that can deliver results. The digital world has many providers who claim HARO expertise. Let’s spot the real experts from the rest.

Where to find reputable agencies

A look beyond flashy websites shows several ways to find qualified HARO specialists: Industry directories and reviews list many HARO agencies. Sites like Clutch and DigitalMarketer show agencies with verified client reviews and performance data. You can filter by specialty, budget, and client ratings. Specialized link building communities like BlackHatWorld, Bigseo, and even Reddit’s r/SEO have threads about HARO success stories. Members often recommend agencies they’ve worked with. This gives you honest, unfiltered feedback. These top-rated HARO link building services show up repeatedly across research sources:

• Thrive Internet Marketing Agency – 17 years old with strong experience across multiple industries
• LinkBuilder.io – Known for securing backlinks from high-authority domains like Forbes and TechCrunch
• HARO Link Building – Focuses exclusively on HARO-based link building
• Loganix – Over a decade of experience in HARO outreach
• Dialed Labs – Specializes in data-driven HARO strategies

Many agencies use platforms beyond just HARO. Look for those who work with:

• Qwoted
• JournoLink
• ProfNet
• Source Bottle
• ResponseSource
• Featured (formerly Terkel)

These alternative platforms can add to traditional HARO queries and give you an edge for niche or geographical relevance.

How to verify agency credibility

Your shortlist is ready. Now let’s get into each agency’s legitimacy. Here are the critical factors to consider: Case studies and client testimonials are a great way to get insights into an agency’s track record. Search for detailed examples that show past successes – not vague claims. Real case studies include specific metrics, challenges overcome, and measurable results. You should look up reviews beyond their website to get unbiased points of view. Journalist relationships make a huge difference. Ask potential agencies about their media connections in your industry. Agencies with strong media partnerships get placements more consistently than those who rely only on cold pitches. Transparency in methodology sets professional operations apart from questionable ones. Quality agencies openly share:

• Their pitching process
• How they match queries to your expertise
• Their typical response times
• Success rate expectations

Industry specialization shows deeper expertise. Some agencies excel in specific niches like SaaS, healthcare, or e-commerce. Teams with experience in your sector understand its unique challenges and opportunities. Communication style shows what future working relationships will be like. Watch their responsiveness, clarity, and how they answer questions during initial talks. Poor communication during sales likely means worse service after payment. Website and online presence shows an agency’s marketing capabilities. Journalists check sources’ websites before linking back. You should check the agency’s digital footprint too. A spammy, poorly designed website with little valuable content might mean they’ll struggle to get quality placements. Schedule a consultation call. Ask specific questions about their experience, methods, and results. Professional agencies welcome these talks as chances to show their expertise. Ask for sample reports that show their tracking metrics and result communication. Clear, complete reporting shows an agency values transparency and accountability.    

Step 3: Evaluate Their Pitching Process

A HARO agency’s true value shows in its pitching process. The way they craft and send pitches helps predict if they’ll deliver meaningful results or waste your money.

Do they write custom responses?

Authentic content wins with journalists. A shocking 73% of journalists reject pitches that lack relevance. They spot mass emails and AI-generated content instantly. You should ask direct questions about their content creation:

• Do they use templates or AI tools to generate responses?
• Who writes the pitches – junior staff or industry specialists?
• Can they show examples of successful pitches they’ve crafted?

Quality agencies put their resources into original content that speaks with a human voice. “In today’s saturated media environment, a pitch must broadcast more than a news hook, it must emit what I call an ‘authenticity signal,'” notes one industry expert. The best pitches lead with your most newsworthy insight. Propel’s data shows pitches containing 51-150 words achieved the highest journalist response rate at 7.51%. Watch for red flags when agencies avoid discussing their writing process or promise unrealistic volumes of daily pitches. Quality, custom responses need time that mass-produced content doesn’t.

How do they match queries to your niche?

Your success rate depends heavily on query selection. Ask potential agencies about their filtering systems: “To succeed with HARO, you need to handpick the most relevant queries,” emphasizes one expert. Good agencies don’t respond to everything – they target opportunities that match your expertise. A professional agency should explain:

1. Their process to identify relevant queries
2. How they adapt their approach to your specific industry
3. Whether they use supplemental platforms beyond HARO

Experienced agencies track patterns in successful placements. “A simple but powerful tip: maintain a spreadsheet of HARO query topics that resulted in placements, along with their angles and keywords”. This data helps refine their strategy over time. Query matching goes beyond obvious industry topics. “Look for adjacent expertise zones where your insight still holds value”. The best agencies can stretch relevance across overlapping industries without overreaching.

Turnaround time and success rate

Success with HARO depends on speed. “Most journalists finalize their selections within hours”. Ask these questions during your agency evaluation:

• Their average response time after receiving queries
• Systems to prioritize time-sensitive opportunities
• Staff’s availability across different time zones

HARO remains a numbers game, even with perfect timing. A typical success rate ranges between 5-10%. Agencies should be upfront about realistic expectations. Experienced specialists might achieve better rates, but anyone promising success on every pitch isn’t being honest. Established agencies typically secure one link for every 8-15 pitches sent. Their most experienced writers might get one win per 4-10 pitches. These numbers help set realistic expectations. The volume of pitches plays a crucial role. An agency should send about 15 quality pitches to get one placement weekly. Their capacity directly shapes your results. The best agencies track detailed metrics like:

• Pitches sent
• Follow-up rates
• Placement success (both dofollow and nofollow)
• Publication quality (domain rating)

Numbers tell part of the story, but placement quality determines your ROI. A single placement on a high-authority site often brings more value than multiple links from lesser publications.    

Step 4: Check Reporting and Transparency

Professional HARO agencies stand out from questionable operators through their transparency. You should focus on their reporting methods and clarity after analyzing their pitching approach.

What metrics should be included?

Detailed reports from HARO agencies should track multiple performance indicators. Quality agencies measure both immediate link acquisition and how SEO changes over time from your campaigns. Key metrics to look for in reports include:

• Keywords performance – Track if your site ranks higher for keywords in the content where you were featured as a source
• Organic traffic changes – Higher organic traffic shows your HARO efforts work well
• Referral traffic – Direct traffic from sites that linked to you proves people engage with your expertise
• Link quality indicators – Domain Rating (DR), relevance, and link placement details
• Link status updates – Watch for changes like nofollow conversions, broken pages, or updated anchor texts

Stay away from agencies that only report numbers without quality metrics. You might need to look at other SEO factors if your HARO efforts get links but performance stays flat. Better agencies show data visualizations that connect HARO placements to domain authority and traffic metrics. These visuals help you grasp campaign results quickly without getting lost in data.

How often should reports be shared?

Report timing varies between agencies, but common patterns exist. Respected services provide:

• Regular progress reports as standard practice
• Custom reporting for enterprise-level clients
• Constant access to campaign analytics

The best HARO link building agencies communicate clearly from start to finish. They add context and explanations to their reports. Your updates should match your campaign schedule. About half of all HARO articles go live within two weeks of the query. Publication can take anywhere from one day to nine months, so reports adapt to these varied timelines. Page One Power shows good practice by letting clients track progress and measure search ranking changes. Sure Oak also keeps clients informed about their HARO link building progress through clear reports. Ask these questions about reporting when comparing agencies:

1. Can I access reports through a dashboard or only via email?
2. Will you alert me when links go live?
3. Do you track if links remain active over time?
4. How do you measure the actual SEO impact of acquired links?

Good agencies treat reporting as a partnership tool, not just a task to complete. They use analytics to improve their strategy based on what works for your business. BacklinkManager.io follows this approach by helping teams share notes and track pitch progress. Pick an agency that makes reporting feel like watching your campaign unfold – not just getting a monthly statement. Their transparency shows how they’ll handle your HARO link building investment.    

Step 5: Compare Pricing Models

Smart financial decisions about HARO agencies start with a clear grasp of their pricing structures. Different payment models work better for different business needs. A good understanding of what you’re paying prevents surprises down the road.

Monthly retainers vs. per-link pricing

HARO agencies use two main pricing structures. Each has its own benefits based on your goals and budget. Monthly Retainer Model needs a fixed monthly payment for ongoing link building services. Prices start at $1,000 and can go up to $20,000+ for premium services. Most agencies want at least $2,000 per month.   This model suits businesses that need:

• Steady, predictable expenses
• Detailed campaigns beyond just link acquisition
• Strategic collaborations rather than one-off deals
• Long-term SEO growth

A retainer gives you more than just links. You get strategy development, content creation, and journalist relationship building. This explains why the original investment is higher. Pay-Per-Link Model sets a fixed price for each successful backlink placement. This straightforward approach shows exactly what you get.   Prices change based on domain authority and industry:

• $250-$350 for easier niches like charitable organizations
• $350-$700 for moderate-difficulty areas such as B2B tech or healthcare
• $700-$1,000+ for competitive industries like finance or insurance

Some agencies price based on domain rating tiers. DR60+ links usually cost $450-$490 each.   This model works well for businesses with:

• Clear link quantity goals
• Tight budgets needing predictable costs
• Plans to test an agency before deeper investment
• No need for extra strategy services

Both models work well – your choice depends on what matters most. Per-link pricing offers maximum flexibility with minimal commitment. Monthly retainers provide better value for detailed strategy and steady output.

What’s included in the cost?

Services bundled into your investment vary among agencies. Clear understanding of these differences helps avoid disappointment. Standard inclusions in most HARO packages:

• Daily HARO email monitoring
• Query filtering based on your expertise
• Pitch writing and submission
• Journalist communications and follow-up
• Simple placement reporting

Premium services that cost more:

• Expert positioning and profile building
• Custom keyword filtering
• Priority access to relevant queries
• Personal account managers
• Detailed performance analytics

Agencies often use tiered packages – from simple monitoring to full-service solutions. HAROPRO charges $197/month for unlimited pitches with potential for 3-5 monthly links. Other agencies might ask $900+ for just three guaranteed links. Guarantees and policies need attention. Some agencies keep pitching until they secure your purchased links. Others might charge whatever the outcome. You should ask:

• About minimum domain rating guarantees
• What happens if publishers remove links
• Extra costs for rush requests
• Whether content creation costs extra

Link quality metrics make a difference. Some services only count dofollow links from sites with Domain Rating above 60. They might give lower-DR placements as bonus links. Others mix different values without clear distinction. Delivery timeframes affect value too. Links usually take 6-12 weeks to appear. Faster results often cost more.    

Step 6: Ask About Link Quality and Guarantees

Quality standards among HARO agencies can be wildly different. A written agreement about these details will save you headaches and protect your investment. Let’s get into what you should ask before signing any contract.

Do they guarantee dofollow links?

Many HARO agencies charge only for dofollow links that pass SEO value directly to your site. This is a vital difference because dofollow links affect your rankings more than nofollow alternatives. You should ask these pointed questions about link attributes to potential agencies:

• Do you charge for nofollow links? Many agencies include them free as bonuses
• What domain rating minimums do you guarantee? Look for agencies promising DR40-90 links
• What other quality standards must links meet? (Some agencies verify MOZ spam scores stay below 15%)

Top-tier publications like Forbes might have strict policies about providing only nofollow links. These links still give you brand visibility and referral traffic benefits. A good agency will tell you this truth instead of making empty promises. Some agencies set clear quality thresholds and charge only for links with specific attributes. HARO-SEO charges exclusively for links that meet all their criteria: dofollow attribute, DR30+, and low spam scores. This pay-for-performance model protects your money.

What happens if a link is removed?

Links can disappear. Journalists update articles, websites change their structure, or publications modify their policies. Your agency should have clear policies about this possibility. Most HARO backlinks stay on media websites forever. All the same, removals happen. Professional agencies offer protection periods and don’t charge for links removed within 3-6 months after publication. This safety net means you won’t pay for short-term benefits. The best agencies take it further by offering replacements. They’ll secure new links of equal or better quality if existing ones disappear. This steadfast dedication shows they know how to deliver lasting value. You should check cancelation policies too. Some agencies monitor pending pitches for 30 days after you end your contract and provide pro-rata compensation for undelivered links. This fair approach values completed work while respecting your choice to switch providers. These tough questions deserve answers upfront. Quality HARO agencies welcome them as chances to show their confidence and transparency. Their responses reveal whether they truly stand behind their work or just chase quick profits.    

Conclusion

Your link building results can improve significantly with the right HARO agency. This piece outlines six key steps to guide your decision. Quality trumps quantity in backlink building – a handful of high-authority placements perform better than many lower-quality links. Clear goals should come before you start looking for agencies. You should know if you want homepage or internal links, your target domain ratings, and which industries align with your business. These clear objectives will help steer your agency discussions. Each agency’s pitching process deserves careful examination. They might use custom responses or templates. Their response time to queries could affect your success rate. It also helps to see transparent reporting – reliable agencies show exactly what your investment brings. The digital world of HARO offers different pricing models. Monthly retainers and per-link payments are common options, but you need clarity on what’s included. Ask about their guarantees, especially for dofollow links and their policy on removed content. Your resources, expertise, and timeline will determine if you should manage HARO internally or hire professionals. Outsourcing costs more initially but delivers quicker results with minimal internal disruption. HARO link building shines when executed properly. You’ll find a partner that delivers real value by doing this and being methodical in your search. Begin exploring today and watch your backlink profile grow stronger with authoritative placements that boost your SEO results.    

Key Takeaways

Selecting the right HARO agency requires strategic evaluation across six critical areas to ensure you get quality backlinks that actually boost your SEO performance.

• Define clear goals first: Specify whether you need homepage or internal links, target domain ratings (DR 40-60+ recommended), and industry focus before contacting agencies.
• Evaluate pitching quality over quantity: Choose agencies that write custom responses rather than templates, respond within 6 hours of queries, and achieve realistic 5-10% success rates.
• Demand transparent reporting: Quality agencies track keyword performance, organic traffic changes, referral traffic, and link status updates – not just link quantity metrics.
• Compare pricing models carefully: Monthly retainers ($2,000-$20,000) suit long-term strategy while per-link pricing ($250-$1,000) offers predictable costs for specific goals.
• Verify quality guarantees: Ensure agencies only charge for dofollow links from DR40+ sites and offer replacement policies for links removed within 3-6 months.

The right HARO agency transforms your backlink profile while you focus on core business activities. Poor choices waste money on low-quality links that don’t improve rankings. Success depends on finding partners who prioritize authentic journalist relationships over mass pitching tactics.

FAQs

Q1. What is HARO and how does it work for link building? HARO (Help A Reporter Out) is a platform that connects journalists with expert sources. For link building, businesses can respond to journalist queries, potentially earning backlinks when their responses are included in published articles. HARO sends out email queries three times daily, and fast, relevant responses often win placements. Q2. How do I know if I need a HARO agency? Consider hiring a HARO agency if you have limited time or resources, lack specialized expertise in crafting compelling pitches, struggle to identify relevant opportunities, or need faster results. Agencies can save time, provide immediate expertise, and often deliver links within a month. Q3. What should I look for in a HARO agency’s pitching process? Look for agencies that write custom responses rather than using templates or AI-generated content. They should have a clear process for matching queries to your niche and expertise. Ask about their average response time and typical success rates, which usually fall between 5-10% for quality agencies. Q4. How often should a HARO agency provide reports? Most reputable HARO agencies offer regular progress reports, often aligned with campaign timelines. You should expect consistent updates that track metrics like keyword performance, organic traffic changes, and link quality indicators. Some agencies provide ongoing access to campaign analytics through dashboards. Q5. What guarantees should I expect from a HARO agency regarding link quality? Quality HARO agencies often guarantee dofollow links from sites with specific domain ratings (usually DR40+). They should have clear policies about what happens if a link is removed, such as not charging for links removed within 3-6 months of publication or offering replacements. Ask about their standards for link attributes and domain quality before signing any contract.