The "Citable Content" Template for AEO/GEO

The "Citable Content" Template: How to Write Pages AI Can Use (and Prospects Want to Read)

If you're investing in content for SEO, you're probably familiar with the old rules: pick a keyword, write a blog post, publish it, hope it ranks, then wait.

AI-driven search changes the game.

More people now search by asking questions directly (often in natural language), and they expect an answer—not a page of waffle. AI systems are then selecting content they can confidently summarise, reference and sometimes cite.

That's where citable content comes in.

This guide gives you a practical, repeatable template you can use for:

• service pages (the biggest lead drivers for most SMEs),
• pillar guides (hub pages),
• blog spokes (supporting pages),
• pricing pages,
• comparisons ("X vs Y"),
• and local pages (Surrey & London service areas).

It's designed to be:

• professional and easy to understand,
• optimised for AI Search Optimisation (AEO/GEO) and SEO,
• and built to generate enquiries (not just traffic).

If you haven't read the main guide yet, start here: AI Search Optimisation (AEO/GEO) for SMEs in Surrey & London.

Quick definition: what is "citable content"?

Citable content is content that is structured and written so AI-powered search results and assistants can easily:

1. 1.identify what question you're answering,
2. 2.extract a clean, accurate answer, and
3. 3.trust the page enough to reference it.

It's not about writing "for robots". It's about being clear, structured and credible—which is exactly what real customers want too.

Why this matters for lead generation (not just "visibility")

For SMEs in Surrey and London, citable content helps in three ways:

1) It increases the chances you're included in AI answers

If an AI system is generating a response like "Here's how to choose an SEO agency…" it will rely on sources that are clear, trustworthy and well-structured.

2) It pre-qualifies people before they contact you

When your content explains the process, costs, timelines and common pitfalls, you get fewer time-wasters and more serious enquiries.

3) It converts better even in traditional SEO

Answer-first structure, frameworks, FAQs and proof improve engagement, reduce bounce, and increase enquiries—regardless of whether the visitor came from Google, an AI assistant or a referral.

The citable content template (copy/paste structure)

Use this as the structure for any "high-value" page you want to perform well for AEO/GEO and SEO.

Section 1: Answer-first opening (the "AI + human" hook)

Goal: In the first 100–150 words, make it obvious what the page is about and who it's for.

Template:

• 1–2 sentence direct answer / definition
• 1 sentence context ("why it matters")
• 1 sentence next step ("what we'll cover")

Example (AEO/GEO):

AI Search Optimisation (AEO/GEO) helps businesses appear in AI-generated answers and recommendations by making their content clear, trustworthy and easy to reference. For SMEs in Surrey and London, it can increase visibility at the moment buyers are deciding who to contact. In this guide, you'll learn what to change on your site, what to publish, and how to turn visibility into enquiries.

Tip: Keep the language plain. If a business owner can't understand the first paragraph, AI systems and users are less likely to trust the rest.

Section 2: "Who this is for" (and who it's not for)

Goal: Improve relevance and conversions by stating the audience clearly.

Template:

• This is for you if… (3–5 bullets)
• This is not for you if… (2–4 bullets)

Example:

This is for you if:

• you're an SME in Surrey or London,
• you rely on enquiries (not ecommerce volume),
• you want more consistent leads from search,
• you want to be visible in AI-powered search experiences,
• you want a clear plan, not vague "content marketing".

This isn't for you if:

• you want guaranteed rankings (no one credible offers this),
• you want to publish lots of content with no strategy,
• you don't intend to improve your service pages or proof.

Why it works: It increases trust and filters out poor-fit leads.

Section 3: Key takeaways (the "skimmable" summary)

Goal: Give AI and humans a neat summary to reference.

Template:

• 5–7 bullets, each one sentence max.

Example:

• Citable content answers the question clearly near the top of the page.
• Pages with steps, checklists and FAQs are easier to summarise and cite.
• Proof (case studies, testimonials) increases trust and recommendation potential.
• Internal linking helps AI and search engines discover related pages.
• Clear local relevance (Surrey/London) improves "near me" and shortlist visibility.

Section 4: The framework (your "how it works" explanation)

Goal: Give a structured explanation that can be reused.

Template options (pick one):

• A 5-step process
• A 7-pillar framework
• A 10-point checklist

Example (5-step process):

1. 1.Define the question and the intended outcome
2. 2.Provide a direct answer first
3. 3.Explain the reasoning in plain English
4. 4.Add proof and real-world examples
5. 5.Close with clear next steps (CTA)

Pro tip: Frameworks are very "quoteable". They also reduce the need for excessive word count.

Section 5: The "decision" section (costs, timelines, risks, what to expect)

This is where you turn informational content into sales-qualified enquiries.

Most SMEs avoid this section because it feels uncomfortable. But it's the section that converts best.

Include at least two of these:

• Typical timeline (e.g., "2–6 weeks" with caveats)
• How pricing works (ranges, packages, factors)
• Common mistakes buyers make
• What results are realistic
• What inputs you need from the client

Template headings you can reuse:

• How long does it take?
• How much does it cost?
• What's included (and what isn't)?
• What could go wrong?
• What does success look like?

Tone tip: Be transparent but professional. You're building trust.

Section 6: Proof block (make it safe to recommend you)

AI-driven recommendations and human buyers both respond to proof.

Proof block menu (choose 2–4):

• mini case studies ("Problem → Approach → Result" in 5–7 lines)
• testimonial snippets
• portfolio examples
• "results snapshot" metrics (only if true and defensible)
• process overview (clear steps reduce perceived risk)

Mini case study template:

• Client type: (Surrey SME / London professional service, etc.)
• Problem: what was holding them back
• What we did: 3–5 bullets
• Outcome: result and timeframe (be honest)

Section 7: FAQs (the citable content powerhouse)

FAQs work because they mirror how people ask questions in AI assistants and in search.

Rules for FAQs:

• Write the question exactly like a customer would ask it.
• Answer in 2–4 sentences first.
• Then expand if needed.
• Avoid marketing fluff.

FAQ question types that convert:

• "Is AEO/GEO worth it for a small business?"
• "What's the difference between AEO and SEO?"
• "How do I measure results?"
• "Do I need a new website first?"
• "What results are realistic in 90 days?"

Section 8: Next steps CTA (don't bury it)

Your CTA shouldn't be an afterthought.

CTA template (simple):

• One sentence summary of value
• Clear action + friction reduction

Example:

If you want to improve how your business appears in AI-driven search (and turn that into qualified enquiries), book a free 30-minute discovery call and we'll map out the quickest wins for your website.

Links:

• AI Search Optimisation service
• Book a discovery call

The "Source Block" (what it is and how to use it)

A source block is a short section that strengthens trust by referencing credible sources, standards or definitions.

It's helpful for AEO/GEO because it shows:

• you're not making things up,
• your advice aligns with reputable guidance,
• and the page is safer to cite.

Where to place it:

Near the end of the page (after your main framework), or just before FAQs.

What to include (3–6 items max):

• industry standards
• official documentation
• reputable research summaries
• government or regulatory pages (where relevant)
• platform guidelines (where appropriate)

Source Block template (copy/paste):

Helpful references (optional)

• Official definitions or guidelines related to the topic
• Industry standards and best practices
• Supporting research or trusted publications

Important: Don't add a source block just to look clever. Use it when it genuinely supports accuracy (health, finance, compliance, statistics, technical definitions).

Three examples: how to apply the template to real SME pages

Example 1: Service page (AI Search Optimisation – Surrey & London)

Best sections to emphasise:

• answer-first opening + who it's for
• your process (framework)
• proof (case studies)
• FAQs
• CTA

Suggested headings:

• What is AI Search Optimisation (AEO/GEO)?
• Who it's for (Surrey & London SMEs)
• Our AEO/GEO approach (7 pillars)
• What you can expect in 30–90 days
• FAQs
• Book a discovery call

Example 2: Blog spoke (pricing or decision support)

Title idea: "How much does AI Search Optimisation cost in the UK?"

Best sections to emphasise:

• direct answer + pricing ranges
• what drives cost
• what's included
• what to ask an agency
• CTA to audit / quote

Example 3: Local proof page (case study)

Case studies are naturally citable because they're specific.

Structure:

• context (industry + location)
• the problem
• what you changed
• the result
• what you'd do next
• CTA ("Want this outcome? Talk to us.")

On-page optimisation that supports AEO/GEO (without being too technical)

You don't need to overcomplicate this. Focus on clarity:

Page essentials

• One clear topic per page
• A descriptive URL (e.g., /aeo-citable-content-template/)
• A strong title tag and meta description
• A clear H1 that matches intent
• A table of contents for long posts (improves usability)
• "Last updated" line on cornerstone pages

Internal linking (non-negotiable for hub-and-spoke)

Every spoke should link to:

• the main hub page (this keeps the cluster connected),
• a relevant service page,
• and a conversion page (contact / discovery call).

A simple internal link module you can reuse:

Next steps

• Read the full guide: AI Search Optimisation (AEO/GEO)
• Explore our service: AI Search Optimisation for SMEs
• Book a call: Speak to Jamie

The citable content quality check (publish-ready checklist)

Before you hit publish, ask:

• Does the first paragraph clearly answer the question?
• Could someone skim this and understand it in 60 seconds?
• Is there a framework (steps/checklist) that's easy to reuse?
• Are FAQs written like real questions (not marketing)?
• Is there proof near the claim it supports?
• Are next steps obvious and easy?
• Does this feel like something you'd trust if you were buying?

If the answer is "yes", you're producing content that is far more likely to perform for AEO/GEO and drive leads.

FAQs

No. It works even better on service pages, pricing pages, case studies and comparison pages—because those are closer to purchase intent.

Schema can help, but it's not the main factor. The biggest gains come from clarity, structure, proof and internal linking.

As long as it needs to be to answer the question properly. For competitive topics, 1,200–2,500 words is common. Service pages can be shorter if they're clear and proof-led.

Want us to turn this into a system on your site?

If you want a hub-and-spoke content strategy that improves visibility in AI-driven search and converts into leads, we can help.

• AI Search Optimisation (AEO/GEO) service
• Book a free discovery call