Co-Citation Networks

Extended definition

Co-Citation Networks map which sources AI engines cite alongside yours across many queries, revealing how AI systems understand your positioning and authority relative to other entities. If you're consistently co-cited with industry leaders, AI perceives you in that authority tier; if co-cited with newer startups, you're grouped differently. Networks also reveal topic associations: co-citation with specific sources indicates AI sees you as relevant to those topics. Network analysis identifies citation influence opportunities (getting co-cited with higher-authority sources boosts your perceived authority) and positioning gaps (co-citation with wrong peer group suggests positioning problems).

Why this matters for AI search visibility

Your co-citation network shapes how AI engines categorize and position your brand. Being co-cited with authoritative sources elevates your perceived authority; being co-cited with low-quality sources damages it. Networks also determine what other recommendations AI makes: if users ask about you, AI often suggests co-cited sources as alternatives or complementary solutions. For competitive positioning, co-citation analysis reveals whether AI groups you with desired competitors (validating positioning) or undesired ones (indicating positioning failure). Strategic content and entity work can shift co-citation networks toward preferred associations.

Practical examples

• Brand consistently co-cited with market leaders in 78% of citations, signaling AI perceives them in top authority tier
• Co-citation network analysis reveals unexpected grouping with overseas competitors rather than domestic market, indicating geographic entity confusion
• Targeted content strategy shifts co-citations from low-tier competitors to industry leaders over 6 months