If you’ve been in the PR game for a while, you’ve probably relied on Help a Reporter Out (HARO)—now Connectively—at some point. It’s been a go-to for connecting journalists with credible sources for years. Well, I’ve got some news that might shake things up: Connectively is officially shutting down as of December 9, 2024. For those who’ve used it as part of their outreach toolkit, this is big. But don’t worry, we’re going to break down what this means for you and how you can adapt to keep your PR efforts thriving.
What Led to the Discontinuation?
The story starts with HARO, which rebranded to Connectively earlier in 2024. This rebrand came with some major changes—like shifting from the traditional HARO model to a pay-to-pitch system. You may remember how the switch to a paid plan created a lot of buzz in the community. For many, it felt like a big shift for a tool that had always been accessible. According to discussions on sites like Reddit, the reaction was mixed—some saw potential in reducing spam, while others felt priced out.
The Connectively shutdown is part of Cision’s decision to focus their resources on CisionOne, an integrated media monitoring and outreach platform that’s supposed to cover all the bases for PR professionals. Essentially, Cision wants to go all-in on what they think is their best bet for innovation in PR tools—so Connectively gets cut.
The Impact on Users
So, what does this mean for you if you’re a current Connectively user? First things first, your subscription will end on December 9, 2024, and if you were on an annual plan, you’ll get a pro-rata refund. This means you won’t lose money, but the inconvenience? Yeah, that’s still there.
For those of you who relied on Connectively for pitching and media opportunities, it means you’ll need to find another option—and fast. The shutdown also means you need to act now to get your data exported from the platform before it goes offline. Whether it’s your media lists, old pitches, or any contacts you’ve built up, it’s crucial to get that saved.
What to Do Before Connectively Shuts Down
If you’re using Connectively, you’ve got just a bit of time left to get your data in order. Here’s a quick rundown of what you should do:
- Export Your Data: Make sure you download all your contact lists, pitches, and correspondence before December 9. Cision has provided a guide for this, which you can find in your account dashboard. Follow that guide to avoid losing any important data.
- Backup Your Relationships: Reach out to the journalists and contacts you’ve built relationships with through Connectively. Let them know the platform is shutting down, and try to establish direct communication so you don’t lose those connections.
- Plan for Disruptions: With Connectively gone, you might face some disruptions in your workflow. Being proactive about exporting your data and reaching out to key contacts can help you minimize these disruptions.
Connectively’s Short-Lived Transition to Paid Plans
Earlier this year, Connectively moved to a paid model, which aimed to create a higher quality of leads by cutting out a lot of the spam pitches journalists often received. The community was vocal about this change—some users liked the idea of paying for better access, while others saw it as a loss of accessibility for smaller businesses or freelancers.
On Reddit, the vibe was quite mixed, with many PR professionals expressing concerns that the paywall would create more challenges than benefits. Now, with the shutdown happening, the timing feels curious. Did the paid plan not work as intended, or is this simply part of a bigger pivot? Hard to say—but it’s a good reminder that the PR tool landscape can shift fast.
Exploring Alternatives to Connectively
If you’re in need of a new platform, there are plenty of options out there. Let’s talk about a few alternatives:
- Qwoted: This is probably the biggest name out there right now when it comes to stepping into HARO’s shoes. Qwoted connects journalists with expert sources, much like HARO did, but focuses on creating a more curated experience. The platform is designed to reduce the clutter and make the connections more meaningful, which is great for journalists and PR pros alike.
- Other Alternatives: Backlinko has put together a fantastic list of HARO alternatives, which you can check out here: HARO Alternatives. This list includes several platforms—each with its unique pros and cons—so you can decide which best fits your needs, whether it’s about cost, ease of use, or depth of journalist coverage.
Some platforms focus on specific niches, while others, like Qwoted, aim for a broad spectrum of industries, much like HARO. As you weigh your options, consider what matters most to you—price, features, ease of use—and start testing these platforms to see which is a good fit.
Final Thoughts
Connectively’s shutdown may feel like a setback, but it doesn’t mean your outreach efforts need to suffer. With a bit of preparation—like exporting your data, contacting your existing media relationships, and exploring other platforms—you can navigate this change effectively.
Remember, the PR game is always changing. Tools come and go, and what matters most is how quickly you can adapt. There are plenty of options out there, and with a bit of experimentation, you’ll find something that works just as well, if not better.
We’d love to hear how you’re planning to adapt to the shutdown. What platforms are you considering? If you’ve already tried some of these alternatives, share your experiences—what worked well, and what didn’t? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s help each other through this transition. If you need assistance transitioning away from Connectively, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.