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Content Gap Analysis

Goal: Find topics where you should create content. How:
  1. Filter to “Not Mentioned” citations
  2. Review the domains and URLs being cited
  3. Identify common topics or themes
  4. Create better, more comprehensive content on those topics
Example: You notice 200 “Not Mentioned” citations about “API integration best practices.” None reference your developer platform. Create a comprehensive API integration guide to close this gap. Why this works: The “Not Mentioned” category represents queries where AI platforms answered but didn’t reference your brand at all. These are your biggest opportunities. If AI platforms are citing external sources for topics in your domain, it means there’s demand for that information - you just need to create authoritative content to capture it. Action steps:
  • Export “Not Mentioned” citations and group them by topic
  • Prioritize topics with the highest citation volume
  • Analyze the depth and format of currently cited content
  • Create content that’s more comprehensive, up-to-date, or better structured
  • Track changes in citation patterns after publishing

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Competitive Content Benchmarking

Goal: Understand what content wins citations for competitors. How:
  1. Filter to “Competitor” citations
  2. Expand competitor domains to see specific URLs
  3. Analyze the topics, formats, and depth of cited content
  4. Create superior content on the same topics
Example: Your competitor’s “Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing” is cited 45 times. Review it, identify gaps, and create a more comprehensive, up-to-date version. Why this works: Competitor citations show you exactly which content pieces AI platforms trust and reference. Instead of guessing what content to create, you can see what’s already working in your space and build something better. Action steps:
  • Identify your top 3 competitors by citation volume
  • List their most-cited URLs and topics
  • Analyze what makes their content citation-worthy (depth, examples, data, structure)
  • Create content that fills gaps or provides more value
  • Monitor citation shifts as you publish competing content

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Owned Content Optimization

Goal: Double down on content that’s already working. How:
  1. Filter to “Owned” citations
  2. Identify which of your pages get cited most
  3. Update and expand those pages with more depth
  4. Create related content pieces linking to your top-cited pages
Example: Your pricing comparison page is cited 30 times. Expand it with more detailed feature comparisons, use cases, and customer testimonials. Why this works: If AI platforms are already citing your content, you’ve proven its authority. Expanding and updating these pages increases their value and citation potential even further. Creating related content builds a content hub that reinforces your authority on the topic. Action steps:
  • Rank your owned pages by citation frequency
  • Audit top-cited pages for outdated information or missing details
  • Add new sections, examples, data, or visual elements
  • Create supporting content (FAQs, case studies, tutorials) that links to top pages
  • Promote updated content through social and PR channels

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Third-Party Mention Tracking

Goal: Monitor where your brand is being discussed externally. How:
  1. Filter to “Mentioned” citations
  2. Review which external sites are writing about you
  3. Build relationships with these sites for future coverage
  4. Track sentiment and accuracy of mentions
Example: A SaaS review site mentions your product in 15 AI citations. Reach out to update your product listing and provide them with new feature information. Why this works: External sites mentioning your brand act as third-party validators. AI platforms often trust external perspectives, so securing positive, accurate mentions on authoritative sites increases your citation potential. These sites are also potential partners for future coverage. Action steps:
  • Identify top external sites mentioning your brand
  • Review the accuracy and sentiment of mentions
  • Reach out to site owners with updated information or corrections
  • Build relationships for future guest posts or features
  • Monitor new external mentions monthly

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Platform-Specific Strategy

Goal: Optimize for specific AI platforms. How:
  1. Filter by individual platforms (ChatGPT, Google Overview, etc.)
  2. Compare citation patterns across platforms
  3. Identify platform-specific content gaps
  4. Tailor content strategy by platform
Example: Google AI Overview heavily cites your blog posts (20% Owned), but ChatGPT rarely does (2% Owned). Investigate formatting or depth differences that might influence ChatGPT’s citation behavior. Why this works: Different AI platforms have different citation behaviors. Google AI Overview might prefer structured content with clear headings and lists. ChatGPT might favor conversational, in-depth explanations. Understanding these patterns helps you optimize content for each platform. Action steps:
  • Compare citation distribution across platforms (Owned, Mentioned, Competitor percentages)
  • Identify which platforms favor your content vs. competitors
  • Analyze content format differences in platform-specific citations
  • Test content variations tailored to underperforming platforms
  • Track platform-specific citation changes over time

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Social Listening for AI

Goal: Understand how social discussions influence AI responses. How:
  1. Filter to “Social” citations
  2. Review which social platforms and discussions are cited
  3. Monitor sentiment and topics in social citations
  4. Engage more actively on platforms where citations occur
Example: Reddit discussions about your product appear in 12 AI citations. Increase your presence in relevant subreddits to influence future discussions. Why this works: AI platforms increasingly reference social media discussions, especially for user opinions and real-world experiences. Active, authentic participation in these communities can influence the narrative AI platforms cite. Action steps:
  • Identify which social platforms are most cited (Reddit, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.)
  • Review the context and sentiment of social citations
  • Join relevant communities and contribute valuable insights
  • Monitor trending discussions in your industry
  • Track social citation volume as you increase engagement

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Identifying Partnership Opportunities

Goal: Discover authoritative sites for guest posts, partnerships, or coverage. How:
  1. Filter to “Not Mentioned” and “Mentioned” citations
  2. Identify high-authority domains frequently cited in your industry
  3. Reach out for guest posting, partnership, or coverage opportunities
  4. Track citation changes after securing placements
Example: You notice an industry publication is cited 50 times in “Not Mentioned” queries. Pitch them a guest post or case study to get your brand included in future AI citations. Why this works: Sites that AI platforms already cite are proven authorities. Getting your brand mentioned on these sites increases the likelihood AI platforms will cite you in future responses. It’s a shortcut to building citation authority. Action steps:
  • Identify top 10 external domains cited in your topic area
  • Prioritize domains with high citation frequency
  • Research their content guidelines and contributor opportunities
  • Pitch relevant, valuable content ideas
  • Monitor citation shifts after securing placements

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Defending Brand Narrative

Goal: Ensure AI platforms cite accurate, up-to-date information about your brand. How:
  1. Filter to “Owned” and “Mentioned” citations
  2. Review cited content for accuracy and currency
  3. Update owned pages with latest information
  4. Reach out to external sites with outdated or inaccurate mentions
Example: An external review site mentions your product’s pricing from 2022, which AI platforms are now citing. Reach out to update the information so AI responses reflect current pricing. Why this works: AI platforms cite what’s available online. If outdated or inaccurate information is cited, it shapes user perception. Proactively maintaining accurate information across owned and external sites ensures AI platforms cite the right details. Action steps:
  • Audit all cited pages for accuracy and currency
  • Update owned content quarterly
  • Identify external sites with outdated mentions
  • Contact site owners with updated information
  • Monitor citation accuracy monthly

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Best Practices

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1. Prioritize “Not Mentioned” Gaps

The largest opportunity is in the “Not Mentioned” category. These represent queries where AI platforms answered but didn’t reference your brand at all. Action: Create content on these topics to increase brand visibility in AI responses.

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2. Monitor Competitor Citations Regularly

Track which competitor URLs are getting cited and for what topics. Action: Set a weekly review to analyze competitor citation trends and identify content to create or improve.

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3. Optimize High-Performing Owned Content

If certain pages are already getting cited, they’re working. Action: Expand and update these pages quarterly to maintain their authority.

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4. Build Relationships with “Mentioned” Sites

External sites citing your brand are valuable partners. Action: Reach out to these sites, provide updated information, and explore collaboration opportunities. Use different date ranges to see how your citation distribution changes. Action: Compare month-over-month to measure the impact of your content strategy on AI citations.

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6. Set Citation Goals by Category

Establish targets for each citation category based on your content strategy. Example targets:
  • Owned: 20-30% (shows strong content authority)
  • Mentioned: 10-15% (shows external brand presence)
  • Not Mentioned: Less than 50% (minimize content gaps)
  • Competitor: Monitor and aim to match or exceed their citation volume
  • Social: 5-10% (shows active community presence)
Action: Review targets quarterly and adjust content strategy accordingly.

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7. Create a Citation Response Workflow

Establish a process for responding to citation insights. Workflow:
  1. Weekly: Review new citations and identify trends
  2. Bi-weekly: Prioritize content gaps and competitor citations
  3. Monthly: Update high-performing owned content
  4. Quarterly: Audit citation accuracy and reach out to external sites
  5. Quarterly: Review citation goals and adjust strategy
Action: Assign team members to each step and track progress.

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What’s Next

Now that you understand how to leverage Citation Analysis, explore:
  • Review the Overview to understand all AI Search Analytics metrics
  • Set up scheduled prompts to track citations automatically
  • Create a content calendar based on citation gaps
  • Build relationships with frequently cited external sites