Core concepts
Citation
A citation is a reference an answer engine attaches to its generated answer, crediting the source it drew on. Citations may appear as inline links, footnotes, or named sources, and they are the primary unit of visibility in AEO — the rough equivalent of a ranked click in traditional search.
Why it matters for AEO
Earning citations is the core goal of AEO. A citation signals that the engine retrieved, trusted, and used your content, and it can drive referral traffic and brand visibility even when the user never leaves the answer. Accurate attribution also protects against being misquoted or misrepresented. Tracking which engines cite you, and how accurately, is the central way to measure whether your AEO work is paying off.
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