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Content Strategy for AI Citation: Writing to Get Quoted

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Content Strategy for AI Citation: Writing to Get Quoted

Content Strategy for AI Citation: Writing to Get Quoted

AI engines don't "read" like humans—they "extract." To win in AEO, you must shift from writing fluffy narratives to writing high-density, authoritative blocks of information.

1. The Answer Capsule Method

This is the most effective tactic in AEO. An Answer Capsule is a 40-60 word paragraph that directly answers a specific question.

The Template:

  1. The Question (H2 or H3): Use the exact phrasing of a user query.
  2. The Direct Answer: Start with a "Yes/No" or a definitive statement.
  3. The Evidence: Provide a stat, a reason, or a credential.

Example:

How much does it cost to implement AEO? AEO implementation costs typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 per month depending on site complexity. This includes technical auditing, schema deployment, and content restructuring. According to industry surveys, 70% of brands see an ROI within the first six months.

2. Formatting for Extractability

Visual hierarchy isn't just for users; it's a signal for AI parsers.

  • Bullet Points: Use bullets for lists of features or benefits.
  • Numbered Lists: Use for step-by-step processes (linked to HowTo schema).
  • Bold Text: Use bolding to highlight the "Main Point" of a paragraph. It acts as a focal point for LLM attention weights.
  • Tables: Use tables for comparisons. AI engines frequently "scrape" tables to populate comparison summaries.

3. The EEAT Layer

AI engines cite sources they trust. Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT) are no longer optional.

  • Author Bios: Every article must have an author with a link to their LinkedIn or personal authority page.
  • Original Data: Reference your own studies. "According to our internal survey of 500 CEOs..." is a magnet for AI citations.
  • Citations: Always link to the primary source of any stats you use.

4. Conversational Architecture

People ask AI engines questions differently than they search Google.

  • Search Query: "Best credit card"
  • AI Question: "What's the best credit card for a small business owner who travels mostly in Europe?"

Optimization Tip: Create sections in your content that address these "nuanced" long-tail questions.

Content Checklist:

  • Is there a direct answer in the first 50 words?
  • Does the header match a real human question?
  • Is the language simple and free of excessive jargon?
  • Are the key facts in bold?

Next Steps

Now that your content is optimized, you need to build authority off your website.

Continue Reading: Building Multi-Platform Authority for AEO

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