11 Best HARO Alternatives for UK Journalists and Content Creators

If we’re UK journalists or content creators, we know how tough it’s been since HARO shut down. Help a Reporter Out, simply known as HARO, was once the go-to tool for connecting with experts and obtaining credible quotes quickly.

But the media world has changed.

Platforms have come and gone. Journalists now require better tools that cater to the unique UK landscape, and content creators can’t rely on outdated services.

That’s why, in this guide, we’re exploring the 11 best HARO alternatives for 2025.

We’ll look at each platform’s key features, pricing, and discuss why they’re suitable (or not) for UK users.

We’ll also explain features that make these alternative platforms better, compare these tools side by side, and, most importantly, share tips for pitching successfully.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which alternative fits your needs—whether you’re a freelance journalist looking for credible sources or a PR pro trying to get your client featured in top-tier UK publications.

Ready to find the best tools to supercharge our media outreach in 2025?

Let’s get this quest for the new HARO rolling.

What Was HARO and Why Did It Change?

HARO (Help a Reporter Out) was launched in 2008 by its founder, Peter Shankman. It quickly became one of the biggest platforms connecting journalists with sources. It provided writers with access to experts, helped companies secure media coverage, and was particularly popular among PR teams.

For over a decade, HARO has played a significant role in how stories are sourced. Many of us used it almost daily.

However, by 2023, users began to notice major issues. Response quality dropped. Spammy AI pitches flooded inboxes. Ownership changes shifted priorities.

Then came the final blow—Cision, HARO’s parent company, shut it down in 2024. They tried relaunching it under a new name, Connectively, but that too closed soon after.

The result? Journalists and PR professionals in the UK were left scrambling for reliable outreach tools.

People needed new platforms that were modern, easier to use, and tailored to the specific needs of UK media.

Today, there’s a growing list of HARO alternatives.

Some are global tools adapting to the UK market. Others are homegrown UK platforms.

In the succeeding sections, we’ll explore the best options available right now and why they’re worth trying.

The UK Media Landscape and Its Impact on Outreach Tools

UK journalism has its own distinct character, different from that of the US or global media.

1. Focus on regional news: Even big outlets like BBC, The Guardian, or The Times often give weight to local angles.
2. Tight editorial schedules: This means journalists don’t have time to sift through thousands of irrelevant pitches.
3. Stringent UK law compliance: UK journalists must adhere to strict privacy and data protection rules, such as the GDPR.

All of this makes UK-focused outreach tools essential.

Platforms designed for US or global audiences often miss the nuances of UK media. They might not list UK journalists or fail to account for local issues.

For example, UK journalists prefer concise pitches that quickly show relevance. They don’t like fluff or overly aggressive follow-ups.

PR professionals here also face unique challenges. Media budgets have shrunk. Newsrooms have fewer staff. That means journalists rely even more on external experts, but only when those experts provide real value quickly.

When selecting an outreach tool, consider the following differences. Otherwise, you’ll waste time and miss out on meaningful coverage.

The good news? Many new platforms are emerging to fill the HARO gap, offering tools specifically designed for the UK’s needs.

Top 11 HARO Alternative Platforms for UK Journalists and Content Creators

1. ResponseSource

Image Source: Response Source

One of the longest-established media request platforms, ResponseSource has been serving UK journalists since 1997 and stands as the most comprehensive alternative to HARO for British media professionals.

Core Features:

• Comprehensive media database with thousands of UK outlets
• Advanced search functionality for precise source matching
• Press release distribution to targeted media lists
• Media monitoring tools and analytics
• Professional editorial team curating requests

Pricing: Category-based pricing; Annual subscription starts at £625 per category.

UK Relevance: Originally UK-focused and maintains the strongest British user base among all platforms. It covers everything from national newspapers to local trade publications.

Pros	Cons
Established reputation and trust among UK media Comprehensive coverage of the British media landscape Professional customer support and account management Additional PR tools beyond media requests High-quality, verified journalist database	Higher price point than newer alternatives Can be overwhelming for new users Less focus on newer content creators and bloggers

Ideal for: Established PR agencies, large organisations, and experienced journalists seeking premium service.

2. Press Plugs

Image Source: Press Plugs

Press Plugs positions itself as the UK’s answer to HARO, focusing exclusively on British journalists and PR professionals. The platform was created by former newspaper editors who understood the specific needs of UK media.

Core Features:

• UK-focused media requests are sent twice daily
• Direct messaging between journalists and sources
• Industry-specific categories include finance, tech, health, and lifestyle
• Mobile app for on-the-go access

Pricing: Free for journalists. Price starts at £29 per month, or consider an annual subscription at £261 for businesses and PR professionals.

UK Relevance: Exclusively serves UK media outlets, from national newspapers to local magazines. Strong presence among regional publications and specialist trade press.

Pros	Cons
Understands UK media culture and deadlines Excellent response rates due to a smaller, focused user base No US-centric requests cluttering inboxes Responsive customer support during UK business hours	Limited international coverage for global stories Smaller source database compared to global platforms Newer platform with a less established reputation

Ideal for: UK-based journalists, regional media outlets, and PR agencies focusing on British markets.

3. Source of Sources (SOS)

Created by HARO’s founder, Peter Shankman, Source of Sources operates as a free, founder-led platform designed to recreate the original community spirit of HARO.

Core Features:

• Daily email with journalist requests
• Focus on quality over quantity
• Personal curation by the founder
• Simple, clutter-free interface

Pricing: Completely FREE for all users

UK Relevance: A strong UK user base with an international scope. Many requests come from British journalists and content creators.

Pros	Cons
Genuinely free with no hidden costs High-quality, curated requests Personal touch from founder involvement Growing community of engaged users	Limited volume of requests compared to larger platforms Dependent on a single founder for operations Basic features without advanced filtering

Ideal for: Budget-conscious journalists, freelancers, and sources seeking quality over quantity.

4. Qwoted

Image Source: Qwoted

Qwoted combines traditional media matching with social networking features, creating a professional community for journalists and sources.

Core Features:

• Real-time request notifications
• Source profiles with expertise ratings
• Social feed for industry networking
• Advanced search and filtering tools

Pricing: A free limited plan is available; paid plans start at £39 per month.

UK Relevance: Growing UK user base, particularly among tech and business journalists. The platform accommodates international users well.

Pros	Cons
Professional networking opportunities High-quality sources with verified expertise User-friendly interface and mobile app Good customer support	Smaller request volume than established platforms Premium features require a paid subscription Less focus on traditional media outlets

Ideal for: Tech journalists, business reporters, and sources in professional services.

5. Featured (formerly Terkel)

Image Source: Featured

Featured specialises in collecting expert insights for content creators, focusing on actionable advice and industry expertise.

Core Features:

• Expert roundup creation tools
• Industry-specific expert networks
• Content collaboration features
• SEO-optimized expert profiles

Pricing: For publishers, subscription costs range from free to a minimum fee of $5.99 per month for the Promoted Quote Request feature. Experts, however, can avail themselves of the forever-free plan or opt for paid subscriptions starting at $19 to $99 per month.

UK Relevance: International platform with active UK users, particularly in business and marketing sectors.

Pros	Cons
High-quality expert contributions Focus on actionable insights Good for content marketing initiatives Strong SEO benefits for featured experts	Less suitable for breaking news Limited traditional journalism focus Can be time-intensive for participants

Ideal for: Content marketers, business journalists, and industry experts seeking thought leadership.

6. Help a B2B Writer

Image Source: Help a B2B Writer

This platform focuses specifically on business-to-business journalists and content creators, offering specialised expertise in commercial sectors.

Core Features:

• B2B-specific request categories
• Industry expert database
• Enterprise-focused matching
• Professional networking tools

Pricing: Free of charge for both writers and sources.

UK Relevance: Strong presence among UK business publications and trade journals.

Pros	Cons
Specialised focus on B2B content High-quality business sources Understanding of commercial journalism needs Professional user base	Limited to business topics Smaller overall user base Less suitable for consumer journalism

Ideal for: B2B journalists, trade publication writers, and business content creators.

7. Dot Star Media

Image Source: Dot Star Media

A UK-centric platform created by British media professionals, focusing on connecting local journalists with regional sources and experts.

Core Features:

• Regional UK focus
• Local expert networks
• Industry-specific categories
• Community-driven approach

Pricing: Subscription-based model starting at £40 per month for the Bronze plan, up to £80 for the full-packed features of the Gold plan.

UK Relevance: Exclusively serves the UK media market, with a strong emphasis on regional coverage.

Pros	Cons
Deep understanding of UK regional media Local expert connections Community-focused approach Responsive to user feedback	Limited international scope Smaller user base Less established than global platforms

Ideal for: Regional journalists, local media outlets, and UK-focused PR agencies.

8. ExpertFile

Image Source: ExpertFile

A comprehensive expert database that allows journalists to search for sources by expertise, location, and availability.

Core Features:

• Searchable expert database
• Geographic and topic filtering
• Expert availability indicators
• Media training resources

Pricing: Pricing starts at $399 per month for up to 10 profiles in the Individual or Small Business Plan.

UK Relevance: Good UK expert coverage, particularly in academic and professional sectors.

Pros	Cons
Comprehensive search capabilities Verified expert credentials Geographic filtering for local sources Professional presentation	Less interactive than request-based platforms Experts may be less responsive Limited to database search rather than active matching

Ideal for: Journalists seeking specific expertise, feature writers, and researchers.

9. Source Bottle

Image Source: Source Bottle

Source Bottle is a global platform connecting journalists with expert sources, boasting a strong presence in the UK and Australia.

Core Features:

• Daily emails with media requests
• Expert call-outs
• Journalist-curated request and alert system
• Verified source profiles
• Industry categorisation

Pricing: Free to receive requests. Pay-per-pitch plan starting at $25 per pitch for premium placement.

UK Relevance: International platform with a growing UK user base, particularly among independent journalists and digital media outlets in lifestyle and small business niches.

Pros	Cons
Founded by journalists for journalists High editorial standards Growing community of engaged users Affordable pricing for sources Focus on quality over quantity	Smaller user base than established platforms Limited brand recognition Newer platform still building features

Ideal for: Independent journalists, digital media outlets, quality-focused sources

10. Roxhill

Image Source: Roxhill

A UK-based platform focusing on connecting journalists with professional sources and managing media relationships.

Core Features:

• Professional source verification
• Media relationship management
• Industry-specific expertise matching
• UK business focus

Pricing: Professional pricing tiers are available upon request via custom quotes only.

UK Relevance: UK-founded and focused, strong in business and professional services sectors.

Pros	Cons
Professional source quality UK business expertise Relationship management tools Industry specialisation	Limited to professional/business topics Higher pricing tier Smaller user base than global platforms

Ideal for: Business journalists, financial media, and professional services PR.

11. JournoRequest

A Twitter/X-based system where journalists post requests using specific hashtags, creating an open, social media-driven approach to source finding.

Core Features:

• Twitter/X integration
• Hashtag-based organisation
• Real-time request sharing
• Social media networking

Pricing: Free (uses existing Twitter/X accounts)

UK Relevance: Strong UK journalist participation, particularly among digital media professionals.

Pros	Cons
Completely free Real-time interactions Social media integration Direct journalist-source communication	Requires active Twitter/X management No organised database or filtering Can be overwhelming without careful curation

Ideal for: Social media-savvy journalists, digital content creators, and sources comfortable with public platforms

Choosing the right outreach tool is only part of a successful PR strategy. If you want to supercharge your link acquisition with expert help, Link Building London specialises in earning quality backlinks through media placements and journalist connections.

Comparison Table: Pricing, UK Relevance and Best Features

Platform	Starting Price	UK Relevance	Unique Features
ResponseSource	£625/year per category	Strongest UK user base	Comprehensive UK media database, advanced targeting
Press Plugs	£29/month or £261/year	Exclusively UK	Twice-daily UK requests, direct journalist contact
Source of Sources	Free	Strong UK & global reach	Founder-curated requests, clutter-free interface
Qwoted	Free limited; £39+/month plans	Growing UK base	Real-time notifications, networking feed
Featured	Free–$5.99/month for publishers; £15–£80/month for experts	Active UK users	Expert roundups, SEO-optimised profiles
Help a B2B Writer	Free	Strong among UK B2B publications	B2B-specific requests, expert networking
Dot Star Media	£40–£80/month	Exclusively UK regional coverage	Regional categories, community-driven requests
ExpertFile	$399/month for up to 10 profiles	Good UK coverage in academic sectors	Comprehensive expert database, geographic filtering
SourceBottle	Free to receive; pay-per-pitch at $25	Growing UK user base	Journalist-curated alerts, pay-per-pitch flexibility
Roxhill	Custom quotes only	Strong in UK business sectors	Relationship management, professional sources
JournoRequest	Free (via Twitter/X)	Strong UK journalist participation	Real-time hashtag-based requests on social media

How to Choose the Right HARO or Help a Reporter Out Alternatives for You

Choosing the best HARO replacement platforms depends on a few key factors:

• Budget: Freelancers may lean towards free tools like JournoRequest or Source of Sources, while agencies can invest in platforms like Roxhill or ResponseSource.
• Industry: B2B brands should look at Help a B2B Writer. Lifestyle or regional news works better with Dot Star Media or Press Plugs.
• UK focus: If we need UK-only sources, tools like Press Plugs or ResponseSource are perfect.
• Request volume: Platforms with daily updates are ideal for agencies that require numerous opportunities.
• Ease of use: If we’re busy, tools with streamlined interfaces, such as Qwoted or Featured, save time.

Take time to evaluate trials or demos. Compare request quality, journalist relevance, and response rates to determine the most effective approach.

Choosing the right tool helps you stand out—and get published.

Tips for Pitching Journalists Successfully in 2025

Finding the right platform is only half the battle.

Here’s how you can improve your chances of landing coverage:

Tip #1: Personalise every pitch.

Research the journalist’s recent work, understand their beat, and explain why your story fits their audience. Generic pitches get deleted immediately.

Tip #2: Use clear subject lines.

Make it easy for journalists to understand the content of your email.

Tip #3: Get to the point.

Journalists get hundreds of emails. Lead with the newsworthy angle, not fluff.

Tip #4: Lead with exclusive insights or data when possible.

Journalists always seek fresh angles and original information that their competitors don’t have. Offering exclusive research, first-hand data, or unique perspectives significantly increases your chances of coverage and builds your reputation as a valuable source.

Tip #5: Avoid AI-generated spam.

Avoid obvious AI-generated content. Journalists can spot automated pitches easily, and they damage your credibility. Use AI for research or draft improvement, but ensure human oversight and personalisation.

Tip #6: Include every necessary detail.

Always add your high-quality images, relevant data, expert contact information, and background materials. Make their job easier, not harder.

Tip #7: Perfect timing.

Send pitches during the journalist’s working hours. Avoid weekends and late evenings.

Tip #8: Follow up politely.

If you don’t hear back, wait 3-5 days before sending a short, polite follow-up. One follow-up is acceptable, but persistent badgering destroys relationships. If you don’t hear back, move on to other contacts.

Tip #9: Respect boundaries.

Respect journalists’ preferences and boundaries. If they specify no phone calls, don’t call. If they prefer certain types of stories, don’t pitch unrelated topics.

Tip #10: Build relationships.

Build relationships beyond single pitches. Engage with journalists on social media, attend industry events, and provide valuable information, even when you’re not pitching a story.

With these tips, you can turn good pitches into great ones—and get more stories published.

The Role of AI and Automation in Media Outreach

AI increasingly helps platforms match journalists with relevant sources through smart algorithms that analyse request content and source expertise.

However, AI-generated pitches pose significant risks—journalists easily spot automated emails, which can damage the sender’s credibility. Platforms utilise AI to filter spam and improve user experience, but this requires sources to maintain high communication standards.

The key is balance: use AI for research and organisation, but always incorporate human insight and personalisation that builds genuine relationships.

Integrating HARO Alternatives into Your Broader PR Strategy

Media outreach tools and platforms are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive PR strategy that encompasses social media engagement, content marketing, and direct relationship-building with key journalists.

Use content marketing to support your media pitches. Create valuable resources, research reports, and expert insights that journalists can reference even when you’re not actively pitching stories.

Combine platform outreach with social media engagement to maximise reach. Follow journalists on Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms, engage with their content, and build relationships that extend beyond formal pitch interactions.

Develop a systematic approach to relationship management. Track your interactions, note the preferences of journalists, and maintain regular communication with key industry contacts to stay informed.

Consider how different platforms complement each other. Use free platforms for general outreach while investing in premium platforms for high-priority opportunities.

Wrapping Up

The end of HARO’s free service created challenges for UK journalists and content creators, but it also opened opportunities for better, more targeted alternatives.

We’ve explored 11 platforms that offer different approaches to connecting media professionals with sources and experts.

The key is finding the right combination of platforms that serve your specific needs, budget, and working style. Whether you choose UK-focused platforms like Press Plugs, free alternatives like Source of Sources, or professional services like ResponseSource, success depends on building genuine relationships and providing value to journalists.

Don’t rely on a single platform. Diversify your approach, test multiple options, and adapt your strategy based on results. The media landscape continues evolving, and your outreach tools should evolve with it.

Start exploring these alternatives today. Most offer free trials or basic free access, allowing you to test their effectiveness before making long-term commitments.

Your next great story connection might be just one platform away.