7 Ways to Grow Brand Mentions, a Key Metric for AI Overviews Visibility

If you want your business to show up in AI search results, your name needs to be mentioned in the right places—and often.

Brand mentions have always been important. But now, they’re even more valuable if you want to grow your visibility online.

Today, building your brand should come before keyword stuffing or chasing search rankings.

Why? A recent study by Ahrefs shows that AI tools are more likely to pull answers from brands that are mentioned by trusted websites.

So, how can you get your brand mentioned more often? There are a few simple steps you can take.

1. Focus on local SEO:

If you haven’t already, make sure your Google Business Profile is set up and fully updated—even if you don’t have a physical store.

If you have multiple locations (like a franchise), double-check that each one has its own profile.

Also, try getting listed on local platforms like:

• Online directories
• Chamber of Commerce websites
• Shopping mall or local marketplace listings

All of these can help build your local presence and improve your chances of showing up in AI-powered search results.

2. Get on trusted review sites

Almost every industry has review sites. For example, software businesses often use Capterra, and home services might use Angi.

Find out which review sites are popular in your field, then claim your profile and make it look professional.

If you don’t, someone else might create it for you—and it may not show your business in the best light.

3. Look for third-party websites that could mention you

Think about where your ideal customers spend time. For example, if you run a kids’ party business, a mention on a local Make-A-Wish page could bring great exposure.

Ask yourself: are there local nonprofits, blogs, or business directories that would be happy to list or recommend your services?

Take time to research and reach out. Getting listed on the right websites can make a big difference.

4. Add your business to niche directories

If you run a service or SaaS business, don’t just rely on big names like BBB or Angi. Find websites made just for your type of work. For example, roofers can try roofing-directory.com. But always double-check that the site is real. Fake sites can do more harm than good.

5. Build strong partnerships

Look for businesses that offer different but related services. Like a catering company teaming up with an event planner. Or a software company working with a training provider. These partners can mention your business, send referrals, and help both of you grow. It’s a win-win.

6. Try simple digital PR:

You don’t need a big PR team. You can start by getting quoted in blogs, news sites, or online articles. Use platforms like HARO or Qwoted to connect with journalists. Also, write useful posts on your blog or LinkedIn that others might want to share or mention.

7. Work with a PR expert:

If you have the budget, a PR partner can help you reach bigger websites and news outlets. They already know who to talk to at places like Forbes or WSJ. This makes it easier to get mentioned in trusted sources that AI search tools often use.

Why all this matters:
Brand mentions aren’t just nice to have. They show you’re trusted, known, and relevant. And when AI tools look for answers, they’ll often choose the brands they see mentioned the most—especially on quality sites.

Let’s make your brand easier to find. Because in this new age of AI search, visibility isn’t just about keywords anymore—it’s about trust.