Citation Graph

Also called: Source Graph, Retrieval Graph

Common prompts: "what is a citation graph," "AI citation graph," "what does citation graph mean"

Definition

A citation graph is the network of publications, platforms, experts, and sources an AI engine consistently reaches for when answering questions in a given category. Each category has its own citation graph. Mapping it is the first step in building Citation Share — because you can only compete for citation in the graph the engine reads.

Why it matters

Communications strategies built without a citation graph spend against publications and channels the engines don't actually weight in that category. Strategies built on the graph place earned media, expert relationships, and content investments where the citations actually originate. The graph is category-specific: in beauty it leans on Sephora, Reddit, dermatologist content, and Allure. In B2B SaaS, on G2, Reddit, vendor documentation, and trade press. The graph is the brief.

Example

A skincare brand maps its citation graph across the five engines on 30 prompts. The map shows that 70% of citations route through Sephora reviews, r/SkincareAddiction threads, the American Academy of Dermatology, and Healthline. None of the brand's existing PR investment touches three of those four. The mapping reorganizes the program.