The 4 Exclusivity Signals That Make AI Choose Your Content
AI search engines select content based on 4 exclusivity signals: E01 (Original Insights), E02 (Visual Depth), E03 (Content Depth), and E04 (Unique Data). These signals form the E dimension of the GEO CORE model and determine whether AI cites your content or chooses alternatives. Content that scores high on all four signals is 3.5x more likely to be cited than generic content.
Each signal measures a different type of information gain—the unique value your content provides. Together, they answer the question: “Does this content offer something AI can't find elsewhere?”
Key Takeaways
- ✓ E01: Original insights from first-person experience
- ✓ E02: Visual depth with 3+ informative images
- ✓ E03: Content depth of 1,200+ words
- ✓ E04: Unique data or original research
E01: Original Insights #
Original insights signal first-hand experience and unique expertise. AI systems detect these through first-person language and experiential details.
| Signal Type | Indicator Phrases | Point Value |
|---|---|---|
| First-Person Testing | “I tested,” “We analyzed,” “I found” | +15 |
| Experience Statements | “In my experience,” “Over 10 years” | +10 |
| Specific Results | “We achieved,” “This resulted in” | +10 |
| Process Details | “Here's how I did it,” “My process” | +10 |
Learn more: Original Insights: First-Person Experience AI Values
E02: Visual Depth #
Visual depth refers to non-decorative images that provide information—screenshots, charts, diagrams, process flows. These signal hands-on work and add value beyond text.
Visual Depth Requirements
- Minimum: 3+ non-decorative images per article
- Types that count: Screenshots, charts, diagrams, photos of products
- Types that don't count: Stock photos, decorative graphics, icons
- Alt text: Descriptive alt text explaining image content
Learn more: Visual Depth: Why Screenshots and Custom Graphics Matter
E03: Content Depth #
Content depth measures comprehensive coverage of a topic. Longer content naturally covers more angles, addresses more questions, and provides more citation opportunities.
| Word Count | Depth Rating | AI Citation Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| <500 words | Thin | Low (15%) |
| 500-1,000 words | Brief | Below average (25%) |
| 1,000-1,500 words | Standard | Average (40%) |
| 1,500-2,500 words | Comprehensive | Above average (55%) |
| 2,500+ words | Deep | High (70%) |
Learn more: Content Depth: The Minimum Word Count for AI Citation
E04: Unique Data #
Unique data is the most powerful exclusivity signal. Original research, proprietary analytics, or exclusive findings create mandatory citations—AI must cite you because the data exists nowhere else.
Types of Unique Data
- Surveys: Original research you conducted
- Experiments: Tests with measured results
- Analytics: Data from your platform or tools
- Case studies: Documented client/project results
- Benchmarks: Industry comparisons you compiled
Learn more: Unique Data: How Original Research Gets Cited by AI
Implementing All Four Signals #
Maximum exclusivity requires hitting all four checkpoints:
- E01: Add first-person experience language and specific results
- E02: Include 3+ screenshots, charts, or custom diagrams
- E03: Expand content to 1,500+ words with comprehensive coverage
- E04: Include at least one unique data point or finding
Exclusivity Scoring
Each signal contributes 25% to your exclusivity score. Content with all four signals optimized achieves 3.5x higher citation rates compared to content optimized for only one signal.
Summary #
The 4 exclusivity signals—Original Insights, Visual Depth, Content Depth, and Unique Data—work together to make your content irreplaceable. Focus on all four to maximize AI citation likelihood and establish your content as the definitive source on your topic.
Action Items
- 1 Audit content for first-person experience signals
- 2 Add screenshots or custom charts to key articles
- 3 Expand thin content to 1,500+ words
- 4 Identify opportunities for original research or data
Frequently Asked Questions #
Which exclusivity signal is most important?
E04 (Unique Data) has the highest individual impact because original data creates mandatory citations. However, content that scores high on all four signals significantly outperforms content excelling at only one.
Can I improve exclusivity without original research?
Yes. First-person testing (E01), custom screenshots (E02), and comprehensive coverage (E03) all improve exclusivity without formal research. Focus on documenting your real experience and processes.
Related Articles #
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.