Tracking down unlinked brand mentions is a quick and effective way to gain new backlinks, without the legwork of a new digital PR campaign. But, it isn’t always straightforward. In this blog, our experts share some of their favourite tips, tricks, and clever tools to make the process easier and more effective. So, let’s jump right in, how do you find unlinked brand mentions on the web?
There are a few ways to find unlinked brand mentions on the web. The most effective way is to utilise tools like Semrush and Ahrefs, which have built-in media monitoring features. For a low-cost alternative, you could also set up a Google Alert for your brand or campaign name – which will email you every time a mention appears.
Read on to learn more about media monitoring tools, a bonus section on how to find brand mentions in print, and why tracking down unlinked brand mentions is a great use of your marketing budget.
Unlinked brand mentions are instances where your brand or company name is mentioned in online content, such as articles, blogs, or social media posts, without including a hyperlink to your website. Whilst it’s great to have your brand name featured in reputable publications or on popular platforms, the lack of a direct link means you miss out on significant SEO benefits.
Gaining media coverage or mentions can be one hell of challenging task in digital PR! It takes time and effort to build relationships with journalists, create a media list, pitch ideas, and ultimately secure visibility for your brand. However, the true value of a mention lies in its potential to drive traffic and improve your search engine rankings.
When your brand is mentioned without a link, its impact on your SEO is minimal, and it may also decrease your return on investment:
Learn more about the impact of backlinks on your SEO rankings in our recent blog: What Are Backlinks and Why Are They Important?
Every unlinked brand mention is a chance to strengthen your digital presence – so don’t let it go to waste. Here’s how you can keep track of brand mentions that don’t currently offer a backlink to your site:
Sometimes the simplest methods can work wonders! Start by conducting a Google search for your brand name, including variations, product names, or even key people associated with your company. Use search operators like:
Don’t forget to check the ‘News’ tab on Google for checking more timely stories – as they may not have had time to rank yet.
Pro Tip: Set aside time regularly for these searches so you can catch new mentions as they arise. I do this for some of my key clients just after checking my emails each morning!
If budget allows, or if you have a subscription already, SEO tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs are your best friends for tracking mentions. Many of these platforms have dedicated “Brand Mentions” or “Mentions” tools that:
You can set up automated alerts, saving you time manually searching on each platform.
Google Alerts is a free and easy way to monitor brand mentions. Simply create an alert for your brand name or other relevant keywords, and you’ll get notified via email whenever it’s mentioned online. To set up an alert:
While Google Alerts is helpful, it’s not foolproof. In my experience, it sometimes misses mentions from smaller or less prominent sites, so ensure you use this in combination with one of the other methods outlined above.
Searching for your own brand name online is fairly easy with the right methods and tools, but how do you find where you’ve been mentioned in print publications without sifting through hundreds of magazines at your local newsagents? We’ve got you! Here are a few ways you can find where you’ve been mentioned in magazines or newspapers:
Sometimes called a media monitoring tool, a clippings service is sort of like a Google alert but for all print publications. You simply pop in your brand or campaign name, and the clippings service will notify you if you get featured. Popular clippings services include:
Be aware – clippings services are quite expensive, especially for small businesses. You’re likely to end up paying over £5k a year.
Want To Share the Coverage?
You may also have to pay an annual license fee to NLA Media Access and one to the CLA (Copyright Licencing Agency) for the right to share the coverage, to avoid any copyright infringement.
Press Reader is a much cheaper alternative to traditional print media monitoring tools. It is a handy website that allows you to subscribe to thousands of popular magazines and newspapers – but all under one subscription. Plus, if you haven’t used it before, you can get a 7-day free trial.
But, a subscription doesn’t mean you have to search through every page of every paper you’ve been featured in! Press Reader has a handy search tool, which you can pop your brand or campaign name into to see if anything comes up.
If you’re lucky enough to know specifically which magazine or paper, and which issue you’ve been featured in, you can either purchase it outright from a local supermarket or newsagents, or, use an old-fashioned library card to access the magazine collection at your local library. This will allow you to grab a quick picture of the coverage to share with your client or team, without spending very much at all.
Tracking down unlinked brand mentions – whether online or in print – can unlock new opportunities for boosting your SEO. By turning those mentions into backlinks, you enhance your website’s authority, improve visibility, and drive more traffic.
At Wildcat Digital, we specialise in finding and converting unlinked brand mentions into high-quality backlinks that improve your rankings and drive results. Get in touch with our team of experts to start your journey today.
SEO Account Manager
Founder
Our founder, Will Hitchmough, worked at a number of high profile Sheffield Digital Agencies before founding Wildcat Digital in 2018. He brings an extensive knowledge of all things related to SEO, PPC and Paid Social, as well as an expert knowledge of digital strategy.
Digital Marketing can be a minefield for many businesses, with many agencies ready to take your money without knowing how to deliver results. I founded Wildcat Digital to deliver digital success to businesses with smaller budgets in a transparent way.
Content Strategist Team Lead
With a degree in Marketing and a background in more traditional, offline marketing, Chloe joined Wildcat in 2021 after deciding to move into the digital marketing industry. She joined us as a Content Specialist and quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a Content Strategist and later an SEO Team Leader.
Outside of work, Chloe is an avid creative. If she’s not knitting, you’ll likely find her behind a sewing machine or in the kitchen trying (and often failing!) to make sourdough.
SEO Account Director
Paul has a strong background in SEO, having previously founded and ran a successful eCommerce business, as well as running a personal blog that achieves an average of 17K users per month. Paul’s knowledge of SEO is extensive, with a strong emphasis on client handling and technical SEO.
Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active with weight lifting and combat sports.
Head of Operations
Nadea joined Wildcat in 2021 and has since overhauled the way we work. She has a background in various administrative, operations and HR roles, which gave her the experience and skills needed to lead and organise a growing business.
Outside of work, Nadea loves anything that keeps her active, but she especially enjoys hiking, camping and mountain biking.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a background in sales, Molly is a natural Account Manager, brilliantly handling any issues that come her way. Having joined us as a Digital Marketing Executive, and working part-time through her final year of University, Molly is a shining example of how hard work pays off. She is now an SEO Account Manager with a particular interest in Content and Client Management.
In her spare time, Molly loves to get out in nature, hiking and exploring the Peak District. She also loves cooking and likes to unwind with a bit of yoga.
PPC Team Leader
Libby joined Wildcat in 2021 as our first PPC hire. With a degree in Digital Media Production, a Master’s in Digital Media Management and previous experience in Social Media Management, Libby hit the ground running and has since climbed the ranks to Senior PPC Account Manager and has a particular interest in the eCommerce sector.
Outside of work, Libby likes gaming, and cooking and likes to keep active by lifting weights.
SEO Account Manager
Jasmine joined Wildcat in 2022 with a strong background in SEO and Account Management. At the time, she was finishing up a Level 4 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and has since worked her way up to SEO Account Manager. Jasmine excels at content writing and promotion, and particularly enjoys finding creative ways to join the dots on multi-channel campaigns.
In her spare time, Jasmine volunteers at a charity, helping combat loneliness & social isolation experienced by older neighbours. Outside of Wildcat, she owns a catering company, Savery Grazing, creating delicious grazing tables & platters for a range of events. She also loves skiing and exploring the Peak District.
Senior PPC Executive
Prior to joining Wildcat, Braden founded and ran his own Social Media Management agency where he gained valuable skills in growing brands’ online presence, which has since proven invaluable in his role at Wildcat.
Outside of work, Braden is a big football fan, regularly travelling to Pride Park to support Derby County. He also enjoys watching and playing snooker, hiking in the Peak District, and attending air and car shows.
Senior SEO Executive
After spending ten years managing businesses, restaurants, cafes and event spaces across Sheffield, Jon decided to change careers and joined Wildcat as an SEO Executive in 2022. He especially enjoys the client management side of the job, helping them to understand digital marketing and ways in which they can build their business’s presence online.
Outside of work, Jon likes to keep fit with running, badminton and football, and also loves music.
Senior SEO Executive
Rachel joined us as a graduate, having recently graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in English Literature. Since joining, Rachel has proven herself to be a Content Queen, and particularly enjoys getting stuck into projects that allow her to explore her creative side.
Outside of work, Rachel enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including rugby, singing, reading, and spending time with her family and three labradors.
Team Lead & Technical SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Computer Science and SEO experience dating back to 2017, Dariusz has a wide range of SEO skills and knowledge. His specialist knowledge of Technical SEO has firmly landed him the title of Wildcat’s Technical Wizard, and he has recently taken on the responsibility of Team Leader for the Panthers Team.
In his spare time, Dariusz loves hiking, experimenting and trying new coffees and loves learning new things. He is currently learning more about CRO and AI and how this could benefit our clients.
Senior SEO Account Manager
With a degree in Film and TV production, and a varied career history, Jamie made the move to marketing with a Masters degree in Digital Media Management. He has since worked in SEO at Agencies across Sheffield, before joining Wildcat and working his way up to SEO Account Manager. Jamie has a particular interest in backlinks and Digital PR and has recently gained a client a valuable backlink from Forbes!
In his spare time, Jamie is an avid foodie and loves trying new restaurants and cuisines. He also loves to travel and spent a year travelling to Australia after university.
Senior SEO Executive
Andy joined Wildcat in 2023 after starting his digital marketing career in-house for a local Sheffield company. Since joining, he has developed a strong interest in Technical SEO and has strong skills in Account Management.
Outside of work, Andy loves music and plays in a couple of bands. He also enjoys rock climbing, cycling, photography and good food.
Client Success Coordinator
Siena joined us in 2023 with a background in sales and digital marketing. She leads on client relationships across the company, ensuring that our customers are happy throughout their journey with us, from their initial consultation through to onboarding and beyond.
Outside of work, Siena enjoys travelling and getting stuck into the local culture. She likes to make the most of her experiences and particularly enjoys watching sunrises and sunsets from beautiful locations around the world.
SEO Account Manager
Thea has a wealth of experience in SEO, having previously worked for other Digital Marketing Agencies in Sheffield. She has a particular interest and skills in Technical SEO, but is more than willing to get stuck in and give anything a go.
Outside of work, Thea spends most of her time with her children, but also loves reading, photography and gardening.
PPC Executive
Before joining Wildcat, Tom worked across different industries, building skills in sales and customer service. He later developed a passion for digital marketing whilst working on personal marketing projects and freelance ventures, and gained numerous certifications in PPC and Social Media.
Outside of work, Tom enjoys staying active by going to the gym and hiking. He also loves travelling and motorbiking.
Head of Growth
Rich joined us in May 2024 to head up our growth team. With years of experience helping other agencies to grow, Rich joins us at an exciting time as Wildcat is working on a five-year plan to become one of the biggest agencies in the UK.
Outside of work, Rich is a father to three children, which keeps him very busy! He’s also recently started running again to keep fit and loves a bit of DIY.
SEO Executive
Kezia joined us in July 2024 after completing a CIM Certificate in Digital Marketing and gaining experience in Content SEO at another Sheffield agency.
In her spare time, Kezia loves to get outdoors, bouldering, hiking and travelling.
SEO Executive
Amy joined Wildcat in 2024 with a background in journalism, having worked as a News Editor and Editor-in-Chief at The Sheffield Tab. She is naturally interested in Content SEO and research, so will no doubt prove to be a content power-house.
In her spare time, Amy loves watching crime shows, listening to music and hanging out with her dog, Eddie!
PPC Account Manager
Masilda joined the Wildcat team in October 2024 with over seven years of experience in digital marketing. She specialises in Google Ads, but is also certified in Google Analytics, YouTube Ads, Google Ads for Ecommerce and Apple Search Ads. She has extensive expertise in performance marketing, display advertising, online lead generation and market planning.
In her free time, Masilda likes staying active, cooking, trying new restaurants and exploring new places.
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