SHEKARI · SERVICES
Audit linked citations to your site in AI answers
A citation is logged only when a visible source or link can be checked. We document the question, cited URL, referenced passage and whether the answer accurately represents the source. A brand name appearing without a link is not counted as a citation; unlinked mentions are handled in the separate Brand Mentions service.
When is this service relevant?
Typical situations worth investigating before choosing the next step.
Responsibilities overlap with adjacent services. Brand mentions track the name in an answer; AI citation audits require a visible source reference.
The execution decision can be based on insufficient evidence. Dated answer samples, displayed URLs, destination responses, page titles and the supported claims are reviewed.
Findings may be overstated beyond the conditions of observation. A missing link cannot be guessed into a citation and no source-selection guarantee exists.
Scope and potential deliverables
The final scope is agreed after reviewing the website; these are typical work areas.
A dated question/platform/source-URL ledger with the cited claim captured for selected examples.
Citation-to-claim checks that separate a visible source link from an unlinked brand mention.
A source-page improvement register for outdated, incomplete or ambiguous supporting information.
A repeat-sampling log showing observed links, missing links and changes without overstating attribution.
How the engagement works
The steps are adjusted to the scope we agree on.
- 01
Confirm the audience and scope: Teams who need to know which of their pages are explicitly cited by AI answers.
- 02
Gather evidence and establish the baseline: Dated answer samples, displayed URLs, destination responses, page titles and the supported claims are reviewed.
- 03
Separate the assignment from neighboring services: Brand mentions track the name in an answer; AI citation audits require a visible source reference.
- 04
Prepare implementation tasks and deliverables: A question/platform/source URL ledger, attribution check, evidence gaps and prioritized page edits.
- 05
Review findings and monitor valid indicators: Observed citation count within a fixed sample, valid destination URLs and attributable referrals where measurable.
IN-DEPTH GUIDE
What is involved in AI citation audit?
Useful details to consider before deciding on this service.
Deliver a source register that maps questions and observed answers to cited pages, missing context and factual corrections. This service does not promise any particular citation count.
Define a qualifying citation
Record only links or references actually visible in the output. A standalone brand mention belongs in the mention audit, not the citation count.
Use comparable questions
Select a limited query set tied to actual business decisions. Keep the same topics and conditions when repeating a test.
Capture the answer and shown URL
Log the tool, date, locale, query and displayed link. Separate a working destination from a broken page or an unexpected landing.
Check whether claims match the cited page
Read the destination and confirm that it supports the generated statement. A generic page is not automatically evidence for a specific claim.
Audit weaknesses in the source page
Look for vague headings, outdated information, missing context and technical access issues. Do not infer a single definitive cause from missing citation.
Separate a citation from a referral
A visible link and an actual visit are different outcomes. Referral reporting depends on available and correctly attributed analytics.
Improve legitimate evidence
Clarify specialist explanations, factual sources and revision dates rather than repeating brand names. There is no special guaranteed citation schema.
Interpret changes carefully
Repeat samples under documented conditions and note variability in tools and models. A sample increase is not a proven permanent placement.
START A CONVERSATION
Request an AI citation audit
Specify priority prompts and tools so we can check visible source URLs and claim attribution.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
A few useful details before we begin.
What qualifies as a verifiable AI citation rather than a mention?
Record only links or references actually visible in the output. A standalone brand mention belongs in the mention audit, not the citation count.
Why do you test a fixed set of comparable citation prompts?
Select a limited query set tied to actual business decisions. Keep the same topics and conditions when repeating a test.
What URL-level evidence is logged for each citation?
Log the tool, date, locale, query and displayed link. Separate a working destination from a broken page or an unexpected landing.
What happens when a cited page does not support the AI claim?
Read the destination and confirm that it supports the generated statement. A generic page is not automatically evidence for a specific claim.
Does an AI citation mean the visitor actually clicked through?
A visible link and an actual visit are different outcomes. Referral reporting depends on available and correctly attributed analytics.
How do you interpret changes in citation samples over time?
Repeat samples under documented conditions and note variability in tools and models. A sample increase is not a proven permanent placement.