Getting cited by an AI engine, named and linked as a source inside a ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, or Google AI answer, is the new front page of search. Our AI Search Visibility Report found citations are wildly uneven and that most businesses simply haven't done the work. Here's the work.
How AI Engines Decide Who to Cite
AI engines synthesize answers from sources they can find, parse, and trust. They favor businesses with a clear entity, quotable content that directly answers the question, and corroborating trust signals across the web. It's Answer Engine Optimization, and it builds on strong local SEO.
How to Get Cited by AI: The Steps
- Build a clear, consistent entity: complete Google Business Profile, identical NAP, and LocalBusiness schema
- Write quotable content: open each section with a direct, one-to-two-sentence answer AI can lift verbatim
- Add FAQ content with schema, the single most extractable format for AI answers
- Build topical depth: a connected cluster of pages on your core topics signals genuine authority
- Earn trust signals: a steady flow of reviews and consistent citations across authoritative sources
- Cover every platform: prioritize Perplexity, Grok, and Google's AI surfaces, which our report found cite local-SEO brands far more than ChatGPT
Don't optimize only for ChatGPT. Our data shows Perplexity, Grok, and Google AI Overviews/AI Mode drive the majority of citations for local-SEO brands, see the AI Search Visibility Report.
Locafy gets local businesses cited across every major AI engine as a managed service. Book a free AI visibility audit to see where you're cited today, and where competitors are beating you.
Getting Cited by AI FAQ
How do I get my business mentioned by ChatGPT?
Build a clear entity (profile, NAP, schema), publish quotable content and FAQs that directly answer relevant questions, and earn reviews and citations. ChatGPT and other engines cite sources they can parse and trust, that's AEO.
Which AI platform is easiest to get cited on?
It varies by market, but our AI Search Visibility Report found Perplexity, Grok, and Google's AI surfaces cite local-SEO brands far more than ChatGPT, so they're often the higher-opportunity targets.
How long does it take to get cited by AI?
It depends on your starting authority, but the foundations (entity, schema, quotable content, reviews) compound over weeks to months. Businesses with strong existing local SEO see AI citations faster.
Written by
Jason JacksonChief Operating Officer, Locafy Limited
COO at Locafy (Nasdaq: LCFY). Builds and operates AEO systems for local businesses. Founded Growth Pro Agency before joining Locafy via acquisition.