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When you get featured in Inc. magazine, it can give your business a huge credibility boost and put your story in front of the right audience. But getting noticed by top editors isn’t easy, especially with so many people pitching every day. Using HARO (Help a Reporter Out) strategically gives you a way to respond quickly with valuable insights that journalists actually want.
In this blog, I’ll show you practical steps on how to get featured in Inc. using HARO.
1. Set Up Your HARO Account for Success
Before you can start getting featured in Inc, your HARO account needs to be set up correctly. A well-prepared account ensures you see the right queries and can respond quickly with valuable insights.
Sign Up and Choose the Right Categories
Start by registering at helpareporter.com as a source. Make sure your profile clearly highlights your expertise and business experience. Then, select categories that match your field, like Business and Finance, so you only receive relevant queries from journalists who write for Inc. and similar publications.
Monitor Queries Consistently
HARO sends emails three times a day, so it’s important to check them regularly. Setting aside time each day to read incoming queries helps you catch opportunities early. Make it a habit to review each batch as soon as it arrives, because the fastest responses often get noticed first.
Set Up Keyword Alerts
To save time, set up filters in your email for keywords like “Inc,” “Inc.com,” “startup,” “entrepreneur,” or “management.” This highlights queries that are most relevant to your expertise. Catching these quickly gives you an advantage and increases your chances of getting featured in Inc.
A properly set-up HARO account is the first step in positioning yourself as a reliable source for journalists and getting noticed by top-tier business media.
2. Identify the Right Opportunities
Not every HARO query is worth responding to. Choosing the right opportunities is key to getting featured in Inc. and building credibility as an expert.
Be Selective and Focused
Only respond to queries where you have real knowledge or experience. Answering questions outside your expertise can hurt your reputation with journalists and reduce your chances of being trusted in the future. Focus on topics where your insights can genuinely help readers.
Look for Inc-Specific Requests
Inc. writers often look for advice that is actionable, data-backed, or unique. Queries asking for personal business experiences, startup lessons, or practical management tips are usually the best fit. Pay attention to questions that ask for specific examples or unconventional perspectives, as these often stand out in a crowded inbox.
Prioritize Relevance and Value
Even if you know about a broad topic, make sure your response directly matches the journalist’s request. Provide concise, valuable answers rather than general statements. The more relevant and useful your pitch, the higher the chances of being featured in Inc. and building long-term media relationships.
Identifying the right opportunities ensures your time is spent on pitches that really matter and positions you as a credible source that journalists want to quote.
3. Craft the Perfect Pitch (The “Inc.” Standard)
Once you spot the right query, the next step is crafting a pitch that catches the journalist’s attention. A strong pitch increases your chances of getting featured in Inc. and ensures your insights are noticed quickly.
Respond Quickly for First-Mover Advantage
Journalists often review the first few high-quality responses. Replying within 30 to 60 minutes can make a big difference. I’ve found that acting fast shows professionalism and increases the chance your pitch will be considered before the inbox fills up.
Use a Clear and Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line should immediately show the value of your pitch. For example:
HARO Response: 3 Tips for Scaling Your Startup – [Your Name] for Inc.
This tells the journalist exactly what your email contains and why it’s relevant.
Structure Your Pitch for Maximum Impact
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your credentials, like your role, years of experience, or notable achievements.
- The Answer: Address the query directly. Provide concise, actionable insights or examples. Make it easy for the journalist to quote you.
- Keep It Short: Limit your pitch to 150–250 words. Avoid extra fluff or long-winded explanations.
- Snackable Quotes: Include 1–2 short, memorable statements that can be copied directly into an article.
- No Attachments: Keep everything in the email body. Journalists often ignore attachments or cannot open them easily.
4. Build Credibility and Authority
Getting featured in Inc. isn’t just about responding quickly—it’s also about showing journalists that you are a trustworthy expert. Strong credibility makes your pitch more compelling and increases the likelihood of being published.
Share Real-Life Examples
Avoid generic or vague advice. Include specific experiences, lessons learned, or data-backed insights from your own business. I’ve seen pitches that tell a clear story or highlight unique results stand out far more than those that only give general tips.
Include a Professional Bio and Links
End your pitch with a short, professional bio. Mention your role, years of experience, or notable achievements without promoting your services directly. Adding links to your website or LinkedIn profile helps journalists verify your expertise and gives readers a way to learn more.
Position Yourself as an Expert
Regularly contributing to industry discussions, writing blogs, or sharing insights online can reinforce your authority. Even small mentions or quotes in other publications build trust with journalists and make them more likely to feature your insights in Inc.
Building credibility and authority not only improves your chances of being featured but also strengthens your reputation for future media opportunities.
5. Post-Pitch Strategy
Sending a strong pitch is just the first step. How you handle the period after sending it can affect your chances of being featured in Inc. and building lasting relationships with journalists.
Follow Up Once, Politely
If the deadline has passed and you haven’t heard back, a single polite follow-up can sometimes get your pitch noticed. Keep it brief, professional, and friendly—journalists are busy, and a gentle reminder can help without being pushy.
Promote Your Feature
If your response gets published, share the article on social media, tag the journalist, and highlight your insight. This not only builds your visibility but also strengthens your relationship with the journalist for future opportunities.
Keep Building Media Relationships
Even after one feature, continue engaging with relevant journalists or contributing to other platforms. Consistency and professionalism make you a reliable source, increasing your chances of being quoted or featured in future Inc. articles.
Conclusion
Getting featured in Inc. using HARO is a practical way to build credibility, grow your audience, and share your expertise with a top business publication.
By setting up your HARO account properly, choosing the right queries, crafting concise and valuable pitches, and following up professionally, you can increase your chances of being noticed by Inc. editors. Start responding strategically, provide real insights, and build your authority over time.
If you’re ready to get your business story in front of the right audience, start pitching today and make your expertise stand out.
FAQs
1. What is HARO, and how does it help me get featured in Inc?
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) connects sources with journalists looking for expert insights. By responding to relevant queries quickly, you can be quoted in Inc. and other top publications.
2. How fast should I respond to a HARO query for Inc?
Speed matters. Respond within 30–60 minutes of receiving the query for the best chance of being noticed by Inc. journalists.
3. Can I promote my business in a HARO pitch?
No. Focus on sharing actionable advice, real experiences, or unique insights. Editors prefer value over self-promotion.
4. What makes a HARO pitch more likely to be selected?
Concise answers (150–250 words), real-life examples, data-backed insights, clear structure, and quotable statements increase your chances of being featured.
5. Do I need a professional bio for HARO pitches?
Yes. Including a short bio with your credentials and a link to your website or LinkedIn helps establish credibility and authority with journalists.
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