Measuring AI SEO (GEO/AEO) success requires tracking metrics beyond traditional search rankings and traffic. Here's what to measure and why.

The Core Challenge

Traditional SEO measurement is straightforward: track rankings, clicks, and conversions. AI SEO is different because:

• Zero-click outcomes: Users get answers without visiting your site
• Brand impressions without attribution: AI cites you, but it doesn't show up in Google Analytics
• Influence vs. direct conversion: AI visibility builds awareness that converts later through other channels

Bottom line: You need new metrics that capture visibility and authority, not just traffic.

Essential AI SEO Metrics

1. Citation Rate

What it measures: How often your brand or content appears in AI-generated answers for your target queries.

How to calculate:

• List 15-30 target questions your ideal customers ask
• Query each in ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews
• Track: (Queries where you're cited / Total queries) × 100 = Citation %

What's good:

• Month 1-2: 5-15% (early baseline)
• Month 3-6: 20-35% (optimization taking effect)
• Month 6-12: 35-50%+ (strong authority signal)