The Answer Block pattern
An answer block is the single most effective content structure for LLM citation. Use it on every key page.
Heading as question
e.g. "What is Generative Engine Optimization?", matches query intent and aids retrieval.
Answer nugget (40–60 words)
A short, self-contained paragraph that directly answers the question. Quotable and extraction-ready.
Evidence & credentials
Statistics, citations, links, or author/org context. Supports E-E-A-T and gives the model something to attribute.
📖This page as an example
What is schema markup for AI?
Structured data helps AI systems understand and cite your content. Use the right schema for each content type.
| Content type | Schema | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Articles / blog | Article, BlogPosting | Author, date, headline, improves attribution |
| How-to | HowTo | Steps are extractable for "How to X" answers |
| FAQ | FAQPage | Q&A pairs ready for citation |
| Products | Product | Name, description, pricing for comparisons |
| Organization | Organization | Brand identity, disambiguation |
| Lists / roundups | ItemList | Ordered items for "Best X" answers |
| Reviews | Review | Ratings and summaries for product queries |
Which content types get cited most?
Some content formats are cited more often in AI answers. Prioritize these; avoid underperformers.
High-citation formats (approximate share)
- Comparison articles (~33%), "X vs Y", alternatives
- Definitive guides (~15%), comprehensive, authoritative
- Original research (~12%), data, studies, surveys
- Best-of / listicles (~10%), "Best X for Y"
- Product pages (~10%), clear specs, pricing, FAQ
- How-to (~8%), step-by-step, HowTo schema
- Opinion / analysis (~10%), expert takes, thought leadership
Underperformers
Generic blog posts, thin product pages, gated content, pages with no dates or author, and purely promotional copy get cited less often. Add structure, evidence, and clarity to improve.