How Do ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Perplexity Choose What to Cite?
ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Perplexity all cite content when it is direct, novel, and varied. A proper AI optimization (AIO) strategy includes plans that are written in a direct style, provide new information that the models haven't read before, and include a variety of styles.
If you want to get cited by AI, and not just mentioned, you need the following:
- Clear content that's easily digestible.
- New information or a new way of presenting existing data.
- Images, videos, and more non-text ways of presenting your content.
Good writing and a consistent online brand can help you get mentioned in AI answers. Great writing and diverse tactics can get you citations. Hexxen's web marketing team can help you get there.
Table of contents
AI Citation Definition: An AI citation is when a person asks an AI bot a question, and the answer includes a direct link to your cite as either part of the answer or a reference for where it found the answer.
AI Mention Definition: An AI mention is when an AI model's answer discusses your business, but doesn't link to its website.
The Differences Between What Google AI, ChatGPT, and Perplexity Cite
Google AI, ChatGPT, and Perplexity are three of the most prominent AI options that utilize large language model (LLM) technology. Though LLM optimization services can target all of them, they each use different factors when deciding what to cite.
Here are the different priorities from each engine:
| Google AI Overviews Citation Priorities: | ChatGPT Citation Priorities: | Perplexity Citation Priorities: |
|---|---|---|
| Live web pages | Newer information | Community-driven information |
| Mix of sources | Authoritative content | Current/recent web pages |
| Top SEO performing pages | Widely reinforced information | Direct and clear content |
| Multi-modal data | Pages that load fast | Metrics and data |
Why AI Citations Matter for Your Business
AI citations are important for any modern business because today's customers decide who to hire, where to shop, and more based on what AI models recommend. An AI search optimization plan can increase your chances of being recommended in AI responses. This can be a valuable tool in gaining customer trust.
Beyond that, you get more control over the kinds of clients who find your business. Here's what AI summary citations can provide for you:
- Higher conversion rates from customers who are searching with intent.
- Strengthened reputation and increased brand awareness.
- A sales tool that prospective customers already trust.
- Explanations for laypeople to help make your business more approachable.
5 Tips For Getting Your Website Featured by AI
If you want to get featured and cited in AI summaries, you need an AIO strategy that includes the following:
1. Solid, Clear Content
It all comes down to what you have on your webpages. If you're providing information that is easy for the AI model to understand and helps it answer questions, you're more likely to get cited.
2. A Consistent Online Brand Identity
Your website on its own isn't enough: Anywhere your business is listed, you want your branding to be consistent. This helps build credibility with AI engines and reinforces that it can trust your content.
3. A Variety of Resource Types
Words, images, tables of data, YouTube videos — the more ways you can present the information, the higher its chances of being picked up by AI. While AI bots don't necessarily "see" visual elements the same way we do, they do understand that humans like to learn through images and videos. Thus, they will be more likely to reference your site.
4. Answers to Customer Questions
Current AI search trends center around what the user needs. It could be information, a service, or recommendations, but it's almost always a question. When they ask, "How do I do [a service in your industry]?" You want the AI model to give a response that cites you. And to get there, you need to provide quick, clear answers.
5. Strong Standard SEO Performance
While SEO and AIO are not exactly the same, they are related. The better your page ranks in search results, the more likely it is to be deemed an authority by AI. Don't neglect regular SEO practices on your way to AI citation optimization.
AI Citation FAQs:
What is the difference between AI "Citations" and "Mentions?"
AI citations occur when a page on your website is listed as a direct source for an AI bot's answer, and it provides a link.
AI mentions are when the AI bot mentions your brand by name in an answer.
Both citations and mentions are good for AIO purposes, as they can help inform customer decisions to pick your brand.
What is the difference between a first-party and third-party AI citation?
A first-party AI citation is when an AI's answer includes a direct link to your website (these are almost always preferable).
A third-party AI citation is when an AI's answer links to a different website that is talking about your brand.
How does ChatGPT choose its sources?
ChatGPT only cites sources if the answer came from content that is outside of its original dataset, so it tends to choose newer web pages with fast load times and high authority.
Why do some searches get Google AI Overviews?
Searches without a single "correct answer" are more likely to get a Google AI Overview. It is more common with complex questions or questions that need information from multiple sources.
Is Perplexity a large language model AI?
Perplexity is not a large language model — though it does use LLM technology. Where most LLM-based AIs have an existing database they will use to try and answer user questions, Perplexity always performs a live web search to find answers.
Key Page Takeaways
- Google AI Overviews mostly draws from top search results with multiple formats of information.
- ChatGPT prioritizes new, widely trusted information that is outside of its training data.
- Perplexity mostly draws from content that is direct and presents metrics or numerical data.
- CItations can help your business by delivering higher quality leads and improving conversion rates.
- An AIO strategy should include content that appeals to AI models, and branding that reinforces a positive image of your business.
Don't Just Get Featured by AI: Get Cited
AI tools are changing the way people think. To set yourself up for success going forward, you need to make sure you're getting cited by AI models, not just having your info taken by them.
To learn more about the ways you can use AI to boost your brand, use the links below:
- How Are AI Models Affecting SEO?
- What Types of Content Are Most Likely to Be Cited by AI?
- How to Update Existing Content for AI Citations
- Why Isn’t My Website Getting Cited by AI?
There are a variety of AI models available, and people will often use them for similar tasks. For example, it's easy to ask most AI models to compare service companies in the area. The different models will often give different answers because they look at different websites and value different factors.
Set Your Website Up To Get Cited by AI
At Hexxen, we use proven methods to enhance your business's digital presence. Call us at (314) 499-8253 or tell us about your goals online today.