Source domains & URLs

The difference between a source domain and a source URL, when to use each view, and how BrandAxis groups URLs into domains.

BrandAxis surfaces two related but distinct levels of source data:

  • Source domain — the website (wired.com)
  • Source URL — the specific page on that website (wired.com/story/ai-brand-tracking-tools-2026)

Both are tracked. You’ll usually start with domains for a high-level view, then drill into URLs to see the exact page that matters.

When to use each view

Domain view — best for:

  • Identifying journalists / publications to pitch
  • Spotting which sites repeatedly feed AI models about your industry
  • Quick competitive comparison (“does competitor X get cited by the same domains as us?”)

URL view — best for:

  • Finding the exact page to update with new product info
  • Spotting outdated articles to refresh or have corrected
  • Tracking which specific blog posts of your own get cited

How domains group URLs

We strip subdomains down to the registrable domain by default (www.wired.com and business.wired.com both roll up to wired.com). If you have a competitor whose subdomain matters, email Felix — we can split it out for your workspace.