How to Use HARO to Get Free Publicity for Your Business

Instead of spending thousands to retain a public relations agency, there is a new service that's turning heads. HelpAReporter.com offers quality leads for people in all industries to get noticed in radio shows, TV shows and written articles. Here's how to use this tool to get your business noticed.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet

Instructions

1. Sign up for HARO. It's so easy to sign up for this service, which emails leads directly to your inbox (see Resources below). Just type in your name, company and email address.

2. Peruse your leads. Three times a day, an email will come into your inbox full of about 20 to 30 leads. The only rule for responding is that your response is on target. For example, if you're a plumber and you're responding to a query looking for mechanics, that's a stretch. In order to keep the service free, and keep top reporters coming to the site, they want quality respondents.

3. Respond to a lead. The ad may ask for a quote or may just ask for you to send on your website link so the reporter/producer can screen you. I often respond with a short quote to the leads (most of which are for magazine/newspaper articles). I include my contact information. This way the reporter has everything in one email and can extract any part of my quote for use.

4. Get press. If the reporter emails back and is interested in your inquiry, you may be asked for more information or a follow-up interview. Sometimes the reporter sends you a link when the story airs with your information in it. Sometimes you won't find out you've been featured until you search for your name online (I use Google Alerts). If you don't land a spot, don't be too discouraged--there are plenty of leads going out per day and you're bound to get one.

Tips & Warnings

• I don't follow up on leads. I simply send my response and let it be. Sometimes you get a bite; sometimes you don't. But reporters are often busy and don't need more follow-up emails--or calls--clogging their inboxes.

• Don't send the reporter attachments unless you're asked.

• Don't send non-related information to the reporter; you may get banned.

Resources

• Help A Reporter