If you’ve ever used the Connectively platform, you’ll know it can be a hugely valuable resource for content creators and journalists, as well as anyone else looking to connect with expert sources.
Unfortunately, however, Connectively announced recently that it will shut down in December, with focus shifting onto a new platform that arguably doesn’t quite fulfil the same remit as Connectively.
With that in mind, we thought now would be a good time for a Connectively postmortem; what happened to the platform, why, and what can you do if you’re looking for a service similar to Connectively?
What is, or was, Connectively?
First, let’s start with a rundown of what, exactly, Connectively is (or was).
If you’re familiar with HARO – which stands for Help a Reporter Out – then you’re also familiar with Connectively, because it’s basically a rebranded version of HARO.
HARO was a platform through which journalists, content creators, and other writers could connect with high-quality expert sources for stories.
In essence, if you needed someone who knew what they were talking about for a quote or similar, then you could count on HARO and Connectively to provide that service for you.
Connectively was a reworked, rebranded version of HARO; it changed things like pricing structure and user interface, but it was essentially the same basic service as HARO.
What’s happening to Connectively?
In November 2024, the company that runs Connectively announced that it would be shutting the platform down on December 9th.
The official FAQ we’ve linked above provides a reason, too. Parent company Cision says it wants to focus on its CisionOne platform, which is a media outreach tool offering services like media monitoring and analytics.
Cision acknowledges that CisionOne doesn’t provide some of the same services as Connectively, but the company says that if you are looking for a “powerful solution for identifying and engaging with relevant journalists and media contacts”, then it’s perfect for you.
No further reason beyond that is provided, so we don’t actually know why Connectively is shutting down, although we can maybe assume that it wasn’t proving as profitable as Cision was hoping for.
If you’re a Connectively user, you don’t need to do anything; the platform will be automatically shut down on December 9th and you’ll be provided with a pro-rata refund if you were a paying customer.
Of course, if you only used Connectively’s free services or if you used any of Connectively’s free integrated features with other platforms or apps, then you won’t be entitled to a refund, unfortunately.
Will Connectively continue to be supported?
It sounds as though support for Connectively will come to an end at the same time as the platform’s discontinuation, sadly.
In the official Cision FAQ we’ve linked above, the company says that users should head to its Help Centre to get support for the platform, and that you can still contact the official email help address “until the platform is discontinued”.
Since Cision doesn’t provide a separate date for Connectively’s closure and its discontinuation, it’s reasonable to assume the two are the same, so you won’t be able to get any further support for Connectively after December 9th.
Connectively alternatives
Here are a few Connectively replacements or alternatives for securing Expert Quotes. Bear in mind that these apps and services won’t be identical to Connectively, they have similar capabilities, enabling you to showcase your expertise and additionally secure valuable high media links.
Featured
Pricing: Free plan (3 responses/month), Premium plan $99.99/month.
Description:
Featured is a platform designed to bridge the gap between journalists and sources, offering a user-friendly interface to help both parties connect efficiently. Journalists can post queries and receive responses from vetted sources, while experts, small business owners, and PR professionals can pitch their insights to relevant media opportunities. Featured emphasizes simplicity and speed, ensuring quick connections without navigating overly complex features. Its competitive pricing caters to professionals of various budgets.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface with a focus on simplicity.
- Vetted sources for credibility.
- Competitive pricing structure.
Ideal For:
Professionals seeking a straightforward and effective tool to expand media reach or find credible contributors for stories.
Qwoted
Pricing: Free plan (3 pitches/month), Premium plan $149.99/month.
Description:
Qwoted bills itself as a “network connecting media with brands, experts, and small businesses.” Like Connectively, the platform is aimed at journalists, PR professionals, and experts who don’t have official PR representation. Qwoted facilitates connections between these entities for high-quality collaboration opportunities. While its pricing can be a touch high, it remains a premium alternative to Connectively for those looking for professionalism.
Key Features:
- Professional network for connecting media and experts.
- Tailored for users without PR representation.
- Comprehensive media connections and opportunities.
Ideal For:
Journalists, PR professionals, and experts seeking high-quality collaboration in a professional network.
Press Plugs
Pricing: Free for journalists; experts and PR professionals: £35/month, £90/quarter, or £300/year.
Description:
Press Plugs connects users with outlets like the BBC, The Guardian, and the Daily Mail. It’s free for journalists to use, but experts and PR professionals must subscribe to access its features. The platform is primarily focused on the UK market, making it an excellent choice for UK-based users seeking media opportunities.
Key Features:
- Free access for journalists.
- Connects with major UK outlets (BBC, The Guardian, etc.).
- Affordable subscription plans for experts and PR professionals.
Ideal For:
UK-based journalists, experts, and PR professionals looking for reliable media connections.
X (Twitter)
Pricing: Free (basic), subscription fees for advanced tools: $3/month (Basic), $8/month (Premium), $16/month (Premium+).
Description:
While not a dedicated media platform, X (formerly Twitter) can be a valuable tool for connecting journalists and PR professionals with sources. By using hashtags like #PRRequest or #JournoRequest, users can quickly find relevant sources for stories. However, it’s important to verify credentials, as X is not specifically designed for PR or journalism purposes.
Key Features:
- Real-time connections using hashtags.
- Wide reach and accessibility.
- No fees for basic use.
Ideal For:
Journalists and PR professionals comfortable using social media to connect with sources.
SourceBottle
Pricing: Free for journalists and bloggers; sources can respond to queries for free, with premium plans starting at $24/month.
Description:
SourceBottle is an international platform that connects journalists, bloggers, and content creators with expert sources and PR professionals. It has a strong presence in Australia but also serves the UK, US, and Canada. The platform simplifies the process of connecting with relevant sources, offering both free and premium options for users.
Key Features:
- Free for journalists and bloggers.
- Global reach with adoption in Australia, the UK, US, and Canada.
- Niche-focused queries in industries like lifestyle, health, and consumer goods.
Ideal For:
Freelancers, small business owners, and experts seeking media opportunities across various regions.
Connect with Journalists
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Conclusion
The loss of Connectively will no doubt be felt as a blow for the journalism and PR industries.
Users on the FreelanceWriters subreddit are mourning the loss of the platform, although they’re also proactively recommending alternatives to others.
Thankfully, there are still alternatives out there that can help journalists and sources connect, and it’s arguable that in the modern era, it’s never been more important for that connection to thrive.
In short, while Connectively may be dead, its torch will be passed to other companies and services, and they will hopefully continue to connect journalists, sources, and PR representatives for many years to come.
As the founder of iNet Ventures, James deeply understands the world of SEO, link building, growth, and strategy. After achieving remarkable results for agencies and websites, his approach combines industry knowledge with forward-thinking tactics, which embark on analytical tools and AI.
