Aug 8 • GSD Lab
ChatGPT Citation Optimization Checklist
How does one go about getting their website or webpage mentioned as a source in ChatGPT output?
Try this. Think of this as SEO for (humans + AI), because ChatGPT (and other AI models) have slightly different “tastes” than Google.
1. Make Your Content AI-Ready
ChatGPT is basically a super-skimmer—it grabs the most obvious, structured, factual bits.
If you want to be cited, you need to be immediately parseable.
✅ Do:
- Put the core answer at the very top in 1–3 short, factual sentences.
- Use clear H2/H3 headings that mirror the question you’re answering.
- Break complex topics into short bullet lists.
- Include dates, stats, definitions, or named entities in plain text.
- Provide original data if possible — AI loves primary sources.
🚫 Don’t:
- Bury the answer halfway down in a 1,500-word intro.
- Hide key facts in images or PDFs without text equivalents.
- Use only flowery, opinion-heavy writing with no concrete facts.
2. Make It Search-Engine Friendly First
Because if ChatGPT is in “web search mode,” it’s relying on Bing/Google to find you.
✅ Do:
- Research relevant long-tail keywords (e.g., “what is SBA 7a loan interest rate 2025”)
- Use those keywords naturally in: Page title First paragraph At least one subheading
- Add meta descriptions that clearly summarize the page.
- Use HTTPS and a fast-loading, mobile-friendly design.
3. Build “AI Trust Signals”
ChatGPT is more likely to link to sources that look credible.
✅ Do:
- Get backlinks from trusted sites (guest posts, directories, industry associations).
- Add About / Contact pages with a real name, email, and organization.
- Use schema markup for articles, FAQs, and products (structured data helps AI parse).
4. Create Single-Purpose, Question-Targeted Pages
If you want to be cited, don’t make the AI dig.
Example:
- Instead of a generic page on “SBA Loans,”create “Current SBA 7(a) Loan Interest Rates – August 2025” as a dedicated post.
- Include: The answer in the first line An updated date (“Last updated: August 8, 2025”) A table of historical data
- This increases your odds for exact-match queries.
5. Keep It Crawlable
AI won’t see you if the crawlers can’t.
✅ Do:
- Ensure your site is indexed (check Google Search Console).
- Allow Bingbot and Googlebot in robots.txt.
- Avoid blocking your best content behind login walls.
6. Build Topical Authority
AI likes sources that cover a niche deeply, not one-off posts.
✅ Do:
- Create clusters of related content.
- Interlink between articles.
- Use consistent terminology so the AI knows you own that topic.
7. Refresh & Update
AI is more likely to use recent pages when in live search mode.
✅ Do:
- Update posts regularly and add “Last updated” dates.
- Keep stats, laws, or rates current.
8. Bonus: Make Your Site Machine-Lovable
ChatGPT and other LLMs scrape structured and semi-structured data easier.
✅ Do:
- Use FAQ schema so your Q&A is clear.
- Include tables for data.
- Add captions/alt text for charts & images that explain what’s inside.
Quick Example
Let’s say you want to be cited for “SBA 504 loan down payment 2025”:
- Create a page titled: SBA 504 Loan Down Payment Requirements (2025 Update)
- First paragraph: In 2025, the typical SBA 504 loan requires a 10% down payment for most businesses, with up to 15% for startups or special-use properties.
- Add: Table of examples, FAQ section, “Last updated” date, Links to SBA.gov as a secondary reference
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ChatGPT Citation Optimization Checklist
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