AI visibility

The unit of observation is a specific answer to a specific prompt in a stated mode and time. Visibility occurs when the archived answer contains the tracked entity or URL. It is not a permanent property of a site; it is a sample outcome.

Section sources:[1] Google Search Central[2] OpenAI Developers

Mention means the name appears. Recommendation means the system proposes the entity as an option. Citation means a verifiable link or attribution is displayed. Referral means a user visits the site. The first three are visible in the answer; the last appears in site analytics.

Section sources:[1] Google Search Central[2] OpenAI Developers

Across 40 archived answers, a brand is named 12 times, recommended 5 times, linked through its official site 3 times, and receives 2 referrals. These are four metrics with one period and denominator, not one 30% score.

Predefine prompts, platforms, locales, regions, modes, and repeats. Preserve full answers and links. Publish numerator, denominator, period, and coding rules. Do not compare systems tested with different prompt sets as equals.

Blending site readiness with actual appearances in answers. Good accessibility is a necessary operating condition, but the outcome must be observed separately.