How to Write Articles That ChatGPT and Google AI Overview Cite

Articles cited by AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overview usually answer the main question in 40–60 words in the first paragraph, use question-style headings and include specific, verifiable data. This pattern is called answer-first and works for any local-business article.

Why is the first paragraph so important?

AI models take their summary from the top of the page. If the direct answer is there, the chance of being cited rises significantly compared with an article that opens with small talk.

What is the ideal heading structure?

Use H2 headings phrased as the questions customers actually ask, then answer in 2–3 sentences before going into detail.