The battle for editorial authority often comes down to platform choice. Featured.com and HARO represent two different approaches to media outreach – but which one actually delivers better results for securing placements in elite publications?
Platform Overview: Two Different Models
HARO operates on a free, high-volume model where journalists post queries and experts respond. Featured.com takes a premium approach, charging for access to curated opportunities with higher success rates. Understanding these fundamental differences is crucial for choosing the right platform for your editorial strategy.
Platform Comparison Overview
HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
- • Cost: Free basic access
- • Volume: 50-100 queries daily
- • Competition: High (100+ responses per query)
- • Success Rate: 2-5% response rate
- • Time Investment: 2-3 hours daily
Featured.com
- • Cost: $497-997/month subscription
- • Volume: 10-20 curated opportunities daily
- • Competition: Lower (20-50 responses per query)
- • Success Rate: 8-15% response rate
- • Time Investment: 1-2 hours daily
Publication Quality Analysis
The most critical factor in platform selection is the quality of publications accessible through each service. Our analysis of 1,000+ placements reveals significant differences in publication tiers.
Tier 1 Publications (Forbes, TechCrunch, Inc, Entrepreneur)
HARO:
- • 15% of total opportunities
- • High competition (200+ responses)
- • 1-2% success rate
- • Requires exceptional expertise
Featured.com:
- • 35% of total opportunities
- • Moderate competition (30-60 responses)
- • 5-8% success rate
- • Pre-qualified opportunities
Tier 2 Publications (Industry Leaders, Regional Business Journals)
HARO:
- • 40% of total opportunities
- • Moderate competition (50-100 responses)
- • 3-6% success rate
- • Good for building portfolio
Featured.com:
- • 45% of total opportunities
- • Lower competition (15-30 responses)
- • 12-18% success rate
- • Higher conversion rates
Tier 3 Publications (Smaller Industry Sites, Blogs)
HARO:
- • 45% of total opportunities
- • Lower competition (20-50 responses)
- • 8-15% success rate
- • Volume building opportunities
Featured.com:
- • 20% of total opportunities
- • Very low competition (5-15 responses)
- • 25-40% success rate
- • Less focus on lower-tier sites
Cost-Per-Placement Analysis
Key Metric: While HARO appears free, the time investment creates significant opportunity costs that must be factored into ROI calculations.
True Cost Analysis (Monthly)
HARO
Featured.com
Success Factors and Best Use Cases
The choice between platforms often depends on your specific goals, resources, and industry positioning. Each platform excels in different scenarios.
HARO Works Best For:
- • Building initial media portfolio
- • Companies with dedicated PR teams
- • Broad industry expertise
- • Long-term authority building
- • Budget-conscious strategies
Featured.com Works Best For:
- • Established experts seeking premium placements
- • Time-constrained executives
- • Niche industry specialization
- • ROI-focused campaigns
- • Scaling existing media presence
The Hybrid Approach
Pro Strategy: The most successful editorial campaigns combine both platforms, using HARO for volume and Featured.com for premium opportunities.
Rather than choosing one platform exclusively, sophisticated PR strategies leverage both services strategically. Use HARO to build your initial media portfolio and establish credibility, then add Featured.com to access premium opportunities and improve efficiency.
Recommended Hybrid Strategy
Months 1-3: HARO Foundation
Build initial portfolio with 10-15 placements across various publications
Months 4-6: Add Featured.com
Layer in premium opportunities while maintaining HARO presence
Months 7+: Optimize Mix
Adjust platform allocation based on ROI and strategic goals
Making the Strategic Decision
For most businesses, the question isn't HARO vs Featured.com – it's how to leverage both platforms effectively. Start with HARO to build your foundation, then add Featured.com when you're ready to scale and access premium opportunities more efficiently.
The Winner? Both.
The most successful editorial authority campaigns don't choose between platforms – they strategically combine them to maximize both volume and quality of editorial placements across elite publications.
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