32.5%
of citations came from comparison content
2.8x
citation lift after full GEO optimization
44%
source overlap between ChatGPT and Perplexity
3
signals explain most citation outcomes
METHODOLOGYWe compiled 4,100 high-intent B2B queries spanning comparison, problem-aware, and vendor-specific intent. Each was run three times across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google AI Mode between April and June 2026. Every cited URL was classified by content format and domain type.
Citations by content format
Comparison and alternatives content dominated, taking almost a third of all citations. Formats that state a clear, sourceable verdict outperformed narrative or brand-voice content across every engine.
Comparison / alternatives33%
How-to and guides21%
Product and docs18%
Research and data16%
Community threads13%
Figure 1. Share of citations by content format, n=4,100 queries.
Where citations overlap by engine
The engines agree less than you would expect. A source cited by ChatGPT was named by Perplexity only 44% of the time, which means visibility has to be earned on each engine, not assumed.
| ENGINE | CITES YOU | UNIQUE | RANK |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | 74% | 21% | 2.1 |
| Perplexity | 61% | 18% | 2.6 |
| Claude | 57% | 14% | 2.9 |
| AI Mode | 48% | 12% | 3.4 |
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JB
Josh BernsteinMANAGING PARTNER, SOMETHING INC.
Josh leads work at the intersection of SEO and generative engines at Something Inc., helping B2B brands get ranked and cited across every major AI engine.