Why is getting cited on third-party sites important for AEO?

Getting cited on third-party websites significantly boosts your chances of appearing in AI-generated experiences (AEO) because AI models are trained to identify and prioritize information from reputable and trustworthy sources. These AI systems often aggregate information from a variety of online locations, and when selecting sources for summaries, answers, or recommendations, they rely heavily on signals of authority and credibility.

Think of it this way: each citation from a respected website acts as a vote of confidence in your brand's expertise and trustworthiness. These votes help AI algorithms understand that your brand is a reliable source of information within your industry. When your brand is mentioned in positive or informative contexts on trusted sites such as news outlets, industry publications, popular podcasts, well-moderated forums, or even relevant academic research, it increases the likelihood that the AI will consider and ultimately incorporate your information into its responses. This can lead to increased visibility, brand awareness, and ultimately, more qualified traffic to your website as users learn about your brand through these AI-driven interactions. In essence, building a strong network of citations across the web strengthens your brand's authority and makes it a more appealing source for AI systems to draw upon.