AI Search Relies on Third-Party Citations Over 70% of the Time Across SaaS, Ecommerce, and Finance
SEO · x · 2026-08-03
SEO consultant Aleyda Solis analyzed the top 10 cited source domains for 15 leading brands across SaaS, ecommerce, and finance in Google AI Mode, Gemini, and ChatGPT using Semrush data.
The study reveals that AI search is primarily a third-party citation problem. A brand's own website accounts for only a minority of cited sources. External citations dominate across all verticals: SaaS at 82.3%, finance at 79.4%, and ecommerce at 69.6%.
This highlights the need for a cross-functional operating framework where SEO coordinates closely with digital PR and social media teams to improve relevant earned and shared environments, ultimately boosting brand visibility in the AI search era.
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