I’m going to say something that still surprises people:
If you’re on a Best Of list and you’re not actively using it in your SEO, AI visibility, and messaging — you’re leaving money on the table.
Not hypothetically.
Not someday.
Right now.
“Best Of” Isn’t Just Marketing — It’s a Trust Signal
Publications like Capital Region Living’s Besties, the Times Union Best Of, or whatever your hometown equivalent is, do something incredibly important:
They vouch for you.
And search engines — especially AI-driven ones — care deeply about who vouches for whom.
From Google’s perspective:
- You didn’t crown yourself
- A third party did
- With an audience
- And editorial judgment
That’s authority.
Why AI Search Cares Even More Than Google Ever Did
Here’s the shift most businesses haven’t internalized yet.
AI search engines don’t just rank pages — they decide who to trust.
When systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, or Google’s AI Overviews generate answers, they look for:
- Repeated mentions across reputable sources
- Language that signals consensus (“best,” “top,” “recommended”)
- Third-party validation tied to a real brand or entity
A “Best Of” mention checks every one of those boxes.
To an AI system, that looks like:
“Multiple humans already did the comparison work — we can rely on this.”
This Is High-Intent Authority (Not Fluff)
Let’s be clear:
This isn’t about vanity awards.
A person searching:
- “best med spa near me”
- “best contractor in Albany”
- “top law firm Capital Region”
…is not browsing.
They’re deciding.
When your business has already been labeled “best” by a known publication, it shortens the decision cycle — and AI systems know that.
That’s why these mentions punch above their weight.
Where Most Businesses Get This Wrong
Here’s what I see all the time:
- They get named “Best Of”
- They post it once on social media
- They frame the plaque
- And then… nothing
No website reference.
No SEO usage.
No reinforcement.
That’s a missed opportunity.
How to Actually Use “Best Of” for SEO and AI Visibility
This is where the leverage is.
1. Put it on your website (strategically)
Not buried. Not tiny.
Use it in:
- Page titles
- Header tags (H1 / H2)
- Trust or credibility sections
- Schema-supported content when appropriate
Example language:
“Voted Best [Service] in the Capital Region — [Year]”
That’s not bragging.
That’s signaling.
2. Reference it in your content
Don’t be shy.
Mention it naturally in:
- Service pages
- About pages
- Blog posts
- FAQs
AI systems notice repetition across contexts.
3. Link to the source
This matters.
A backlink from the publication to you is gold — but you linking back to the article that named you “Best Of” reinforces the relationship and entity connection.
That’s how machines connect the dots.
4. Use it in social profiles and backlinks
Your Google Business Profile.
Your LinkedIn.
Your Facebook bio.
Your Instagram description.
Consistency across platforms strengthens the signal.
Listicles and “Best Of XYZ” Mentions Count Too
This isn’t limited to official awards.
Other strong authority signals include:
- “Best of [City]” Reddit threads
- Local blog listicles
- “Top 10” roundups
- Community recommendations
Especially on Reddit or niche local forums, these mentions carry real weight — because they’re organic and conversational.
AI systems read those too.
Why This Works So Well With High-Intent Customers
This is the part I care about most.
People don’t want to research forever.
They want reassurance.
“Best Of” language:
- Reduces risk
- Builds confidence
- Accelerates action
Which means better leads — not just more traffic.
Embrace It. Reinforce It. Multiply It.
If you sell a product or service and you’re recognized as one of the best:
- Say it
- Show it
- Reference it
- Link it
- Reinforce it
Let Google and AI systems see the same story everywhere.
The Bottom Line
Being on a “Best Of” list is no longer just a nice badge.
It’s:
- SEO fuel
- AI trust currency
- Conversion leverage
Used correctly, it improves:
- Search visibility
- AI citations
- Customer confidence
- And yes — your cash register
If you’re unsure how to leverage this properly, schedule a meeting immediately.
Because this is one of those opportunities where:
Your search results — and your revenue — will thank you later.