1. Introduction
You’ve probably heard the phrase: “Not all links are created equal.” What about mentions? This is when people talk about your brand online but don’t include a hyperlink. Do they help your SEO?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the underrated yet influential role that brand mentions play in off-page SEO. Google’s new algorithm reveals that unlinked brand mentions can boost your website’s authority, credibility, and rankings.
To improve your search presence beyond backlinks, this article covers:
- Why does the brand mention the matter
- How they work
- Tips to increase them
What Are Brand Mentions?
Brand mentions occur when a website, blog, or online publication mentions your company, product, or name. These mentions might include a hyperlink, but they don’t have to. For example, “if you search how to get 100 backlinks Shanskill” this is brand mentions.
For example, if a popular blog says, “XYZ Tools is a great option for digital marketers,” that’s a brand mention. Whether they link to your site or not, Google still notices the reference.
Mentions can appear in:
- News articles
- Blog posts
- Social media
- Forums and Q&A sites
- Podcasts and transcripts
In short, any public reference to your brand, whether linked or unlinked, can count as a brand mention.
Why Brand Mentions Matter for SEO
Google is brighter than ever. Its algorithm can detect context and sentiment, not just links. So, even without a hyperlink, brand mentions help:
- Build Authority: When multiple credible websites discuss your brand, Google recognizes this as a trust signal. It’s like social proof on the web.
- Support E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Mentions from high-quality, niche-relevant sources prove your brand is a trusted resource. This is crucial for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) content.
- Boost Relevance When you share the spotlight with industry leaders, Google links your site to important topics and keywords.
- Encourage Natural Backlinks Brand mentions often lead to future backlinks. A writer may first mention your brand and link to you in their next article.
How Google Sees Brand Mentions
Although Google hasn’t explicitly stated that brand mentions improve your rankings, there is strong evidence to suggest they do. Some official documents and SEO research show that Google notices when and where your brand is mentioned, even without a link.
For example, Google has a patent that talks about “implied links.” These are mentions of your brand name that demonstrate trust, even if there is no clickable link. Another patent explains that Google can understand the tone, frequency, and context of these mentions.
This means Google may be looking at:
- How often your brand is mentioned online
- How trustworthy is the site that mentions you
- Whether the mention is positive or negative
- What kind of content surrounds the mention
In simple terms, Google views brand mentions as proof that people are discussing you. This helps your site appear more credible and trustworthy in search results.
How to Get More Brand Mentions
If you want more people online to talk about your brand, you need to be active and helpful in the right places. Here are some simple ways to get more brand mentions:
Use HARO (Help a Reporter Out). Sign up for HARO, a free tool where journalists look for expert sources. If you respond to their questions with helpful answers, they might include your brand name in their articles.
Write for Other Blogs (Guest Posting) When you write guest posts for other websites, naturally mention your brand. Most blogs allow you to include a short bio at the end where you can say your business or website.
Be a Guest on Podcasts: Getting interviewed on podcasts is a great way to promote your brand name. Hosts often mention you during the show and include your name in the episode notes.
Use Digital PR Tools Digital PR is about sharing your story with the media. Utilize tools like press release services or outreach tools to increase your online presence on news sites.
Provide Expert Quotes: Many bloggers and journalists create roundup posts where they solicit expert opinions. Share your thoughts, and you’ll often get a brand mention.
Be active on social media. Join conversations on Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn. This can help others see your brand and mention it in their posts.
Make Shareable Content People Love. Unique and valuable content, such as infographics, research, or tips, tends to get shared more. When others use your content, they’ll often mention your brand.
The key is to show up, be helpful, and build real connections. Over time, this leads to more people mentioning your brand online.
Benefits of the brand mentions
Brand mentions bring several essential benefits to your website’s SEO, even if they don’t include a clickable link. When other sites mention your brand, it helps build trust with search engines like Google. This helps improve your online reputation.
Mentions also boost your visibility. The more people talk about your brand, the more likely others are to find and visit your site. This increases your chances of getting backlinks in the future.
They also support your authority. When your brand is mentioned alongside trusted websites, Google sees you as a credible source in your industry.
In short, brand mentions help build trust, improve visibility, attract backlinks, and grow your site’s reputation—all of which are good for SEO.
How to track brand mentions
To track and manage your brand mentions effectively, several useful tools are available. These tools help you monitor when and where others mention your brand online, even without a link involved.
Brand Mentions Tools
1. Google Alerts: A free tool from Google that sends you email notifications when your brand or keywords are mentioned across the web.
2. Mention is a strong media monitoring tool. It tracks brand mentions in real time. You can find it across social media, blogs, news sites, and forums.
3. Brand24: This tool enables you to monitor your brand name and keywords, measure sentiment, and analyze where and how your brand is being discussed.
4. Talkwalker Alerts Similar to Google Alerts, but with more detailed insights and better filtering options.
5. Ahrefs or SEMrush: While primarily used for SEO and backlink analysis, both platforms also track unlinked mentions and alert you when your brand is referenced.
These brand monitoring tools keep you updated on talks about your brand. You can respond fast and turn some mentions into valuable backlinks.
How to Find Unlinked Brand Mentions
Unlinked brand mentions occur when your brand is discussed online but there is no link to your website. Finding these mentions can help you reach out and ask for a backlink.
To find them easily, you can use tools like Google Alerts, Ahrefs, or SEMrush. Set up alerts or search reports for your brand name to stay informed. These tools will show you where your brand is mentioned.
Look through the results. If you see your brand name on a website but there’s no link to your site, that’s an unlinked mention. You can then contact the site owner politely and ask if they would be willing to add a link to your site. Many will say yes, especially if the mention is positive.
It’s a smart way to turn brand mentions into real SEO value without creating new content.
Final Thoughts
Brand mentions may not always include a link, but they still play a decisive role in helping your website grow. When people talk about your brand online, it shows search engines that you’re trusted and recognized.
Google looks beyond just backlinks. It pays attention to how often your brand is mentioned, what people say about it, and who’s saying it. That’s why getting your name out there matters more than ever.
Keep adding value, connect with your audience, and grow your presence on various platforms. As they grow, so will your reputation, your traffic—and your SEO rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do brand mentions help if they don’t include a link?
Yes! Google considers brand mentions as trust signals. Even without a link, if your brand is mentioned in a positive and relevant context, it can boost your SEO.
2. How can I turn brand mentions into backlinks?
If someone mentions your brand without linking to it, reach out to them politely. Thank them for the mention, and kindly ask if they’d consider adding a link. Many site owners are open to doing so.
3. Are brand mentions better than backlinks?
Backlinks are still more powerful, but brand mentions support your overall online authority. Think of them as a complement to backlinks—not a replacement.
4. Can I automate brand mention tracking?
Yes. Tools like Google Alerts, Mention, and Brand24 can alert you when your brand is mentioned online. This saves time and helps you respond quickly.
