What Kinds of Pages Get Cited?
2023-10-27
What Kinds of Pages Get Cited?
Our analysis reveals a clear pattern in the types of content that AI search engines favor. It's not just about authority scores anymore; it's about content format and relevance.
Top Performers
1. Documentation & Wikis
Official documentation and wiki-style pages are the gold standard. They provide structured, verifiable facts that AIs can easily parse.
2. High-Quality Listicles
Well-organized listicles (like "Top 10 CRM Tools") are frequently cited because they condense complex topics into digestible chunks.
3. Community Discussions (Reddit, Quora)
User-generated content from platforms like Reddit and Quora is gaining traction, especially for subjective queries and product reviews.
4. G2 & Capterra Reviews
Review sites are heavily cited for software comparisons and product evaluations, providing data-backed insights.
Why Format Matters
AI models prefer content that is:
- Concise: Clear answers without fluff.
- Structured: Headers, lists, and tables.
- Authoritative: Backed by reputable domains.
Takeaway
To rank in the new search landscape, focus on creating content that mimics these high-performing formats.