SEO for AI Search: How to Get Cited by ChatGPT and Perplexity
AI engines cite sources differently than Google ranks pages. Here's how to structure content so AI answers point to you.
To get cited by AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews, structure each page to answer questions directly, mark it up with JSON-LD, and back claims with specifics. AI engines extract self-contained answers and prefer clearly structured, trustworthy sources.
What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)?
GEO is the practice of optimizing content so generative AI engines cite and surface it in their answers. Where traditional SEO targets ranked blue links, GEO targets being the source an AI quotes.
The two overlap heavily — both reward clear structure, authority, and good technical health — but GEO puts extra weight on self-contained, directly-answerable passages.
How do you structure a page to be cited by AI?
Begin every section with a direct, self-contained answer to the question the heading implies, then expand. AI engines lift these answer-first passages cleanly.
- Use one H1 and a logical H2–H3 hierarchy phrased as questions.
- Add FAQPage and Article JSON-LD so machines can classify the page.
- Use definition lists and tables for facts.
- Cite concrete numbers and named entities rather than vague claims.
Does JSON-LD still matter after FAQ rich results were retired?
Yes. Google retired the FAQ rich result in May 2026, but FAQPage and other JSON-LD still help AI engines understand and classify your content. Structured data turns an untyped document into 'a FAQ page about X by Y', which is exactly what AI engines use to cite confidently.
Frequently asked questions
Is GEO different from SEO?
They share most fundamentals, but GEO adds emphasis on answer-first writing and structured data so AI engines can extract and cite passages directly.
How do I know if AI engines cite my site?
Ask the engines questions in your niche and watch for citations, and monitor referral traffic from AI assistants in your analytics.
Do I need to choose between Google SEO and AI SEO?
No. The same well-structured, authoritative content serves both. Optimizing for one largely benefits the other.
Related services: Digital Marketing · Web Development
