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1 min read Track Rankings in AI

How to Track Rankings in AI Overviews

Traditional rank tracking isn’t enough in 2025. To measure visibility, you need to track AI Overview citations and generative engine mentions alongside search rankings.

TL;DR

  • AI overviews cite content differently than search rankings.
  • Track both citations in AI answers and SERP positions.
  • Use specialized tools plus manual checks.
  • Measure not only traffic but also authority presence across AI platforms.

Why AI Overview Tracking Is Different

  • Traditional rank tracking = keyword → position in SERP.
  • AI Overview tracking = keyword → “Is my site cited in the AI summary?”
  • Visibility now depends on citations, not just rankings.

Step 1: Monitor Citations in AI Overviews

  • Search target queries manually in Google and check the AI Overview.
  • Note whether your site is cited as a source.
  • Track changes weekly or monthly.

Step 2: Use Specialized Tools

  • SEO tools are beginning to offer AI citation tracking.
  • Features include:
    • Monitoring citations across Google AI Overviews.
    • Tracking mentions in Perplexity or GPT Search.
    • Exporting visibility reports beyond SERPs.

Step 3: Track Generative Engine Mentions

  • Check platforms like Perplexity, GPT Search, and Claude.
  • Look for your content or brand cited in AI-generated answers.
  • Mentions here build brand authority even without clicks.

Step 4: Connect Data With Rankings

  • Combine citation tracking with traditional SERP data.
  • Example: A keyword may be rank 10 but still cited in AI Overviews → that’s higher visibility than the SERP suggests.

Best Practices

  • Track both SERPs and AI citations.
  • Use keyword clusters, not single keywords.
  • Record citations consistently (weekly/monthly snapshots).
  • Optimize content that’s cited but underperforming in SERPs.

FAQs

What is AI Overview tracking?
Measuring whether your site is cited in Google’s AI Overview results for a given query.

Do I still need traditional rank tracking?
Yes. Rankings show clicks, while AI citations show authority visibility.

Are tools available for AI tracking?
Yes, some SEO platforms now include AI citation monitoring alongside SERP data.

How often should I track AI Overviews?
Weekly or monthly, depending on how fast your niche evolves.

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