Off-Page SEO & Link Building

Unlinked Brand Mention Reclamation — Step-by-Step Guide

Find sites that mention your brand but don't link to you. Most are happy to add a link when asked.

Easy High Impact 1-2 hrs Online Local Hybrid
Pro Tip

This is the highest-conversion link building tactic because the hardest part (getting someone to write about you) is already done. Most webmasters are happy to add a link — they just didn't think to include one. Expect 10-20% success rate.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Search Google for: "[brand name]" -site:yourdomain.com

Google your brand name with -site:yourdomain.com to exclude your own site. Review results for mentions of your brand, products, or founder. Check if each mention includes a hyperlink. If mentioned but not linked, that's a reclamation opportunity.

2

Use Ahrefs Content Explorer to find unlinked mentions

In Ahrefs Content Explorer: search your brand name, then check "Highlight unlinked domains" and enter your domain. This filters to pages mentioning your brand without linking to you. Export the list for outreach.

3

Set up Google Alerts for your brand name

Go to google.com/alerts. Create alerts for: your brand name, product names, founder name, and common misspellings. Set delivery to "As-it-happens" or daily digest. This catches new mentions as they happen for quick outreach.

4

Send friendly outreach emails requesting a link

Keep it short and grateful: "Hi [Name], I noticed you mentioned [Brand] in your article about [Topic] — thank you! Would you mind adding a link to [URL] so readers can learn more? Happy to help if you need anything." No pressure, no demands.

5

Track conversion rate (typically 10-20% success)

Create a spreadsheet tracking: Site, Contact, Date Emailed, Follow-up Sent, Outcome (Linked/Declined/No Response). Follow up once after 5-7 days. A 10-20% conversion rate is normal and excellent for link building.

Video Tutorial

AI Prompt

Write a polite outreach email for reclaiming unlinked brand mentions.

My brand: [BRAND NAME]
My website: [URL]

Generate 3 email templates:
1. A friendly first outreach (the mention exists, no link yet)
2. A variation for mentions that slightly misspell or misattribute
3. A follow-up for non-responses

Keep them short, genuine, and grateful. Do NOT be pushy or demanding.

Tools & Resources

Ahrefs Content ExplorerGoogle AlertsBuzzSumo

Learn More

Unlinked Mentions Strategy — AhrefsarticleLink Reclamation Guide — Mozarticle

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