As AI continues to reshape how people search, brand mentions have evolved from a secondary SEO metric to a mission-critical factor in organic visibility. In today’s AI-powered landscape—especially with Google’s AI Overviews leading the charge—being mentioned by trusted third-party sources can make or break your presence in search results.
Whether you’re a local business, SaaS brand, or service provider, these seven strategies will help you build meaningful brand mentions that feed into AI discovery and drive organic traffic.
1. Strengthen Your Local SEO Footprint
Start with the basics: claim and optimize your Google Business Profile—especially for businesses with multiple locations or franchises. But don’t stop there. Add your business to relevant local directories, Chamber of Commerce listings, shopping center sites, and marketplaces.
Tip: The more locally trusted sources that mention your business, the stronger your AI Overview visibility becomes.
2. Claim High-Authority Review Listings
Find the top review platforms in your industry (e.g., Capterra for SaaS, Angi for home services, Healthgrades for healthcare) and proactively claim your listings. Optimize your profile with updated descriptions, photos, and verified customer reviews.
Proactive management ensures you’re in control of the narrative—before someone else writes it for you.
3. Tap Into Third-Party Organization Mentions
Think beyond directories—explore potential brand mentions from nonprofit organizations, local groups, or community partners. For example, if you’re a party planning business, a mention from a local Make-A-Wish chapter could bring you both credibility and customers.
Consider what kind of partners or groups your ideal customers trust—and get listed there.
4. Submit to Niche Industry Directories
Generic listings are useful, but niche directories offer more targeted exposure. If you’re a roofer, don’t stop at Yelp—submit to sites like roofing-directory.com. For SaaS, explore vertical-specific sites that align with your service.
Do your homework—make sure the site has legitimate authority to avoid poor-quality backlinks that hurt more than help.
5. Build a Strategic Partner Network
Partner with adjacent or complementary businesses and arrange for mutual brand mentions. Whether it’s co-branded content, joint press releases, or blog features, these collaborations increase brand mentions and open new traffic channels.
Think creatively—complementary doesn’t always mean similar. A catering company and a venue booking service can both benefit from cross-promotion.
6. Get Smart with Digital PR
Digital PR doesn’t require a huge budget. Use platforms like HARO (Help a Reporter Out) or Qwoted to pitch expert quotes. Publish thought leadership content on your blog and amplify it through social media to attract journalists looking for credible sources.
Outreach + Owned Content = Brand Mentions with Authority.
At SEO Guru NYC, we understand the evolving landscape of digital marketing and AI-driven search. As a trusted digital marketing agency in New York City, we specialize in helping businesses grow their brand mentions and improve their organic visibility through proven SEO, local optimization, and strategic PR tactics. Ready to boost your AI search presence and get your brand noticed by the right audience? Reach out to us today to start building your brand’s authority and driving meaningful results in the AI era.
