Brand Mention and Prospecting Framework

Brand mentions are instances where a brand is referenced or talked about online, whether or not there's a direct link to its website. These mentions can appear in:

  • News articles

  • Blog posts

  • Social media platforms

  • Forums (e.g., Reddit)

  • Review sites

  • Videos and podcasts (via transcripts)

  • Wikipedia entries

There are two main types:

  1. Linked brand mentions: The brand name is mentioned and linked to the website (e.g., “Nike” linked to nike.com).

  2. Unlinked brand mentions: The brand name appears without a hyperlink (e.g., “Nike” in a Reddit post with no link).

Why They Matter

  • SEO impact: Google may use brand mentions (especially unlinked ones) as implied backlinks, influencing search rankings.

  • Brand awareness: More mentions increase visibility and consumer familiarity.

  • Reputation tracking: Monitoring mentions helps manage public perception and respond to feedback.

  • Authority signals: Being referenced by trusted sources (e.g., Wikipedia, major publishers) signals brand authority.


1. Relevance

Target sources that speak to your audience.

  • Topical alignment: Do they cover your niche?

  • Audience match: Is their readership similar to your customer base?

  • Examples: Industry blogs, category-specific media, Reddit communities, niche YouTube channels

Tool: Use SparkToro, Ahrefs Content Explorer, or Google “intitle” search (e.g., intitle:"AI healthcare")

2. Authority

Go for domains and voices with influence.

  • High Domain Rating (DR): Prefer DR 40+ for SEO value (Ahrefs/Moz)

  • Well-ranked content: Do they already rank for terms you're targeting?

  • Recognizable brands: News outlets, large forums, Wikipedia editors, publishers

Tool: Ahrefs, Moz, or Semrush for authority metrics

3. Format Fit

Can your brand naturally fit into their content style?

  • Listicles: “Top X tools”, “Best brands in Y”

  • Reviews: Software, product, or service review sites

  • How-tos/Guides: Educational content that cites helpful tools or companies

  • Glossaries/Wikis: Technical or explainer content where your brand can serve as an example

Approach: Search for “best [your category]”, “[keyword] tools”, “what is [keyword]”

4. Coverage Gaps

Find where your competitors are mentioned — but you’re not.

  • Reverse-engineer competitors’ mentions: Who’s mentioning them but not you?

  • Unlinked mentions: Who already talks about your brand, but doesn’t link?

  • Dead links: Find broken links to old products you can replace

Tool: Ahrefs → Content Explorer → search competitor brand + exclude your domain

5. Outreach Feasibility

Can you realistically build a relationship or pitch them?

  • Contactable: Do they have email, contact forms, or active social handles?

  • Open to collaboration: Look for those who already feature or cite brands

  • Reciprocal value: Can you offer data, a quote, or visibility in return?

Tip: Warm up prospects on X/Twitter or LinkedIn before outreach

6. Strategic Value

Does this mention help long-term goals?

  • Supports E-E-A-T: Mentions from expert-driven or authoritative sites

  • Topical clusters: Helps build authority around a strategic keyword group

  • Brand elevation: Adds prestige or visibility in a new market

🔍 Bonus: Prospecting Queries

Use these in Google:

  • “best [product category] tools”

  • “[keyword] case study”

  • site:reddit.com [product type] recommendation

  • “what is [concept]” + “examples”

  • intitle:[brand competitor] -yourbrand.com


RESEARCH

Research ideal brand mention prospects for {{brand_name}} in the {{industry}} industry. Focus on websites, blogs, media outlets, forums, or online communities that:

- Regularly publish content related to {{brand_topic_or_keyword}}

- Mention or link to brands like {{competitor_1}}, {{competitor_2}}, and {{competitor_3}}

- Have a domain rating (DR) above {{minimum_dr}}

- Include listicles, how-to guides, reviews, or expert roundups

- Would reasonably consider adding a brand mention for {{brand_name}}

Return results as a table with columns:

1. **Website**

2. **Page URL**

3. **Title**

4. **Content Type** (e.g., listicle, guide, review)

5. **Why it's a fit**

6. **Contact info (if available)**

OUTREACH

Email Body:

Hi [First Name],

I came across your article, “[Article Title]”, and really enjoyed your take on [specific point, e.g., “affordable skincare routines”]. I noticed you highlighted a few great [tools/brands/resources], and I wanted to offer a quick suggestion.

Would you consider adding [Your Brand Name] to the list? We [1-line value prop – e.g., “help over 500K users personalize their skincare routines based on dermatologist-backed guidance”]. It could be a useful addition for readers looking for [benefit that aligns with the article].

I’d be happy to send over a short blurb or link if helpful.

Appreciate your time—and thanks again for the great content!

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position / Brand Name]
[Website]
[Optional: LinkedIn / Twitter]