Winning the ChatGPT Citation

ChatGPT is the primary entry point for the Generative Web. Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT prioritizes Source Confidence and Entity Recognition. To be cited by ChatGPT, you must optimize for its unique retrieval pattern.

Step 1: Optimize for the 'GPT-User' Crawler

OpenAI's crawler, GPT-User, is more sensitive to DOM bloat than Googlebot.

• Flatten your HTML: Remove heavy tracking scripts and nested wrapper divs for the GPT-User agent.
• Serve Markdown: ChatGPT essentially "thinks" in Markdown. Presenting your data in clean Markdown tables or lists increases the model's extraction confidence by 30%.

Step 2: Implement the 'Citation Bait' Strategy

ChatGPT looks for unique data points to back up its assertions. Use the Statistic Monopoly tactic:

1. Proprietary Data: Publish original benchmarks or survey results. 2. Direct Quotes: Use

tags for expert opinions that the LLM can easily attribute. 3. Unique Methodology: Explain your process in detail. OpenAI models often cite the methodology of a study as a sign of quality.

Citation Pivot	Traditional SEO	ChatGPT GEO
Metric	CTR / Ranking	Citation Recall
Focus	Keyword Placement	Fact Density
Structure	Semantic HTML5	Markdown-Friendly Data
Authority	Backlinks	Entity Grounding

Step 3: Knowledge Graph Mapping

ChatGPT uses a pre-trained Knowledge Graph as a baseline. To get your brand into this graph, you must use Entity-Based Schema. Link your brand's JSON-LD to authoritative sources (Wikipedia, LinkedIn, Wikidata) via the sameAs and mentions properties.

Step 4: Manage Sentiment Vectors

OpenAI's safety layers actively discourage it from citing "risky" or low-reputation brands. If your sentiment vector on Reddit or Trustpilot is negative, ChatGPT will exclude you to avoid hallucinating negative advice. Action: Monitor your 'Sentiment Score' across 10+ model-simulated prompts.