How to Respond to a HARO Query: Expert Guide with Real Tips That Work

Using HARO is a great way to get mentioned in well-known publications. But simply replying to a journalist’s question isn’t enough. Reporters receive dozens — sometimes hundreds — of answers for every query, and they only choose the ones that are relevant, clearly written, and easy to use in their article.

That means giving helpful, straight-to-the-point answers that match what the journalist is asking for. Even if you don’t have a big title or a huge audience, your reply can still be selected — if it adds value.

In this blog, you’ll learn exactly how to respond to a HARO query — with detailed expert guide with tips that work. Plus you will know what makes a strong pitch, with examples, expert insights, and simple tips that actually work.

First Off, Let’s Talk About What Is HARO? 

HARO stands for Help A Reporter Out — a free platform that connects journalists with people who have something valuable to say.

Image Source: HARO

Let’s say a journalist is writing a story about AI and marketing trends. Instead of reaching out to people one by one, they use HARO to ask for expert input. It usually includes the topic, deadline, and the type of source they need.

In return, professionals like marketers, founders, or consultants send in their *pitch* — a short, helpful response that answers the query. A good pitch includes a clear answer, a short bio, and shows why you’re qualified to speak on the topic.

If the journalist likes what you say, they’ll quote you in the article. That means more visibility, a strong backlink, and added credibility — all without paying for PR.

What you have to keep in mind….

HARO is very fast. Journalists often work on tight deadlines. So your pitch has to be relevant, easy to quote, and sent in quickly.

What Is a HARO Query (And How to Read It Properly)?

A HARO query is simply a question posted by a journalist who’s looking for expert insights or real-life experiences for their story. These queries are sent out through HARO emails three times a day — morning, afternoon, and evening — and are grouped by category like business, health, lifestyle, education, tech, and more.

Every HARO query includes a few important details — the journalist’s topic or question, the deadline for responses, the media outlet (sometimes well-known like Forbes or Business Insider, sometimes anonymous), and specific requirements such as “looking for a founder using AI tools” or “need insights from a hiring manager.” 

These help you quickly decide if you’re the right fit. 

For example, a HARO query might say:

“Looking for social media marketers who have seen success using TikTok trends. Please include results, experience, and a website or LinkedIn link.”

Your job is to respond with a short, clear, and valuable answer. 

Now that we’ve gone over the basics, let’s get into how to respond to a HARO Query. 

How to Respond to a HARO Query (Expert Guide)

Responding to a HARO query isn’t about being the smartest person in the inbox — it’s about being the most helpful.

Journalists are on tight deadlines. They’re looking for one thing — a solid quote that makes their story stronger. Here’s how you can write this. 

Read the Query Carefully

Before you rush to respond, take a minute to truly read the HARO query. What exactly is the journalist asking for? Are they looking for a short quote, a story, or stats? Do they want a CEO, a coach, or someone with technical knowledge? If you don’t meet the exact criteria, skip it.

Journalists don’t have time to sift through off-topic replies. And nothing gets your email deleted faster than sending irrelevant info. And this could be the major pitching mistake one could ever do.

Know the Journalist’s Audience

This part is often skipped, but it’s what separates generic pitches from great ones. If a journalist writes for *Forbes*, they’re probably looking for data-backed business advice. If it’s for Bustle, the tone will be much more casual and personal. Create your pitch to fit the outlet’s readers.

Let’s say the query is about “time management tips” for Business Insider. Your answer could be: 

“As a remote agency owner managing a team across four time zones, I use a ‘priority map’ every Monday to keep tasks visible and synced. It’s saved me 5–7 hours weekly.” 

That’s specific, relevant, and matches the outlet’s tone.

If your answer doesn’t align with the reporter’s focus, it won’t get picked — no matter how well-written it is. Before you reply, check the topic, outlet, and tone, and ask yourself: “Would this quote add real value for their readers?” If yes, then only move.

Start with a Strong Subject Line

The subject line is one of the most overlooked parts of a HARO response, yet it plays a critical role. It’s the first thing a journalist sees in their inbox, and it often determines whether your email even gets opened. If your subject line is vague, unclear, or irrelevant, your pitch might be skipped—no matter how strong your response is inside.

To give yourself the best chance, write a subject line that’s clear, direct, and informative. A good formula is to include your role or title, the main topic of the query, and the outlet name if it’s known. 

For example, a subject line like “Startup Founder: Remote Hiring Tips – HARO for Fast Company” tells the journalist exactly who you are, what you’re offering, and where it fits. It’s short, relevant, and gives them a reason to click.

On the other hand, avoid subject lines like “My input,” “Expert response,” or “HARO answer.” These are too generic and don’t help your email stand out in a crowded inbox. 

Journalists often get 100+ responses per query — your job is to make their decision easier. A well-written subject line does that by offering clarity and value right away.

You don’t need to be clever or use clickbait. In fact, all-caps words, vague promises, or too many exclamation points can hurt your chances. Just focus on being specific and useful. If your tip offers a clear benefit (like saving time or increasing engagement), you can include that — but don’t overdo it.

Create a Useable Quote or Insight First

If you want to know how to write a proper HARO response? Skip the greeting and jump right into the value. Journalists are often under tight deadlines—they prefer responses that they can copy and paste directly into their article. Your quote or insight should be one to two sentences maximum, clear enough to be used immediately.

For example:

“Instead of morning routines, I schedule ‘focus windows’—90-minute blocks with no meetings, no Slack, no email. That’s been the most effective productivity hack I’ve ever used.”

That statement is skimmable, strong, and stands on its own. Place the quote at the top of your email so that it’s instantly visible. Leave your brief bio and contact details afterward.

Why does this matter? 

Journalists often delete pitches they can’t use from the first glance. By leading with a solid insight, you make their job easier — and increase your odds of being featured. Studies show that pitches which open with a powerful quote are more likely to be selected than those that start with introductions or general context.

Include a Short Bio That Proves Your Expertise

After your tip, add a brief 1–2 sentence bio to show you’re legit. This isn’t the time to sell yourself — just establish authority. Mention your title, company, and any credibility markers like “featured in,” client names, or awards.

Source: HARO

Be Unique, Not Generic

If there’s one guaranteed way to get your HARO pitch ignored, it’s by sounding like everyone else.

Journalists read dozens, sometimes hundreds, of responses per query — and the majority say the exact same things. They are “really” looking for specificity. That could mean a unique experience, an actionable example, or a number that backs up your point.

Instead of writing, “Consistency is important for social media growth,” try something like, “Posting every weekday at 9 AM for three months helped my Instagram engagement jump by 47% and led to a 60% increase in newsletter signups.”

Keep It Short, Skimmable, and Clean

Your pitch should be 150–250 words. Journalists are short on time — they’ll skim, not study. Use short paragraphs, break things into clear sections (quote → bio), and avoid attachments. Here’s an example of a perfect query answer.

If you have a stat or link to back up your claim, include it (briefly). But avoid linking to sales pages. Instead, use your website, LinkedIn, or a resource guide — anything that adds value without pushing for a sale.

Submit FAST

Speed matters more than you think. Journalists often start reviewing answers within 2–3 hours of posting a HARO query. The earlier you hit send, the more likely you are to get seen.

Set up HARO alerts in real time and check your inbox 2–3 times a day. You don’t need to reply to everything, just the ones where you have something great to say — and say it quickly.

Don’t Oversell or Attach Files

This is a common mistake. You might be tempted to add your media kit or case study PDF. Don’t. HARO guidelines are clear: no attachments. If you want to share extra info, use a Google Doc or Dropbox link.

Also, avoid sales language like “We’re the #1 agency in…” or “Try our tool today!” Journalists aren’t looking to promote your business — they’re looking to quote an expert. Let your insight speak for itself.

Tools to Make It Easier

There are some tools you can use to write better responses. 

Grammarly or Hemingway App 

When journalists are scanning through dozens — sometimes hundreds — of HARO responses, clear writing stands out. That’s where these both tools come in:

Grammarly checks for spelling, punctuation, tone, and clarity in real time. It ensures your pitch sounds confident, professional, and easy to read — without coming across as robotic. It’s especially handy for catching small errors that might slip past your own eye.

Hemingway, on the other hand, pushes you to write boldly and simply. It flags long or complex sentences, passive voice, and unnecessary words. Just paste your pitch into Hemingway and follow the color-coded suggestions. Aim for a readability grade around 6–8 to keep things crisp and quotable.

2. Google Alerts 

It’s easy to miss when your pitch actually gets published, especially if the journalist doesn’t notify you. That’s where Google Alerts comes in handy. 

Source: Google Alert

Set up alerts with your name, company, or key phrases from your pitch. When something gets indexed online, you’ll get an email notification. This helps you catch mentions quickly so you can share them on social or thank the journalist. It’s also helpful for discovering “hidden wins” you may not even know about.

3. Ahrefs or Semrush 

If you’re using HARO to build backlinks, Ahrefs and Semrush can help you track your results. They show who’s linking to you, how strong those sites are, and how much traffic you’re getting. This is how you can get backlinks with HARO.

Ahrefs is great for checking backlink quality.

Source: Ahrefs

Semrush helps with keyword rankings and SEO growth. These tools make it easier to see which HARO pitches work best, so you can focus on what brings real results.

Image Source: Semrush

Wrap Up

When it comes to figuring out how to respond to a HARO query, it’s about being clear, useful, and to the point. Journalists are looking for something relevant, honest, and easy to quote. 

If you can give them that in just a few lines, you’ve already done more than most. So instead of treating HARO like a marketing opportunity, treat it like a chance to genuinely help someone tell a better story. 

And if you need help writing HARO queries that land links from sites like Forbes, AMEX, and Business Insider, just reach out.

FAQS

1. How do you respond to a HARO query?

Read the request carefully, craft a clear and relevant quote or insight, and include a short bio proving your expertise. Keep it brief, specific, and easy for the journalist to copy-paste into their article.

2. What is a HARO query?

A HARO query is a journalist’s request for expert input, quotes, or experiences for an upcoming article. It’s sent to registered sources through daily emails based on selected topics.

3. How do you respond to a HARO?

Write a short, skimmable pitch that directly answers the query. Start with your quote, back it up with a quick explanation, and end with your name, title, and credentials.

4. How many times a day are HARO queries posted?

HARO sends queries three times a day: morning, afternoon, and evening (Monday through Friday). Each email contains dozens of questions across different industries.

5. What are the requirements for a HARO query?

Journalists usually ask for specific expertise, roles, or experiences. Your answer must directly match what they’re asking for — off-topic or promotional pitches are ignored.