The AI search landscape has fractured into five major platforms, each with unique citation patterns and optimization requirements. ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, and SearchGPT now serve 500M-1B+ users monthly—but each platform cites content differently.

Understanding these platform-specific differences is critical: 47% of AI search users regularly use 2+ platforms, and what works on ChatGPT may not work on Perplexity. Optimizing for just one platform means missing the majority of your potential audience.

This guide provides platform-by-platform optimization tactics for maximum AI search visibility. For strategic context and the business case for GEO, see our Complete GEO Guide.

This article breaks down each platform's citation style, content preferences, and optimization priorities so you can maximize visibility across all five engines.

1. ChatGPT (OpenAI) - The Conversational Leader

Platform Overview

User Base: 500M+ monthly active users (as of November 2024)
Launch: November 2022 (Search feature: November 2024)
Citation Style: Conversational, 3-5 sources, detailed explanations
Best For: Deep, nuanced queries requiring comprehensive answers

How ChatGPT Cites

ChatGPT provides synthesized answers with footnote-style citations. Citations appear as superscripts [1], [2], [3] throughout the answer, with source links listed at the bottom.

Example Citation Format:

"According to industry research, challenger brands using AEO strategies 

see 40% faster visibility growth compared to traditional SEO alone [1]. 

This acceleration is driven by the meritocratic nature of AI citation 

algorithms, which prioritize content quality over domain authority [2]."

Sources:

[1] DOJO AI - AEO for Challenger Brands Guide (dojoai.com/aeo-guide)

[2] Search Engine Journal - AI Search Ranking Factors (searchenginejournal.com)

Content Preferences

What ChatGPT Prioritizes:

• ✅ In-depth how-to guides (1,500-3,000 words)

• ✅ Comprehensive topic explainers with nuance

• ✅ Balanced perspectives presenting pros/cons

• ✅ Content that anticipates follow-up questions

• ✅ Expert analysis and commentary

• ✅ Long-form content with depth over breadth

What ChatGPT Avoids:

• ❌ Thin, surface-level content

• ❌ Overly promotional material

• ❌ Content without supporting evidence

• ❌ Clickbait or sensationalist headlines

Optimization Priorities for ChatGPT

1. Depth & Comprehensiveness (Highest Priority)

• Cover topics thoroughly with 2,000+ words

• Address primary question plus related follow-ups

• Provide multiple perspectives and nuanced analysis

2. Clarity & Structure

• Use clear headings (H2, H3) for logical flow

• Write in conversational but authoritative tone

• Include examples to illustrate complex concepts

3. Balanced Perspective

• Present multiple viewpoints when relevant

• Acknowledge trade-offs and limitations

• Avoid absolute claims without caveats

4. Recency

• Include current information and dates

• Reference recent developments and trends

• Update content quarterly

5. Anticipate Follow-Ups

• Address natural next questions within content

• Link to related topics for deeper exploration

• Build comprehensive topic clusters

Unique ChatGPT Tactic

Optimize for multi-turn conversations. ChatGPT conversations often involve 3-5 follow-up questions. Content that addresses the natural question sequence gets prioritized.

Example:

Main question: "What is marketing attribution?"

Follow-up 1: "What are the different types?"

Follow-up 2: "How do I implement it?"

Follow-up 3: "What tools should I use?"

Optimize your content to answer all four questions in sequence.

Expected Citation Rate

Well-optimized content: 40-60% citation rate for target queries
Average content: 15-25% citation rate
Poor content: <10% citation rate

2. Perplexity - The Research Engine

Platform Overview

User Base: 100M+ queries per month
Launch: December 2022
Citation Style: Heavy citation, academic-style, includes URLs prominently
Best For: Research-oriented queries, data-driven questions

How Perplexity Cites

Perplexity is citation-heavy, displaying numbered sources [1], [2], [3] with visible URLs, thumbnails, and domain names. Citations appear inline and are also displayed as cards below the answer.

Example Citation Format:

"Answer engine optimization has grown 2,185% year-over-year in search 

interest [1], with 53% of marketers reporting impact on their SEO 

strategy [2]. Leading platforms for AEO monitoring include DOJO AI, 

Goodie AI, and custom dashboard solutions [3]."

[1] DOJO AI - AEO Market Research 2025

    dojoai.com/research/aeo-growth-2025

    [Thumbnail of article]

[2] Marketing Week - AI Search Impact Survey

    marketingweek.com/ai-search-survey-2025

    [Thumbnail of article]

[3] Search Engine Land - AEO Tools Comparison

    searchengineland.com/aeo-tools

    [Thumbnail of article]

Content Preferences

What Perplexity Prioritizes:

• ✅ Research reports with original data

• ✅ Statistical analyses and benchmarks

• ✅ Detailed case studies with metrics

• ✅ Comparison articles with data tables

• ✅ Technical guides with specifications

• ✅ Content that itself cites credible sources

What Perplexity Avoids:

• ❌ Opinion pieces without data

• ❌ Content without citations or sources

• ❌ Vague claims without evidence

• ❌ Purely anecdotal information

Optimization Priorities for Perplexity

1. Data & Specificity (Highest Priority)

• Include specific numbers, percentages, dates

• Provide concrete data points throughout

• Show methodology for research/analysis

2. Citations to Other Sources

• Link to credible external sources

• Reference studies, reports, and research

• Show you've done thorough research

3. Authority & Credibility

• Demonstrate subject matter expertise

• Include author credentials prominently

• Cite recognized authorities in your field

4. Structured Data Presentation

• Use tables for data comparisons

• Include charts and graphs (with alt text)

• Format statistics in scannable lists

5. Freshness & Accuracy

• Use most recent data available

• Date all statistics and research

• Update regularly with new findings

Unique Perplexity Tactic

Include citations to other authoritative sources within your content. Perplexity rewards well-researched content that itself demonstrates thorough research by citing credible sources.

Example:

According to Gartner's 2024 Marketing Attribution Report [1], 68% of 

B2B companies plan to implement multi-touch attribution within 12 months.

[1] Gartner - "State of Marketing Attribution 2024" 

    gartner.com/marketing-attribution-2024

Expected Citation Rate

Well-optimized content: 60-80% citation rate (highest of all platforms)
Average content: 20-30% citation rate
Poor content: <15% citation rate

3. Gemini (Google) - The Knowledge Graph Engine

Platform Overview

User Base: Integrated across 1B+ Google users
Launch: February 2023 (Bard), rebranded Gemini December 2023
Citation Style: Entity-focused, knowledge graph integration
Best For: Factual queries, definition-based questions, entity information

How Gemini Cites

Gemini integrates with Google's Knowledge Graph and often provides answers with subtle or implicit citations. When it does cite explicitly, it follows a conversational style similar to ChatGPT.

Example Citation Format:

"Marketing attribution helps businesses understand which channels 

drive conversions. According to marketing experts, multi-touch 

attribution provides more accuracy than single-touch models by 

considering all customer touchpoints."

[Sometimes includes direct links, sometimes doesn't]

Content Preferences

What Gemini Prioritizes:

• ✅ Definition pages with clear explanations

• ✅ Structured content (tables, lists, FAQs)

• ✅ Google My Business / Knowledge Panel content

• ✅ Schema-marked up articles

• ✅ Entity-optimized content

• ✅ Content from Google's ecosystem (YouTube, Google Business)

What Gemini Avoids:

• ❌ Poorly structured content

• ❌ Sites with weak technical SEO

• ❌ Content without clear entity relationships

• ❌ Pages not indexed by Google

Optimization Priorities for Gemini

1. Schema Markup (Highest Priority)

• Implement Article schema

• Use Author and Organization schema

• Add FAQ schema for question-answer pairs

• Include Product schema for product content

2. Entity Optimization

• Clear entities and relationships

• Consistent entity names throughout content

• Link to knowledge graph entities (Wikipedia, etc.)

3. Google Ecosystem Integration

• Optimize Google Business Profile

• Create related YouTube content

• Ensure strong Google Search presence

• Leverage Google products when relevant

4. Traditional SEO Foundation

• Strong technical SEO implementation

• Mobile-friendly and fast

• HTTPS and Core Web Vitals

• Clean site architecture

5. Structured Format

• Use tables for comparisons

• Implement FAQ sections

• Clear heading hierarchy

• Bulleted and numbered lists

Unique Gemini Tactic

Leverage your existing Google ecosystem assets. Content on YouTube, Google Business Profile, and well-indexed Google sites gets preference in Gemini. Create cross-platform content strategies.

Example:

Blog Post: "Marketing Attribution Guide"

+ YouTube Video: "How to Implement Marketing Attribution"

+ Google Business Post: "Top 3 Attribution Mistakes"

All linking to each other, all optimized with schema markup.

Expected Citation Rate

Well-optimized content: 30-50% citation rate
Average content: 10-20% citation rate
Poor content: <10% citation rate

4. Claude (Anthropic) - The Balanced Analyst

Platform Overview

User Base: Growing (exact numbers not public, estimated 10M+ users)
Launch: March 2023
Citation Style: Balanced, multi-source, thoughtful analysis
Best For: Nuanced queries, complex topics requiring multiple perspectives

How Claude Cites

Claude provides thorough, balanced answers that consider multiple viewpoints. When citing sources, it tends to present a range of perspectives rather than single-source answers.

Example Citation Format:

"The best approach to AEO depends on your specific goals. Some experts 

recommend focusing on structured data first [1], while others emphasize 

content quality and expertise signals [2]. Both approaches have merit 

depending on your situation and resources [3]."

[1] Technical SEO Guide - Schema Implementation

[2] Content Marketing Institute - E-E-A-T for AI

[3] DOJO AI - Integrated AEO Strategy

Content Preferences

What Claude Prioritizes:

• ✅ Comparative analyses (pros/cons of different approaches)

• ✅ Nuanced topic explorations acknowledging complexity

• ✅ Thoughtful expert commentary

• ✅ Content acknowledging trade-offs

• ✅ Comprehensive guides with multiple perspectives

• ✅ Balanced, objective analysis

What Claude Avoids:

• ❌ Oversimplified "one right way" content

• ❌ Absolutist claims without nuance

• ❌ Biased or one-sided perspectives

• ❌ Shallow content without depth

Optimization Priorities for Claude

1. Comprehensiveness (Highest Priority)

• Cover all angles of a topic

• Address multiple valid approaches

• Provide depth and detail

2. Balance & Nuance

• Present multiple valid perspectives

• Acknowledge trade-offs and limitations

• Avoid oversimplification

3. Thoughtful Analysis

• Show deeper thinking beyond surface level

• Explain "why" not just "what"

• Connect concepts and ideas

4. Expert Voice

• Clear expert positioning

• Practitioner insights (not just research)

• Experience-based perspectives

5. Depth Over Brevity

• Longer, more thorough content

• Don't sacrifice nuance for simplicity

• Provide comprehensive coverage

Unique Claude Tactic

Don't oversimplify. Claude appreciates content that acknowledges complexity and presents multiple valid approaches rather than claiming "one right way."

Example:

Instead of: "The best attribution model is multi-touch."

Try: "The optimal attribution model depends on your business:

- First-touch works best for brands focused on awareness measurement

- Last-touch suits businesses with short, simple sales cycles

- Multi-touch provides the most accuracy for complex B2B journeys

Each has trade-offs in data requirements, implementation complexity, 

and actionability."

Expected Citation Rate

Well-optimized content: 35-55% citation rate
Average content: 15-25% citation rate
Poor content: <10% citation rate

5. SearchGPT (OpenAI) - The Hybrid Future

Platform Overview

User Base: Integrated with ChatGPT (500M+ users)
Launch: November 2024
Citation Style: Hybrid traditional search + AI synthesis
Best For: Queries that benefit from both traditional results and AI analysis

How SearchGPT Works

SearchGPT displays traditional search results (like Google) but enhances them with AI-generated summaries and insights. It's the bridge between old and new search paradigms.

Example Experience:

[AI Summary at top]

"Based on current research, AEO focuses on three key areas: content 

structure for extractability, expertise signals for authority, and 

technical optimization for AI crawler access..."

[Traditional search results below]

1. 🔗 DOJO AI - Complete AEO Guide

   "Comprehensive guide to answer engine optimization..."

2. 🔗 Search Engine Journal - AEO Basics

   "Introduction to optimizing for AI answer engines..."

3. 🔗 Moz - Future of AI Search

   "How AI is changing search and what marketers should do..."

Content Preferences

What SearchGPT Prioritizes:

• ✅ Content optimized for BOTH SEO and AEO

• ✅ Comprehensive pages with strong traditional SEO

• ✅ Featured snippet-optimized content

• ✅ FAQ pages with schema markup

• ✅ Comparison and "best of" content

• ✅ Clear, extractable answers + depth for traditional rankings

What SearchGPT Avoids:

• ❌ Pure AEO optimization without SEO

• ❌ Thin content that ranks but lacks substance

• ❌ Poorly structured pages

Optimization Priorities for SearchGPT

1. Hybrid Optimization (Highest Priority)

• Optimize for BOTH SEO rankings and AEO citations

• Don't choose—do both simultaneously

2. Featured Snippets

• Optimize for Google's featured snippets

• Use question-based H2s with direct answers

• Implement FAQ schema

3. Click-Worthiness

• Title tags and meta descriptions still matter

• Make your result clickable in traditional listings

• Clear value proposition visible

4. Structured Data

• Schema markup benefits both paths

• Implement Article, FAQ, HowTo schemas

• Use breadcrumb markup

5. Comprehensive Depth

• Depth for AI synthesis

• Links and metadata for traditional search

• Best of both worlds

Unique SearchGPT Tactic

Don't choose between SEO and AEO—optimize for both simultaneously. SearchGPT rewards content that performs well in traditional search AND provides extractable information for AI synthesis.

Optimization checklist:

1. Direct answer in first 100-200 words (AEO)

2. Strong title tag with target keyword (SEO)

3. Structured content with tables/lists (AEO + SEO)

4. Comprehensive depth (AEO)

5. Strong backlink profile (SEO)

6. Schema markup (Both)

7. Mobile-friendly and fast (Both)

Expected Citation Rate

Well-optimized content: 50-70% visibility (summary + traditional results)
Average content: 20-35% visibility
Poor content: <15% visibility

Platform Comparison & Priority Framework

Citation Frequency & User Base

Where to Start: Recommended Priority

Phase 1: Foundation (Month 1-2)

• ✅ Optimize for ChatGPT (largest user base, high citation frequency)

• ✅ Optimize for Perplexity (highest citation frequency, research-focused)

Phase 2: Expansion (Month 3-4)

• ✅ Add SearchGPT optimization (hybrid approach, integrated with ChatGPT)

• ✅ Strengthen Gemini presence (massive reach via Google ecosystem)

Phase 3: Comprehensive (Month 5-6)

• ✅ Include Claude optimization (growing platform, valuable for balanced content)

• ✅ Refine all platforms based on performance data

Content Strategy by Platform

For Maximum Cross-Platform Performance:

1. Start with comprehensive depth (satisfies ChatGPT, Claude)

2. Add specific data and citations (satisfies Perplexity)

3. Implement structured format (satisfies all platforms)

4. Add schema markup (satisfies Gemini, SearchGPT)

5. Maintain and update regularly (satisfies all platforms)

One piece of well-optimized content can perform across all five platforms. The key is understanding each platform's preferences and incorporating all elements.

Conclusion: Multi-Platform Dominance

The AI search landscape is fragmented across five major platforms, each with unique citation patterns and user bases totaling 500M-1B+ users. You can no longer optimize for just one platform.

Your cross-platform strategy:

1. Prioritize ChatGPT and Perplexity first (highest citation frequency, critical mass of users)

2. Add SearchGPT and Gemini next (hybrid value, massive reach)

3. Include Claude for comprehensive coverage (growing platform, valuable niche)

4. Create content that works across all platforms (comprehensive + structured + data-driven + fresh)

5. Test and measure performance on each (different content types may perform better on different platforms)

The opportunity: Most brands are still only optimizing for Google (if at all). By optimizing for all five AI answer engines, you can achieve 5-10x the visibility of competitors.

Start today. Pick your top 5 target queries, test them across all five platforms, and optimize systematically.

Next Steps

Ready to dominate all five AI answer engines?

1. Read: Complete Guide to Answer Engine Optimization → - Comprehensive AEO strategy and frameworks

2. Implement: How to Rank Higher in AI Search → - Step-by-step practical guide using DOJO AI

3. Take the DOJO Academy AEO Course → - Master platform-specific tactics

4. Start with DOJO AI Platform → - Track citations across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude & SearchGPT

Every platform you optimize for multiplies your visibility. Start with ChatGPT and Perplexity, then expand to all five.

About DOJO AI

DOJO AI is the first AI Marketing Operating System designed specifically for challenger brands. Our platform tracks your citations across all major AI answer engines and provides optimization recommendations for maximum cross-platform performance.

Learn more at dojoai.com →

Related AEO Guides:

• The Complete Guide to Answer Engine Optimization - Strategic framework and implementation

• How to Rank Higher in AI Search - Practical step-by-step workflow