Traditional SEO writing optimizes for keyword density. AI citation optimizes for something different: entities and verifiable facts. When a model answers a question, it retrieves blocks that are self-contained, clearly stated and trustworthy.
Lead with the conclusion
Open each section with a one-sentence statement of the finding, then support it. Models prefer to quote complete, independent information blocks. A definition followed by supporting detail is far more citable than a paragraph that builds toward its point.
Make facts checkable
Dates, numbers and named sources survive a model's trust filter better than vague superlatives. Prefer "as of March 2026, X" over "many studies show X". The same preference drives the citation scoring in every [public report](/sites/).
Keep naming consistent
Use the same brand, product and service names everywhere so the model can lock on one entity. Pair this with [JSON-LD](/blog/adding-json-ld-structured-data-legacy-website-2026) to state the entity relationships explicitly.
Run a content audit
Go page by page: does each core page answer one clear question? Does every key claim have a source? Is there an independent sentence that summarizes the page? A structured audit like this is the fastest way to raise your AI Content Readiness score — measure it with a free [AI Readiness check](/check).