Forget backlinks!
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SEO in the age of AI is not about links.
It’s about mentions!
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Ahrefs found that referrals and backlinks, the backbone of traditional SEO, barely move the needle for LLMs.
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So what matters?
Your brand being mentioned online.
Unsolicited.
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That means outside of a marketing context:
- a Reddit user recommending you.
- a comment thread dropping your name.
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Even someone Googling your brand directly is good enough!
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Not shady backlinks. Not hacks. Not shortcuts.
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We’ve “nerdified” marketing for too long.
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Now it’s time to get back to fundamentals:
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👉 Real PR.
👉 Real brand building.
👉 Real conversations.
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That’s what LLMs actually pick up.
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Yet,
way too many marketers, even here on LinkedIn, are still in denial.
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When they'll finally get it, it'll be too late.
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