How to Rank in LLMs
5 Steps to Rank in LLMs
Get your brand cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and AI Mode
Get Mentioned on Trusted Sites
Get cited on domains LLMs pull from regularly (like Reddit, Wikipedia, Quora, LinkedIn).
How to:
- Join topic expert users on top Reddit and Quora threads
- Post on high-ranking domains with high-authority publications
- Get your brand listed or referenced on Wikipedia and "best of" lists
Create Original, Useful Content
Become the source LLMs want to reference for detailed, expert-led answers.
How to:
- Create helpful, specific content (case studies, how-to's, niche breakdowns)
- Publish deep user insights, firsthand experience, and internal results
- Use original data, graphics, and real-world examples
Structure for AI Readability
Make your content easy to parse by LLMs during generation.
How to:
- Use question-based H2/H3 and lead each section with a direct answer
- Apply schema markup (FAQ, HowTo, Product where relevant)
- Add structured data points—stats, quotes, citations, named tools
Optimize for AI Content (Not Just SEO)
Become the source LLMs want to reference for detailed, expert-led answers.
How to:
- Create helpful, specific content (case studies, how-to's, niche breakdowns)
- Publish deep user insights, firsthand experience, and internal results
- Use original data, graphics, and real-world examples
Track and Improve Visibility
Ensure your content is technically accessible and semantically clear for LLMs.
How to:
- Use AI visibility tools to monitor LLM mentions, sentiment, and brand perception
- Run manual tests using key prompts each month
- Identify competitor-ranking content and optimize your own visibility gaps
The CITE Framework
Our proprietary approach to LLM ranking
Frequently Asked Questions
How do LLMs decide which sources to cite?
LLMs like ChatGPT and Perplexity use a combination of their training data and real-time retrieval (RAG) to decide citations. They prioritize sources that: rank highly in traditional search (97% correlation), appear on trusted domains (Wikipedia, Reddit, high-authority publications), contain structured and easily extractable information, and demonstrate topical authority through comprehensive coverage. Building presence across all these dimensions increases citation likelihood.
Why does Reddit matter so much for LLM visibility?
Reddit is heavily weighted in LLM training data and retrieval systems because it contains authentic human discussions, expert opinions, and real-world experiences. LLMs view Reddit as a proxy for genuine user sentiment and recommendations. A well-upvoted Reddit comment recommending your product can directly influence AI responses. Reddit's r/technology, r/webdev, r/marketing and niche subreddits are particularly influential for B2B recommendations.
What's the difference between SEO and LLM optimization?
Traditional SEO optimizes for Google's ranking algorithms—keywords, backlinks, technical factors. LLM optimization focuses on being cited in AI-generated responses—structuring content for extraction, building entity authority, and appearing on platforms LLMs trust. The key insight: they're complementary, not competing. 97% of AI citations come from top-20 organic results, so strong SEO is the foundation for LLM success. Add LLM-specific tactics (structured answers, Reddit presence, schema markup) on top.
How do I track whether my content is being cited by LLMs?
Several approaches work: Use dedicated tools like Otterly or Peec AI that monitor brand mentions across ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude. Run manual prompt tests—ask AI systems questions in your niche and check if you're cited. Monitor server logs for AI user agents (ChatGPT-User, PerplexityBot). Track referral traffic from AI domains. Set up alerts for brand mentions. Establish baseline metrics now—AI visibility tracking is still maturing.
What makes content "AI-readable"?
AI-readable content has specific structural characteristics: question-based H2/H3 headers that match user prompts, direct answers in the first sentence of each section, structured data (schema markup for FAQ, HowTo, Product), quotable statistics and facts, clear entity references (named tools, people, companies), and comprehensive topic coverage. Avoid walls of text—use lists, tables, and clear hierarchies that LLMs can parse and extract from.
How long does it take to start ranking in LLMs?
LLM ranking builds over 3-12 months depending on your starting position. If you already have strong organic rankings, adding LLM optimization (structured content, schema markup) can show results in weeks. Building presence on Reddit and high-authority sites takes 2-4 months of consistent activity. Entity authority—becoming recognized as a trusted source—takes 6-12 months. Track progress monthly using manual prompt tests and AI visibility tools.
Should I optimize differently for ChatGPT vs Perplexity vs Claude?
The fundamentals work across all LLMs: strong organic rankings, structured content, entity authority. However, there are nuances: Perplexity relies more heavily on real-time retrieval (recent content matters more). ChatGPT weights training data heavily (evergreen authority content). Claude emphasizes accuracy and nuance. For most businesses, focus on universal best practices first—specific platform optimization is advanced work for established programs.
Can small businesses compete for LLM citations against big brands?
Yes—LLMs often cite niche experts over generalist big brands. The key advantages for small businesses: deeper expertise in specific topics, authentic user experiences and case studies, active presence in niche communities (Reddit, forums), and ability to create highly specific content big brands ignore. A solo consultant with genuine expertise and systematic LLM optimization can outperform Fortune 500 companies for niche queries. Focus on owning your specific topic rather than competing broadly.
Ready to Dominate AI Search Results?
Our SEO agency specializes in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategies that get your brand cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. We combine traditional SEO expertise with cutting-edge AI visibility tactics.