Writing website copy for AI search: How ChatGPT and Google cite your page

A text is cited by AI search engines such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google’s AI Overviews when an answer can be cleanly extracted. Seven rules help with this: put the answer first, define terms, include numbers with dates, use self-contained sections, lists and tables, clear names, and your own evidence.

Why this matters and how GEO differs from classic search engine optimization is explained in How companies are found in ChatGPT and Perplexity. This article shows how, with examples.

Rule 1: The answer is in the first sentence

AI systems look for passages that answer a question directly. Introductions about the “fast-paced times” waste the most important space.

Rule 2: Define terms

When a term appears for the first time, write “X is …”. AI responses especially like to adopt such sentences because they are understandable without context. Example: “A data processing agreement (DPA) is the contract you must conclude with every service provider that processes personal data on your behalf.”

Rule 3: Specific figures with a date as of

“Fast,” “affordable,” and “many” cannot be cited. “Within two working days,” “from 10 employees,” or “as of October 2026” can. The date also shows that the information is current.

Rule 4: Each section stands on its own

AI systems break pages into sections. A section that begins with “As mentioned above” is worthless on its own. Repeat the topic within the section instead of referring to other sections, and use subheadings as questions or clear statements.

Rule 5: Lists and tables for comparisons and steps

Processes, criteria and comparisons belong in numbered lists or tables. They are faster for people to grasp and clearly structured for machines.

Rule 6: Clear names

Always refer to your company, your products and your location in the same way. Varying spellings ("Fa. Müller", "Müller GmbH", "Elektro Müller") make it harder for search engines to assign the information to one company. In addition, structured data with name, address and services helps.

Rule 7: Own evidence instead of general knowledge

A AI can summarize general knowledge itself. What is cited is what only you know: your own figures, project experience, price ranges, deadlines from your practice. One example is our case study with real Search Console data.

Checklist for every page

• Does the first paragraph answer the page’s most important question?
• Is every technical term explained when it first appears?
• Are numbers shown with units and dates?
• Is each section understandable on its own, without the rest?
• Is there a “Frequently Asked Questions” section with real customer questions?
• Is the company name spelled consistently throughout?
• Is there at least one original reference?

The posts on bettersorted.de are created according to these rules, and that is also how we work for clients: At AI visibility by bettersorted the AI drafts according to these rules, a human reviews them and adds their own experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SEO texts and texts for AI search?

Good SEO texts and good texts for AI search are very similar. For AI search, it is more important that individual paragraphs are understandable on their own and answer a question directly, because AI systems evaluate passages rather than entire pages.

Do I have to rewrite all the text on my website?

No. Start with the pages that get the most visitors or are most important for inquiries, usually the homepage and service pages. Often it is enough to rewrite the first paragraph and add frequently asked questions.

Do FAQ sections help with AI search?

Yes, if they answer your customers’ real questions. Question and answer are exactly the format in which AI systems present information.

As of October 2026.