Define the evidence

An AI mention means the response names the brand or publication. A citation means the response points to a source. A referral means a visitor reaches the site through a route attributed to an AI service by the available measurement. These events can overlap, but none automatically proves the others occurred. Define the categories in the reporting method so a screenshot, a source link and a website visit are not treated as interchangeable evidence.

Make it operational

Build separate fields for each observation and attach the relevant proof. A manual test can show a citation in that response; analytics may show a referral session; neither alone establishes a purchase or qualified enquiry. Link events only when the evidence supports the connection and the measurement process is appropriate. Use current platform documentation for any automated report, because the available metrics and definitions can change. Keep an unknown or unverified state rather than turning missing data into a confident claim.

Imagine this

Hypothetical example

A monthly review finds three observed AI citations and several sessions attributed to an AI service. The team reports both categories separately and notes one qualified enquiry with self-reported AI discovery. It does not add every observation together and call the result a count of acquired customers.

Make it practical.

Use this checklist as you read. Checks are not stored.

References & further reading

Further reading: Search Console generative AI performance report ↗

Published by Tap Tap Go. Product availability and eligibility vary by programme and market. About our stories.