5 Best Connectively (HARO) Alternatives for Authority Links

The news about Connectively shutting down is a real blow. Just when you thought you’d found a reliable platform for media outreach after HARO’s closure, now there’s another change on the horizon.

It’s frustrating when the tools you depend on seem to disappear or change, leaving you scrambling to find new ways to connect with journalists and share your message.

For nearly five years, I relied on HARO (just like you probably have) to secure over a hundred high-authority links for my websites. When I switched to Connectively, I thought the search for the perfect platform was finally over—until I got that email.

Now, here I am on another search, but this time, I’ve found some great alternatives I’ve been using recently—and I’m excited to share them with you.

In this post, I’ll reveal five of the best Connectively alternatives that have truly impressed me. Since switching, I haven’t looked back, and I think you’ll love them too.”

Top 5 Alternatives to Connectively for Legit PR Links

Service	Standout Features	Pricing
Source of Sources (SoS)	Connects journalists with expert sources; user-friendly platform	Free for basic use
Qwoted	Real-time queries; connects brands with reporters	Free for basic access
Featured (formerly Terkel)	Community-driven insights; focused on content needs	Free with account with a paid option
SourceBottle	Simplifies media inquiries; connects local and global sources	Free to sign up
Help a B2B Writer	Targets B2B connections; connects writers with industry experts	Free to use

1. Source of Sources (SoS): Best Overall Alternative

If you’re looking for a solid alternative to HARO, Source of Sources (SoS) is definitely one to consider. Founded by Peter Shankman, the original creator of HARO, SoS stands out for its ability to connect journalists with experts and content creators quickly and efficiently.

It’s a platform designed for ease of use, making interactions simple and direct for reporters and sources.

How Source of Sources Compare to Connectively

• User Experience: SoS is known for its simple layout and easy navigation, making it accessible for users of all skill levels. Unlike HARO, which some found cluttered, SoS offers a cleaner interface.
• Response Time: SoS allows quicker responses. Experts can easily see requests and respond almost immediately, improving the speed of source acquisition.
• Targeted Outreach: SoS provides more tailored requests. It matches journalists with sources that specifically fit their story needs better than HARO’s general approach.
• Community Engagement: SoS encourages community interaction among users. The platform fosters networking opportunities which can lead to long-term connections, something less emphasized in HARO.
• Cost: Unlike HARO, which may involve fees for premium features, SoS currently offers a free option.

Source of Sources (SoS) Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to Use: The interface is clean and manageable for both sources and journalists.
• Quick Interaction: Responses between users are often quicker compared to HARO.
• High-Quality Matches: Improved targeting leads to better connections for story relevance.
• Built by the original founder: If you’re a lover of the old HARO format, then you’ll definitely find SoS interesting. Plus, benefiting from Peter Shankman’s years of experience.

Cons:

• Early Platform: As a newer service, it may still develop some features and a larger user base.
• Limited Exposure: Some users may find fewer opportunities than HARO’s extensive outreach.
• Technical Issues: Being new, the system can have occasional glitches or bugs.

Source of Sources Pricing

Source of Sources is currently a free-to-use HARO service.

Is Source of Sources Worth it?

If you’re a journalist or expert looking for quick, high-quality connections, Source of Sources (founded by Peter Shankman, the original creator of HARO) is definitely worth exploring. It’s designed for those who value fast responses, targeted outreach, and building lasting relationships. For newcomers or those seeking visibility, it’s a great tool to help you stand out.

That said, as a newer platform, SoS might not yet offer the same volume of opportunities as HARO. If you’re looking for mass outreach or just starting out, it may take time to build momentum. But with Shankman behind it, SoS has the potential to become the next big thing in media connections—so it’s definitely one to watch.

2. Qwoted

Qwoted is a modern platform that simplifies media outreach and connection between journalists and sources.

It is a powerful alternative to Connectively (HARO), offering unique features that cater to media professionals and businesses looking to gain exposure. Qwoted allows users to create and manage their profiles, making finding matches for media inquiries easier. This platform is best for journalists seeking credible sources and experts wanting to get featured in articles, podcasts, and other media.

How Qwoted Compare to Connectively

• User Interface: Qwoted has a clean and intuitive interface, which makes it user-friendly compared to HARO’s older setup.
• Quality of Leads: Qwoted often provides higher quality inquiries, helping you connect with engaged journalists. HARO may flood you with inquiries that are less relevant.
• Search Functionality: The platform includes robust search options, allowing targeted outreach. HARO has limited filters.
• Membership Structure: Qwoted operates on a freemium basis, offering a free plan with optional paid features. HARO charges for premium services, which may limit access.
• Support: Qwoted tends to have more responsive customer service, helping you navigate any issues swiftly.

Qwoted Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface.
• Offers a free plan.
• High-quality inquiries and leads.
• Strong search functionality.

Cons:

• Free plan has limited features.
• Smaller user base compared to HARO.
• Some features may require a paid subscription.

Qwoted Pricing

Qwoted provides several pricing options to accommodate different needs.

• Free Plan: Access basic features that are suitable for individual users.
• Paid Plans: Start from $99 per month. This tier unlocks advanced features, allowing you more in-depth outreach.

Is Qwoted Worth it?

If you’re a journalist or business looking to boost your visibility, Qwoted is definitely worth a look. For journalists, it’s an excellent way to connect with credible expert sources quickly.

For businesses, it’s a powerful tool to promote your brand to the media. What sets Qwoted apart is its focus on quality connections over sheer volume—perfect for professionals who value meaningful outreach. If you want a more efficient way to secure reliable media contacts and build valuable relationships, Qwoted could be exactly what you need.

3. Featured (formerly Terkel)

Featured is a digital PR tool that connects journalists and marketers. It allows you to share your expertise and get featured in leading publications.

Originally known as Terkel, the platform has evolved to focus on building strong relationships between content creators and media outlets. You can expect a streamlined process that simplifies getting quotes and insights while providing valuable exposure.

How Featured Compares to Connectively

• Quote Creation: Featured takes a unique approach by creating content for publishers, unlike HARO, which primarily facilitates quote requests.
• User Engagement: With Featured, you can engage with thousands of experts who share their knowledge. This interaction often leads to more comprehensive insights.
• Publication Reach: Featured has ties with major publications such as Fast Company, Yahoo, and Zapier, allowing for significant visibility for responses.
• Ease of Use: The platform is user-friendly, making it easier for both journalists and sources to connect and collaborate.

Featured Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong network of reputable publishers.
• Simple interface for engagement and submissions.
• Builds authority by featuring expert insights.
• Supports a broad range of topics and industries.

Cons:

• Comes with paid plans
• It may not have as wide a user base as HARO.
• You might face competition from many experts.
• Limited functionality if you seek niche-specific queries.

Featured Pricing

Featured offers several flexible pricing plans to suit different needs, with options for individuals, small businesses, and agencies. Here’s a breakdown:

Track answers and keyword alerts for up to 25 keywords

Starter Plan (Free)

• For professionals wanting to share their expertise
• Submit up to three answers per month to questions from 1,000+ publications
• Track answers and success rates
• Get email notifications for up to three keyword alerts

Pro Plan ($49.75/month, save 20% annually)

• For small businesses looking to build their brand online
• Unlimited answers per month to questions from 1,000+ publications
• Filter questions based on expected link attribution and site authority
• Track answers and success rates
• Get keyword alerts for up to 25 keywords

Business Plan ($99.00/month, save 20% annually)

This is best for agencies and teams managing visibility for multiple clients

Includes everything in the Pro plan, plus:

• One bylined article and one interview profile submission per profile for publication consideration
• AI recommendations to improve success rates
• Track answers and keyword alerts for up to 25 keywords

For users who need more flexibility, Featured offers a pay-as-you-go option. You can purchase credits to submit additional answers beyond what’s included in your plan.

• 1 Credit is available for $6.99, perfect if you only need to submit an extra answer or two.
• 5 Credits are priced at $29.95, offering a more cost-effective solution for submitting a few extra answers, whether for yourself or a client. This breaks down to $5.99 per credit.
• 25 Credits are available for $124.75, a great option if you manage multiple submissions or work with a team. This pricing gives you a reduced rate of $4.99 per credit.

Is Featured Worth It?

If you’re a journalist in need of credible sources or a business aiming to boost visibility, Featured is worth considering. While it’s not entirely free, the platform offers a free limit each month, after which you’ll need to pay for additional submissions.

The pricing can get a bit expensive compared to alternatives like Connectively, but the focus on quality connections makes it a strong replacement for HARO. Businesses that rely on expert insights or contributors eager to showcase their knowledge will find it especially useful. If you’re looking for a direct route to being featured in top-tier publications and want a more engaging, user-friendly platform, Featured is still a solid choice.

4. Help a B2B Writer

Help a B2B Writer is a platform designed to connect B2B (business-to-business) writers with industry experts and sources. This unique service focuses on the fields of marketing, sales, and technology, making it particularly beneficial for professionals seeking specialized insights. Linking writers with knowledgeable contributors helps generate valuable content that meets the needs of business audiences.

How Help a B2B Writer Compare to HARO

Help a B2B Writer share some similarities with HARO but focus more on certain niches. Unlike HARO, which caters to a broader range of topics, Help a B2B Writer hones in on marketing and technology topics.

Key Points:

• Target Audience: While HARO generally serves all media, Help a B2B Writer targets B2B writers specifically.
• Niche Focus: It’s tailored for industries like marketing and technology, offering targeted connections.
• Ease of Use: Users find Help a B2B Writer easier to navigate compared to HARO’s more extensive features.
• Source Quality: Help a B2B Writer tends to provide higher-quality sources for B2B-specific inquiries.

Help a B2B Writer Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Connects you with industry-specific experts.
• Streamlined process for B2B topics.
• A free membership option is available, with a premium upgrade for additional features.

Cons:

• Focused mainly on a few industries, limiting its scope.
• Fewer overall sources compared to HARO.
• Premium membership required for advanced features, which can be a drawback for some.

Help a B2B Writer Pricing

Completely free without subscription.

Is Help a B2B Writer Worth it?

Help a B2B Writer can be an excellent choice for journalists and website sources focused on B2B content. If your work revolves around marketing or technology, this platform can help you effectively connect with the right experts.

It’s ideal for those who need specialized insights quickly. However, if your interests lie outside these fields, you might find limited value in the service. Use it if your goal is to produce top-notch, insightful content tailored to business audiences.

5. SourceBottle

SourceBottle is a game-changer for journalists, bloggers, and PR professionals looking to connect with experts and sources for media exposure.

What sets it apart is its user-friendly interface and focus on collaboration, making it a go-to choice for anyone looking to boost their media presence. You can easily post requests for information, helping you quickly find credible sources on a variety of topics.

Whether you’re looking for insightful quotes for an article or need expert commentary, SourceBottle makes it simple to connect with the right people to elevate your content.

How SourceBottle Compares to HARO

Here are some key points on how SourceBottle compares to HARO:

• Target Audience: SourceBottle is tailored for journalists and content creators, like HARO, but has a more diverse user base that includes professionals from various industries.
• Request Posting: Users can post specific requests for expert opinions, much like HARO’s pitch process, but SourceBottle focuses on building community interactions.
• Response Time: SourceBottle often sees quicker responses from sources compared to HARO, which can lead to faster content creation.
• Free Access: Unlike HARO’s paid tiers, SourceBottle offers a free plan, allowing users to connect without upfront costs and making it accessible to everyone.
• Community Engagement: SourceBottle encourages ongoing conversations, fostering deeper relationships between sources and journalists, which HARO doesn’t prioritize as much.

SourceBottle Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free basic plan allows access for all users.
• Quick responses enhance content creation speed.
• Strong community support fosters better connections.
• User-friendly platform simplifies requests and searches.

Cons:

• Limited features on the free plan compared to paid options.
• Smaller user base than HARO, potentially limiting source diversity.
• Not all requests may reach the intended audience if not detailed enough.

SourceBottle Pricing

SourceBottle offers several pricing options, including a free plan perfect for casual users. Paid plans, which start at approximately $5.95 per month, are available for businesses seeking more advanced features.

Is SourceBottle Worth it?

SourceBottle can be a great option for journalists and website sources wanting to get featured. If you seek a straightforward way to connect with experts in various fields, SourceBottle is worth considering. Its easy-to-use interface and quick response times can significantly enhance your outreach efforts.

This platform is ideal for freelancers, startups, and established media professionals alike. The free access makes it appealing for those who want to test the waters before committing. Overall, if you value community engagement and responsive communication, SourceBottle is a strong alternative to HARO.

My Criteria for Evaluating Connectively/HARO Competitors

When I’m looking for alternatives to Connectively (or HARO), I use several key factors to help me figure out which platform will best meet my link-building needs.

Here’s what I look for:

1. User Experience

First impressions matter.

When I’m using a platform, I want it to be easy to navigate. Think of it like driving a car—you don’t want a complicated dashboard with buttons that don’t make sense.

An intuitive interface saves me time and keeps me from getting frustrated when submitting pitches. I need to quickly find what I’m looking for, whether I’m pitching an idea or searching for a source. The less time I spend figuring out how to use the platform, the more time I have to focus on connecting with the right people.

2. Quality of Leads

Next up is the quality of leads.

This is crucial, especially when I’m trying to build high-quality backlinks. A good lead isn’t just a name or a journalist—it’s a solid, relevant opportunity that matches my niche. Imagine you’re fishing: you don’t just want a lot of fish; you want the right type of fish for your dinner.

That’s how I view quality leads. They should come from reputable sources and fit the context of the work I’m doing. Quality leads lead to better visibility and more valuable backlinks.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Let’s talk about money.

No matter how great a platform is, if the pricing doesn’t make sense for my needs, it’s a no-go. I compare costs across different platforms, looking at both subscription rates and the value I get in return.

Cost-effectiveness isn’t just about being the cheapest—it’s about what you get for your investment. If I’m paying for a premium service, I want to ensure it delivers enough results to justify the cost. Think of it like buying a cup of coffee: you might pay a little more for a premium cup, but if it’s really good, it’s worth the splurge.

4. Variety of Niches

If I’m going to make the most out of any platform, it needs to cater to a variety of niches. The broader the range of industries a platform covers, the more likely I am to find relevant queries that align with my expertise.

It’s like going to a buffet: you want a variety of choices so you can find the dishes that best suit your tastes. The more diverse the platform’s user base, the greater the chance I’ll find opportunities that actually match the topics I want to write about or pitch.

5. Support and Resources

Customer support is a big one for me. It’s not just about having access to help when things go wrong—it’s also about having useful resources to guide me when I need them. I want a responsive team ready to assist if I can’t figure something out or run into a problem.

Good customer service is like having a reliable guide on a hike: they help you stay on track and overcome obstacles. Plus, helpful resources—like guides, FAQs, or tutorials—make the whole experience smoother and more productive.

6. Submission Limits

Finally, I always check submission limits. Some platforms restrict how many pitches you can send in a given time frame, which could limit your outreach efforts.

If I’m on a mission to get as many high-quality backlinks as possible, I don’t want to be restricted by these limits. It’s like trying to fill a shopping cart, but someone tells you you can only add five items. If my goal is to pitch a lot, I want a platform that allows me to send multiple pitches without restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do platforms like SourceBottle compare to HARO regarding features and user experience?

SourceBottle offers similar functionality to HARO, allowing journalists to post requests for sources. The user experience may differ, as SourceBottle emphasizes community engagement and offers a streamlined platform that can be easier to navigate for both journalists and experts.

Can Qwoted serve as a viable replacement for HARO, and how do they differ?

Qwoted can be a viable replacement for HARO, particularly for those focusing on PR outreach. Unlike HARO, which operates on larger pitch volumes, Qwoted focuses on a curated interaction between journalists and sources, often resulting in more relevant and targeted connections.