How to read an AEO visibility report

What an AEO visibility report measures

A report records how supported answer systems respond to a defined set of questions at a point in time. Results can vary by provider, model, mode, location, personalization, and later system updates.

Mention and citation are different

A mention means the brand appeared in an answer. A citation means the answer linked or attributed information to a source. A mention can occur without a link, and a citation does not prove that a reader visited or converted.

Read sentiment as context

Sentiment describes the tone or framing observed in the response. Treat it as a prompt for review, especially when the answer contains factual errors. It is not a universal measure of public opinion.

Compare like with like

When reviewing change over time, keep the question set and relevant settings consistent. Note provider or model changes because they can explain movement that is unrelated to your work.

Investigate the evidence

Open the underlying response and cited sources before acting. Ask:

• Is the business identified correctly?
• Are services, locations, and differentiators accurate?
• Which source appears to support the answer?
• Is an important customer question unanswered on your site?
• Is the observation repeated across more than one prompt or scan?

Turn observations into actions

Correct factual inconsistencies first. Then improve clear site explanations, structured business facts, local profiles, and trustworthy third-party references where appropriate. Use Tasks to refresh recommendations from your reports, then complete or dismiss the selected action with a clear record.

What not to conclude

A single scan does not prove permanent visibility, market share, ranking, revenue impact, or what every user will see. Use repeated, documented observations to identify patterns.