Numerous factors can optimize the classification of a site in search engines, and in recent times, off-page SEO techniques, such as link building and obtaining external backlinks, have played a role of primary importance. However, the acquisition of external links is not the only effective means in an off-page SEO plan.
As part of a link building and digital PR strategy , to improve the positioning of the site, the role of mentions cannot be ignored.
Mentions, i.e. references to the brand name, company CEO, professional or referring website, not only support the SEO strategy, but also broaden the user base and make it easier to capture the interest of the target audience .
Therefore, mentions can be an essential tool for both SEO and building a solid Digital PR strategy .
It is important, however, to know how to use them in the most effective way and make sure that they support a good backlink network, which is only achieved with a well-structured external link building strategy.
What are Mentions?
Mentions or citations occur when a site, such as a blog or a local or national newspaper (preferably the most authoritative), refers in video or textual content to the brand, to the domain of a site or e-commerce, to the name of a professional, without however inserting any external links.
A mention, therefore, simply consists of a reference to the brand or person considered authoritative in a specific sector, without a link that directs to a site or a page external to the site.
From an SEO point of view, the presence of a mention without an external link might initially seem irrelevant. In reality, several industry professionals have highlighted the importance of mentions, especially if they originate from authoritative sources relevant to the target audience.
In fact, Google considers in its positioning algorithm not only backlinks and their quality, but also the social reputation that a brand or person holds in its sector.
To determine whether a person, a brand or a site is authoritative in the sector, the search engine collects all the virtual information present in forums, blogs, review sites, social networks, online magazines, relevant newspapers, etc.
This means that even mentions, balanced with a good backlink profile that is as natural as possible, can influence the positioning of the site.
How to get mentions on the web organically?
To be able to obtain online mentions for your brand awareness and to support the project from an SEO point of view, it is necessary to be clear about the need to develop two strategies.
The first strategy is the one from an organic point of view which requires attention to the care of content and “non-paid” strategies in order to increase one’s visibility. As far as we are concerned, the second strategy is the one that implies good use of digital public relations and the channels that can be used to best structure them.
Let’s start by looking at the possibilities in terms of organic content. In this case, you have to work hard on:
- Creating quality content: By creating interesting, useful, and engaging content, people will be more likely to share and cite your work.
- Social Media Promotion: By using social media to promote content, you not only increase visibility, but you also have the opportunity for others to share or mention the content.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborating with influencers, bloggers and other industry professionals can lead to mutual mentions. this is especially useful if you have a similar audience.
- Attending Industry Events: Attending conferences, seminars, and other industry events can lead to networking opportunities and mentions.
- Digital Public Relations: Creating and maintaining relationships with journalists and bloggers can lead to mentions in their articles and posts.
- Reviews and Testimonials: If you offer a product or service, encourage your customers to leave reviews and testimonials. This can also lead to natural mentions online.
Of course, the process of getting organic mentions takes time and patience. This is not an immediate strategy but a long-term commitment that can lead to significant results over time.
How to get mentions with good Digital PR
Today no activity or company can ignore the use of good communication and excellent public relations. We must work to obtain mentions also with direct relationships with journalists, newspapers, influential bloggers and industry influencers.
To create good digital PR and obtain mentions, it is possible to send contents, infographics, press releases and articles to journalists, newspapers or bloggers who arouse your interest and who can more easily convey your message or give value to the brand of reference.
Mentions can therefore be obtained through careful research and contact with the various representatives. This is a very time-consuming activity that also requires careful analysis of the online profiles on which to publish content with a mention of your brand, brand, shop, etc…
Use Online for your digital public relations
A simple and innovative method that you can use to obtain useful mentions for your digital public relations strategy is to take advantage of the tools of the ” Online Platform “. By signing up for free you will be able to work on your public relations and carry out analyzes of websites, blogs and newspapers present in Italy and abroad.
Using Online you can request the publication of articles and press releases directly from the publishers that interest you most. In a short time you can select them, analyze them and enter into negotiations with them to carry out the publication of the content, even quickly.
Remember that mentions, as well as backlinks, are essential both for SEO and for increasing your brand awareness!
