Definition
A cited source is a page an AI engine references when it builds an answer, usually shown to the user as a link or attribution. Becoming one is a central goal of GEO.
On this page
At a glance
- Categories Core Concept
- Related fields GEO
- Difficulty Beginner
How Cited Source Works
When an engine writes an answer, it often lists what it leaned on. Each of those is a cited source. It is the AI-search version of earning a spot in the answer, and the moment where your credibility and clarity actually cash out.
Why Cited Source Matters
A citation puts your name in front of someone at the exact second they are getting their answer. Even with no click, that placement builds recognition, and it is the clearest proof your content is doing its job.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do I become one?
Publish clear, credible, well-organized content the engine can find and trust enough to reference.
-
Does a citation guarantee traffic?
No. Lots of users read the answer and never click, so citations build visibility even when they send no visit.