Cluster 4 · Measurement

4.1 AI visibility metrics

Before you can improve a result, you have to be able to measure it. GEO has its own set of metrics, distinct from classic SEO metrics. This page gives the overview — further depth follows in the next sub-pages.

The quantitative core metrics

Mention and citation

Two metrics that often end up on one heap, and must not. The mention rate: the share of answers in which your brand appears in the text. The citation rate: the share of answers with a source reference to your domain. They do not necessarily move together — source display is partly product policy of the channel. And measure separately what counts most commercially: are you recommended? The most fundamental question remains the same: are you present or not — and how.

Share of Voice (SoV)

The share of your brand versus competitors in AI answers across a benchmark prompt set. Where citation rate is absolute, SoV is relative: how visible are you compared to the market?

Position in the answer

Are you named first, fourth, or only in a footnote? Position is an observable outcome you track systematically — how much it weighs for the user depends on interface and answer form. See 4.6.

Sentiment

When you are mentioned, is the framing positive, neutral or critical? A strongly present but negatively framed presence is strategically more damaging than absence.

The qualitative core metrics

Narrative Share

How much narrative space does your brand get in the answer? A one-sentence mention versus a full paragraph is a meaningful difference. See sub-page 4.5 for the full methodology.

Depth and specificity

Are you mentioned with generic labels (“one of the major banks”), or with specific qualifications (“known for their digital experience and strong mobile app”)? Specificity builds differentiation.

Relation to competition

How are you positioned relative to competitors in the same answers? As an alternative, as the market leader, as a niche player? The frame you appear in matters.

verification
documented
Since June 2026, Search Console reports impressions and clicks from generative Search features — the only official measurement layer in existence.
own measurement
That mention and citation move separately — source display is partly product policy — comes from continuous Groundbase monitoring.
not verifiable
How channels internally weigh what they show; position and sentiment are outcomes here, not a look inside.