Formatting Content for AI Extraction

AI systems break content into chunks for processing. Your formatting determines whether key information gets extracted and cited.

The Inverted Pyramid

Put the most important information first:

Level 1: Direct answer / main point
    ↓
Level 2: Key supporting details
    ↓
Level 3: Background and context
    ↓
Level 4: Additional information

Why it works: If AI only extracts the first paragraph, it gets the key information.

Heading Structure

Use clear, descriptive headings:

Bad headings:

• "Overview"
• "More Information"
• "The First Step"

Good headings:

• "CRM Pricing: $12-50 Per User Per Month"
• "Step 1: Create Your HubSpot Account"
• "Why CRM Implementations Fail"

Self-Contained Sections

Each section should make sense alone:

Bad (dependent):

"As mentioned above, this varies significantly based on the factors we discussed."

Good (self-contained):

"CRM pricing ranges from $12-50 per user per month, depending on features and vendor."

Citable Formats

Definition Format

**What is [Term]?**

[Term] is [clear definition]. It [key function or characteristic].

Statistic Format

**Key stat:** [Number] [what it measures] ([Source], [Year])

List Format

## [Topic]: Key Points

- **Point 1:** [Explanation]
- **Point 2:** [Explanation]
- **Point 3:** [Explanation]

Comparison Format

| Feature | Option A | Option B |
|---------|----------|----------|
| Price | $X | $Y |
| Capability | Value | Value |

Writing Style

Be Direct

Indirect: "It could be argued that, in many cases, there tends to be..." Direct: "CRM systems increase sales by 29%."

Use Active Voice

Passive: "Sales increases were reported by companies using CRM." Active: "Companies using CRM report 29% higher sales."

Avoid Over-Hedging

Over-hedged: "It's possible that CRM might potentially help some businesses..." Appropriately confident: "CRM systems consistently improve sales for businesses with good adoption."

Quick Formatting Checklist

• Key information in first paragraph
• Clear heading hierarchy
• Each section stands alone
• Statistics are bold and sourced
• Direct, active writing style

Key Takeaway

Format content so AI can extract any section and get valuable, citable information. Structure for machines, write for humans.

Master formatting: The full GEO course covers advanced techniques.