The third pillar of GEO is presence on reliable third-party sources such as media, directories and associations. This chapter also explains domain rating (DR) and how to raise it.
What you will learn
- What domain rating is and how to raise it
- Where to find credible sources in Quebec
- How to pitch an article, and where to be present (Reddit, reviews, press)
Lesson outline
- 1Pillar 3: how do you show up on reliable and relevant sources?
- 2What is domain rating (DR) and how do you increase it?
- 3Where do you look for reliable sources in Quebec?
- 4How do you pitch an article or a mention?
- 5What mistakes should you avoid when earning backlinks?
- 6Should you be present on Reddit, forums and review sites?
- 7Hands-on exercise
- 8Key takeaways
Pillar 3: how do you show up on reliable and relevant sources?
To show up on reliable sources, go where authority already exists: the more a brand is mentioned and associated with a topic, the more large language models (LLMs) trust it.
- ✓Types of sources: media, specialized directories, partner sites, professional associations, blog articles and industry publications.
- ✓Earn coverage in credible media in your field or region.
- ✓Build backlinks from relevant sites to raise your domain rating (DR).
- ✓Aim for high-DR sources: they often have a better domain rating, and part of that authority transfers to your site.
What is domain rating (DR) and how do you increase it?
DR is a 0 to 100 score assigned by Ahrefs to summarize the strength of a site's link profile. Tools like Ahrefs let you see it for your site and for your competitors'. It is not an official Google number, but it is a widely used comparison indicator.
There is no shortcut to raising it: links from credible sites are what move the score. Write for partners, offer columns or original data to media in your industry, register in your sector's directories and associations, and nurture relationships with complementary businesses.
Where do you look for reliable sources in Quebec?
Aim for sites that already have authority and are relevant to your field. Here are concrete places to explore:
- ✓Your local chamber of commerce and business groups in your region.
- ✓Professional associations and orders in your sector.
- ✓Specialized directories in your industry.
- ✓Regional and industry media, with an angle useful to their readers.
- ✓Your partners, suppliers and clients: a "they trust us" page with a reciprocal link.
- ✓Blogs, podcasts and newsletters in your field.
How do you pitch an article or a mention?
Offer value before asking for a link: original data, a useful guide, expertise to share. A short, precise message is more likely to be read.
Message template
"Hi [first name], I often read [the site or podcast]. We measured [an original data point] among [your sample], and I think it would interest your readers. May I send you a summary or propose an article on the topic?"
What mistakes should you avoid when earning backlinks?
Shortcuts are costly: they can make you lose engines' trust instead of gaining it.
- ✕Buying links in bulk or using networks of dubious sites.
- ✕Signing up to low-quality directories unrelated to your field.
- ✕Repeating the same link anchor artificially.
- ✕Sending the same article to several sites.
- ✕Targeting sites unrelated to your business.
Key takeaways from chapter 6
- 1The more your brand is mentioned and associated with a topic, the more LLMs trust you.
- 2Go after reliable, relevant sources: media, directories, associations, partners.
- 3Offer value, never bought links.
- 4Take part honestly in forums and review sites, without disguised advertising.
Should you be present on Reddit, forums and review sites?
Yes, if you take part for real. AIs draw on discussions, reviews and articles written by third parties, not only on your own site.
Reddit, Quora and forums in your field: answer real questions with useful answers, and say clearly that you represent your business. Never post disguised advertising: these communities spot it fast.
Review sites (Google, Trustpilot, industry directories): pick the ones your customers already use, and reply to reviews.
Press releases: useful only if they announce real news (opening, award, partnership, study). An empty release brings nothing.
Podcasts and YouTube: being invited or publishing interviews creates mentions and transcripts that AIs can read.
List five reliable sources in your sector where you could appear. Pick the most accessible and write the message you would send.
