05/04/2026
Everyone’s focused on AI answers but what really happens between a query and a citation?
Here’s what the data reveals:
• Ranking plays the biggest role. Pages at the top are far more likely to be cited, with visibility dropping sharply further down.
• Headings matter more than expected. When they closely match the query, citation chances increase significantly.
• Even among top results, better alignment with the query creates a clear advantage.
• Technical elements still offer untapped potential for those paying attention.
Source: AirOps