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When Connectively (formerly known as HARO) shut down, many marketers, SEOs, and business owners were left without a go-to tool for easy media coverage and link building. These platforms made it simple to earn backlinks by responding to journalist requests. But now that they’re gone, you might be wondering: what’s the next best thing?

At THAT Agency, we’ve tested a lot of tools and strategies to help our clients get featured, build links, and grow their authority online. So, if you’re looking for real ways to replace HARO and Connectively in 2025, we’ve put together a list of the best working alternatives, and why they’re worth your time.

What to Look For in HARO Alternatives

Before we dive into the list, here’s what makes a HARO alternative truly valuable:

• Media outlets you’ve actually heard of
• Backlink opportunities from high-authority domains
• Timely, topic-relevant queries
• Tools that save you time (and stress)
• A fair shot at being selected, even if you’re not a big brand

Let’s look at the top HARO alternatives you can start using today.

1. Terkel

What is Terkel? Terkel is a platform that helps you get featured in articles online. All you have to do is answer real questions from publishers, blogs, or content creators. If your answer is selected, it gets included in their article, and you usually get a backlink to your website. That’s a win for visibility and SEO.

Think of it like this: someone is writing an article titled “10 Ways to Stay Productive While Working From Home” and they need quotes from real people. You log into Terkel, see that question, and share your best tip. If they like your answer, you get quoted in the article and they link back to your website or social profile.

Why do people like Terkel?

• It’s easy to use. The dashboard is clean and simple. You’ll see open questions organized by topic (like business, marketing, wellness, etc.), and you can respond directly through the site.
• You don’t need a long pitch. Unlike traditional PR platforms where you have to write a detailed email, Terkel just asks for short, helpful answers.
• You get published fast. Most answers are used in roundup-style blog posts that go live within a few weeks, so you see results quickly.

Who should use Terkel? Terkel is great for:

• Small business owners trying to get noticed
• Marketing professionals looking to build backlinks
• Experts who want to grow their credibility without spending hours on outreach

Do I need to pay to use Terkel? Terkel offers both free and paid plans. You can start with the free version and upgrade later if you want access to more questions or better exposure.

How long does it take to answer a question? Usually just a few minutes. Most answers are between 100–300 words.

Will every answer I write get published? Not always, but if your response is thoughtful, helpful, and clear, your chances are high.

Do I have to be a writer or marketer to use it? Nope! Anyone with real-life experience or insight can contribute. As long as you can answer questions honestly and clearly, you’re good.

2. Qwoted

What is Qwoted? Qwoted is a platform that helps professionals connect with journalists and writers who are working on real stories. It’s similar to what HARO and Connectively used to offer, but with a cleaner, more modern setup.

Here’s how it works: You create a profile and add details about your background, industry, and areas of expertise. Then, Qwoted sends you alerts when journalists are looking for sources in your field. You can reply to those requests directly and, if selected, you’ll get quoted in their article.

Why we recommend Qwoted:

• You control your profile. Your profile is like an online resume that journalists can browse. It includes your bio, expertise, and links to your website or social media.
• You only get relevant requests. Qwoted does a good job filtering media requests by topic. That way, you only get notifications for stories that actually make sense for you.
• It feels professional. The platform is polished, easy to navigate, and clearly designed with both journalists and experts in mind.

Who should use Qwoted? Qwoted is especially useful for:

• Business owners who want press coverage
• Marketing and PR pros in industries like finance, healthcare, or tech
• Brands or individuals looking to be seen as thought leaders

Is Qwoted free to use? There’s a free plan that gives you access to a limited number of media requests. If you want more features, like priority access or pitch tracking, there are paid plans available.

Can I pitch directly to journalists? Yes! Qwoted lets you respond to journalist requests, but you can also pitch directly to reporters who’ve opted into the network.

What kind of sites or outlets are on Qwoted? You’ll find everything from smaller blogs to large, well-known publishers. It depends on the industry and topic, but there are plenty of high-quality backlink opportunities.

What makes it different from HARO? It’s more organized, with better profiles and more useful filters. You don’t get flooded with irrelevant requests, just the stuff that fits your expertise.

What is Help a B2B Writer? Help a B2B Writer is a newsletter-style service where professional writers post requests for quotes from experts in business-to-business (B2B) industries. These writers are often working on articles for marketing blogs, SaaS (Software as a Service) websites, or industry guides, and they need input from people like you to make their content more helpful and credible.

Here’s how it works:
You sign up to get email alerts. Each alert includes a list of open quote requests like:

• “Looking for marketing experts to share tips on email automation
• “Need input from founders about customer retention strategies”

If a topic fits your expertise, you can respond directly by filling out a simple form. If your answer is chosen, you’ll be quoted in the article and usually get a backlink to your website.

Why is Help a B2B Writer a great HARO alternative?

• You get highly targeted opportunities. Most requests come from writers who already know exactly what they want, so you’re not wasting time on vague pitches.
• Topics are super relevant for marketers, SaaS founders, and agencies. If you work in content marketing, email marketing, product management, or any B2B space, this is a goldmine.
• It’s more about quality than quantity. You won’t get flooded with dozens of random requests. Instead, you’ll see a few really strong ones worth responding to.

Is it free? Yes, it’s completely free to receive the request emails and respond.

How often are new requests sent out? Usually a few times a week. The volume isn’t high, but the quality is solid.

Who are the writers? Most are professional content marketers working for blogs, agencies, or B2B software companies.

Do I need to be a writer or marketer to respond? Not at all. As long as you have real experience in the topic they’re asking about, you’re a great fit.

Will I get a backlink? In most cases, yes. Writers often link to your website or LinkedIn profile when quoting you.

4. JustReachOut

What is JustReachOut? JustReachOut is a more advanced platform for people who want to run their own PR and outreach campaigns without hiring a full-time publicist. It’s not just about responding to media requests, it helps you find journalists, write pitches, and track your outreach so you can build long-term media relationships.

This platform is great for brands that want more control over how they show up in the media. Instead of waiting for journalists to come to you, JustReachOut helps you take the first step by giving you the tools to find the right contacts and reach out to them directly.

Why it’s one of the top HARO alternatives:

• You can build your own media list. Use their search tool to find journalists who write about your industry and see what they’ve published recently.
• You get pitch templates and writing support. If you’re not sure what to say, the platform gives you ideas and structure for your email pitch.
• You can track who opened your emails and follow up. It has built-in analytics, so you know who’s interested and when to follow up.

Who is JustReachOut best for?

• Companies with a content marketing or PR strategy. If you’re already creating great content and want more exposure, this is a natural next step.
• Founders or marketers who want to do their own PR. You don’t have to rely on agencies or expensive publicists.
• Agencies managing multiple clients. If you’re handling PR or SEO for clients, this tool helps you scale your outreach efficiently.

Is JustReachOut free? No, this is a paid platform. But for businesses that take PR seriously, the features can be well worth the investment.

Do I need PR experience to use it? Not really. The platform is made for people without a PR background. It walks you through the process with training, templates, and best practices.

Can I use it to build backlinks? Yes! When you get featured in an article or quoted in the media, you’ll often get a backlink. This helps your SEO and improves your site’s authority.

How much time does it take to use? It depends on how often you pitch, but many users spend a few hours a week building and maintaining relationships.

How is this different from platforms like Terkel? With Terkel, you wait for opportunities to come to you. With JustReachOut, you’re actively reaching out and building relationships. It takes more effort, but you can land higher-quality placements and long-term visibility.

5. Featured

What is Featured? Featured is a platform that helps experts get quoted in online articles. It used to be called Terkel Pro, but it's since grown into a bigger and more polished tool. Here’s how it works: content creators and publishers post questions on different topics, and you can submit your answers. If your answer is selected, you get quoted in their blog post or article, with a link back to your website.

It’s one of the easiest ways to build backlinks and boost your authority in your industry without needing a publicist or PR agency.

Why it’s great for link building:

• It’s free to sign up. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges, just create your profile and start answering questions.
• It focuses on professionals. Many of the questions come from blogs and sites looking for input from marketers, small business owners, consultants, and founders.
• You get quoted in roundup-style articles. These types of blog posts often feature several expert opinions and include a backlink with each quote.

Do I need experience to join? Nope! As long as you have insight or advice on a topic you know well, you can contribute. Many users are founders, marketers, or small business professionals.

How long do my answers need to be? Most answers are short, usually around 100 to 300 words. Focus on being clear and helpful.

Will I always get featured if I respond? Not always, but your chances go up if your answer is specific, relevant, and well-written. Even if you’re not chosen every time, it’s worth submitting consistently.

What types of topics are on Featured? Marketing, business, productivity, entrepreneurship, hiring, leadership, and similar areas. It’s not usually for lifestyle or general consumer topics.

How long does it take to see your quote live? Most articles are published within a few weeks, and you'll get an email if your answer was selected.

6. SourceBottle

What is SourceBottle? SourceBottle is a free tool that connects journalists and bloggers with people who can provide expert advice, quotes, or real-life stories. It's especially popular in lifestyle, wellness, parenting, and health-focused media. If you run a business in those areas, or have personal experience to share, it’s a great place to start.

You sign up, pick the topics you care about, and get email alerts when journalists are looking for sources. If you see a good match, you can respond and (hopefully) get featured in their article, with a backlink included.

Why SourceBottle stands out:

• It’s helpful for product-based or wellness brands. Many journalists are writing about skincare, nutrition, fitness, parenting, or mental health, so if your brand fits in those spaces, it’s a perfect match.
• You get requests straight to your inbox. No fancy dashboards or apps to learn. The email format makes it easy to skim and reply.
• It’s beginner-friendly. If you’re new to media outreach or PR, SourceBottle makes the process feel approachable and stress-free.

Is SourceBottle free? Yes! You can sign up and respond to media call-outs at no cost.

How often do new opportunities come in? Emails are sent daily. Some days there are more requests than others, depending on what journalists are working on.

Do you need to be a business owner to use it? Not necessarily. Many sources are founders or experts, but sometimes journalists look for everyday people with personal stories or experiences, too.

What kinds of publications use SourceBottle? It varies. Some are blogs, some are magazines, and some are media sites based in countries like the U.S., UK, and Australia.

How do I respond to a request? Click the request that interests you, read what the journalist is looking for, and reply with a short message that includes your input or story. If they’re interested, they’ll follow up.

7. OnePitch

What is OnePitch? OnePitch is a media outreach platform that helps you send smart, targeted pitches to journalists, without spamming anyone. Instead of sending your story idea to hundreds of random emails, OnePitch helps you find the right journalist for your topic and craft a message that actually gets noticed.

Think of it like matchmaking for PR: you submit your pitch, and the platform recommends journalists who are most likely to be interested based on their past work. This saves time and increases your chances of getting a response.

Why OnePitch works so well:

• It combines a media database with intelligent pitching. You don’t have to scroll through endless contacts. OnePitch does the heavy lifting for you.
• It helps you write better pitches. Their pitch builder guides you through what to include, so you can clearly explain your story and why it matters.
• You get matched with relevant journalists. That means fewer ignored emails and more chances of landing coverage or backlinks.

Who should use OnePitch?

• Marketing teams or PR departments who want to streamline outreach
• Startup founders and SaaS companies with a clear product or story to pitch
• Tech brands or B2B companies looking to build authority and reach niche audiences

Is OnePitch free? Yes, you can start with a free plan that lets you submit a limited number of pitches. They also offer paid tiers with more features.

Do I need to be a PR pro to use it? Not at all! The platform walks you through creating a great pitch, so even beginners can feel confident sending it out.

How long does it take to get results? It depends on your pitch and topic. Some users hear back within days, especially if the journalist is actively writing about your space.

What kinds of stories work best? Product launches, data reports, expert commentary, and company milestones all work well, especially in industries like tech, SaaS, marketing, and innovation.

Can I follow up after sending a pitch? Yes, but make sure your follow-up is polite and helpful. OnePitch encourages thoughtful outreach, not spammy follow-ups.

8. Use Journalists’ Twitter/X Requests

What does this mean? Many journalists still use Twitter (now called X) to ask for expert sources, quotes, or personal stories for their upcoming articles. They usually post requests using hashtags like #journorequest, #prrequest, or #mediatwitter.

These posts are often very specific, like:

• “Looking for an HR expert to comment on return-to-office policies”
• “Writing a story about Gen Z entrepreneurs, DM me if that’s you!”

If you respond quickly with something relevant, there’s a good chance you’ll be featured in their article, sometimes on a high-authority website that gives you a valuable backlink.

Why this method still works in 2025:

• It’s fast and free. No subscriptions or dashboards, just search and respond.
• You can build real relationships. Following journalists and responding professionally helps you stay on their radar.
• There are a lot of niche requests. Whether you're in real estate, marketing, healthcare, or startups, you’ll likely find a match.

How to stay on top of it:
Use tools like:

• TweetDeck – Set up columns for specific hashtags
• Hootsuite – Monitor multiple hashtags and keywords at once
• Brand24 – Set up alerts for media mentions or journalist queries

Quick tips for success:

• Be fast. Journalists are often on a tight deadline. Respond as soon as you see a request.
• Keep it short. Your reply should include your quick answer or a one-sentence summary and a way to contact you.
• Be professional. Even on social media, your tone should be polite, helpful, and easy to work with.

Do I need a Twitter account? Yes, and ideally a complete profile with your name, title, and business. Journalists are more likely to respond if you look credible.

What should I include in my response? Briefly explain why you're a good source, share a key insight or quote, and include your website or email if they want to follow up.

What if I miss a request? Set alerts or check hashtags a few times a day. Since requests are time-sensitive, the sooner you see them, the better.

Will I always get a backlink? Not always, but most journalists will link to your site or mention your business if you’re offering valuable input.

Can I pitch even if they didn’t post a request? Yes, but only if your message is relevant and respectful. Following a journalist’s work and suggesting a helpful story or expert insight can go a long way.

9. LinkedIn Content Collaboration Requests

What is this, and how does it work? If you’re not already paying attention to LinkedIn for backlink opportunities, it’s time to start. Over the last few years, LinkedIn has become a powerful platform for writers, editors, and marketing professionals to find expert sources for content.

Instead of using HARO-style tools, many content creators now turn to their network (or wider LinkedIn audience) when they need quotes for blog posts, listicles, or expert roundups. They’ll post something like:

• “I’m working on a piece about small business marketing tips. Looking for contributors!”
• “Building a roundup of HR tech predictions, drop your thoughts below or DM me.”

Why this method is so effective:

• It’s relationship-based. These aren’t anonymous journalist requests, you’re talking directly to the person writing the content. That opens the door to more collaboration in the future.
• There’s less competition. Unlike mass email alerts that hundreds of people respond to, LinkedIn posts tend to get fewer, but higher-quality, replies.
• It boosts both backlinks and connections. You’re not just earning a link, you’re also growing your professional network.

How to find these opportunities:

• Use the LinkedIn search bar and type in phrases like “looking for contributors,” “building a roundup,” or “need expert quotes.”
• Check posts in niche industry groups or hashtags like #contentmarketing, #B2Bmarketing, #freelancewriter, or #digitalPR.
• Follow content creators, marketers, and editors who write for publications in your space.

Do I need a LinkedIn account? Yes. And make sure your profile is filled out with your current role, area of expertise, and website link. Writers will often check your profile before quoting you.

What should I say when I reply to a post? Keep it short and helpful. Share a quick insight, explain why you’re a good source, and offer to send a longer quote or message if they need more info.

Do I need to message them privately or comment on the post? You can do either! If the post says “drop a comment,” go for it. If they ask for DMs, send a polite, professional message with your input.

Will I get a backlink every time? Not always, but many writers will include a link to your site or LinkedIn profile, especially if you ask politely once your quote is accepted.

How often should I check for these? Try once a day or every couple of days. You don’t have to spend hours on it, just stay consistent.

10. Guest Posting & Contributor Networks

What is guest posting? Guest posting means writing an article for another website, usually in your industry, in exchange for being featured as an expert and getting a backlink to your own site. It’s one of the oldest and most trusted ways to build high-quality links, and it still works incredibly well in 2025.

Unlike quick quote responses, guest posts give you a chance to go deeper, showcase your expertise, and build real trust with new audiences.

Why it’s still worth your time:

• You control the message. Since you're writing the article, you can focus on topics that align with your business goals.
• You get long-term value. A well-written guest post on a high-authority site can keep driving traffic and links for months (or even years).
• It helps build your brand. You’re not just getting a link, you’re positioning yourself as an expert in your field.

You can pitch websites directly or use contributor networks that connect writers and publishers. Here are three tools that make this easier:

ClearVoice

A content creation platform that connects marketers and writers with brands and publications. You can create a profile, show off your writing samples, and get matched with guest posting gigs.

ContentGrow

Ideal for freelancers and agencies, ContentGrow helps you find paid writing opportunities and collaboration projects with websites that need expert input.

BlogDash

This tool helps marketers pitch bloggers and publishers in their industry. It’s great if you already have a topic in mind and want to get it published on a relevant blog.

Do I need to be a professional writer? Not necessarily! As long as you know your topic and can explain things clearly, you can write a strong guest post. If needed, you can also work with a content writer to polish it.

Can I include a link in the article? Yes. Most sites let you include at least one link to your website, usually in your bio or within the content (as long as it’s relevant).

How do I pitch a guest post? Start with a short email that includes who you are, your topic idea, why their readers would find it helpful, and one or two examples of your writing.

What kinds of sites accept guest posts? Everything from industry blogs and niche publications to big-name business sites. Focus on sites your ideal customers actually read.

Is this a quick-win strategy? Guest posting takes more time than submitting quotes, but it offers stronger long-term SEO benefits, and helps you stand out in your industry.

So... Which HARO Alternative Is Best?

It depends on your business goals and how much time you want to spend. If you're just looking for fast, simple backlinks, Terkel or Featured are great picks. If you’re building a broader PR or SEO strategy, tools like JustReachOut or OnePitch give you more control and long-term value.

Many businesses benefit from using 2–3 of these platforms together for a steady stream of backlinks from different types of websites.

Why High-Quality Backlinks Still Matter

Backlinks from real, relevant websites are still one of the best ways to increase your visibility on search engines. The key is earning links that come from trusted sources, not buying links or using shady shortcuts.

That’s why these HARO alternatives are so useful: they help you build links the right way, while also boosting your brand’s credibility.

Final Thoughts: Building Links After Connectively

The shutdown of Connectively may have thrown a wrench in your link-building plans, but there are still plenty of great tools out there. From curated quote platforms like Featured, to journalist networks like Qwoted, to building your own media outreach with JustReachOut, your options in 2025 are better than ever.

If you’re not sure where to start or want help using these tools the smart way, we can help.

Contact THAT Agency to start building a better backlink strategy today, with real results, not guesswork.