What Happened
Trendos' Gintare Rimolaityte has published a guide on how to map AI citation sources by industry and search engine. The method involves identifying the sources that shape AI answers and using this information to refine content and outreach strategies.
The Concrete Steps
The process involves several key steps:
- Identify AI Sources: Determine which sources are cited by AI models in your industry. This can be done by querying AI models with industry-specific questions and analyzing the sources cited in the responses.
- Categorize by Engine: Different AI models and search engines may cite different sources. Categorize the sources by the AI engine to understand variations.
- Audit Competitor Gaps: Compare the sources cited by AI models with your own content and that of your competitors. Identify gaps where your content is not being cited or where competitors are outperforming.
- Prioritize Content and Outreach: Use the audit results to prioritize the creation of content that aligns with the sources cited by AI models. Additionally, outreach to these sources can help improve your content's visibility.
Why This Matters to SEO Practitioners
Understanding the sources that shape AI answers is crucial for SEO practitioners. By identifying these sources, you can ensure your content is aligned with what AI models are citing, increasing the likelihood of your content being referenced. This process also helps in uncovering competitor gaps, allowing you to strategically improve your content and outreach efforts.
Actionable Step
Conduct an AI citation audit for your industry. Start by querying AI models with industry-specific questions and analyzing the sources cited. Categorize these sources by AI engine and compare them with your own content and that of your competitors. Use the insights gained to prioritize content creation and outreach efforts.
