How to increase visibility in AI search through brand mentions

In the new era of artificial intelligence (AI), traditional keyword-focused SEO strategies are no longer as effective. To appear in AI-generated answers (especially AI Overviews), your brand must be mentioned frequently, credibly, and in the right context across the web. Today, brand mentions from authoritative sources are among the most important signals for visibility in AI-driven search. As a result, branding now takes priority in organic promotion. In this article, we’ll explore the most effective ways to increase brand mentions and strengthen your organic presence in AI-powered search results. Build a Local Presence Start with your Google Business Profile. Whether you have a physical location or operate as a franchise, make sure each location is claimed and optimized. Also, add your business to: Local directories Chamber of Commerce websites Marketplaces or mall listings This establishes a strong local footprint and increases your brand’s weight in AI perception. Get Listed on High-Authority Review Platforms Every industry has its trusted platforms: Capterra for SaaS Angi for home services TripAdvisor for hospitality Find relevant platforms in your niche, claim your listing, and optimize your profile. If you don’t, someone else might create a listing for you (this often happens on Yelp). Leverage Third-Party Mentions Think about what organizations or initiatives could mention your brand as part of their services. For example, if you organize children’s parties, a mention on your local Make-A-Wish chapter’s website could dramatically boost awareness. Ask yourself: Who else serves my target audience and could benefit from listing or referencing my business? Explore Niche Directories Especially for service-based or B2B SaaS businesses, look for industry-specific directories beyond general platforms like Yelp or BBB. For instance, roofing-directory.com could be a highly relevant source for roofing companies. Be sure to vet each site to ensure it’s reputable. Mentions on low-quality “junk” sites may hurt your AI visibility instead of helping it. Build a Partner Network Partnerships are one of the most underrated ways to gain brand mentions. Think about scenarios like: You serve a different segment of the same industry (e.g., B2B vs. B2C). You offer complementary services (e.g., catering + event planning). You serve the same audience in different ways (e.g., ice rinks + hockey coaches). These partnerships can drive valuable mentions and even referrals. Launch a Digital PR Strategy Digital PR lets you earn brand mentions without major PR agency budgets. You can start with: Platforms like HARO or Qwoted that connect journalists with expert sources Owned content such as blogs or LinkedIn posts that demonstrate thought leadership Direct outreach to editors or journalists with expert commentary or relevant insights This approach takes time and effort but works especially well with niche media outlets. Work With a PR Agency If you’re ready to invest — a PR partner can open doors to top-tier publications. Mentions in Forbes, WSJ, TechCrunch, and similar outlets are incredibly valuable, not just for SEO but for broader brand recognition. These high-authority mentions carry strong weight in AI systems’ assessments of brand credibility. Why Are Brand Mentions So Important Now? Google and other AI platforms now prioritize brand authority over traditional link-building. Brand mentions from reputable sources support E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) — key principles in modern search ranking. They’ve become a key factor in how AI-generated responses rank and reference brands. This isn’t a passing trend — it’s the new standard. Final Thoughts To get your brand featured in AI search results, it needs to be mentioned frequently, by trustworthy sources, and in the right context. This marks a shift from keyword-centric strategies to building a robust digital presence. Start with foundational steps: local listings, review platforms, and niche partnerships. Then move on to digital PR and media engagement. The stronger your brand’s presence online, the more likely AI will recognize — and recommend — you. This article available in Ukrainian.