Glossary
What is an unlinked brand mention?
An unlinked brand mention is a page that names your product or company without linking to it. They're among the easiest links to win: the writer already knows and likes you, so a short note asking them to add the link often works. Mentions also matter on their own for AI answers.
How to find them
- Search your product name in quotes, excluding your own site.
- Set alerts for your brand name.
- Use an SEO tool's mentions feature.
- Check community threads, newsletters and podcasts' show notes.
How to ask
Thank them, point to the mention, give the exact URL to link and stop there. Don't ask for anchor text or more coverage in the same email. Many writers simply forgot.
Mentions and AI search
AI assistants learn which products exist and what they do partly from how often and how consistently they're mentioned across the web, linked or not. A brand mention in a respected source helps an assistant describe and recommend you, even without a link. That's part of GEO.
Example
A founder finds her tool mentioned in 15 "best of" posts without links. Eight authors add a link after a two-line email; two also update outdated descriptions of the product.
FAQ
Is it pushy to ask for a link?
Not if you're brief and polite. Writers usually appreciate the correct URL.
Do unlinked mentions help SEO?
Indirectly. They help AI systems and may be a weak signal for search engines.
What if they say no?
Thank them anyway. The mention still helps.