Getting featured in top publications is difficult, especially when there are so many platforms promising results. But HARO and Help a B2B Writer both make it easier to land media mentions and build backlinks.
HARO sends a high volume of queries every day, so fast, relevant responses matter. Help a B2B Writer focuses on curated B2B opportunities, making it easier to target the right audience without the noise. One might fit better depending on goals, budget, and the type of coverage needed.
In this blog, we’ll compare HARO vs Help a B2B writer. We’ll share how these platforms work, their pros and cons, and which one actually helps get results.
What is HARO?
Image Source: HARO
HARO, short for Help a Reporter Out, was founded by Peter Shankman in 2008. The platform connects sources with journalists looking for expert insights. Every day, HARO sends hundreds of queries across industries like business, tech, health, and lifestyle straight to users’ inboxes.
It was acquired by Cision following its merger with Vocus in 2014 and operated under Cision for more than a decade. In early 2024, the platform was rebranded as Connectively as part of an effort to refresh the product and reposition it within Cision’s ecosystem. That rebrand was short-lived, and on December 9, 2024, Connectively was officially discontinued as Cision decided to wind down the service.
A few months later, in April 2025, the HARO platform and assets were acquired by Featured, a PR and expert-sourcing platform built around a similar model. The acquisition marked an attempt to revive the original HARO concept under a new operator, following the shutdown of Connectively.
What is MentionMatch? (Formely, Help a B2B Writer)
MentionMatch (Formerly known as Help a B2B Writer) is a platform that connects businesses with journalists and writers specifically covering B2B topics. Unlike HARO, which sends hundreds of queries across industries, this platform focuses on curated opportunities tailored for business-to-business stories.
Users get access to relevant pitches where they can share expertise, insights, or case studies that appeal directly to a B2B audience.
It’s designed to make media outreach more targeted, reduce the noise, and increase the chances of being featured in authoritative publications. Many companies use it to land placements in top industry blogs, trade magazines, and news outlets that matter most to their niche.
HARO vs MentionMatch: Key Differences
When deciding between the two, let's understand how each platform works and who it benefits the most. Both connect experts with writers and journalists, but their focus, reach, and workflow are quite different.
Focus and Audience
HARO has a broad focus, covering almost every industry imaginable—from lifestyle and travel to health and business. It’s ideal for experts who want a wide range of media opportunities and are comfortable competing in a high-volume environment.
On the other hand, Help a B2B Writer targets niche B2B industries, such as SaaS, tech, finance, and HR. This makes it perfect for professionals who want highly relevant placements without the distraction of unrelated requests.
Quality of Opportunities
The quality of media opportunities differs significantly. HARO provides access to top-tier outlets like Forbes, NYT, and major podcasts, but also to smaller blogs and publications, meaning the value can vary.
Help a B2B Writer ensure that every query is vetted for relevance to B2B content, which generally leads to higher-quality quotes and placements in respected industry publications.
Cost and Accessibility
HARO uses a freemium model, offering basic access for free but charging for features like early access and advanced filters.
Help a B2B Writer is completely free for both writers and sources, making it accessible without any hidden costs. This can be a deciding factor if you want consistent, niche-focused opportunities without worrying about subscriptions.
Who Should Use HARO?
HARO is best suited for experts, entrepreneurs, and professionals who want broad media exposure across multiple industries. If you have knowledge that applies to a variety of topics — like health, lifestyle, travel, or business — HARO helps you get featured in major publications, podcasts, and blogs. It’s particularly useful for people who don’t mind sorting through a high volume of daily emails to find the right opportunities.
Journalists, content creators, and PR professionals also benefit from HARO because it gives them access to a large pool of credible sources. If you’re trying to reach a national or global audience, HARO’s broad network and long-standing reputation make it a reliable tool to secure visibility.
Who Should Use Help a B2B Writer?
Help a B2B Writer is designed specifically for professionals and experts in the B2B space, making it ideal for those working in industries like SaaS, tech, finance, marketing, HR, and other business-focused sectors. If your goal is to provide insight to B2B writers or get featured in industry-specific publications, this platform ensures your expertise reaches the right audience without distractions from unrelated queries.
This platform is perfect for experts who want a streamlined experience. Since requests are only sent to sources that match the required expertise, you don’t have to sift through dozens of irrelevant emails. It saves time while increasing the likelihood of your quotes being used in high-quality, targeted B2B content.
Conclusion
When comparing HARO vs Help a B2B Writer, the choice really depends on your goals. HARO works well if you want broad exposure across multiple industries, while Help a B2B Writer is ideal for focused, high-quality B2B placements.
Both platforms have their strengths, and many professionals find using them together gives the best results—high relevance from B2B queries and wider reach from HARO.
If you want to get featured on top media publications but don’t have time to use these platforms, reach out today.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between HARO and Help a B2B Writer?
HARO delivers a high volume of journalist queries across industries daily, while Help a B2B Writer focuses on curated B2B opportunities for targeted media outreach. HARO works best for broad exposure, and Help a B2B Writer is ideal for niche B2B coverage.
2. How does HARO link building work?
HARO sends journalists’ queries to your inbox. By responding quickly with relevant insights, businesses can get featured in top publications and earn high-quality backlinks. It’s a fast way to build media credibility and authority online.
3. Can Help a B2B Writer help with backlinks?
Yes. By getting featured in B2B-focused blogs, trade magazines, and news outlets, companies earn backlinks from authoritative sites, which can improve website authority and SEO.
4. Is HARO free or paid?
HARO offers a free plan with basic query access, plus paid plans for faster alerts, better visibility, and more opportunities to stand out. Help a B2B Writer also has subscription options depending on coverage and features.
5. Which platform is better for B2B companies?
For highly targeted B2B media coverage, Help a B2B Writer is often more effective. HARO works well for broad exposure across multiple industries. Many companies use both platforms strategically to maximize reach and backlinks.
