When a brand is mentioned on another site without a hyperlink, useful for link reclamation.
Why Unlinked Brand Mentions Matter
Unlinked brand mentions are a powerful SEO signal. They matter because:
- Trust and Authority: An unlinked brand mention from a high-quality, relevant website is a vote of confidence that signals to search engines that your content is valuable and trustworthy.
- Link-Building Opportunity: It is a great link-building opportunity. You can reach out to the website owner and ask them to turn the mention into a hyperlink.
- Brand Visibility: It can significantly increase your brand’s visibility and reputation, even if a user doesn’t click on your website.
Across Different CMS Platforms
The management of unlinked brand mentions is a content and technical SEO strategy that can be applied to any CMS.
WordPress
WordPress users can easily find and track their unlinked brand mentions by using a variety of tools. A good SEO plugin can help you track your backlinks and to ensure you are using a variety of keywords that are relevant to your content.
Shopify
On Shopify, these are essential for your product descriptions and blog posts. You can use a variety of tools to find a backlink from a relevant website. A link from a high-quality blog or a news site can significantly boost your rankings.
Wix
Wix has a streamlined, user-friendly system, but you can still optimize for unlinked brand mentions. The platform’s built-in SEO tools make it easy to manage your titles, meta descriptions, and on-page content.
Webflow
Webflow gives you granular control over your website’s design and code, which is perfect for a sophisticated link-building strategy. You can use it to create a perfectly structured page that is optimized for a specific keyword or set of keywords.
Custom CMS
With a custom CMS, you have the most control but also the most responsibility. You can build a system that automatically tracks and analyzes your unlinked brand mentions and provides your content creators with data-driven insights.
Across Different Industries
The way you use unlinked brand mentions will depend on your industry and your goals.
E-commerce
E-commerce sites can use unlinked brand mentions to build a stronger brand reputation. A site that sells running shoes could get a backlink from a blog that reviews running shoes.
Local Businesses
Local businesses can use unlinked brand mentions to build a stronger community. A local restaurant could get a backlink from a local newspaper or a local blog.
SaaS Companies
SaaS companies can use unlinked brand mentions to build a stronger brand reputation. A company that sells project management software could get a backlink from a blog that reviews project management tools.
Blogs
Blogs are a great way to capitalize it. A blog that writes about cooking can get a backlink from a blog that writes about baking.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do use a tool to track your unlinked brand mentions. A tool like SEMrush or Ahrefs is a must.
- Do use a clear, compelling pitch. Your pitch should be personalized and should clearly explain why a website should link to your content.
- Do build a relationship. A good outreach campaign is about building a relationship with a website owner, not just about getting a link.
Don’ts
- Don’t use a spammy pitch. A spammy pitch can harm your brand’s reputation and can lead to a negative response.
- Don’t use a low-quality website. A low-quality website can harm your SEO.
- Don’t ignore the importance of a brand. The Knowledge Graph is a key part of your brand’s reputation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to track: This is a basic but critical step. You cannot improve what you do not measure.
- Ignoring a user’s intent: A backlink should be used with a user’s intent in mind.
- Focusing on a single link-building tactic: This is a risky and outdated approach.
FAQs
Is an unlinked brand mention a ranking factor?
It is not a direct ranking factor, as it does not pass link equity. However, it is a strong signal of a brand’s authority, trustworthiness, and relevance, which are all key factors in search rankings.
How can I find unlinked brand mentions?
You can find unlinked brand mentions by using a variety of tools, including SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Alerts. These tools can scan the web for mentions of your brand and can provide you with a report on all the unlinked mentions.
What is the difference between an unlinked brand mention and a backlink?
A backlink is a hyperlink from one website to another. An unlinked brand mention is a reference to a brand that does not have a hyperlink.
Can a website with a low domain authority still rank?
Yes, a website with a low domain authority can still rank. The key is to create high-quality, in-depth content that is relevant to a user’s search intent.
What is a “link reclamation”?
Link reclamation is the process of finding unlinked brand mentions and converting them into backlinks. It is a powerful link building tactic that can significantly boost your rankings.
