1. Make sure you are in the index
Most AI search features retrieve pages from a search index first. Verify your site in Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools, submit your sitemap, and fix indexing errors. Bing matters because it powers Copilot and contributes to ChatGPT search.
2. Let the right crawlers in
Allow OAI-SearchBot, ChatGPT-User, PerplexityBot, Claude-SearchBot, Googlebot and Bingbot in robots.txt and your firewall. Use the AI crawler checker to confirm.
See how your site scores on this in about two minutes.
3. Answer specific questions
Generic pages are rarely cited. Pages that answer one question precisely, with numbers, steps, examples and dates, are. Put the answer near the top.
4. Publish something original
Original data, surveys, pricing breakdowns, benchmarks and case studies give AI systems a reason to cite you rather than a competitor who says the same thing.
5. Be a clear entity
Use consistent business name, address and phone details everywhere. Add Organization schema with sameAs links. Keep profiles on LinkedIn, Google Business Profile, Crunchbase or industry directories up to date.
6. Earn mentions elsewhere
AI assistants often cite well-known publications, forums and review sites. Being mentioned on those sources, through PR, guest articles, podcasts and reviews, increases how often you are recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pay to be cited by ChatGPT?
No. Organic citations in AI answers cannot be bought. Some platforms are testing ads, which are labelled separately.
How do I know if AI tools mention me?
Ask them your customers’ questions regularly and check analytics for referrals from AI domains.