Which Platforms Are Best for Connecting With Journalists?

Building relationships with journalists is essential for gaining media coverage and growing your brand.

Find Journalists - Online Platforms

Here are the best platforms to help you connect with journalists effectively:

1. X (formerly Twitter)

X (previously known as Twitter) is still one of the best platforms for interacting with journalists. Many reporters and media professionals share news, stories, and opinions here, making it easy to engage. You can follow journalists, interact with their content by commenting, and even pitch ideas via direct messages (if open). Use hashtags related to trending topics to increase visibility and catch a journalist's attention.

2. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is ideal for professional networking and is a great way to build formal relationships with journalists. You can connect with media professionals, engage with their posts, and use LinkedIn InMail to send direct, professional messages. This platform is particularly useful for sharing thought leadership content and positioning yourself as an expert in your field.

3. HARO (Help a Reporter Out)

HARO is a popular service that connects journalists with expert sources for their stories. It was sold to Vocus in 2010, which was later acquired by Cision. Recently, HARO has been folded into a tool called Connectively, which allows journalists to post queries that experts can respond to. Signing up for HARO’s daily email alerts lets you pitch to journalists actively seeking expert input on specific topics.

4. Muck Rack

Muck Rack is a media database and PR tool that helps you find journalists, track their articles, and manage your media outreach. You can search for journalists by the topics they cover and track their work to pitch relevant stories. Muck Rack also offers the ability to build media lists, which helps you organize your outreach.

5. JournoRequests

JournoRequests is a hashtag on social media, particularly X, for journalists seeking sources. It sends real-time alerts whenever a journalist posts a query, allowing you to respond quickly. Setting up keyword-based alerts helps you capture relevant opportunities in your industry.

6. Qwoted

Qwoted is another platform similar to HARO that connects journalists with experts. It’s a free service where you can create a profile and respond to journalist requests. With its curated approach, Qwoted offers opportunities to build long-term relationships with journalists by positioning yourself as a reliable source.

Find Journalists Online

Each of these platforms offers unique advantages for connecting with journalists, from real-time engagement on X to more formal networking on LinkedIn and pitching via HARO or Muck Rack. By leveraging these platforms effectively, you can increase your chances of media coverage and build strong, lasting relationships with the press.

HARO, now a part of Connectively under Cision, continues to be one of the leading tools for directly responding to journalists' requests​.