2025-11-18 22:52:45
Ask the same question in 11 AI search engines, and you’ll get 11 different answers.
Sometimes wildly different.
Some engines focus on visuals and shoppable results. Others go deep into research. A few just try to get you an answer, fast.
Each platform prioritizes and presents it differently.
And those differences matter.
Not just for users, but for brands trying to get discovered in AI search.
So, I tested popular and lesser-known AI engines on accuracy, depth, user experience, and other factors.
Only four made the cut.
In this guide, you’ll learn which AI search engines came out on top, including pros, cons, and pricing. I’ll also share which engines didn’t make my list, and why.
Along the way, you’ll get a few tips on using these insights to improve your AI visibility.
Start with a quick overview of my findings below. Or jump straight to the #1 AI search engine on my list: ChatGPT.
| Tool | Best for | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Comprehensive research and shoppable product comparisons | Visual layout with tables and images; remembers context across follow-ups; direct purchase links | Overwhelming results for broad queries; accuracy issues; overly agreeable | Free or $20+/month |
| Google AI Mode | Quick product searches with real buyer reviews | Fast product results with pricing and reviews; integrates Google ecosystem | Vague on informational queries; no comparison tables; unavailable in some regions | Free |
| Sigma Chat (Formerly Bagoodex) | Research deep dives that build on previous questions | Strong conversational memory; suggests follow-up questions; content creation prompts | Weak product presentation; no pricing or buy links; poor visuals | Free or $10+/month |
| Microsoft Copilot | Fast answers in clean, skimmable formats | Clean categorization; fast responses; easy to skim | Surface-level depth; no product links; weak for shopping | Free |
To keep things consistent, I ran the same set of prompts across 11 AI search tools.
Note: For this article, I defined “AI search engine” as any generative AI platform that can understand queries, pull information from sources, and deliver answers in natural language.
This included big names like ChatGPT, AI Mode, and Perplexity.
And newer players like Arc, Andi, and Sigma Chat.
I focused on one topic (running shoes) and tested a range of prompts across different search intents.
This showed how well each engine handled the full customer journey, from research to shopping.
This included:
I evaluated each tool on five factors:
After testing all 11 AI search engines, these four stood out as the best for different reasons.
Best for comprehensive research and shoppable product comparisons
ChatGPT came out on top overall.
It delivered the best balance of accuracy, organization, and depth. Plus, it showed an “understanding” of search intent and included helpful visuals.
ChatGPT provides detailed, well-formatted answers.
This is true whether you’re comparing products, researching topics, or looking for a step-by-step tutorial.
It also remembers context across follow-up questions.
I started with a broad prompt and added specifics as the conversation progressed. ChatGPT remembered key details without making me repeat myself.
For shopping queries, the visual presentation stood out.
When I searched for running shoes, for example, ChatGPT returned products with images, prices, reviews, and short descriptions.
It also included links to retailers and external articles. This made verifying product details and purchasing easy.
The summary tables were particularly useful.
After inquiring about shoe lifespan, ChatGPT delivered a clean comparison table with products and their expected mileage.
For brands: ChatGPT’s visual layout isn’t just useful for shoppers. If you’re trying to get your brand referenced by AI search engines, it also reveals what these models prioritize. Use tables, clear specs, and organized categories on your product pages to help both shoppers and AI find your information faster.
ChatGPT is also evolving quickly.
Features like Instant Checkout (currently limited to select Etsy sellers in the United States) let users complete purchases directly inside the chat.
Great for shoppers — and even greater for the brands featured in ChatGPT’s recommendations.
When I tested ChatGPT, I got what most people want from AI search: answers that feel confident and complete.
But not every response was perfect.
Broad prompts, such as “Best running shoes,” resulted in lengthy lists of brands, product categories, and features.
The information took real effort to digest.
Specific prompts worked much better.
I also noticed minor inaccuracies in some instances, like when I asked about shoe lifespan.
After fact-checking the replies, some details didn’t match the manufacturer’s specifications.
For example, ChatGPT said the Brooks Ghost running shoe has a lifespan of 450 to 500 miles. But the actual range is 300 to 500 miles.
This also highlights a larger problem.
ChatGPT pulls information from multiple sources, such as blog posts and brand sites.
But it also relies on forums like Quora and Reddit, where users share personal experiences.
It then aggregates the information into its responses. This can lead to inaccurate and misleading information.
For brands: Provide clear answers to common user questions on your site. Otherwise, AI search engines may turn to other, potentially inaccurate sources for this information. Add tables with specifications, be explicit about ranges and measurements, and use structured data so AI can extract and cite your product information correctly.
ChatGPT also tends to be overly agreeable.
Whatever you prompt, ChatGPT will lean toward flattery and agreement — even when it involves safety.
For example, when I asked, “Can I wear any of these running shoes recommended for hiking?”
ChatGPT’s response was:
“Good question 👍 — you can hike in road running shoes, but whether it’s a good idea depends on the terrain and how far you’re going.”
Not the worst.
But not as good as other AI search engines in this aspect, like AI Mode, which was more cautious.
AI Mode said:
“It is not recommended to use the road running shoes previously mentioned for hiking…they lack the key features that provide the necessary grip, protection, and stability for off-road trails. Using them for hiking could lead to injury.”
Overall, ChatGPT is fast, detailed, and helpful.
But it can be too generous with information — and too polite to push back.
ChatGPT offers three plans based on your needs.
Further reading: Google Gemini vs. ChatGPT: Which AI Chatbot Is Better?
Best for quick product searches with real buyer reviews
Google’s AI Mode is built for speed.
It pulls product listings, prices, and reviews directly into the search interface. This makes it ideal for shoppers who want to quickly compare products before purchasing.
AI Mode shines when you have clear buying intent.
It instantly surfaces product options with images, prices, star ratings, and quick links to retailers. And it’s all in a clean, scrollable layout.
When I searched “best running shoes,” it showed a curated carousel of options with price comparisons across multiple sites.
I especially liked how it paired Google Reviews with its recommendations — a small detail that makes decision-making faster and builds trust.
For me, that worked perfectly.
Getting straight to the products moved me faster toward a decision.
But some users may prefer more background or context for researching and weighing options. ChatGPT’s research-style answers still win in this regard.
For brands: AI Mode pulls heavily from Google Reviews and structured product data. Focus on getting detailed, positive reviews and keeping your product schema markup up to date. These signals can influence whether your products appear in AI-generated results.
AI Mode is not yet available in all countries, although it’s rolling out quickly.
And unlike ChatGPT, it didn’t provide any comparison tables for any of my prompts. Just products and bullet points.
This meant more scrolling and clicking to find and digest the information.
This was evident when I asked which of the recommended shoes would last the longest.
AI Mode’s response was vague and unhelpful. It said the Brooks Ghost shoe was “exceptionally long-lasting.”
It didn’t provide any of the specifics that would make me want to purchase this shoe. Like mileage range and how it differed between the options.
If you’re early in the evaluation phase, AI Mode can feel limiting.
But it delivers when you want a shortlist of top contenders.
AI Mode is available for free within Google Search, depending on your region.
Further reading: LLM Seeding: A Strategy to Get Mentioned and Cited by LLMs
Best for research deep dives that build on previous questions
Sigma Chat’s iterative search and in-depth replies are excellent if you love to research.
Ask a question, get an answer, then drill deeper into related topics — and it remembers the full thread.
Note: Bagoodex launched in 2024 and has since rebranded as Sigma Chat. For this review, I tested it against the standard modes of other tools. ChatGPT’s Thinking mode and Perplexity’s Research mode are designed for deep research and may perform differently.
Sigma Chat stood out for its ability to build on previous context.
When I asked follow-up questions, it remembered what I’d already searched and adjusted its answers accordingly.
No need to repeat myself or reframe the entire query.
For example, after I asked which of the recommended shoes would last the longest, it specifically referenced “marathons.”
(Even though I hadn’t mentioned this criterion again after the initial prompt.)
Sigma Chat’s follow-up suggestions also stood out for their potential to aid deep research.
Instead of ending with one answer, it nudged me toward related questions I hadn’t considered:
Sigma Chat anticipates knowledge gaps and identifies adjacent topics worth exploring.
This makes it particularly helpful for any kind of research, whether you’re comparing products, building content outlines, or researching niches.
For brands: Sigma Chat rewards depth and topic clustering. To increase visibility in AI tools like this, build content hubs around your main topics — link related pages together and cover every sub-question your audience might ask. The more complete your coverage, the easier it is for AI to surface your site in deep research queries.
Another interesting feature of this AI search engine?
It suggests prompts tailored to content creation. This is especially helpful if you’re using it for marketing purposes.
After providing search results for the best running shoes for a marathon, it offered unexpected options like:
I tested the blog prompt, and it generated a quick draft titled “Marathon Training on a Budget: Choosing Durable Running Shoes.”
It wasn’t something you’d publish as-is, but it was a decent starting point.
If you’re prone to writer’s block or need to quickly draft comparison content around competitor products, it’s a particularly helpful feature.
From there, it suggested additional prompts like “Add a call to action” and “Shorten for social media.”
This makes it easy for marketers to generate content for multiple platforms at once.
Further reading: How to Use AI for Writing Exceptional Content
Sigma Chat’s presentation still needs work.
When I searched “best running shoes,” it opened with generic photos pulled from listicles.
This is a wasted use of prime real estate — they could’ve shown real products or reviews to provide more value.
There are also no pricing details, reviews, or direct purchasing links.
But Sigma Chat does cite its sources.
In fact, it cited the same comparison article multiple times. (Helpful for that site’s traffic, not so helpful for someone ready to purchase.)
Unless Sigma Chat improves its commercial functionality, it’s unlikely shoppers will use it.
Instead, it might carve out a niche for itself as a deep research tool.
Sigma Chat offers a few plans with varying access and features:
Further reading: 6 Awesome AI SEO Tools We Love Using
Best for fast answers in clean, skimmable formats
Microsoft Copilot has the cleanest layout of any AI search engine I tested.
It’s fast, structured, and organized. Perfect for people who want distraction-free takeaways.
When you ask Copilot a question, it responds instantly with skimmable categories, bullet points, and emojis.
For example, when I searched “best running shoes,” it broke recommendations into helpful categories:
When I narrowed the query to “best running shoes for beginner marathon training,” Copilot further refined the results.
It added details about who each shoe was best for, making the advice more actionable — a nice touch for a tool focused on clarity.
Even for informational queries like “can I wear these for hiking,” Copilot delivered a simple breakdown.
And added specific scenarios where running shoes would and wouldn’t be ideal for hiking.
When you want fast, direct answers without having to sift through a bunch of content, Copilot is a great option.
For brands: Pay close attention to how Copilot structures its answers — categories, comparisons, “best for” labels. Use similar formatting on your own pages to help AI tools extract and present your content more effectively.
Copilot’s polished format comes at a cost: depth and shoppability.
Its responses are tidy but often too surface-level — especially for commercial searches like “best running shoes.”
When I tested this prompt, it didn’t link directly to any product pages or show pricing.
So, I couldn’t easily comparison shop, verify information, or choose a merchant and purchase immediately.
Instead, it summarized content from other “best” listicles and linked those sources.
Like Sigma Chat, unless Microsoft improves its shoppability, it’s unlikely consumers will use it for this purpose.
Instead, Copilot works better as a light research tool — especially when you want fast information with minimal reading.
Microsoft Copilot is free to use.
Further reading: 5 LLM Visibility Tools to Track Your Brand in Search
All of these AI search engines had their pros and cons.
But overall, they fell short for different reasons.
I really liked Claude, but the output was very similar to ChatGPT.
This isn’t a problem, but I didn’t want to list tools that were similar in functionality.
I wanted to provide only the best.
Compared to ChatGPT, Claude lacked product links and visuals:
The wall of text made the information challenging to process.
I did like the categorization, but ChatGPT does this too — with tables that are easier to skim.
Like Claude, Perplexity came somewhat close to ChatGPT in overall performance.
When asked a prompt with buying intent, it provided a short summary along with product images, pricing, and star ratings.
No tables to help me quickly compare features and options, though.
The summary was also fairly generic.
And didn’t feel all that tailored to my prompt, even when I used the more specific “marathon” wording.
Brave, a privacy-focused AI search engine, felt too much like traditional search.
It features long lists of articles without any clear hierarchy or comparison features.
While this might be helpful for browsing links, it doesn’t summarize much or help you make quick decisions.
Andi, a minimal AI search tool, offered few results, sometimes just one (e.g., a single Reddit thread).
It’s a bit like the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button on Google. Simple to use but extremely limiting for in-depth research or shopping.
Arc, a mobile- and browser-based AI search engine, requires a download to use.
This is inconvenient compared to browser-based AI search.
When so many other options exist, it’s hard to justify using this AI engine for this reason alone.
You is a solid AI search engine that has been around for multiple years.
But it was slow to respond and didn’t link to products in commercial searches.
Ultimately, I found it less useful than the other AI tools overall.
After testing 11 AI search engines, one thing became clear.
No matter how their formatting or preferences differ, the goal remains the same: to serve clear, credible, and well-structured content.
If your pages do that — with comprehensive coverage, positive reviews, and clean markup — you’ll be positioned to perform well across all AI search engines and LLMs.
Want to make that happen?
Our generative engine optimization (GEO) guide shows how to structure your site, earn more citations, and track your AI visibility.
The post I Tested 11 AI Search Engines: Only These 4 Made the Cut appeared first on Backlinko.
2025-11-13 03:12:44
Ad intelligence software promises to show you everything your competitors are doing: their keywords, budgets, creatives, and landing pages.
But many surface insights you could get for free.
Meta’s Ad Library shows what advertisers are currently running. Google’s Transparency Center does the same for search and YouTube. TikTok’s Creative Center reveals top performers by industry.
So, when does paid software earn its cost?
That’s the gap paid tools fill. If they’re good.
Many aren’t. They bury useful insights under dashboards that create more work than they save. The data looks complete until you actually try to use it.
This guide covers six platforms that deliver real intelligence (if you know what you’re looking at).
We’re not promising magic improvements. We’re showing what each tool reveals, who it’s built for, and what you give up at each price point.
| Ad Intelligence Tools | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Similarweb | Best for stalking competitors’ ads at scale — plus, their SEO, traffic, and market moves | $649+/month. (Only higher-tier plans come with ad intelligence.) |
| Semrush Advertising Toolkit | Best for multi-platform ad intelligence, from Meta and TikTok to Google Shopping | $99-$220/month |
| SpyFu | Best for affordable Google Ads intelligence with deep historical data | $39-$249/month |
| PowerAdSpy | Best for analyzing ad engagement across social media platforms | $69-$399/month |
| Adbeat | Best for tracking competitor display ads and landing pages | $249+/month |
| Pathmatics | Best for enterprise-level ad spend intelligence across mobile, social, and video | Pricing is not publicly available |
Best for stalking competitors’ ads at scale — plus, their SEO, traffic, and market moves
Similarweb reveals your competitors’ complete paid strategies, from their winning ad creatives to their most successful publishers.
It also includes SEO and competitive intelligence tools in every subscription, so you get the full picture of how your rivals attract and convert traffic across every channel.
This cross-channel context is especially helpful if you already use native ad libraries but want scalable intel that ties everything together.
If your competitors are running ads, Similarweb shows you where (and how to beat them).
You’ll see:
Say Similarweb shows that multiple competitors spend over 50% of their display budgets on a single publisher.
That’s a data-backed signal you can’t ignore.
Use that data to target the same publisher to test similar placements. Or find underused publishers in the same category for more affordable traffic.
Similarweb’s database makes it easy to browse display ads by publisher, network, and format.
Of course, copying your competitors’ ads word-for-word isn’t the goal.
The real value is in spotting patterns: the hooks they repeat, the formats they invest in, and the offers they continually test.
These insights let you design campaigns that build on what already works in your market.
When you’re juggling multiple accounts, this saves hours of creative testing, and points you directly toward proven formats.
Similarweb shows you which keywords your competitors bid on and how much they’re spending.
This helps you identify high-value keywords that drive conversions and avoid wasting budget on terms that don’t perform.
From there, you can build stronger landing pages that target your competitors’ most successful keywords and match intent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Tracks 500M+ ads across publishers, networks, and formats for deep competitive insights | Ad intelligence tools only available with the most expensive plan |
| Uncovers competitors’ top-performing publishers and ad placements | Can feel overwhelming for smaller teams due to the platform’s depth |
| Includes SEO, traffic, and market data for a full competitive picture | If you only want ad intelligence, you’ll be paying for much more than you need |
Similarweb offers multiple plans, but only the most expensive one includes dedicated tools for ad intelligence.
This plan costs $649/month ($540 billed annually). Similarweb also offers business and enterprise plans, but pricing and tools are not publicly available online.
Further reading: How to Use Similarweb for SEO and Content Marketing
Best for multi-platform ad intelligence, from Meta and TikTok to Google Shopping
When you’re managing multiple clients or campaigns, switching between Meta, TikTok, and Google dashboards gets messy fast.
Semrush’s Advertising Toolkit consolidates that chaos into one workspace — letting you analyze competitor campaigns and build your own in the same place.
You’ll get deep intel on keywords, budgets, ad copy, and creative trends.
Plus, actionable advice on how to turn that data into high-performing campaigns.
The Advertising Research tool reveals everything, and we mean everything, about your competitors’ Google Ads strategies.
Enter any domain and you’ll see:
No more wasting ad budget on terms that don’t perform. You’ll know exactly which ones to target in your next campaign.
The tool also tracks keyword trends over time.
See which keywords competitors continuously invest in month after month.
When a keyword consistently appears in their paid strategy with stable or growing volume, that’s a clear sign it’s profitable.
With this data, you might test variations of the keyword in multiple ads to capitalize on its success.
Or use them to inform your broader content strategy beyond paid campaigns.
Have an ecommerce brand?
The PLA Research tool shows you which products your competitors promote most heavily in Google Shopping.
You’ll see position, volume, price, product titles, URLs, and trend data for each listing.
When a product shows up month after month, it’s likely a top seller.
If you don’t carry that product yet, you might consider adding it to your catalog.
Already sell it? Increase your Shopping ads to compete directly.
You can also view all of your competitors’ Google Shopping ads in one place.
Analyze their copy, images, and offers.
Then, apply these insights to your own listings:
Here’s another cool feature:
Instead of bouncing between tools, Semrush’s AI-powered Ad Launch Assistant lets you create and optimize Google and Meta ads directly inside the platform.
The tool generates copy and visuals tailored to your brand, from attention-grabbing headlines to conversion-focused descriptions.
Instead of writing everything from scratch, all you have to do is review each element:
Simply refine the voice and messaging as needed. You’ll be able to test multiple variations in minutes instead of hours.
AdClarity is Semrush’s advanced cross-channel ad intelligence tool.
Need complete visibility into competitor display, social, and video campaigns?
This is where you’ll find it.
You’ll get a lot of data with this tool.
Including how much rivals spend, which publishers drive the most impact, and the exact creatives they’re using across platforms:
Say a competitor suddenly doubles their TikTok spend. You’ll spot the shift immediately and can adjust your strategy in real time.
AdClarity also automatically identifies your competitors’ top publishers and campaigns.
So there’s no guessing or testing which ones work well for your target audience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Combines robust multi-site ad intelligence with Meta and Google campaign execution in one platform | The base plan includes only Google and Meta ad intelligence |
| Google Shopping insights are especially strong for ecommerce brands | AdClarity is only included the higher-tier plan |
| AdClarity offers advanced ad intelligence across display, social, and video | Doesn’t include SEO tools; you’ll need a separate toolkit for that |
The Semrush Advertising Toolkit is $99 per month.
It includes Advertising Research, PLA Research, Ads Launch Assistant, and more.
The higher-tier plan ($220/month) includes AdClarity, along with all of the above.
Best for affordable Google Ads intelligence with deep historical data
SpyFu is built for one thing: uncovering Google Ads strategies.
If your strategy leans heavily on Google, it’s one of the most detailed and budget-friendly advertising intelligence software options available.
SpyFu shows you everything your competitors do on Google Ads — and lets you export it all with no limits.
Many ad intelligence platforms cap your keyword downloads, so this is a plus.
Type in any competitor’s domain and you’ll see:
For example, say you’re in SaaS project management and Asana is your top competitor.
Search their domain, and SpyFu shows you their current and historical ad keywords. We’re talking thousands of terms, not just the top 50 or 100.
Download the complete dataset and…
SpyFu’s Kombat tool compares your PPC strategy against up to two competitors at once.
But instead of having to sift through 10,000 keywords, the ad intelligence tool automatically groups them into helpful buckets:
So, you know exactly which terms to focus on (and which to remove from your campaigns).
This is especially helpful if you’re newer to paid campaigns.
Or have limited time (or tolerance) for turning data into actionable insights.
SpyFu also tags certain terms as “Great Buys” and estimates how many impressions you’ll get for each one.
Plus, it shows which competitors already bid on them, so you can piggyback on proven opportunities.
For example, the report below reveals that Asana’s competitor, Monday.com, uses “top task management apps” and “work time tracker app” in its ad strategy.
Asana could (and probably should) target both terms since SpyFu’s data shows they’re worth the investment.
SpyFu’s Ad History tool shows every ad variation competitors have tested for a given keyword.
If an ad copy ran for 14 consecutive months, you know it was effective.
If it vanished after a week? Probably a dud.
This kind of insight lets you write ads with fewer flops and faster wins.
This is especially valuable if you handle multiple accounts. You can skip obvious mistakes and start from proven winners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited keyword exports with no download caps | Focused exclusively on Google Ads; no social or display coverage |
| 10+ years of historical ad data for deep competitive analysis | Historical data (10+ years) requires paying for higher-tier plans |
| Kombat tool automatically identifies keyword overlaps and wasted spend | The base plan doesn’t come with unlimited downloads |
SpyFu offers three main plans, all of which come with ad intelligence and SEO reports.
The most affordable plan is $39 per month.
However, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher tier to get 10+ years of historical insights ($59-$249/month).
Further reading: SpyFu Guide: How to Get the Most Out of This SEO Tool
Best for analyzing ad engagement across social media platforms
PowerAdSpy specializes in social advertising intelligence with one key differentiator: engagement data that shows what’s actually resonating.
You’ll see which competitor social ads are getting likes, shares, and comments across 11 platforms:
If you need to understand which creatives are worth replicating at scale, PowerAdSpy is a strong option.
Want to know which competitor ads crush it on Instagram Reels?
Or which offers rivals push hardest on YouTube or TikTok?
Plug in a keyword, competitor’s name, or domain, and you’ll instantly see all of their active and historical campaigns.
That single search can replace hours of platform hopping between ad libraries.
Every ad includes engagement data specific to the platform you’re analyzing.
Assessing competitors’ or clients’ Facebook ads? Sort by likes, comments, impressions, and popularity.
You can also filter by ad type and call to action, depending on the platform.
This is especially useful for spotting:
PowerAdSpy tracks sponsored posts on Reddit and Quora.
These platforms matter because buying decisions often start there.
Conversations on these sites can also influence how LLMs (such as ChatGPT and Perplexity) surface your brand in answers.
By analyzing these ads, you’ll see:
See what competitors are saying and which conversations are shaping buyer intent.
Spot content angles that consistently earn engagement. Identify threads or audiences they’re overlooking.
Another helpful feature?
Search by topic, like “games,” to find the competitors dominating that ad niche.
Include a custom “like” range so you narrow results to the level of popularity you prefer.
Then, zero in on the highest-performing ads and gather details such as ad copy and social engagement to improve your campaigns.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, frequently updated database of social ads across 10+ major platforms | Mainly focused on social media; lacks advanced search or display ad data |
| Engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments) reveal which creatives actually resonate | Advanced filtering options are locked behind higher plans |
| Powerful filters for ad type, placement, geography, and CTA performance | Only the highest-tier plan includes insights from all 11 platforms |
PowerAdSpy has six different plans.
The one you choose depends on the social platforms you want to analyze, and the features you need.
Only need Facebook, Instagram, Google, and YouTube?
(And don’t mind missing out on features like ad budget, ad type filter, and advanced analytics?)
The most affordable plan ($69/month) might work for you.
Need all the features and platforms? You’ll pay $399 per month.
Best for tracking competitor display ads and landing pages
Adbeat specializes in display, native, and programmatic advertising.
But it goes beyond ad creatives.
You’ll also see landing page insights, so you get intel on the complete customer journey.
Adbeat shows you which landing pages drive the most ad traffic. And how long each page has been live.
For example, Squarespace’s longest-running landing page has been active for 794 days.
That’s over two years.
When a page stays live that long, you know it’s consistently converting.
This intel helps you see which page layouts, offers, and messaging are worth replicating.
If you work for an agency and have multiple clients, this is particularly valuable. It’s a fast way to benchmark what “good” looks like in each vertical.
The Advertiser Dashboard breaks down where competitors allocate their budgets across channels, networks, and publishers.
You’ll also see share-of-voice data to understand their market presence.
For example, Adbeat found that Squarespace ran 524 ads in one month.
And 78% of their spend went to programmatic ads.
Details like this highlight which channels matter most in your niche. And where you can reallocate budget to get better performance for your own campaigns.
Adbeat’s ad intelligence software lets you monitor how your competitors’ budgets shift over time.
But what’s especially helpful is that they break it down by ad type: standard, native, and video.
For example, Squarespace’s longest-running video ad has been live for 413 days.
If they’ve kept it running that long, it’s a moneymaker.
In other words, it’s worth considering if you’re investing enough in video ads. And studying individual high performers for hooks, visuals, and offers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lets you analyze ads and landing pages together for complete funnel insights | Limited coverage of search and social campaigns |
| Reveals media spend, publisher performance, and traffic sources | Pricing is higher than ad-creative-only tools |
| Great for agencies, affiliate marketers, and display-heavy advertisers | Enterprise pricing is not publicly available |
Adbeat’s pricing starts at $249 per month for display, programmatic, and native ad intelligence.
For advanced filters, alerts, and historical data, you’ll need the higher plan ($399 per month).
There’s also an enterprise plan, but pricing isn’t listed publicly.
Best for enterprise-level ad spend intelligence across mobile, social, and video
Pathmatics is built for large teams and big brands.
Household names like P&G and Unilever use this platform, so expect enterprise-level pricing and complexity.
But if you’re managing high-volume spend or reporting to leadership, it offers the transparency and benchmarking you can’t get from native tools.
Pathmatics shows you where every ad dollar goes in a pretty granular way.
It breaks down spend by platform, campaign, or creative — and tracks impressions, reach, and frequency over time.
Say you notice a competitor’s Instagram spend suddenly increased by a significant amount in a single week during Q4.
That signals a major campaign launch — possibly holiday shopping or Black Friday prep.
With this data, you can adjust your strategy immediately. And compete head-to-head with your main competitors.
Pathmatics also lets you benchmark your ad spend against multiple competitors at once.
If you’re investing $500K on display while your top three competitors each spend $2M+, you’ll see that gap.
Use this data to justify budget increases to leadership.
Or to identify where smaller reallocations could close the gap faster.
Pathmatics tracks your share of voice against competitors in your industry and region.
If three brands dominate 80% of impressions in your category, you’ll see who owns what percentage.
This data helps you understand your position in the market.
Are you a distant fourth? Or neck-and-neck with the leader?
You can also identify which competitors dominate specific channels and spot opportunities where they’re underinvesting.
If the market leader owns Facebook but ignores TikTok, that’s your opening.
Every ad includes details like format, placement, messaging, CTAs, and audience profiles.
See which creatives competitors keep running and which ones they kill after a few days.
Track the exact messaging and offers that stick around for months or years.
Use these insights to refine your own creative strategy.
Double down on formats that consistently deliver, and try localized messaging in new markets where your competitors are seeing success.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides cross-channel visibility across social, display, mobile, video, and OTT | Pricing is custom and can be expensive for smaller teams and startups |
| Combines creative data with detailed spend, reach, and audience insights | Steeper learning curve due to platform depth and data complexity |
| Ideal for enterprise-level teams, app publishers, and multi-channel marketers | Some users report data accuracy issues |
Pathmatics’ pricing is custom.
Request a quote if you’re interested.
The right ad intelligence software isn’t the one with the most features.
It’s the one you can trust.
This means reliable data, less manual work, and the ability to scale campaigns across platforms with ease.
On a budget and focused mainly on Google Ads? Start with SpyFu.
Need deep, multi-site advertising intelligence across search and social with campaign execution built in?
Go for Semrush’s Advertising Toolkit.
Once you’ve picked your platform and gathered competitive intel, the next step is making sure your paid and organic strategies work together.
Learn how to align SEO and PPC to maximize visibility, reduce wasted spend, and improve your ROI.
The post 6 Best Ad Intelligence Software to Outsmart the Competition appeared first on Backlinko.
2025-11-10 19:10:21
The men’s fashion world has evolved into a thriving online marketplace, ranging from timeless tailoring and premium streetwear to sustainable basics and cutting-edge accessories.
For creators, bloggers, and influencers, joining the right affiliate program can turn style expertise into a consistent income stream.
But finding the perfect fit isn’t about volume; it’s about choosing brands that align with your audience’s lifestyle, values, and spending habits.
Whether your focus is minimalist menswear, high-end luxury, or casual everyday essentials, there’s a men’s fashion affiliate program tailored to your platform.
We’ve curated a list of the top men’s fashion affiliate programs to help you partner with reputable brands, earn steady commissions, and grow your content authentically.
So, what separates a strong affiliate partnership from a forgettable one?
Competitive commission rates: Higher earnings per sale make all the difference in a market where product prices can vary widely.
Brand credibility: Collaborating with trusted, well-known names increases your audience’s confidence and boosts conversion rates.
Diverse product ranges: Programs that include apparel, footwear, accessories, and grooming essentials give affiliates more room for authentic promotion.
Long cookie durations and prompt payments: These ensure consistent, fair compensation for your promotional work.
Marketing materials and support: Access to high-quality visuals, data insights, and dedicated affiliate teams can help refine your strategy and maximize reach.
Best for luxury menswear
Commission rate: 6% (3% for luxury watches and sale items)
Payment method: Affiliate network (Rakuten or Awin)
Cookie duration: 14 days
URL to join: Mr Porter Affiliate Program
Pros:
Mr Porter is a well-regarded luxury men’s fashion company, carrying over 500 high-end designer brands, including Tom Ford, Gucci, and Brunello Cucinelli.
High average order values mean that even with moderate commission rates, affiliates can earn substantial returns per sale.
The brand’s global recognition and trusted reputation among premium shoppers result in higher conversion rates among affluent audiences.
Affiliates benefit from frequent seasonal campaigns, curated gift guides, and professional marketing materials, making content creation easier and more refined.
Cons:
The 14-day cookie duration is shorter than average for luxury retailers, which may limit earning opportunities on delayed purchases.
The luxury price range appeals to a smaller, more selective audience, which can slow down conversions.
Additionally, Strict branding guidelines may restrict creative flexibility.
Best for trend-driven, affordable fashion
Commission rate: Up to 7% (depending on affiliate networks)
Payment method: Affiliate network
Cookie duration: 30 duration
URL to join: ASOS Affiliate Program
Pros:
ASOS offers one of the largest selections of men’s fashion online, with thousands of styles spanning apparel, footwear, accessories, and grooming.
The brand’s frequent product drops and trend-focused collections provide affiliates with endless content opportunities.
ASOS caters to a wide audience, increasing overall reach and conversion potential.
The 30-day cookie window allows more flexibility for delayed purchase decisions.
Cons:
Frequent promotions and discount cycles can reduce individual commission values.
Competition is high among affiliates due to ASOS’s popularity.
While the range is broad, the emphasis on fast fashion may not appeal to audiences looking for premium or sustainable brands.
Best for premium denim
Commission rate: Up to 30%
Payment method: Affiliate network
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Mott & Bows Affiliate Program
Pros:
Mott & Bow is renowned for its premium denim and elevated wardrobe staples, blending luxury quality with approachable pricing.
The program’s high commission potential (up to 30%) is one of the most generous in the men’s fashion niche.
Affiliates gain access to professional creative assets and early product updates, supporting polished, high-quality content.
Ideal for creators emphasizing craftsmanship, minimalist design, or slow fashion values.
Cons:
The smaller catalog means fewer cross-promotional opportunities compared to larger retailers.
As a niche denim brand, content may need to focus more narrowly on fit and quality rather than variety.
Shipping is primarily US-focused, limiting international affiliate opportunities.
Best for multi-brand variety
Commission rate: 2% to 10% (varies by product category)
Payment method: Rakuten
Cookie duration: 14 days
URL to join: Nordstrom Affiliate Program
Pros:
Nordstrom offers an extensive range of men’s fashion brands, including designer labels and everyday basics, providing broad promotional flexibility.
Affiliates can capitalize on strong seasonal sales and events like the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which drives high conversion volumes.
The retailer’s trusted reputation and excellent customer service enhance buyer confidence, increasing affiliate credibility.
Additionally, the program includes regular newsletters, banners, and promotional resources for affiliates.
Cons:
The 14-day cookie duration is shorter than many fashion affiliates, reducing long-term earning potential.
Commission rates can vary widely by category and campaign.
As a major retailer, competition among affiliates is intense, and differentiation requires high-quality content.
Best for outdoor and lifestyle fashion
Commission rate: 5% to 10%
Payment method: Affiliate Network
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Huckberry Affiliate Program
Pros:
Huckberry’s curated mix of rugged menswear, outdoor gear, and lifestyle essentials makes it ideal for adventure and travel influencers.
The brand’s authentic storytelling, editorial-style marketing, and community-driven content help affiliates connect deeply with audiences.
High customer loyalty and repeat purchases create strong long-term earning potential.
The mid-range price point appeals to both style-conscious and practical consumers.
Cons:
The brand’s aesthetic may not resonate with audiences seeking formal or fashion-forward looks.
Some exclusive products or collaborations sell out quickly, reducing ongoing promotion options.
Global reach is limited compared to international luxury platforms.
Best for sustainable craftsmanship
Commission rate: 6.4% to 8%
Payment method: Direct deposit, PayPal, or wire transfer.
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Taylor Stitch Affiliate Program
Pros:
Taylor Stitch is known for its sustainability-first approach, producing ethically sourced, durable menswear.
Its “Workshop” crowdfunding model encourages customer engagement and transparency, which is a great storytelling angle for affiliates.
The moderate-to-high commission rate rewards affiliates who target conscious consumers.
The brand offers solid creative assets and affiliate support for marketing campaigns.
Cons:
Higher price tags may deter impulse buyers.
Its product line focuses primarily on casual and workwear-inspired pieces, limiting appeal for formalwear audiences.
Slower product turnaround means fewer “new arrivals” to promote compared to fast-fashion competitors.
Best for global designer labels
Commission rate: 5% to 13%
Payment method: Affiliate Network
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Farfetch Affiliate Program
Pros:
Farfetch connects affiliates to a vast marketplace of over 700 boutiques and luxury brands, offering endless content opportunities.
Strong international presence and brand prestige increase trust and conversion rates among global audiences.
High average order values make commissions especially rewarding on big-ticket items.
Frequent designer collaborations and sales events provide excellent campaign opportunities.
Cons:
Competition among affiliates is fierce due to Farfetch’s popularity and broad reach.
Strict branding standards can limit customization in promotional content.
Best for performance dresswear
Commission rate: Variable
Payment method: Affiliate network
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Mizzen+Main Affiliate Program
Pros:
Mizzen+Main combines innovation and style with moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant fabrics, which are ideal for modern professionals.
The brand’s growing popularity among business travelers and executives makes it highly targetable for niche audiences.
Quality imagery, strong branding, and a clean aesthetic make their products easy to promote across digital platforms.
The performance-driven angle differentiates it from traditional dresswear brands.
Cons:
Limited product variety beyond shirts and polos may restrict broader content opportunities.
The higher price range could deter entry-level shoppers.
Occasional restock delays can affect availability for affiliate campaigns.
Best for eco-conscious footwear
Commission rate: Up to 15%
Payment method: Affiliate network
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Allbirds Affiliate Program
Pros:
Allbirds is a leading name in sustainable fashion, using eco-friendly materials like merino wool and eucalyptus fiber.
The brand enjoys exceptional customer loyalty, resulting in repeat purchases and long-term affiliate gains.
High brand recognition and minimalist appeal make it suitable for various niches, from casual style to environmental lifestyle content.
Affiliates benefit from strong marketing assets and collaborations that emphasize sustainability.
Cons:
Product range remains limited primarily to footwear and a few apparel basics.
High competition within the sustainable fashion affiliate niche.
The brand’s minimalist aesthetic may not appeal to audiences favoring luxury or bold fashion.
Even in a booming industry like men’s fashion, not all programs deliver equal value.
Avoid joining affiliate networks with poor brand reputations or low-quality products, as they can harm your credibility.
Likewise, ultra-low commission rates may not justify your effort unless the brand offers high conversion rates or repeat customers.
Finally, check for transparent payment systems and clear reporting tools. Reliable data and timely payouts are essential for sustainable income.
Promoting men’s fashion products effectively takes more than posting stylish photos. It’s about earning trust, demonstrating real value, and using smart digital marketing tactics to stand out in a crowded space.
Here’s how to refine your affiliate strategy and boost your conversion potential:
Know your audience’s style preferences – Identify whether your followers lean toward luxury tailoring, streetwear, or casual essentials, then tailor your promotions accordingly.
Create content that adds value – Write comparison guides (“Best dress shirts for travel”), outfit breakdowns, or styling tutorials. Incorporate natural SEO keywords like “best men’s jeans for work” or “affordable minimalist sneakers”.
Use diverse content formats – Go beyond blogs and experiment with YouTube lookbooks, Instagram outfit posts, TikTok style reels, and Pinterest boards.
Be transparent and authentic – Disclose affiliate links and give honest feedback. Readers trust affiliates who recommend products they genuinely believe in.
Leverage SEO tools strategically – Use keyword tools (like Semrush) to identify trending searches, track rankings, and refine your fashion content strategy.
If you want to grow your men’s fashion affiliate revenue, combine SEO-driven blogging with visual storytelling on social media. The mix of authenticity, visibility, and consistency will turn your style influence into sustainable affiliate income.
The men’s fashion space is full of opportunity, from luxury designers to sustainable startups.
By partnering with the right affiliate programs, you can align your content with brands that reflect your audience’s identity and values.
Whether your strength lies in tailored elegance, modern streetwear, or timeless basics, these top affiliate programs can help you turn your style expertise into steady income, authentically and profitably.
The post Top 9 Men’s Fashion Affiliate Programs appeared first on Backlinko.
2025-11-10 19:10:04
With beauty enthusiasts constantly searching for the next must-have product, niche affiliate programs are the ultimate secret weapon for creators looking to turn passion into profit.
But the real challenge isn’t finding programs – it’s finding the right ones that truly align with your audience and deliver real rewards.
The beauty industry is vast, ever-changing, and inclusive, spanning everything from luxury skincare and high-end cosmetics to affordable everyday essentials. No matter your niche, whether it be makeup tutorials, skincare reviews, or holistic wellness, there’s a beauty affiliate program perfectly suited to your platform.
We’ve rounded up a curated list of the best beauty affiliate programs designed to help you earn more. By providing insights like commission rates and cookie durations, you can make your partnership both profitable and authentic.
What makes a beauty affiliate program truly stand out?
High commission rates are often the headline, giving creators the chance to earn more per referral.
Partnering with reputable, trusted brands also boosts credibility and conversion rates, as audiences are more likely to buy from names they recognize.
Programs that offer a wide range of products from skincare to cosmetics allow affiliates to promote items that genuinely match their content and audience interests.
Add in long cookie durations, reliable payment terms, and strong marketing support, and you have a program that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Best for ingredient-conscious consumers
Commission rate: 7%
Payment method: Partnerize or LTK (RewardStyle)
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Paula’s Choice Affiliate Program
Pros:
Paula’s Choice is a strong, well-known skincare brand with a reputation for credibility and science-backed formulations, which helps build trust with audiences.
The program offers a competitive 30-day cookie duration, giving affiliates a reasonable window for earning commissions on referred sales.
Additionally, affiliates benefit from access to promotional materials and dedicated support, making it easier to create high-quality, branded content.
Cons:
The program’s features and commission thresholds can vary by region, meaning affiliates in certain geographies may have fewer options or benefits.
Additionally, while the commission rate is fair, it’s moderate rather than exceptionally high compared to some of the best beauty affiliate programs.
Best for product variety
Commission rate: 5%
Payment method: Direct deposit/PayPal
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Sephora Affiliate Program
Pros:
Sephora’s affiliate program offers access to over 200 brands and more than 13,000 products, backed by an exceptional reputation and strong affiliate support.
Its powerful brand recognition and extensive product range create high conversion potential, especially for affiliates with diverse beauty audiences.
This is an excellent choice for creators who cover multiple beauty categories, including makeup, skincare, and fragrance.
Cons:
The commission rate is relatively low compared to many niche beauty brands, which may reduce overall earnings potential.
Best for high-end luxury beauty
Commission rate: 8 to 10%
Payment method: Via affiliate network
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Charlotte Tilbury Affiliate Program
Pros:
Charlotte Tilbury is a premium beauty brand with a high average order value, meaning each successful referral can result in a significant commission.
The brand enjoys strong visibility and desirability within the influencer and luxury beauty space, making it easier to attract engaged, high-intent audiences.
Cons:
The program may perform best with a more niche audience that has a genuine interest in luxury cosmetics, which can limit broader appeal.
Best for global mass-market beauty
Commission rate: 5 to 7%
Payment method: PayPal, ACH (U.S.), check, wire
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: L’Oreal Affiliate Program
Pros:
L’Oréal is a globally recognized brand, which helps build trust and improve conversion rates for affiliates promoting its products.
Its broad product range, spanning skincare, haircare, and cosmetics, offers multiple entry points for different types of beauty content creators.
Cons:
Commission tiers can vary depending on the product category or region, potentially affecting overall earnings.
Additionally, because L’Oréal is such a large and well-established brand, affiliates may face more competition when targeting similar audiences.
Best for everyday essentials
Commission rate: 1 to 5%
Payment method: PayPal, ACH, wire, bank transfer
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Ulta Beauty Affiliate Program
Pros:
Ulta Beauty offers a huge selection of products and brands, giving affiliates plenty of promotional opportunities across multiple beauty categories.
Its strong retail reputation and widespread customer trust make it easier to drive conversions and build credibility with audiences.
Cons:
The standard commission rate is relatively low compared to niche or high-end beauty brands, which may limit overall earnings.
While some special campaigns or promotions can offer higher commissions, the base rate remains modest for most affiliates.
Best for influencer collaborations
Commission rate: 5 to 10%
Payment method: Affiliate network
Cookie duration: 14 days
URL to join: Morphe Artistry Collective Affiliate Program
Pros:
Morphe is a trendy beauty brand with strong appeal among younger and makeup-focused audiences, making it highly relevant for influencer marketing.
Its affordable price points lower the barrier for purchase, which can help improve conversion rates for affiliates.
Cons:
The commission rate can be modest compared to luxury beauty programs, which can limit total earnings.
Additionally, stock availability can sometimes fluctuate due to high demand for influencer collections.
Best for celebrity-backed beauty products
Commission rate: 8%
Payment method: Affiliate network
Cookie duration: 7 days
URL to join: Fenty Beauty Affiliate Program
Pros:
Fenty Beauty has a very strong brand identity and high desirability, making it an excellent choice for affiliates with curated and style-conscious audiences. As a celebrity-backed brand led by Rihanna, it benefits from higher levels of trust and engagement, which can lead to stronger conversion rates.
Cons:
The program’s shorter cookie duration of seven days limits the conversion window, meaning affiliates have less time to earn commissions from referred traffic.
Best for value-driven beauty
Commission rate: 6% for new member sign-ups
Payment method: Affiliate network (Awin or Partnerize)
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: Beauty Pie Affiliate Program
Pros:
Beauty Pie offers a membership-based model that provides luxury beauty products at cost prices, appealing to savvy, value-driven audiences.
Affiliates benefit from promoting a brand with a clear, disruptive message in the beauty space and strong customer loyalty.
The program also includes steady support from established affiliate networks.
Cons:
Initial commission rates are lower than some traditional affiliate programs, especially for repeat customers.
The membership model may require more explanation to convert new users unfamiliar with the brand’s pricing structure.
Best for long cookie duration
Commission rate: 8%
Payment method: Direct deposit or via affiliate network
Cookie duration: 60–90 days (varies by region)
URL to join: BH Cosmetics Affiliate Program
Pros & Cons
Pros:
BH Cosmetics is well-known for its fun, affordable, and cruelty-free makeup products, making it a great fit for beauty bloggers who cater to younger or budget-conscious audiences.
The program offers a long cookie duration of up to 90 days, which increases the chance of earning commissions on returning customers.
Its vibrant branding and frequent product launches provide plenty of fresh content opportunities for affiliates.
Cons:
Because the brand focuses on affordable products, the average order value (AOV) tends to be lower, resulting in smaller commissions per sale.
Additionally, the program may not offer as many luxury or skincare items compared to other beauty retailers.
Best for ethical, cruelty-free beauty
Commission rate: Up to 8%
Payment method: Through affiliate network (Awin, FlexOffers, or Rakuten)
Cookie duration: 30 days
URL to join: The Body Shop Affiliate Program
Pros:
The Body Shop has a long-standing reputation for ethical sourcing, cruelty-free formulations, and sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
Its wide range of skincare, body care, and haircare products gives affiliates plenty of promotional versatility.
The trusted brand name helps drive consistent conversions for affiliates focused on natural or conscious beauty.
Cons:
Product pricing is mid-range, so commissions per sale may be smaller than with high-end luxury brands.
While the beauty affiliate space is full of opportunity, not all programs are created equal.
One of the biggest mistakes new affiliates make is joining programs with poor reputations. Brands that deliver low-quality products or have weak customer service can damage your credibility fast.
Similarly, programs offering very low commission rates may not be worth your time, especially if the conversion rate or average order value is small.
Finally, always research a program’s payment structure and reliability. Delayed or inconsistent payouts can undermine your hard work.
Choosing reputable, transparent partners ensures your efforts translate into consistent, long-term earnings.
Promoting beauty products successfully goes beyond sharing pretty pictures – it’s all about building trust, showcasing results, and using smart digital marketing strategies to stand out.
Here’s how to elevate your affiliate marketing content and maximize conversions:
Before recommending a product, get clear on what your audience values most, whether this be clean ingredients, luxury formulas, or affordable everyday staples. Use polls, engagement metrics, and feedback from your followers to guide your content.
When your recommendations feel personalized, conversions rise naturally.
Write product reviews, skincare routines, and tutorials that answer your audience’s real questions:
“Is this worth it for oily skin?”
“What’s the best dupe for X?”
“Are drugstore moisturizers as effective as luxury ones?”
Incorporate relevant keywords naturally to make your content discoverable. Tools like Semrush can help you find high-intent beauty keywords, analyze competitor content, and identify SEO gaps you can fill.
Don’t just rely on blog posts. Experiment with TikTok demos, Instagram Reels, YouTube reviews, and Pinterest boards.
Beauty is a visual niche, so showing products in action (texture, finish, results) builds credibility and drives clicks through affiliate links.
Be upfront about affiliate links and share genuine product experiences.
Audiences can tell the difference between a sales pitch and an honest recommendation. Focus on long-term relationships, not one-time clicks.
With Semrush, you can uncover trending beauty searches, track ranking keywords, and monitor which pages are driving the most organic traffic.
These insights let you target the exact beauty topics your audience is already searching for, from “best vitamin C serums” to “clean beauty brands with affiliate programs.”
If you’re serious about growing your beauty affiliate income, try Semrush to refine your keyword strategy, analyze competitors, and boost your visibility across search and social. Strong SEO = more eyes on your content and more commissions in your pocket.
Now that you’ve explored the best beauty affiliate programs, you can choose the ones that best fit your content and audience.
Whether you favor global brands with steady sales or niche companies with higher commissions, alignment is key. Partner with brands that reflect your style and values to build trust, boost engagement, and maximize your affiliate earnings.
The post Top 10 Beauty Affiliate Programs appeared first on Backlinko.
2025-11-08 01:16:36
AI search is still moving. What’s cited today across Google (AI Mode + AI Overviews) and ChatGPT might look different in a month.
But there’s no need to scramble.
For example, a dip in Reddit citations isn’t a reason to abandon conversational marketing or rebuild your plan from scratch.
(Plus, it’s likely things aren’t always what they seem, like this speculation from John-Henry Scherck about Reddit and ChatGPT.)
Instead, stick to doing the basics — getting mentioned by the major players in your industry as well as hyper-relevant/niche ones — while keeping tabs on macro changes that should impact your go-forward strategy.
The “who gets cited” list keeps changing, especially in ChatGPT.
Just comparing August 2025 to October 2025, ChatGPT increased the number of sources it uses by ~80%, signaling a push toward more diverse evidence in each answer.
This is a dramatic shift in just a couple of months.
But if you’re an SEO, semi-regular algorithm shifts should sound very familiar.
Over the years, Google has made thousands upon thousands of changes to how it finds and ranks pages.
AI will be no different. LLMs will want to continuously improve its output and user experience.
In SEO, we say to stick to the basics in light of algorithm updates, so there’s no need to treat AI SEO differently.
Explore a deeper analysis and get actionable strategies on how to win in AI search: Get the full Semrush AI Visibility Index.
When sources are in flux, you win by doubling down on durable authority and adding a light, recurring layer of measurement to stay apprised of changes.
The goal should be to keep your foundation strong. Google’s own guidance for AI features emphasizes usefulness, experience, clear structure, and trust signals.
Those are the same qualities humans respond to and the same signals LLMs can verify.
But, while working on the fundamentals, it’s good to keep an eye on LLM trends.
Below we’ll share four tips that will help you sustainably optimize for LLM answers and citations while simultaneously tracking significant, noteworthy shifts in LLM behavior.
As we’ve seen, ChatGPT’s citations change. Sometimes quickly.
Rather than seeing this as a race, consider it an opportunity.
Every time an LLM adds new sources into the mix, they’re providing new ideas for where you can earn media and build brand visibility and authority.
And you don’t need a complex dashboard to track the changes. You just need a simple spreadsheet that shows which domains it’s using for your money prompts.
Start by choosing prompts that map to your funnel.
For example:
Run them in an LLM the same way a buyer would. Note the sources. Track in a shared living document month over month.
You’re looking for two things: new entrants and rising domains. Both provide ideas on where to place your best evidence next.
So, what does this look like in practice?
Create a one-page tracker and update it every 30 days:
Again, the goal is to identify broader trends and not worry about every little change.
After a few months of this type of tracking, you may notice similarities in the types of sites or content being prioritized. Those are the ones worth adding to your strategy.
LLMs lean on trusted third-party sites. Some of those sites already vouch for your competitors.
Backlinks show where that trust lives.
Use traditional backlink gap analyses to find new ideas as to where you can earn external authority signals. You can also gain insight about the type of content that’s worth citing.
Start simple. Pick 5–10 competitors and pull their new referring domains from the last 3-6 months.
For example, using Semrush’s Backlink Gap tool, we compared Backlinko’s backlinks to leading SEO tools and noticed they have links from VistaPrint while Backlinko doesn’t.
So we checked out the content and the page they linked to, which in this example turned out to be an informational blog post about the marketing funnel.
When we put this URL into Semrush’s Backlink Analytics tool, we found that this specific page has 344 referring domains pointing to it.
Many of the linking pages are informational about marketing and are relying on Semrush’s expertise to support their own articles.
This indicates the piece of content is strong and worth evaluating for insight into what makes it high quality.
As it turns out, the page is very robust with a lot of visual appeal. It’s full of useful graphics, screenshots, and actionable takeaways that make what can be a convoluted topic into something straightforward.
In this example, we’ve learned some sites that talk about marketing fundamentals and may be worth targeting (VistaPrint, GoDaddy, etc.), and we’ve gained inspiration as to what makes that content appealing to link to.
When doing this kind of analysis yourself, look for patterns:
Pro tip: Mid-tier niche outlets often outperform top-tier media for earning durable, evergreen citations. They publish faster, go deeper, and link more generously when you bring real substance.
Models evolve. People move faster.
If your buyers shifted from big media to niche reviewers or podcasts, your distribution plan has to follow.
Ask recent customers one question: “What did you read, watch, or listen to before choosing a tool like ours?”
Keep it lightweight. Add it to onboarding and to quarterly interviews. Log their responses and share with the PR and content teams to plan how to achieve earned media in those locations.
There’s online research you can do, too.
SparkToro, for example, reveals where your audience consumes content, giving you a great head-start on putting a pitch list together.
For example, with the free account (which gives you five searches per month), we wanted to explore where else folks who visit Backlinko.com get their information.
SparkToro then provides a list of websites, social networks, AI tools, YouTube channels, podcasts, and more that your audience tends to visit.
No matter your preferred method for audience research, if the last time it was updated was over six months ago, it’s time for a refresh.
Further reading: Audience Research: Stop Guessing What Your Buyers Care About
You know what’s always necessary for building third-party authority signals on a regular basis?
Content. Search engines, LLMs, social sites, YouTube, etc. all need content to surface.
But “better” content isn’t enough. You need something new to compete. Data no one else has. Tests no one else ran. Explanations that resolve the question completely.
This kind of content gives LLM models something concrete to ground on and editors something worth linking to.
What does this look like in practice?
Try shipping one high-value asset per month:
Comprehensive guides can still perform, too. Take an example from our own site, Google RankBrain: The Definitive Guide, which is often a primary source for LLMs on relevant queries.
When you create something better than anything else out there, that’s when it becomes a primary reference. It can even get mentioned on the MIT site in an article about the shift to generative AI.
Ultimately, if you’re providing the best answer that satisfies a curiosity, you’re building a solid foundation for driving authority signals.
Once you create the content, close the loop. Pitch those assets to the outlets from Tips 2 and 3.
If they’re published on a third-party site, implement your typical distribution process to get as much traction as possible.
Then track if they start showing up in your monthly ChatGPT check.
AI search will keep shifting. Your fundamentals shouldn’t.
Stay focused on building durable authority. Track what matters, earn trust where your audience already looks, and create work worth citing. You’ll stay adaptable no matter what comes next.
Tracking your LLM visibility can be tedious, especially as it’s a relatively new addition to your monthly reporting.
For high-level directional data about your industry as a first pass, bookmark and download Semrush’s AI Visibility Index. It’s updated monthly, saving you that first layer of research.
The post LLM Sources Shifted 80% in 2 Months. Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Panic appeared first on Backlinko.
2025-11-05 23:44:34
Managing local search marketing for one location is straightforward.
But managing multi-location SEO — whether it’s 10, 50, or 100 branches — gets complicated fast.
Each location needs unique content.
A single mistake in your business info can mislead customers and hurt trust.
And it’s tough to see which branches are actually driving results.
Everything changes when you’re managing SEO for multiple locations.
Our six-step system below tackles these challenges in order of priority.
You’ll learn exactly how to:
Plus, you’ll get our free toolkit to help you build a scalable SEO strategy for multiple locations.
Let’s dive in.
Every branch needs its own home online.
Without a dedicated location landing page, your GBP has nowhere reliable to link. And customers looking for local hours, directions, or services may bounce straight to a competitor.
So, start by confirming the basics.
Talk with branch managers or franchise owners to verify core business details — official name, address, phone number, operating hours, and available services.
Copy our location details sheet and use it to gather and confirm accurate data for every branch.
Once it’s filled out, this sheet becomes your single “source of truth” — helping you prevent endless downstream errors when managing dozens of listings and citations later on.
Once you’ve gathered accurate data, move into keyword targeting.
Each page should focus on one primary keyword set that combines your core service with its city or neighborhood modifier (e.g., “dentist in Austin”).
Doing this avoids keyword cannibalization between branches while signaling clear relevance for local searchers.
If you’re unsure where to start, use tools like Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool.
Then, check Google’s “People also search for” suggestions to find real-world queries customers use in each market.
Map those target keywords to their corresponding locations in your spreadsheet.
Further reading: 4 Steps to Do Local Keyword Research
To scale efficiently, create a modular framework for every location page. This ensures consistency across branches while letting you customize local details.
Start with a simple, SEO-friendly URL structure.
Use subfolders (e.g., example.com/locations/austin).
Why?
They inherit more domain authority and are easier to maintain across large sites.
Each page should include these essential content blocks:
Once your template is set, link to these pages internally so search engines and users can easily find them.
Add links from your main navigation or a dedicated HTML sitemap, and cross-link between related locations or service pages when relevant.
This type of modular setup helps every page stay on-brand while still serving unique, location-specific content.
Want a shortcut?
That’s where our Location Page Template comes in.
It’s a plug-and-play framework that keeps pages consistent while giving you room to localize copy, visuals, and CTAs.
Instead of rebuilding from scratch, just fill in the blanks and launch pages faster.
Even with templates, every location page should feel distinct and relevant to its community. Boilerplate content can hurt engagement and limit your local visibility.
So, add local flavor wherever you can — photos of the branch exterior or team, nearby landmarks, or community involvement.
These small touches make each page authentic and help prevent duplicate content issues.
But don’t just stop there.
Rotate seasonal offers, update photos, and feature new testimonials to show both search engines and customers that your locations are active and trusted.
Finally, dial in your SEO details.
Titles, headers, image alt text, and LocalBusiness schema should all include the branch’s city or neighborhood.
These signals help Google connect each page to the right local search intent.
Pro tip: Start with your highest-traffic or flagship markets first. Once those pages are performing, use the same structure and workflow and apply it to the rest.
Multi-location SEO starts with accuracy and consistency in your GBPs.
One wrong detail — or a suspended profile — can tank visibility for that branch. And when you’re handling dozens of listings, a small mistake can spread fast.
Start by claiming and verifying each profile.
If you have 10 or more branches, use Google’s bulk verification process. It’s faster and easier than doing it one by one.
Next, check every listing against your master spreadsheet from Step 1.
Make sure the name, address, phone number, hours, and landing page URL all match. Even one typo can hurt rankings.
Then, add UTM tracking to your website links.
This lets you see which branches drive traffic, leads, and sales in Google Analytics (GA4) or your customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Verification is just the start.
If you’re doing SEO for multiple locations, it’s not a one-time job — it’s a system you have to run efficiently across every branch.
Start with categories.
One wrong choice can confuse Google, so build a shared list of approved options every branch can use.
Precision matters more than volume. So, pick one main category and a few secondary ones that match what that branch actually offers.
Not sure which categories competitors use?
Tools like GMBspy show the primary and secondary categories of top-ranking businesses in your market.
From there, focus on consistency and automation across every profile:
Pro tip: Want to make life easier? Use our GBP optimization checklist to stay consistent across every location.
Google rewards freshness.
Regular posts, photos, and updates show that your business is active. And they help each location stand out in Maps and the local pack.
Share short posts for promos, events, and new services. Rotate new photos or short videos every few months to keep your listings looking current.
Even small updates like adding seasonal offers or highlighting staff can make a difference in clicks and calls.
And don’t forget the Q&A section.
Add common customer questions yourself with accurate, brand-approved answers. Then, monitor it regularly so you can respond fast when new ones appear.
The hard part?
Doing this for dozens — or hundreds — of branches. Manually updating each profile is exhausting and easy to fall behind on.
Tools like Semrush Local can make it easier by letting you manage posts, photos, and info for all your locations from a single dashboard.
Reviews drive both rankings and trust.
At scale, the challenge isn’t getting one review — it’s managing hundreds across locations every month without dropping the ball.
Start by collecting customer contact info at checkout or after service.
That lets you send automated review requests by text or email through your point of sale (POS) system or CRM.
Each branch should have its own short review link or QR code so customers can find the right profile fast.
Add those links to receipts, follow-up emails, and even in-store signage. Small touches like that can boost response rates over time.
Most customers don’t ignore review requests on purpose, they just forget.
A simple reminder can make a big difference in review volume.
Tracking reviews one branch at a time wastes hours.
Use review management software like Semrush’s Review Management or GatherUp to pull feedback from every location into one dashboard.
Set alerts for negative reviews so you can respond quickly and win back unhappy customers.
Over time, you’ll start spotting trends — like which cities get the most reviews or which teams need more support.
Consistency matters as much as speed.
Create a few brand-approved templates for positive, neutral, and negative reviews. Then, teach local staff how to personalize them with names or specific details from the customer’s experience.
Small touches like that make responses feel authentic while staying on brand.
You can also make a copy of our Review Response Templates to speed things up and keep messaging consistent.
The goal is to sound human without going off-script. That balance keeps your tone aligned across every branch while still making each customer feel heard.
Further reading: How to Get More Google Reviews: Proven Strategies
With one location, you can fix a wrong phone number in minutes.
With dozens, a single typo can spread across aggregators, directories, and maps — causing mass confusion for customers.
And the fallout doesn’t stop there.
Inconsistent business information leads to missed calls and negative reviews. Which can snowball into lost traffic and weaker local performance.
Keep using our Multi-Location SEO Toolkit you built earlier to track each branch’s core details.
List the official name, address, phone number, hours, Google Business Profile URL, and landing-page URL for every location.
Keep it updated — this one file keeps every branch aligned.
Next, make it easy to see what’s current and what’s not. Use the “Last Verified” column to track when each location’s details were last checked.
If different people manage different regions, assign ownership right in the sheet. That one small habit prevents duplicate edits and conflicting updates later on.
Once your data is solid, automation makes running multiple locations easier and saves hours of manual updates.
Tools like Semrush Local and Moz Local keep your listings in sync across the web.
They also make it easy to update details like hours, phone numbers, and URLs whenever something changes.
Your listings won’t stay accurate forever. That’s where routine maintenance makes all the difference.
Run a quarterly NAP audit to catch inconsistencies before they snowball. Your listings tool can scan every profile and flag details that don’t match your master sheet.
Then, spot-check the platforms that matter most: GBP, Apple Maps, Yelp, and Facebook. If you’re in a specialized industry, check directories like ZocDoc or FindLaw, too.
Keep a running log of what you fix each quarter.
Over time, patterns will reveal which platforms or regions slip most often. That insight helps you tighten your process and prevent repeat issues.
With one location, a few chamber of commerce links or directory listings can boost authority.
But when you’re managing dozens of branches, growing that process across your entire network takes more than luck. It takes systems.
Local links help boost visibility and build trust.
They show that real people in each community engage with your business.
So, encourage branch managers to get involved. Sponsor events, join community groups, or collaborate with nearby businesses.
These efforts often lead to natural mentions and backlinks that show local relevance to search engines.
To streamline the process, collect ideas that work and turn them into a shared playbook.
Pro tip: Use your location landing pages as link destinations instead of the homepage. They’re more relevant to searchers in each market and can strengthen those pages’ ability to rank locally.
Multi-location SEO relies on repeatable systems that make expansion easier.
Document what’s working so every branch can replicate it.
Use our Local Backlink Opportunity Tracker as your central database to log outreach, track live links, and measure results across all locations.
Add notes on what type of partnership or content earned each link so others can reuse the same playbook.
Centralize research at the brand level to save time. Identify sponsorship pages, community events, and local publishers that align with your audience before branches start outreach.
Over time, you’ll start to see what works best.
Certain link types, partner categories, or content formats will consistently deliver stronger results.
Use those insights to refine your playbook and make link acquisition faster, easier, and more predictable across your entire network.
Link research tools come to the rescue in automating link opportunity discovery for every branch.
Start with Semrush’s Backlink Analytics to see which local websites link to your competitors. Those same sponsors, media outlets, and directories are strong prospects for your own branches.
You can also build city-specific prospect lists using searches like “our sponsors” + city name or “community partners” + city.
Try prompting AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s AI Mode to surface local organizations, events, and publications worth contacting.
Make sure you track every outreach attempt and live link in the Backlink Opportunity Tracker.
Review your data regularly to see which branches or regions are earning coverage and which need extra support.
If some locations have fewer opportunities, that’s normal.
Smaller towns and rural areas often have limited local media or sponsorship options. In those cases, expand your search to nearby cities or regional publishers.
Tracking performance can get complicated, especially when you’re running a local SEO strategy for multiple locations.
Without clear attribution, you can’t prove which branches — or tactics — are driving results.
Building a consistent local SEO strategy for multiple locations means tracking every branch the same way — from clicks and calls to conversions and revenue.
Multi-location tracking starts with structure.
Add UTM tags to every GBP link, ad campaign, and email.
They make it possible to separate traffic, leads, and conversions by branch inside GA4 and your CRM system.
Use a clear naming convention so you can filter results without digging through rows of messy data.
utm_source=gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=chicagoPhone calls and form fills are two of the strongest conversion signals in local SEO.
Don’t lose them in a generic tracking setup.
Use tools like CallRail to assign unique phone numbers to each branch. That way, you can see which campaigns and locations are driving calls directly from search or ads.
For web forms or booking widgets, embed hidden location IDs so submissions are tagged automatically to the right branch. It takes a few minutes to set up, but it eliminates hours of manual cleanup later.
You can’t improve what you can’t measure.
Use a platform like Looker Studio. It can combine GBP insights, GA4 data, call-tracking results, and CRM metrics into one dashboard.
At a glance, you’ll see how all locations perform side by side. Then, drill into individual cities or stores to find what’s working and what needs attention.
Once you have consistent tracking, insights start to stand out.
Spot underperforming branches early and dig into the “why.”
Maybe reviews are trending negative, citations are inaccurate, or local pages haven’t been updated in months.
At the same time, identify top-performing branches and replicate their wins across the rest of your network. Share these insights regularly with local managers so strategy and execution stay aligned.
Consistency is the quiet advantage in multi-location SEO.
Why?
Because brands that systemize how each branch builds trust, relevance, and citations win the long game in local search.
In short: The top performers don’t rely on guesswork. They build repeatable frameworks.
If you’re ready to scale smarter, explore our Local SEO Tools comparison.
You’ll find the platforms and features that make local SEO for multiple locations faster, easier, and far more effective — no matter how many branches you manage.
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