How ChatGPT Finds Information
Understanding how ChatGPT accesses information helps you optimize for citations.
Two Knowledge Sources
1. Training Data (Parametric Knowledge)
ChatGPT has a knowledge cutoff date. Information encoded during training:
- Web content up to the cutoff
- Books, articles, publications
- Code repositories
For GEO: Your content must be high-quality enough to influence training data patterns.
2. Web Browsing (Non-Parametric Knowledge)
ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise can browse the web:
- Real-time search for current information
- Retrieves and cites web pages
- Provides links to sources
For GEO: Optimize for both training data AND real-time searchability.
The ChatGPT Citation Process
When ChatGPT browses:
- Query formulation: Converts user question to search queries
- Search: Retrieves top search results
- Evaluation: Assesses content relevance and quality
- Extraction: Pulls relevant information
- Citation: Includes source links in response
What Gets Cited
ChatGPT prioritizes:
- Content that ranks well in search
- Pages with clear, direct answers
- Authoritative sources
- Current, accurate information
- Specific facts over vague claims
What Doesn't Get Cited
ChatGPT avoids:
- Low-quality or thin content
- Outdated information
- Vague marketing language
- Content that contradicts reliable sources
Key Takeaway
For ChatGPT with browsing: you need strong SEO (to be found) AND strong GEO (to be cited once found). It's a two-step process.
Continue learning: Next up - how Claude's approach differs.