Journalist request platforms connect writers who need expert sources with people who can provide them. Reporters post queries, subscribers send short pitches, and selected answers are quoted in articles, sometimes with a link. HARO (Help a Reporter Out) made the model widely known, and many similar services now exist. The links are editorial, but they are never guaranteed.
How the model works
A journalist posts a request: the topic, the kind of source wanted, and a deadline. Subscribers filter requests by topic and reply with a concise, quotable answer and their credentials. If the journalist uses the quote, the article may mention the source's name, company and sometimes a link.
HARO's ownership and branding changed several times from 2024 onward, and the market now includes a range of alternatives, both general and industry specific. Check each service's current terms and request quality before investing time. Journalists also post requests directly on social platforms.
What makes a pitch get used
Journalists receive many answers per request, increasingly including generic AI-written ones. The answers that get picked are fast, specific and clearly from someone with experience.
- Answer the actual question in the first two sentences
- Offer a specific example, number from your own work, or contrarian view
- State your role and why you are qualified, briefly
- Respect the deadline and the requested format
Setting expectations
Many publications link to sources selectively, apply nofollow, or mention the company without linking. Judge the channel by the quality of coverage and the relationships it creates. A quote in a respected trade publication can be worth having even without a link, and unlinked mentions can be followed up later.
Example
A founder as a recurring source
The CEO of an illustrative procurement platform, Bidhollow, answers a few requests a week on supply chain and purchasing topics, always with concrete examples from customer work. Over a quarter, a handful of quotes are used, two with links. One reporter starts contacting the CEO directly for future stories, which proves more valuable than any single link.
Common mistakes
Sending generic AI answers
Journalists can spot them, and they make your name associated with filler.
Answering outside your expertise
Credibility is the whole value. Stick to topics you can speak to from experience.
Questions
Yes, when no payment is involved. The journalist chooses whether to quote you and whether to link. Some platforms sell paid placements, which are a different thing.
