LLM Optimisation
What Content Works Best in LLMs (and How to Leverage It)
As LLM-powered chatbots (ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Copilot) reshape how audiences discover information, understanding what content they cite and why becomes crucial. Growth Memo analysed 1,600+ URLs and 7,000+ citations. The findings? Classic SEO (backlinks, rankings) barely matters for LLM visibility. Instead, success comes down to: Depth & Comprehensiveness, Readability and Brand Recognition.
30 July 2025
8 min read
Based on Growth Memo's analysis, this is what you need to do, to get cited by LLMs.
1. Depth & Comprehensiveness
LLMs cite longer, richer content: top 10% pages had 10k+ words and 1.5k+ sentences—substantially more than bottom quartile.
Length isn’t for its own sake, it’s about thoroughly addressing real questions. As Mark Howser the author of the analysis notes, it’s about covering every angle of a query, not just papering over with words LinkedIn.
✅ Action Tip: When you create “top 10” or “best-of” content, include features, pros/cons, comparisons, use‑cases and FAQs to leave no question unanswered.
✍️ 2. Readability & Structure
LLMs prefer clear, skimmable writing: strong Flesch scores and organised sentences rank better.
They “read” your text in logical chunks like headings, bullets, FAQs, so structure matters more than hidden schema.
✅ Action Tip: Use H1–H3 hierarchy, short paragraphs, bullet lists, tables, FAQ blocks, and summary “TL;DRs.” This helps the LLM extract and cite your best content.
💡 3. Brand Recognition & Popularity
Brand search volume correlates significantly with chatbot mentions, the bigger and more present your brand, the higher your chances.
Chatbots often cite Wikipedia, YouTube, Quora, Reddit, LinkedIn, Forbes, G2, Gartner, all sites with strong authority and community presence.
✅ Action Tip: Build visibility beyond your site. Put expert comments on authoritative platforms, contribute to forums, publish op‑eds and ensure consistent brand messaging everywhere.
📋 4. What Formats Do LLMs Prefer?
According to Quoleady and others, these formats attract citations:
- Step-by-step guides with clearly numbered steps
- FAQs and checklists for quick reference
- Comparison tables for easy scanning
- Summaries/TL;DRs for core takeaways
- Case studies or original data to demonstrate authority
These formats align with LLMs’ need for bite-sized, well-labelled, actionable content.
🧭 Final Note
Unlike traditional SEO, the LLM age rewards clarity, depth, and trust. If you want ChatGPT or Copilot to cite your content:
Tell a full story, not just keywords
Organise it for easy parsing
Be everywhere expert voices are quoted
Use formats that make info easy to reuse
This is what is called GEO, search optimised for generative engines. It pays off not just in visibility, but in quality traffic and conversions
✅ Next Steps for LLM Optimisation
Audit your top-performing posts: are they deep, readable, structured?
Add quick‑scan elements: FAQs, tables, TL;DR summaries
Amplify your brand presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, YouTube
Track LLM citations and mentions using dashboards like Share of Model, or ask LMO7 to help you!
1. Depth & Comprehensiveness
LLMs cite longer, richer content: top 10% pages had 10k+ words and 1.5k+ sentences—substantially more than bottom quartile.
Length isn’t for its own sake, it’s about thoroughly addressing real questions. As Mark Howser the author of the analysis notes, it’s about covering every angle of a query, not just papering over with words LinkedIn.
✅ Action Tip: When you create “top 10” or “best-of” content, include features, pros/cons, comparisons, use‑cases and FAQs to leave no question unanswered.
✍️ 2. Readability & Structure
LLMs prefer clear, skimmable writing: strong Flesch scores and organised sentences rank better.
They “read” your text in logical chunks like headings, bullets, FAQs, so structure matters more than hidden schema.
✅ Action Tip: Use H1–H3 hierarchy, short paragraphs, bullet lists, tables, FAQ blocks, and summary “TL;DRs.” This helps the LLM extract and cite your best content.
💡 3. Brand Recognition & Popularity
Brand search volume correlates significantly with chatbot mentions, the bigger and more present your brand, the higher your chances.
Chatbots often cite Wikipedia, YouTube, Quora, Reddit, LinkedIn, Forbes, G2, Gartner, all sites with strong authority and community presence.
✅ Action Tip: Build visibility beyond your site. Put expert comments on authoritative platforms, contribute to forums, publish op‑eds and ensure consistent brand messaging everywhere.
📋 4. What Formats Do LLMs Prefer?
According to Quoleady and others, these formats attract citations:
- Step-by-step guides with clearly numbered steps
- FAQs and checklists for quick reference
- Comparison tables for easy scanning
- Summaries/TL;DRs for core takeaways
- Case studies or original data to demonstrate authority
These formats align with LLMs’ need for bite-sized, well-labelled, actionable content.
🧭 Final Note
Unlike traditional SEO, the LLM age rewards clarity, depth, and trust. If you want ChatGPT or Copilot to cite your content:
Tell a full story, not just keywords
Organise it for easy parsing
Be everywhere expert voices are quoted
Use formats that make info easy to reuse
This is what is called GEO, search optimised for generative engines. It pays off not just in visibility, but in quality traffic and conversions
✅ Next Steps for LLM Optimisation
Audit your top-performing posts: are they deep, readable, structured?
Add quick‑scan elements: FAQs, tables, TL;DR summaries
Amplify your brand presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, YouTube
Track LLM citations and mentions using dashboards like Share of Model, or ask LMO7 to help you!