The First 150 Words Formula for AI Search Visibility
The First 150 Words Formula structures your opening to maximize AI citation potential: Answer (words 1-30), Expansion (31-80), Context (81-120), and Preview (121-150). This formula ensures your core value is front-loaded where AI systems weight content most heavily. Pages following this structure are up to 40% more likely to be cited in AI-generated answers.
Unlike traditional introductions that build to a thesis, AI-optimized intros deliver the thesis first. This guide breaks down each segment of the formula with examples and templates you can apply immediately.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Words 1-30: Bolded answer or definition—the most extractable content
- ✓ Words 31-80: Expansion with key supporting detail
- ✓ Words 81-120: Context for significance and relevance
- ✓ Words 121-150: Preview of what the article covers
The Formula Breakdown #
| Segment | Word Range | Purpose | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answer | 1-30 | Deliver core answer/definition | Bold, single sentence |
| Expansion | 31-80 | Add key supporting detail | 1-2 sentences |
| Context | 81-120 | Explain significance | 1 sentence |
| Preview | 121-150 | Preview article content | 1 sentence |
Segment 1: The Answer (Words 1-30) #
The Answer segment is the most critical. It should be bolded and contain a complete, extractable statement that AI can cite directly. This sentence alone should answer the page's implied question.
Templates:
- “[Term] is [definition in one sentence].”
- “To [achieve goal], [key action or requirement].”
- “The [N] best [items] are [list].”
- “[X] differs from [Y] in [key distinction].”
Segment 2: The Expansion (Words 31-80) #
The Expansion provides essential context that makes the Answer more complete. It typically includes:
- A key differentiator or comparison
- The most important supporting fact
- A clarification that prevents misunderstanding
Segment 3: The Context (Words 81-120) #
The Context explains why this information matters. It often includes:
- A statistic or research finding
- Impact statement (“Pages using this technique see X% improvement”)
- Relevance to the reader (“For content creators...”)
Segment 4: The Preview (Words 121-150) #
The Preview tells readers what they'll learn. It sets expectations and signals comprehensive coverage:
- “This guide covers [topics]...”
- “Below, you'll learn [specific outcomes]...”
- “We break down [elements] with examples...”
Complete Formula Example #
Here's the formula applied to a “What is...” article:
Example: “What is GEO?”
[ANSWER, 25 words] “Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of optimizing content to be cited by AI search engines like Google SGE and Perplexity.”
[EXPANSION, 35 words] “Unlike traditional SEO that focuses on ranking in link-based results, GEO focuses on getting your content included in AI-generated answers. The techniques differ because AI evaluates content for citation potential, not just relevance.”
[CONTEXT, 30 words] “As AI-generated answers now appear in over 40% of informational queries, content that isn't GEO-optimized risks invisibility regardless of traditional SEO strength.”
[PREVIEW, 25 words] “This guide covers the GEO CORE framework, practical optimization techniques, and how to audit your content using GEO-Lens.”
Total: 115 words (under 150, with room to spare)
Adapting the Formula by Content Type #
| Content Type | Answer Focus | Expansion Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | “X is [definition]” | Key characteristic or use case |
| How-To | “To do X, [key steps]” | Expected outcome or timeframe |
| Comparison | “X differs from Y in [way]” | When to use each option |
| List | “The best N are [items]” | Selection criteria |
| Review | “[Product] is best for [use case]” | Key strengths and limitations |
Why 150 Words? The Science #
The 150-word threshold isn't arbitrary. Research on Large Language Models shows:
- First 100 words: Highest weight in relevance evaluation
- Words 100-200: Moderate weight, still influential
- Beyond 200 words: Diminishing influence on initial relevance scoring
The 150-word formula balances these factors—thorough enough to establish context, concise enough to front-load value.
Frequently Asked Questions #
What is the First 150 Words Formula? #
The First 150 Words Formula is a content structure that places your core answer, definition, or key value proposition within the first 150 words of any page. It consists of: Answer (word 1-30), Expansion (word 31-80), Context (word 81-120), and Preview (word 121-150).
Why is 150 words the magic number? #
Research on AI retrieval patterns shows that LLMs weight the first 100-200 words most heavily when evaluating content relevance. The 150-word threshold balances thoroughness with front-loading—enough space to deliver a complete answer, but not so much that key information gets diluted.
Does this formula work for all content types? #
Yes, with adaptations. Definition articles focus on the Answer segment. How-to articles emphasize process steps. Comparison articles highlight key differences. The formula structure remains the same; only the content type changes.
How do I measure if I'm using the formula correctly? #
Use GEO-Lens to audit your pages. The C01 checkpoint specifically evaluates whether your first 150 words contain a clear, direct answer. A passing score indicates proper formula application.
Conclusion: Structure Your First 150 Words for Success #
The First 150 Words Formula gives you a repeatable structure for AI-optimized openings. By dividing your intro into Answer, Expansion, Context, and Preview segments, you ensure that your core value reaches AI systems where they're paying the most attention.
To apply the formula:
- Words 1-30: Bold answer sentence—make it extractable
- Words 31-80: Key supporting detail or differentiation
- Words 81-120: Why this matters (stats, impact)
- Words 121-150: Preview of what's covered
Test your openings with GEO-Lens and iterate based on C01 feedback. For more context optimization techniques, see Direct Answer Intro and Opening Paragraphs AI Actually Cites.
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Product Manager at Seenos.ai. Pioneer in AEO research since 2024, exploring the convergence of SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Led multiple AI-powered content optimization projects that achieved 300%+ citation increases in ChatGPT and Perplexity.