For B2B tech firms, learning how to get cited by AI has become essential as generative AI is now the default starting point for customer research. This shift creates a critical challenge: a lack of visibility in AI-generated content. Being cited by platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini has become a vital driver of authority. This guide explains how B2B tech companies get cited by AI, turning a major challenge into a competitive advantage through a modern AI-driven PR strategy.

What Factors Determine How to Get Cited by AI for B2B Tech Companies?

Learning how to get cited by AI starts with understanding that platforms don’t reference sources randomly; they prioritize information that is structured, trustworthy, and published by recognized authorities. A 2025 analysis by Rankscale.ai of 8,000 citations confirmed that AI engines overwhelmingly favor content demonstrating deep experience and trust. The core issue is the difficulty establishing authority and trustworthiness with AI engines, which requires a deliberate approach.

AI tools pull from a selective ecosystem. ChatGPT favors high-authority sources like Reuters and Wikipedia, with less than 3% of citations coming from vendor blogs. Gemini and Google AI Overviews are slightly broader, while Perplexity often references expert resources like G2 and Investopedia. To get cited, your B2B tech brand must be part of these trusted ecosystems.

How Can B2B Tech Companies Get Cited by AI Platforms?

Understanding how to get cited by AI means recognizing that to appear in AI results, you must have coverage in the places AI trusts. For B2B tech, the most cited sources include analyst reports from firms like Gartner, trade publications such as TechTarget, and authoritative thought leadership from subject matter experts on LinkedIn. User-generated content from unvetted personal blogs rarely meets the authority threshold for professional topics.

Tip 1: Focus on Improving LinkedIn Thought Leadership for Tech CEOs

LinkedIn has become a surprisingly reliable source for AI citations, especially on B2B tech topics. Well-written articles from executives carry more weight than many company blog posts. A consistent presence reinforces your brand’s credibility and is a cornerstone of LinkedIn thought leadership. Encourage your experts to share original insights and commentary on industry trends to build an AI-friendly content foundation.

Tip 2: Build a Blog That Signals Trust and Expertise

Many companies face uncertainty about which content formats AI platforms prefer, but a high-quality blog remains essential. Your content must demonstrate experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Go beyond promotional language. Ensure posts are well-sourced, up-to-date, and feature clear attribution from credible voices within your organization. This is a key part of generative engine optimization.

Tip 3: Ensure Your Website is AI-Readable

Technical clarity is non-negotiable. A cluttered or confusing site hurts you with both AI crawlers and human visitors. Prioritize clear navigation, use structured headings, and write in plain language. Consider adding dedicated GenAI-optimized pages—focused, factual summaries designed to feed AI models clean, structured data. These can live alongside existing content as a discovery layer for AI.

The Bottom Line: Integrate Your Strategy for Maximum Impact

When exploring how to get cited by AI, one of the biggest challenges is integrating PR and content for maximum AI impact. Earning AI citations isn’t about a single tactic; it’s the result of strategic alignment. Public relations builds trust through earned media, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) makes that trust visible, and content makes it digestible. When these functions work together, your B2B tech brand becomes discoverable, credible, and impossible to ignore.

Key Takeaways

• Authority is Paramount: AI engines prioritize sources they already trust, like major media, analyst reports, and trade publications.
• LinkedIn is a Powerhouse: For B2B tech, expert-led articles on LinkedIn are a high-authority signal for AI.
• E-E-A-T is Not Optional: Your blog must reflect deep expertise and trustworthiness to be considered a credible source.
• Integration is Key: B2B technology public relations, SEO, and content must work in concert to build the authority AI recognizes.
• Citations are an Outcome: Focus on becoming the most credible voice in your niche, and AI citations will follow.

Start Building the Authority Your B2B Tech Brand Deserves

If you’re struggling with the inability to differentiate from competitors in high-authority AI citations, it’s time to adjust your strategy. Understanding how to get cited by AI is the first step toward claiming the visibility you’ve earned.

Ready to Implement a Winning AI-driven PR Strategy?

Schedule a free strategy consultation today with our AI PR team to start authority building for your B2B tech brand in the GenAI era.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I see where my content is cited in AI?
When thinking about how to get cited by AI, it’s important to know that currently there is no single tool to track all AI citations comprehensively. The best approach is to periodically ask generative AI platforms questions related to your expertise and see which sources—including your own or your competitors’—are referenced. This manual check provides valuable insight into your brand’s visibility.

As a B2B tech leader, what are the first steps to build authority in my sector?
To begin mastering how to get cited by AI, start by identifying your top 2–3 subject matter experts and developing a consistent LinkedIn thought leadership program for them. Simultaneously, target 1–2 key trade publications in your industry for contributed articles or expert commentary. These two actions build a strong foundation of credible, third-party-validated content.

Can you explain how AI citations work in simple terms?
Understanding how to get cited by AI starts with knowing how models like ChatGPT and Gemini are trained on vast datasets from the internet. When they generate an answer, they often cite sources to validate their information. They choose these sources based on signals of authority, trustworthiness, and relevance to the query. Essentially, they are trying to reference the most reliable and expert content available on a topic.

How can my B2B tech company appear in ChatGPT and Gemini AI citations specifically?
A key step in learning how to get cited by AI is to focus on getting your brand’s expertise featured in high-authority domains that these platforms already trust. This includes major business publications (e.g., Forbes, Financial Times), top-tier industry media (e.g., TechTarget), analyst reports (e.g., Gartner), and authoritative LinkedIn articles. Your own blog is less likely to be cited directly unless it has established immense authority.

What are the best PR agencies for B2B technology brands focused on AI visibility?
When considering how to get cited by AI, look for agencies that specialize in B2B tech and have a proven track record of integrating PR and content marketing. The best firms understand GEO and can demonstrate how their media placements and content strategies directly contribute to building the kind of authority that AI engines recognize and reward with citations.

Author: Leah Nurik is the founder and CEO of Gabriel Marketing Group, a top B2B tech public relations firm specializing in strategic communications and media visibility for high-growth technology companies.