Why mentions and links still matter
Links and brand mentions from credible sites remain among the strongest signals of authority for search — and they're exactly the sources AI engines pull from. The goal: become genuinely worth referencing.
Ethical ways to earn them
- Create reference-worthy content — original data, useful tools, definitive guides that others cite.
- Digital PR — share genuine stories, data, or expertise with journalists and industry sites (local press counts).
- Be a guest — write for reputable industry blogs or go on podcasts in your niche.
- Get listed — relevant directories, association sites, supplier/partner pages, "best of" roundups.
- Earn reviews — across Google, industry platforms, and marketplaces (covered in the Local course).
What to avoid
Don't buy links, join link schemes, or spam comments/forums — these violate guidelines and can trigger penalties. One link from a trusted, relevant site beats a hundred junk links.
Track your footprint
Monitor where your brand is mentioned (GrowMyWebsite's off-site/mention tracking) so you can engage, say thanks, and turn unlinked mentions into links.