# AI Citation Optimization Template

## Template Overview
This template provides specific methods and code examples to optimize content for higher citation rates in AI search engines (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Google SGE).

---

## 1. Authority Signal Optimization

### 1.1 Author Schema.org Markup
**Goal:** +15 pts

```html
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Article",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "[Author Name]",
    "jobTitle": "[Job Title]",
    "worksFor": {
      "@type": "Organization",
      "name": "[Your Company]",
      "url": "https://yourcompany.com"
    },
    "credential": "[Credentials, e.g., Google Certified SEO Expert]",
    "description": "[Short professional bio focused on expertise]",
    "sameAs": [
      "https://linkedin.com/in/[username]",
      "https://twitter.com/[username]",
      "https://yourcompany.com/team/[username]"
    ]
  },
  "datePublished": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
  "dateModified": "[YYYY-MM-DD]",
  "publisher": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "[Your Company]",
    "logo": {
      "@type": "ImageObject",
      "url": "https://yourcompany.com/logo.png"
    }
  }
}
</script>
```

### 1.2 Citation Source Attribution
**Goal:** +10 pts

**Best Practices:**
- Cite 5+ authoritative external sources per 1,000 words.
- Use anchor text that describes the source's authority (e.g., "According to [Google Search Central]...").
- Include recent data (less than 6 months old).

---

## 2. Entity Relationship Optimization

### 2.1 Core Concept Definitions
**Goal:** +12 pts

**Template:**
"**[Term]** is **[Classification]** that **[Function/Purpose]**. It is characterized by [Attribute 1], [Attribute 2], and [Attribute 3]."

### 2.2 Schema.org Entity Markup
**Goal:** +8 pts
Use `@graph` to map relationships between the main entity and related concepts.

---

## 3. Content Structure Optimization

### 3.1 LLM-Friendly Paragraphs
**Goal:** +10 pts
- **Length:** 50–150 words per paragraph.
- **Logic:** One idea per paragraph.
- **Transitions:** Use clear transition words (e.g., "Furthermore," "In contrast," "Consequently").

### 3.2 Heading Hierarchy
**Goal:** +7 pts
- Use a single H1.
- Ensure H2 sections cover major sub-topics.
- Use H3 for detailed breakdowns within H2s.

---

## 4. Data Quality Optimization

### 4.1 Freshness and Updates
**Goal:** +7 pts
- Explicitly display "Last Updated" dates.
- Include a "Changelog" for major content revisions.
- Refresh statistical data every 3–6 months.

---

## 5. Density and Technical Optimization

### 5.1 Keyword & Semantic Density
**Goal:** +10 pts
- **Primary Keyword:** 1–2% density.
- **LSI Keywords:** Include 10+ semantically related terms.
- **Technical Performance:** Ensure <3s load time and 100% mobile friendliness.

---
**Version:** 1.0.0
**Last Updated:** 2026-01-15