What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

GEO is the practice of optimizing your website so artificial intelligence models (Perplexity, ChatGPT Search, Claude, Google Gemini) discover, understand, and cite your product when users ask for recommendations (e.g. 'What is the best alternative to Product Hunt?').

Why do AI search engines favor transparent pricing?

When a user asks an AI assistant for tool recommendations, the model wants to present accurate pricing comparisons ($0, $19, $49). Products hiding prices behind 'Contact Sales' forms are frequently skipped in favor of transparent alternatives.

How does launching on directories help AI search visibility?

Large language models build knowledge graphs through entity co-occurrence. Being profiled on trusted launch platforms like Hauntboard with factual specs, backlinks, and verified traffic provides the third-party validation AI models require before citing a new tool.

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AI Search & Citation Readiness Checker

Audit your startup's visibility for Perplexity, ChatGPT Search, and Claude with an actionable 10-point Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) checklist.

Free, no sign-up. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent to us.

10-Point GEO Readiness Audit

Check each criteria your startup currently meets.

Dedicated /llms.txt File+15 pts

A clean markdown file in the root that tells AI engines what your startup does and lists key docs.

AI Crawlers Allowed in robots.txt+10 pts

Robots.txt does not block PerplexityBot, GPTBot, or ClaudeBot from reading your landing pages.

Schema.org JSON-LD Structured Data+10 pts

SoftwareApplication or Product schema on your homepage so LLMs parse your price and features as structured entities.

Direct, Jargon-Free H1 Hero Headline+10 pts

Hero states exactly what the product is ('Fast invoicing software for freelancers') rather than abstract metaphors ('Unlock synergy').

Public, Transparent Pricing Table+15 pts

LLMs rarely cite products with 'Book a demo to find out' when users ask 'What are the best free or cheap tools for X?'.

Direct FAQ Answering Specific Questions+10 pts

Answers user search queries verbatim ('Is there a free tier?', 'How does it compare to X?').

Indexed on Verified Launch Directories+15 pts

Citations on platforms like Hauntboard, Product Hunt, and BetaList build the entity co-occurrence AI models use to verify relevance.

Alternative / Comparison Landing Pages+10 pts

Pages explaining how your product differs from existing incumbents give LLMs the exact nuance needed for recommendation prompts.

Clean Server-Rendered HTML / SSG+5 pts

HTML content is readable without requiring heavy client-side JavaScript execution.

AI Search Citation Score

30%

Grade: D (Invisible to AI)

Evaluates how easily AI search engines (Perplexity, ChatGPT Search, Claude) can crawl, parse, and cite your product in recommendation queries.

Missing Optimizations (6)

Fix: AI Crawlers Allowed in robots.txt

Ensure robots.txt allows User-agent: PerplexityBot, GPTBot, and ClaudeBot to crawl public pages.

Fix: Schema.org JSON-LD Structured Data

Embed SoftwareApplication JSON-LD into your root layout with pricing and category fields.

Fix: Public, Transparent Pricing Table

Publish exact pricing tiers ($0, $19, $49) publicly on your landing page and /pricing.

Fix: Direct FAQ Answering Specific Questions

Add an FAQ section with 4-6 concise questions answering common objections.

Fix: Indexed on Verified Launch Directories

Launch on Hauntboard to get an indexed, human-reviewed profile with verified visit tracking.

Fix: Alternative / Comparison Landing Pages

Build a 'You vs Competitor' comparison page highlighting your specific edge (e.g. speed, transparency).

Get your launch indexed on Hauntboard

The 3 Pillars of AI Search Citations in 2026

Traditional SEO focused on keyword density and backlink volume. Generative AI search evaluates three distinct structural pillars:

1. Machine Readability: Providing clean server-rendered text, an /llms.txt file, and Schema.org entities so web crawlers parse your core facts instantly.
2. Transparent Truthfulness: Direct, factual answers to pricing, limits, and supported platforms. LLMs penalize vague marketing fluff.
3. Third-Party Entity Corroboration: Third-party reviews, directory listings, and comparison articles confirming that your startup exists and is actively used.

Common questions

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?: GEO is the practice of optimizing your website so artificial intelligence models (Perplexity, ChatGPT Search, Claude, Google Gemini) discover, understand, and cite your product when users ask for recommendations (e.g. 'What is the best alternative to Product Hunt?').
Why do AI search engines favor transparent pricing?: When a user asks an AI assistant for tool recommendations, the model wants to present accurate pricing comparisons ($0, $19, $49). Products hiding prices behind 'Contact Sales' forms are frequently skipped in favor of transparent alternatives.
How does launching on directories help AI search visibility?: Large language models build knowledge graphs through entity co-occurrence. Being profiled on trusted launch platforms like Hauntboard with factual specs, backlinks, and verified traffic provides the third-party validation AI models require before citing a new tool.

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A person reviews every launch. It gets a week on the board, a permanent page Google and AI search can find, and a public count of every visit we send you.

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