{"id":16087,"date":"2026-07-20T14:45:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/"},"modified":"2026-07-20T14:45:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:45:28","slug":"6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Digital PR Strategies to Boost AI Visibility"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Digital PR is the single most important strategy to win in AI search.<\/p>\n<p>A study by Muck Rack found that 84% of AI citations come from earned media, third-party sources like editorial coverage, reviews, and forums.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__visual-chart backlinko-image\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Where AI gets its information\" alt=\"Where AI gets its information\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.71428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/where-ai-gets-its-information.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>In AI search, third-party validation beats self-promotion.<\/p>\n<p>Publishing onsite content is still important, no doubt. But your AI visibility is mostly shaped by what happens outside your website.<\/p>\n<p>The more frequently your brand name appears across the web, the more likely LLMs are to recognize, trust, and eventually recommend you.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, I\u2019ll show you six proven digital PR strategies to earn more backlinks and brand mentions, strengthen your offsite authority, and increase your visibility in AI-generated answers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Why_Digital_PR_Now_Shapes_AI_Visibility\" >Why Digital PR Now Shapes AI Visibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Strategy_1_Data-Led_PR\" >Strategy 1: Data-Led PR<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility\" >How It Boosts AI Visibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_to_Do_It\" >How to Do It<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Strategy_2_AI_Citation_Outreach\" >Strategy 2: AI Citation Outreach<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-2\" >How It Boosts AI Visibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_to_Do_It-2\" >How to Do It<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#1_Research_user_prompts\" >1. Research user prompts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#2_Monitor_the_cited_pages\" >2. Monitor the cited pages<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#3_Find_the_contacts\" >3. Find the contacts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#4_Send_personalized_pitches\" >4. Send personalized pitches<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Strategy_3_Reactive_PR\" >Strategy 3: Reactive PR<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-3\" >How It Boosts AI Visibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_to_Do_It-3\" >How to Do It<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Strategy_4_Ego_Bait\" >Strategy 4: Ego Bait<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-4\" >How It Boosts AI Visibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_to_Do_It-4\" >How to Do It<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#1_Expert_roundups\" >1. Expert roundups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#2_Case_studies_and_success_stories\" >2. Case studies and success stories<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#3_Top_experts_or_influencers_lists\" >3. Top experts or influencers lists<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Strategy_5_Thought_Leadership\" >Strategy 5: Thought Leadership<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-5\" >How It Boosts AI Visibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_to_Do_It-5\" >How to Do It<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#1_Build_a_LinkedIn_presence\" >1. Build a LinkedIn presence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#2_Write_guest_posts_for_major_publications\" >2. Write guest posts for major publications<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#3_Appear_as_podcast_guests\" >3. Appear as podcast guests<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Strategy_6_Community_Building\" >Strategy 6: Community Building<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-6\" >How It Boosts AI Visibility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#How_to_Do_It-6\" >How to Do It<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#1_Contribute_insights_on_Q_A_platforms_like_Reddit_and_Quora\" >1. Contribute insights on Q&amp;A platforms like Reddit and Quora<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#2_Create_optimized_profiles_in_review_sites\" >2. Create optimized profiles in review sites<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#3_Write_content_on_Medium\" >3. Write content on Medium<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/2026\/07\/20\/6-digital-pr-strategies-to-boost-ai-visibility\/#Show_Up_Where_AI_is_Already_Looking\" >Show Up Where AI is Already Looking<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Digital_PR_Now_Shapes_AI_Visibility\"><\/span>Why Digital PR Now Shapes AI Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>AI systems go well beyond reading your website.<\/p>\n<p>They pull information from dozens of sources across the web, then combine it into a single answer.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"How AI systems discover and cite content\" alt=\"How AI systems discover and cite content\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.84142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/how-ai-systems-discover-and-cite-content.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>The brands that win in AI search are those that appear consistently across those sources.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s where <a title=\"What Is Digital PR? + How to Run Your First Campaign\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/digital-pr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">digital PR<\/a> comes in.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s how you get featured in the right publications that AI systems already read and reference.<\/p>\n<p>The more places you show up, the more familiar and trustworthy your brand looks to those models.<\/p>\n<p>Here are six digital PR strategies to start building that presence.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_1_Data-Led_PR\"><\/span>Strategy 1: Data-Led PR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Data-led PR revolves around publishing <a title=\"Original Research and DataOriginal Research and Data\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/hub\/seo\/original-research\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">original research<\/a> and statistical roundups, and distributing the data to relevant publications.<\/p>\n<p>This is one of the most effective ways to <a title=\"The New Rules of High-Quality Backlinks (+ How to Build Them)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/high-quality-backlinks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">build high-quality backlinks<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>Because journalists, bloggers, and marketers are constantly looking for credible data to support their content.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility\"><\/span>How It Boosts AI Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Backlinks matter a lot for SEO. And they still matter for AI visibility.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"Do Backlinks Still Matter in AI Search? Insights from 1,000 Domains [Study]\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/backlinks-ai-search-study\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Semrush\u2019s study of 1,000 domains<\/a> found that brands with stronger backlink authority are more likely to appear in AI-generated answers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Correlation between backlink metrics and AI visibility\" alt=\"Correlation between backlink metrics and AI visibility\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.79142857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/correlation-between-backlink-metrics-and-ai-visibility.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p><a title=\"What If the Best GEO Strategy Is the One You Stopped Investing In?\" href=\"https:\/\/www.seerinteractive.com\/insights\/what-if-the-best-geo-strategy-is-the-one-you-stopped-investing-in\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seer Interactive\u2019s study<\/a> backs this up:<\/p>\n<p>The top two metrics that impact AI visibility are <strong>domain authority<\/strong> and <strong>high-quality backlinks<\/strong> (from DA 60+ sites).<\/p>\n<p>Data-led content is how you earn those quality backlinks. People love citing fresh numbers.<\/p>\n<p><a title=\"LinkedIn \u2013 Vahan PoghosyanVahan Poghosyan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/vahanpoghosyan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Vahan Poghosyan<\/a>, Co-founder &amp; Head of Digital PR at Loopex Digital, sums it up perfectly:<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vahan-poghosyan.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p>\u201cGood data keeps getting found and keeps earning links, and it\u2019s exactly the kind of thing AI models pull from.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vahan-poghosyan.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>I helped one of my clients, Resource Guru, put together the \u201cAgency Overworking Report 2025.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ResourceGuru \u2013 Agency overworking report\" alt=\"ResourceGuru \u2013 Agency overworking report\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.88571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/resourceguruapp-agency-overworking-report.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Since it was published, <a title=\"2025 agency report: The cost of overworking for client-facing teams\" href=\"https:\/\/resourceguruapp.com\/blog\/agencies\/agency-overworking-report-2025\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this report<\/a> has generated 21 backlinks naturally, including coverage in Forbes.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Agency overworking report \u2013 Backlinks\" alt=\"Agency overworking report \u2013 Backlinks\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.85714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/agency-overworking-report-backlinks.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>It\u2019s also consistently being cited in AI answers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Agency overworking data\" alt=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Agency overworking data\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.08\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/chatgpt-agency-overworking-data.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_It\"><\/span>How to Do It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>First, publish your data-led content.<\/p>\n<p>You have several options:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Conduct new research nobody has done before:<\/strong> This is an excellent choice if you\u2019re in a growing field like GEO, where data is scarce, and any credible study will attract attention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Update existing studies:<\/strong> Find stats that haven\u2019t been refreshed in over two years. Outdated data is everywhere, and writers actively look for newer numbers to replace them. If you can be the source that fills that gap, you\u2019ll earn the citation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Compile existing statistics:<\/strong> You don\u2019t always need to generate new data. Aggregating hard-to-find stats into one well-organized resource can be just as link-worthy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once your data is live, pitch it proactively.<\/p>\n<p>Find articles in your niche that reference outdated statistics or cite sources that no longer exist. Reach out to the authors and offer your fresher data as a replacement.<\/p>\n<p>Also, pitch your new data to existing statistical roundups in your niche. These pages are usually updated frequently, so the author is more open to new additions.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a good pitch that I received for my AI SEO stat roundup:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Research outreach pitch example\" alt=\"Research outreach pitch example\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.66714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/research-outreach-pitch-example.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_2_AI_Citation_Outreach\"><\/span>Strategy 2: AI Citation Outreach<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>AI citation outreach is the practice of securing placements in the specific sources AI models already pull from.<\/p>\n<p>In my experience, it\u2019s the quickest way to start earning brand mentions in AI responses.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-2\"><\/span>How It Boosts AI Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you can get into the content AI cites, you can influence the answers AI gives.<\/p>\n<p>For example, my agency Position Digital was included in Exposure Ninja\u2019s listicle on \u201cThe Best AI Search Optimisation Agencies in 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Exposure Ninja \u2013 Best AI search optimization agencies\" alt=\"Exposure Ninja \u2013 Best AI search optimization agencies\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.79714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/exposureninja-best-ai-search-optimisation-agencies.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>And since that listicle was cited by ChatGPT, my agency ended up being recommended in one of the answers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Best AI search optimization agency\" alt=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Best AI search optimization agency\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.97\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/chatgpt-best-ai-search-optimisation-agency.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_It-2\"><\/span>How to Do It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>LLMs cite content differently. Each model has its own preferences, tendencies, and patterns.<\/p>\n<p>For example, I asked AI Mode and ChatGPT to recommend the best SEO tools.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s what ChatGPT said:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Best SEO tools\" alt=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Best SEO tools\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0342857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/chatgpt-best-seo-tools.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>And here\u2019s the AI Mode answer:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Google AI Mode \u2013 Best SEO tools\" alt=\"Google AI Mode \u2013 Best SEO tools\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/google-ai-mode-best-seo-tools.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Similar answers. But totally different citations.<\/p>\n<p>So, you need to tailor your strategy to each AI model you want to target.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Research_user_prompts\"><\/span>1. Research user prompts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Start by mapping out the prompts your target audience is likely to type into AI tools.<\/p>\n<p>AI companies haven\u2019t given us prompt data yet, so we\u2019ll have to settle for educated guesses.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some good places to start:<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table class=\"table table-primary table-striped table-hover\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\">Source<\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\">Tips<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td scope=\"row\" data-before=\"Source\">User questions in sales calls<\/td>\n<td data-before=\"Tips\">Note the exact language prospects use when describing their problem<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td scope=\"row\" data-before=\"Source\">Queries in Google Search Console<\/td>\n<td data-before=\"Tips\">Look for ultra-long queries in your performance report<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td scope=\"row\" data-before=\"Source\">People Also Ask in SERPs<\/td>\n<td data-before=\"Tips\">Use a <a title=\"FREE \" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/tools\/people-also-ask\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free People Also Ask tool<\/a> to find common questions about a topic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td scope=\"row\" data-before=\"Source\">Keyword data in your SEO tool<\/td>\n<td data-before=\"Tips\">Filter for question keywords starting with who, what, how, why, which<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Alternatively, you can use Semrush\u2019s AI Visibility Toolkit to find out exactly what your audience is typing into LLMs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Visibility Overview \u2013 Position Digital \u2013 Topics &amp; Sources\" alt=\"Visibility Overview \u2013 Position Digital \u2013 Topics &amp; Sources\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0457142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/visibility-overview-position-digital-topics-sources.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Monitor_the_cited_pages\"><\/span>2. Monitor the cited pages<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Once you have your prompt list, run each prompt through each AI model and note which pages are cited.<\/p>\n<p>If you don\u2019t want to do it manually, Semrush\u2019s AI Visibility Toolkit shows you the sources for each prompt.<\/p>\n<p>You can also use <a title=\"ListBrew\" href=\"https:\/\/listbrew.ai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ListBrew<\/a> to surface \u201cbest X\u201d listicles and comparison pages that already get cited in AI answers for your target prompts.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"List Brew \u2013 AI citations\" alt=\"List Brew \u2013 AI citations\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.75857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/listbrew-ai-citations.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Find_the_contacts\"><\/span>3. Find the contacts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Find the contact information for each opportunity using tools like Hunter and Apollo.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-tip.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Prioritize someone who has editorial control over the content, like the author or content editor, rather than generic email addresses like hello@domain.com.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-tip.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Send_personalized_pitches\"><\/span>4. Send personalized pitches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Reach out to each prospect and ask to be included in the content.<\/p>\n<p>Keep the pitch short and specific to their piece. To increase your chances, offer something in return, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A free trial or demo of your product<\/li>\n<li>A reciprocal mention in one of your own high-traffic pieces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Also, prepare a short blurb that the author can easily copy and paste into the content. It seems simple, but it makes a big difference.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example of a pitch I sent during one of my listicle outreach campaigns:<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Listicle outreach email pitch example\" alt=\"Listicle outreach email pitch example\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0028571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/listicle-outreach-email-pitch-example.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_3_Reactive_PR\"><\/span>Strategy 3: Reactive PR<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Most digital PR campaigns take weeks or even months to prepare and execute.<\/p>\n<p>Reactive PR is about speed \u2014 being the first one to respond to breaking news, viral trends, and emerging topics.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-3\"><\/span>How It Boosts AI Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>LLM training data has a cutoff date.<\/p>\n<p>When someone asks about a current event, the model can\u2019t rely on what it already knows. It has to search the web for fresh sources.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s your window.<\/p>\n<p>When a story first breaks, there are usually only a few credible sources covering it.<\/p>\n<p>If your brand is among the first to publish useful commentary, analysis, or original reporting, your content has a much higher chance of being surfaced and cited by AI systems.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a solid example:<\/p>\n<p>Search Engine Journal was among the first media outlets to report on <a title=\"Google&amp;apos;s New Guidance Claims Authority Over SEO, Tools, And AEO\/GEO\" href=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginejournal.com\/googles-new-guidance-claims-authority-over-seo-tools-and-aeo-geo\/578162\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google\u2019s new SEO guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Search Engine Journal \u2013 Google\u2019s new guidance\" alt=\"Search Engine Journal \u2013 Google&apos;s new guidance\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.91285714285714\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/searchenginejournal-googles-new-guidance.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>The piece has since gained over 16,000 readers, 500 backlinks, and several AI citations.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ChatGPT \u2013 SEO news \u2013 Search Engine Journal citation\" alt=\"ChatGPT \u2013 SEO news \u2013 Search Engine Journal citation\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.88\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/chatgpt-seo-news-searchenginejournal-citation.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_It-3\"><\/span>How to Do It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The biggest challenge with reactive PR is spotting trending stories before they become a trend.<\/p>\n<p>By the time a topic is dominating headlines, you\u2019re already too late.<\/p>\n<p>Success comes from identifying emerging conversations while they\u2019re still gaining traction.<\/p>\n<p>A few ways to do that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Join online communities:<\/strong> Many trends gain momentum on Reddit, X, and Slack before they receive mainstream coverage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow industry leaders on LinkedIn:<\/strong> Experts often share breaking news, observations, and predictions here before publishing full articles or reports.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Follow the major players in your industry:<\/strong> Product launches, partnerships, acquisitions, funding rounds, and policy changes often create PR opportunities. The sooner you spot these developments, the faster you can react.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Track journalist requests:<\/strong> Platforms like Qwoted, Featured, and JournoRequests can reveal stories that journalists are actively working on before they\u2019re published.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a title=\"How to use Google Trends for SEO\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/google-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Use Google Trends<\/a> and Exploding Topics:<\/strong> These tools help you find emerging topics that your audience is searching for right now.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"LinkedIn \u2013 Kevin Indig post\" alt=\"LinkedIn \u2013 Kevin Indig post\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.3015384615385\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/linkedin-kevin-indig-post.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>A secondary layer of this process is monitoring how stories spread across publications.<\/p>\n<p>Many trends don\u2019t appear out of nowhere in major media \u2014 they first circulate through smaller blogs and niche industry sites.<\/p>\n<p>Tracking this ripple effect helps you identify narratives early and position your response while the topic is still evolving.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Set up Google Alerts:<\/strong> Create alerts for important keywords, competitors, and industry topics so you get notified as soon as new stories are published.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monitor industry newsletters:<\/strong> Curated newsletters are often one of the fastest ways to discover emerging trends and conversations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The SEOFOMO newsletter\" alt=\"The SEOFOMO newsletter\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0442857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/the-seofomo-newsletter.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Once you spot an opportunity, move quickly.<\/p>\n<p>Write a report or a commentary piece on your website and social media, and pitch the story to major news outlets in your field.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_4_Ego_Bait\"><\/span>Strategy 4: Ego Bait<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ego bait involves creating content that features industry experts and influencers.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to stroke their ego, making them more likely to share your content, mention your brand, or link back to your site.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Expert quote example\" alt=\"Expert quote example\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.50857142857143\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/expert-quote-example.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-4\"><\/span>How It Boosts AI Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Featuring recognized experts can improve AI visibility in two ways.<\/p>\n<p>First, it increases the credibility of your content.<\/p>\n<p>An <a title=\"250+ AI SEO Statistics\" href=\"https:\/\/www.position.digital\/blog\/ai-seo-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI SEO study<\/a> found that pages containing expert quotes receive 4.1 citations in ChatGPT on average, compared to 2.4 for pages without them.<\/p>\n<p>And we\u2019ve seen it firsthand.<\/p>\n<p>Our article on SEO competitor analysis features insights from 20 experts, and it\u2019s cited by both Google\u2019s AI Overviews and AI Mode.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Google AI Mode \u2013 SEO competitor analysis checklist \u2013 Position Digital citation\" alt=\"Google AI Mode \u2013 SEO competitor analysis checklist \u2013 Position Digital citation\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.1428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/google-ai-mode-seo-competitor-analysis-checklist-position-digital-citation.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Expert commentary acts as a trust signal, making the content more authoritative and cite-worthy.<\/p>\n<p>Second, it creates a distribution channel.<\/p>\n<p>When experts are featured in your content, many will share it with their audience, mention it on social media, link to it from their websites, or include it in newsletters.<\/p>\n<p>As those mentions and backlinks accumulate, your brand becomes more visible across the web.<\/p>\n<p>Stronger brand visibility = stronger <a title=\"LLM Visibility: The SEO Metric No One Is Reporting On (Yet)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/llm-visibility\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LLM visibility<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_It-4\"><\/span>How to Do It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are three types of ego-bait content you can create:<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Expert_roundups\"><\/span>1. Expert roundups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Use <a title=\"5 Best HARO Alternatives (Expert Review)\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/haro-alternatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">journalist outreach platforms<\/a> like MentionMatch, Featured.com, and Qwoted to gather expert insights for your content.<\/p>\n<p>Choose the best quotes and feature them on your blog post.<\/p>\n<p>Once it\u2019s live, tag every contributor in your LinkedIn post.<\/p>\n<p>Most will reshare it, comment, or at minimum engage with it, which extends your reach well beyond your own following.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"LinkedIn \u2013 Sean Begg Flint post\" alt=\"LinkedIn \u2013 Sean Begg Flint post\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.3985714285714\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/linkedin-sean-begg-flint-post.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Case_studies_and_success_stories\"><\/span>2. Case studies and success stories<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Highlight real results from customers, partners, or collaborators.<\/p>\n<p>A well-written case study flatters the subject, gives them something worth sharing, and adds a layer of credibility that generic content can\u2019t replicate.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Top_experts_or_influencers_lists\"><\/span>3. Top experts or influencers lists<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Curate lists of respected people, companies, or voices in your category.<\/p>\n<p>Examples include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Top SEO Experts in 2026<\/li>\n<li>Most Influential AI Search Voices<\/li>\n<li>Leading Growth Marketers in SaaS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Being included in a curated list is often incentive enough for people to share it, especially if the selection feels credible and relevant.<\/p>\n<p>This type of structured content is also highly citable by AI systems.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Google SERP \u2013 Top SEO influencers \u2013 AI Overview\" alt=\"Google SERP \u2013 Top SEO influencers \u2013 AI Overview\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.84571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/google-serp-top-seo-influenceers-ai-overview.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_5_Thought_Leadership\"><\/span>Strategy 5: Thought Leadership<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SEO content is built to rank.<\/p>\n<p>Thought leadership content is designed to establish you as a recognizable voice \u2014 both for people and LLMs.<\/p>\n<p>And when you already have an established presence, it\u2019s much easier to market your business.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-5\"><\/span>How It Boosts AI Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most content gets ignored because it fails to give people a reason to engage.<\/p>\n<p>Thought-provoking content, on the other hand, is designed to challenge assumptions, introduce new perspectives, and spark discussion.<\/p>\n<p>Just look at this \u201ccontroversial take\u201d from Khanh Linh Le.<\/p>\n<p>This post generated an unusually high number of comments relative to its likes because it challenged conventional thinking and encouraged debate.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"LinkedIn \u2013 Khanh Linh Le post\" alt=\"LinkedIn \u2013 Khanh Linh Le post\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.985\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/linkedin-khanh-linh-le-post.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Some people agreed. Others pushed back. But everyone had something to say.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s the goal: to drive engagement.<\/p>\n<p>Engagement drives shares. Shares drive mentions across blogs, forums, social platforms, and publications.<\/p>\n<p>And when a lot of people talk about you, AI pays attention.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_It-5\"><\/span>How to Do It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Build_a_LinkedIn_presence\"><\/span>1. Build a LinkedIn presence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The first step is to start posting on LinkedIn.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>Because at the time of <a title=\"We Analyzed 89K LinkedIn URLs Cited in AI Search: Here&amp;apos;s What Drives Visibility\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/linkedin-ai-visibility-study\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Semrush\u2019s study<\/a>, LinkedIn was the second-most-cited domain in ChatGPT, AI Mode, and Perplexity.<\/p>\n<p>Some tips:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Publish consistently:<\/strong> AI citations reward relevance and consistency more than virality. The Semrush study found that 75% of cited authors post at least one post per week.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Take a stance:<\/strong> Share opinions, challenge assumptions, and weigh in on debates happening in your industry. Posts that take a clear stance generate far more engagement than informational updates.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Use your personal and company pages:<\/strong> Some LLMs like Perplexity gravitate more towards company pages, while others like ChatGPT and AI Mode like citing personal pages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Anatomy of LinkedIn content in AI search\" alt=\"Anatomy of LinkedIn content in AI search\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.12\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/anatomy-of-linkedin-content-in-ai-search.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Write_guest_posts_for_major_publications\"><\/span>2. Write guest posts for major publications<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p><a title=\"Guest Blogging: The Definitive Guide\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/the-definitive-guide-to-guest-blogging\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guest blogging<\/a> is a great way to distribute your ideas and share your expertise in high-authority publications.<\/p>\n<p>When multiple authoritative sources cover the same topic and all point back to you as the originating voice, AI models start to recognize you as the go-to authority on that subject.<\/p>\n<p>At Position Digital, I\u2019ve developed a framework called the <a title=\"Guest Post (GP) Engine: A New Framework for Building Links\" href=\"https:\/\/www.position.digital\/blog\/guest-post-engine\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guest Post (GP) Engine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>\n<p>I publish a blog post on my website.<\/p>\n<p>I then publish variations of that post on other publications, ideally those with a high website authority.<\/p>\n<p>As an example, I wrote about \u201cContent Refreshes\u201d on the Position Digital blog.<\/p>\n<p>I then wrote guest posts on the same topic on Sitebulb and Surfer SEO.<\/p>\n<p>All three articles are now cited by AI Overviews.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Google SERP \u2013 Content refresh guide \u2013 AI Overview\" alt=\"Google SERP \u2013 Content refresh guide \u2013 AI Overview\" data-aspect-ratio=\"1.0442857142857\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/google-serp-content-refresh-guide-ai-overview.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Appear_as_podcast_guests\"><\/span>3. Appear as podcast guests<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Podcasts are one of the most underutilized thought leadership channels.<\/p>\n<p>A single appearance can generate:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mentions on the host\u2019s website<\/li>\n<li>Show notes and transcripts<\/li>\n<li>Social media clips<\/li>\n<li>Newsletter features<\/li>\n<li>Citations from future content creators<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you\u2019re just getting started, don\u2019t chase after big, established shows.<\/p>\n<p>Start small. Build relationships with newer podcasts in your niche.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Paid Forward Podcast featuring Sean Begg Flint\" alt=\"Paid Forward Podcast featuring Sean Begg Flint\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.84571428571429\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/paid-forward-podcast-featuring-sean-begg-flint.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>Smaller shows are easier to get on, their hosts are often more engaged, and the content still gets indexed and cited.<\/p>\n<p>As your reputation grows, the bigger opportunities follow naturally.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_6_Community_Building\"><\/span>Strategy 6: Community Building<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Community building is about establishing your brand\u2019s presence in third-party forums, review sites, and customer rating platforms that AI models treat as trusted, independent sources.<\/p>\n<p>This way, your brand is validated not just by what you say about yourself, but by what neutral platforms say about you.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Reddit \u2013 AEO \u2013 Best AI visibility tools\" alt=\"Reddit \u2013 AEO \u2013 Best AI visibility tools\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.90428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/reddit-aeo-best-ai-visibility-tools.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_It_Boosts_AI_Visibility-6\"><\/span>How It Boosts AI Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>AI models trust neutral, community-driven sources over brand-owned marketing.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not an opinion. It\u2019s backed by actual data.<\/p>\n<p>According to another <a title=\"How AI Search Really Works: Findings from Our AI Visibility Study\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/ai-search-visibility-study-findings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AI visibility study by Semrush<\/a>, LLMs cite Reddit threads about Microsoft products much more frequently than Microsoft\u2019s own blog.<\/p>\n<p>Let that sink in.<\/p>\n<p>And it\u2019s not just forums like Reddit. Review platforms like Trustpilot and G2, where users can share authentic reviews and ratings, carry significant weight too.<\/p>\n<p>Seer Interactive also did a <a title=\"Study of 800K AI Responses: How Review Profiles Shape Brand Presence in AI Search\" href=\"https:\/\/www.seerinteractive.com\/insights\/study-of-800k-ai-responses-how-reviews-shape-brand-presence-in-ai-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">study of 800k AI responses<\/a> and found that brands with no Trustpilot profile have a median AI citation rate of just 1%.<\/p>\n<p>Brands with even a minimal profile, as few as 1 to 13 reviews, jump to 53.5%.<\/p>\n<p>The implication is clear:<\/p>\n<p>If AI has to choose between what a brand says about itself and what hundreds of independent users say about that brand, it will often favor the latter.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Do_It-6\"><\/span>How to Do It<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Contribute_insights_on_Q_A_platforms_like_Reddit_and_Quora\"><\/span>1. Contribute insights on Q&amp;A platforms like Reddit and Quora<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>These communities are scraped heavily by AI models and frequently cited in responses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Reddit \u2013 Sources\" alt=\"ChatGPT \u2013 Reddit \u2013 Sources\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.91714285714286\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/04\/chatgpt-reddit-sources.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<p>But be careful, Reddit and Quora communities have a low tolerance for overt self-promotion.<\/p>\n<p>Accounts that exist purely to promote a product get flagged, downvoted, or banned.<\/p>\n<p>The key is to participate as a real contributor, not as a marketer.<\/p>\n<p>Be transparent about who you are and what company you represent, but focus primarily on being helpful.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-quote alert blue-box font-georgia type-normal transparent-img-bg\">\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-sm-down\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">        <\/figure>\n<div class=\"media-body\">\n<blockquote class=\"sc-quote\">\n<p><strong>Further reading:<\/strong> <a title=\"Reddit Marketing in 3 Hours\/Week: From 0 Karma to Real Cred\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/reddit-marketing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reddit Marketing in 3 Hours\/Week: From 0 Karma to Real Cred<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"media\">\n<figure class=\"sc-picture media-left hidden-md-up\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2024\/06\/icon-further-reading.png\" alt=\"| Craig Hordlow\" loading=\"lazy\" title=\"| Craig Hordlow\">                <\/figure>\n<p>                                <cite class=\"sc-name media-body media-middle\"><br \/>\n                                    <\/cite>\n            <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>A good approach is to contribute meaningfully to 3\u20135 relevant threads per week.<\/p>\n<p>Only mention your brand when it is genuinely relevant to the question or adds value to the discussion.<\/p>\n<p>You can also host an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session to share your knowledge while building brand awareness.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"backlinko-image__screenshot backlinko-image backlinko-has-border\">\n<div class=\"backlinko-img-placeholder\"><\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Reddit \u2013 Sweaty Startup \u2013 SEO AMA\" alt=\"Reddit \u2013 Sweaty Startup \u2013 SEO AMA\" data-aspect-ratio=\"0.81428571428571\" src=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/app\/uploads\/2026\/07\/reddit-sweatystartup-seo-ama.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/p><\/figure>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Create_optimized_profiles_in_review_sites\"><\/span>2. Create optimized profiles in review sites<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Depending on your niche, set up and optimize your profiles on review platforms like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>G2, GetApp, and Software Advice for B2B SaaS<\/li>\n<li>Trustpilot and Clutch for agencies and service providers<\/li>\n<li>Tripadvisor and Google Reviews for hospitality and local businesses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After that, make sure to ask your existing customers to leave positive reviews and ratings.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Write_content_on_Medium\"><\/span>3. Write content on Medium<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Medium is another platform that AI frequently cites, according to the Semrush study above.<\/p>\n<p>Use it to republish condensed versions of your best content or share original perspectives that complement your main blog.<\/p>\n<p>Publishing the same ideas on Medium that you\u2019d put on your own site gives those ideas a better chance of being cited.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Show_Up_Where_AI_is_Already_Looking\"><\/span>Show Up Where AI is Already Looking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The quickest path to AI citations is getting into the pages AI already trusts.<\/p>\n<p>Start by using <a title=\"Semrush AI Visibility | Win Every Search. From Traditional SEO to AI Discovery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/ai-seo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Semrush\u2019s AI Visibility Toolkit<\/a> to uncover the prompts your audience is typing into AI chatbots.<\/p>\n<p>Then, review the sources each AI platform cites for those prompts and find a way to earn a placement there.<\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re ready to go deeper into how to optimize for citations and influence AI answers, read this guide on <a title=\"LLM Seeding: A New SEO Strategy to Get Mentioned by LLMs\" href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/llm-seeding\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">LLM seeding<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/digital-pr-strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">6 Digital PR Strategies to Boost AI Visibility<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/backlinko.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Backlinko<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Digital PR is the single most important strategy to win in AI search. A study by Muck Rack found that 84% of AI citations come from earned media, third-party sources like editorial coverage, reviews, and forums. In AI search, third-party validation beats self-promotion. Publishing onsite content is still important, no doubt. But your AI visibility is mostly shaped by what happens outside your website. The more frequently your brand name appears across the web, the more likely LLMs are to recognize, trust, and eventually recommend you. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16088,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"h5ap_radio_sources":[],"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16087","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-backlinko"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/where-ai-gets-its-information-oDuKlC-600x400.png","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/where-ai-gets-its-information-oDuKlC-600x600.png","author_info":{"display_name":false,"author_link":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/author\/craig\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16087","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16087"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16087\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/craighordlow.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}