Getting cited by AI search

What we mean by AI search

Tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google's AI Overviews write an answer to a question, often drawing on web pages and showing links to some of them. Being named or linked in those answers is what people mean by getting cited.

What we know

• These tools draw on web content. If your pages can't be reached or read, they can't be used.
• Clear pages that state who you are, what you do and where you work are easier to describe correctly.
• Content that answers a specific question directly is easier to quote than content that circles it.
• Mentions on other reputable sites help systems recognise your business.

What we have tested

We run sets of real customer questions through the main assistants, record who is cited, and repeat it over time. This shows who appears for your questions, and whether changes to your pages coincide with changes in the answers. It doesn't prove cause.

What is guesswork

Exactly how often any assistant will cite you after a change. The companies behind these tools change them often and don’t publish their rules. Treat any promise of "#1 in ChatGPT" as a sign that someone is selling.

What to do now

1. Check your access. Make sure your robots.txt and site settings don't block pages you want found.
2. State the basics clearly. One page that says who you are, where, what you do and who for.
3. Answer real questions. Take the questions customers ask you on the phone and answer them on your site, one per page or section, in plain language.
4. Add structured data. Schema markup labels your business, services and products for machines.
5. Get mentioned. Trade bodies, local press and partner sites that describe you accurately all help.
6. Test it. Ask the assistants your customers' questions. Write down who they name. Do it again next month.

What it costs

You can do all of this yourself. If you want someone to run the tests and write the plan, the GEO readiness audit is €750, and the monthly plan is €590.