For years, HARO was one of the easiest ways to connect with journalists and earn backlinks from trusted websites. Then things changed. Connectively shut down, HARO changed hands, and many people started wondering whether media outreach was still worth the effort.
The good news is that journalist request platforms did not disappear. In fact, several alternatives have quietly become popular with marketers, founders, agencies, and business owners who want media mentions without spending thousands on PR services.
Here are five HARO alternatives that are still helping people land real media placements in 2026.
1. Qwoted
Source: Qwoted
Qwoted is probably the closest thing to the traditional HARO experience available today. The platform connects journalists, reporters, podcast hosts, and content creators with experts looking to contribute quotes and insights. According to Qwoted, more than 30,000 journalists and over 100,000 experts use the platform, making it one of the largest media request networks currently available.
One thing that stands out is the volume of opportunities. New requests are posted throughout the day across industries such as business, marketing, finance, technology, healthcare, real estate, and SaaS. Instead of receiving a few emails at fixed times, users can browse active requests directly inside the platform.
Qwoted also lets journalists search expert profiles, which creates another path to getting featured. This means opportunities can come from both direct pitching and profile discovery.
2. SourceBottle
Source: SourceBottle
SourceBottle has been around since 2009 and continues to connect journalists, bloggers, podcasters, and media professionals with expert sources. While it doesn’t receive as much attention as some larger platforms, it remains active across several categories, including business, marketing, technology, health, lifestyle, travel, and small business.
The platform operates primarily through email alerts, sending users lists of journalist requests throughout the day. This makes it easy to scan opportunities without logging into a dashboard constantly. Requests are also organized by category, helping users focus on topics relevant to their expertise.
3. MentionMatch
Source: MentionMatch
MentionMatch is the platform that emerged from Help a B2B Writer, a service that was already well known among SaaS, marketing, SEO, and B2B professionals. Instead of covering every possible topic, it focuses heavily on business-related requests, which helps keep opportunities more relevant for industry experts.
Most requests come from content marketers, editors, writers, and companies looking for expert insights, original experiences, case studies, and practical advice. Because of this, responses often require more than a quick opinion. Journalists and writers are usually looking for people who can share firsthand knowledge or real examples.
4. PressPlugs
Source: PressPlugs
PressPlugs is a UK-based media request platform that helps connect journalists with brands, founders, businesses, and industry experts. The platform is particularly active in areas such as ecommerce, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, home, travel, and consumer products.
Unlike traditional HARO-style platforms that focus mainly on expert commentary, PressPlugs also features requests for products, brand stories, founder interviews, gift guides, seasonal features, and trend-related articles. This creates opportunities for businesses that may not have a spokesperson actively pitching expert quotes every day.
The platform works with journalists from a range of newspapers, magazines, websites, and media outlets. Users can browse opportunities, receive alerts, and respond directly to requests that match their products or expertise.
5. ResponseSource
Source: ResponseSource
ResponseSource is one of the longest-running journalist request platforms in the industry and has been widely used within the UK public relations sector for many years. The platform connects journalists with businesses, experts, company representatives, and subject-matter specialists looking to contribute to media stories.
Requests cover a broad range of topics, including business, technology, finance, healthcare, marketing, education, travel, and consumer trends. Journalists use the platform to find expert comments, industry insights, case studies, statistics, and interview sources for upcoming articles.
One of the things that sets ResponseSource apart is its strong presence among established media organizations. Many requests come from professional journalists working for newspapers, magazines, online publications, and broadcast outlets.
Final Thoughts
HARO alternatives are useful. But they will not do the full work for you. You still need to choose the right request, reply fast, and send an answer that a writer can use without fixing half of it.
Qwoted, SourceBottle, MentionMatch, PressPlugs, and ResponseSource are still worth testing in 2026 because each one gives you access to different writers, topics, and media opportunities. Some work better for B2B. Some work better for lifestyle, ecommerce, or UK media.
Start with 2 or 3 HARO alternatives platforms, track your replies, and keep improving your pitch quality. That is how you turn these platforms into real media links.
FAQs
1. What is the best HARO alternative in 2026?
There is no single best option for everyone. Qwoted is popular for business and marketing topics, while MentionMatch works well for B2B brands. The right platform depends on your industry, expertise, and the types of publications you want to reach.
2. Do HARO alternatives help you get backlinks?
Yes, they can. Journalists often use expert quotes in articles and may include a backlink to your website. However, not every mention comes with a link, so the focus should be on providing useful insights first.
3. Is Qwoted free to use?
Qwoted offers a free plan that allows experts to respond to journalist requests. It also has paid plans with additional features. Many users start with the free version before deciding whether they need more advanced tools.
4. Which HARO alternative is best for B2B companies?
MentionMatch is often a strong choice for B2B companies because many requests come from writers covering SaaS, marketing, business, and technology topics. The platform tends to focus more on expertise, case studies, and real-world experience.
5. How long does it take to get results from these platforms?
Results vary depending on your niche, response quality, and how often you pitch. Some people get featured within a few weeks, while others may need several months of consistent pitching before earning their first media mention.
