Link Reclamation Isn’t Dead – You Just Need to Ask (Nicely)

There’s nothing worse than landing a great piece of coverage – the journalist used your data, mentioned your brand, even gave you a flattering line or two…

But they didn’t link.

That sinking feeling? We’ve all been there.

And I know some people roll their eyes at link reclamation these days – like it’s an old-school SEO trick that no one takes seriously anymore. But here’s the truth:

Link reclamation isn’t dead. You just need to ask for it.

Not aggressively. Not with ten follow-ups.

Just once. Politely. Like a normal person.

And more often than not? You’ll get the link.

But Wait – What Even Is Link Reclamation?

Let’s strip it back.

Link reclamation is the process of asking for a backlink when your brand, client, or Digital PR campaign has been mentioned in an article but not hyperlinked. It's not about chasing links that were never earned – it’s about reclaiming what should’ve been there in the first place. 

Maybe the journalist forgot. Maybe their CMS stripped it. Maybe it was syndicated and the link got lost along the way. It doesn’t matter why it’s missing. What matters is knowing you can fix it, or at least have a go. 

Why It Still Works in 2025

A few myths need clearing up first.

Some people think journalists hate being asked. Or that adding a link is some massive edit they won’t have time for. Or that the minute you hit “send,” your name goes straight on some blacklist.

None of that is true.

Here’s what is true:

• Most journalists are under pressure, churning out 3–4 stories a day.

• They’re not thinking about links – they’re thinking about word counts and deadlines.

• If you ask nicely, you’re more likely to get a “Sure, no problem” than a “No chance.”

We’ve reclaimed links from every type of outlet – nationals, regionals, lifestyle, finance, tech – and the common thread is this: respect their time, don’t be pushy, and don’t over-explain.

Our Approach at Cupid PR

Link reclamation is a built-in part of our Digital PR strategies. We don’t treat it as an afterthought. It’s part of how we report, measure, and maximise results for clients – especially when the link makes all the difference between “coverage” and “SEO win.”

Here’s how we do it:

Monitor Coverage Properly

We use Google Alerts, Ahrefs, and manual checks to keep tabs on all brand mentions. The key is being quick – get the email out within a day or two of the piece going live. Leave it too long, and it’s either buried or forgotten.

Prioritise the High-Value Stuff

We focus on unlinked coverage from high-DR titles, niche media that drive SEO value, and pieces that include direct quotes or data we supplied.

Write Like a Human

This is the bit people mess up. Don’t make it sound robotic. Don’t paste three paragraphs of SEO jargon. Just write like a real person, and say thanks before you ask for anything.

The Pitch We Actually Use

Here’s one of our most-used email templates. It’s simple, gets to the point, and works:

Subject: Quick one – thanks for the mention

Hi [Name],

Sophie here from Cupid PR – just wanted to say thanks for including our story on [topic]! Really appreciate the coverage.

I noticed there’s a mention of [Brand] but no link – would it be possible to add one to this useful piece we put together?

[Insert link – use a natural anchor, like “our full guide on workplace trends” or “the original research”]

Totally understand if it’s not doable, but thought I’d ask just in case.

Thanks again,
Sophie

No BS. No pressure. No “as per Google’s guidelines” nonsense.

Just human to human.

Another  example we use:

And Yes – The Worst That Can Happen Is They Say No

Let’s be honest: you won’t win every one - and some Digital PR’s and Marketers might disagree with our approach.

Sometimes the journalist doesn’t reply. Sometimes they say they can’t change it. Sometimes it’s a syndicated piece and they don’t have access.

Fine. You move on.

But if you’re not even asking?

You’re leaving links (and value) on the table.

Grab Our Free Link Reclamation Templates

We’ve made it easy for you.

I’ve put together a quick Cupid PR Link Reclamation Kit you can download – includes:

• Our full strategy

• 3 email templates

• Tips on timing, follow-ups, and tone

📥 Download it here

Don’t Let a Linkless Mention Be the End of the Story

You earned the coverage. You built the story.
 

Don’t let a technicality stop your client from getting the SEO benefit they paid for.

Link reclamation works.

And sometimes, all it takes is a two-line email and a little confidence.

Ask nicely.