Connectively, the ambitious successor to Help a Reporter Out (HARO), is shutting down on December 9, 2024, after a short-lived attempt to modernize how journalists and sources connect. For many SEO and PR professionals, this announcement isn’t entirely shocking. Despite its promise, Connectively struggled to maintain the simplicity and value that made HARO a go-to resource for marketers for years.
The platform was supposed to bring HARO into the future with better features and more robust tools. Instead, it introduced complications and subscription fees that drove away users and ultimately led to its demise. Here’s our take at why Connectively fell short, what this means for link development and SEO, and how professionals can adapt.
From HARO to Connectively: Where Things Went Wrong
For those who used HARO, its appeal was clear. The platform worked by sending journalists’ queries directly to subscribers’ inboxes, giving PR professionals and SEO experts an easy way to pitch themselves or client websites for media opportunities. It wasn’t flashy, but it worked—and it worked well. We landed several links for our clients that are still live today and help these clients stay competitive in search engine rankings.
When Connectively launched as HARO’s replacement, it promised a sleeker experience with advanced features like keyword alerts, customizable searches, and a polished user interface. On paper, these changes seemed like the logical next step. However, the transition came with unexpected challenges that alienated both existing HARO users and potential new ones.
A Pricing Model That Missed the Mark
Connectively’s new pricing model was one of the first things that rubbed users the wrong way. While HARO offered a free tier and affordable paid options, Connectively introduced a tiered subscription system with prices ranging from $29 to $149 monthly. On top of that, there was a pay-per-pitch model, which quickly became a financial burden for agencies managing multiple clients.
For many long-time HARO users, including small businesses and independent marketers, the cost just didn’t make sense. What was once a budget-friendly tool for small businesses and independent professionals became too expensive to justify.
Overcomplicating a Proven System
HARO’s simplicity was a big part of its charm. Queries came straight to your inbox, and responding to them was a straightforward process. Connectively, on the other hand, added layers of complexity that disrupted the workflow users had grown to rely on.
Tasks like submitting a pitch required navigating a more intricate interface, stretching the time it took to submit pitch responses. For busy PR professionals and SEO professionals, those extra steps added up quickly, making the platform feel more like a chore than a helpful tool.
Declining Journalist Participation
Another issue that plagued Connectively was a drop in journalist engagement. HARO had thrived on its simplicity, which encouraged a steady flow of queries from media professionals. Connectively’s added complexity, coupled with its pricing model, discouraged that same level of participation. Without enough journalists using the platform, the value for sources also diminished, creating a downward spiral.
For a service built on connecting these two groups, losing one side of the equation was a fatal flaw.
A Changing Google Landscape
Google made some big changes to its algorithm in the last year. Specifically, one update penalized publisher sites offering links for the sole purpose of manipulating search results. Many big publishing sites like Business Insider, MSN, and Fast Company had to change their content policies, which ultimately meant less journalists and publishers working in the Connectively platform.
Why Cision Pulled the Plug
Faced with mounting challenges, Connectively’s parent company, Cision, made the decision to shut the platform down and focus its efforts elsewhere—namely on CisionOne, its flagship PR software suite. According to Cision, this move reflects a desire to concentrate on tools that align more closely with the needs of today’s PR professionals.
While Connectively’s closure is disappointing for many, it’s also a reminder that even the best intentions can fall flat if the execution misses the mark.
What This Means for SEOs and PR Professionals
The shutdown of Connectively leaves a gap in the market, especially for those who relied on HARO for affordable media outreach and link development from premium publishers. However, there are other platforms and strategies that can help fill the void.
Exploring Alternatives
If you’re searching for a replacement for Connectively, here are a few options to consider:
- Featured: A subscription-based tool (formerly Terkel) offering similar benefits as Connectively
- Qwoted: A free tool that offers media query alerts and profile-building for professionals
- ProfNet: Another service from Cision, offering journalist queries and expert sourcing, though it comes at a higher cost
- Muck Rack: Known for its extensive journalist database and media monitoring features
Each of these platforms has its own pros and cons, so take the time to explore which one fits your workflow and budget. As an SEO agency that develops media links like these, we actively research and review all of these platforms for the best opportunities. If you have questions, we most likely have an answer.
Lessons from Connectively’s Challenges
The downfall of Connectively highlights the importance of user experience in any tool or platform. PR professionals often balance tight deadlines, multiple clients, and limited resources. Overcomplicated systems, high costs, and inefficient workflows simply don’t fit into their world.
For anyone building or evaluating media outreach tools, the takeaway is clear: simplicity and affordability matter to users. A platform that saves users time and money will always have an edge over one that adds unnecessary hurdles.
Adapting to an Evolving Industry
Connectively’s shutdown also reflects larger trends in the SEO and PR. All-in-one platforms like CisionOne and Muck Rack are becoming more popular because they integrate media outreach with analytics, monitoring, and reporting. As the PR landscape grows more data-driven, tools that offer these capabilities are likely to lead the way.
For business owners managing their PR in-house, this is a good time to reassess your media outreach strategy. Are you using the right tools for your needs? Are there better ways to connect with journalists and track your success? Asking these questions now can help you stay ahead of the curve as the industry continues to evolve.
Moving Forward Without Connectively
While the end of Connectively may feel like a setback, it’s also an opportunity to explore better alternatives and refine your approach to media outreach and link building. With December 9th quickly approaching, now is the time to evaluate your options and ensure you have a new system heading into the new year.
Let us know if you have any questions about Cision’s Connectively shutting down or need assistance with your link acquisition and PR strategies.
