Making the Most of Media Mentions Without a Backlink

Congratulations—you just got featured in a big publication! Here at Qwoted, we want you to know this is a huge accomplishment worth celebrating, regardless of whether the publication provided a backlink.

Recently, we’ve had an uptick in questions about why some publications mention your brand or expertise but don’t include a backlink to your website. We understand the frustration, especially when you want to celebrate this prestigious media feature.

While not receiving a backlink might seem disheartening at first, we’re here to show you the value of these mentions and offer alternative ways of celebrating your newest coverage. 

Why Didn’t the Publication Include a Backlink?

Before jumping into the value of mentions beyond backlinks, it is important to understand why some publications may choose to omit them. 

All publications have their reasons—oftentimes, it’s due to strict editorial guidelines prohibiting them from appearing biased or promotional. Other times, it’s simply due to the nature of their content or space constraints within the article. 

All this to say, it is rarely personal. Understanding this can help you manage expectations as you receive media coverage and provide you with the opportunity to get creative in highlighting your media wins. 

The Value of Non-Linking Coverage

So, you got your first mention in a high-profile publication without a backlink. Is this mention still valuable? Our answer at Qwoted is YES! Here’s why:

• Building Authority and Credibility: Being mentioned in highly reputable publications will increase your brand’s authority and credibility within your industry. These publications will be seen by potential customers, buyers, and investors, who will recognize that your brand is valued and trusted. 
• SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google and Bing recognize and value non-linking brand coverage. These mentions signal that your brand is relevant and help them see you as an authority within your marketplace, which will help your brand rank higher in search results. 
• Networking Opportunities: When you think of publications like HuffPost, Forbes, and Reuters, consider the caliber of people who subscribe to those publications. Even without a backlink, media coverage in these publications can open doors for partnerships and speaking engagements and put your brand at the top of people’s minds for future media mentions. 

Maximizing the Value of Your Media Mentions

If you are wondering how to make the most of your non-linking media mentions, consider uploading media logos directly to your website. Featuring an “As Seen In” section on your website can show visitors the publications that have mentioned your brand, adding an extra stamp of credibility to your page. Another great way to feature this mention is by adding the headline and article to your newsroom or blog page. 

Other helpful ways to showcase this mention include adding the link to your next newsletter or blog post or incorporating it into your email signature. On that note, always remember to keep your PR press kit fresh by adding each new mention to help you secure more media features in the future. 

At Qwoted, our favorite way to highlight this achievement is to create social media content that highlights your coverage and tags the publication and journalists. This is a great way to nurture your relationship with each journalist and show appreciation for their work, which will keep you fresh in their minds for upcoming opportunities and features. 

While the publication may not have provided a backlink, doing small actionable items to share your coverage win will allow your audience to celebrate with you while showing them that there is buzz surrounding your company, ultimately opening more doors for you in the future. 

To Sum It All Up

Don’t let discouragement sneak up when you see that a publication didn’t provide a backlink. Non-linking media coverage is still a valuable win worth celebrating.

If you’d like more information about the value of non-linking coverage, check out this six-minute podcast from one of our Qwoted 100 members: “Why Media Coverage is a Win, Even Without Backlinks” by Digital PR Explained. This episode provides insightful perspectives on non-linking coverage and will provide you with relevant tools and insights to make the most of your latest feature.