Citations vs mentions
The difference between being mentioned in an AI answer and being cited as a source, how GetIntel counts each, and why you need both.
A mention is your brand’s name appearing in an answer. A citation is the answer linking to a page as a source — see the mentioned vs cited difference in more depth. They are separate signals: an answer can mention you without citing you, or cite your page without naming you as a recommendation.
How GetIntel counts each
Section titled “How GetIntel counts each”| Mention | Citation | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Your brand is named in the answer text | A page appears in the answer’s sources |
| Drives | Answer states, visibility, share of voice, position | Sources, Your pages, citation share |
| Home measure | Visibility | Citations: the share of answers that link to your own site |
Why you need both
Section titled “Why you need both”- Mentioned but not cited: AI knows you but builds its answer from other people’s pages. Your reputation is in someone else’s hands. Getting your own pages cited gives you more control over what is said.
- Cited but not mentioned: AI uses your page as background but doesn’t name you as an option. The page is useful but doesn’t make your product the answer.
Where to find it
Section titled “Where to find it”- Citations: Home (Citations tab), Sources, and Your pages.
- Mentions: every visibility, share of voice and position number.