I recently came across an intriguing study by SALT.agency, focused on Google’s AI Mode and its citation practices. Contrary to popular belief, this analysis shows that AI Mode doesn’t have a preference for content placed “above the fold.”
After sifting through over 2,300 URLs cited by AI Mode, researchers discovered no link between a text’s vertical position on a page and its likelihood of being cited by Google.
Pixel depth is irrelevant. The study revealed that AI Mode pulls text from all over a page, even from content located thousands of pixels down.
Page layout vs. content visibility. While different layouts like large hero images or narrative formats might push text deeper down the page, this doesn’t impact whether it gets cited.
Subheadings make a difference. One key pattern identified was AI Mode’s tendency to highlight a subheading and the subsequent sentence. This suggests Google’s heading structures are crucial for content navigation.
Google’s approach. The assumption is that AI Mode employs fragment indexing technology, breaking pages into sections and pulling the most relevant fragment, irrespective of its position.
Dan Taylor, a partner at SALT.agency, confirms that there’s no secret formula for appearing in AI Mode citations. The focus should always be on crafting well-structured, authoritative content that meets customer needs.
Our takeaway. This study challenges the notion that specific AI-focused templates or rigid structures enhance content visibility in AI Mode. The real work lies in creating meaningful, structured content.
Research background. SALT scrutinized 2,318 URLs in AI Mode responses. The vertical pixel position of each cited fragment was meticulously recorded using a Chrome bookmarklet and a 1920×1080 viewport.
The study. Research: Does Structuring Your Content Improve the Chances of AI Mode Surfacing?
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
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