AEO/GEO

AEO + GEO Source Pack Design: Build Pages AI Systems Can Trust

By Thomas McLoughlin · 25 Feb 2026

This guide shows how to build a source pack so answer engines can cite your brand accurately and users can trust what they read.

AEOGEOContent DesignBrand Trust

Who this guide is for

This is for content, SEO, and brand teams that want more citations in AI answers. It is also for teams that want fewer wrong brand mentions.

You will learn how to build a source pack. A source pack is a set of pages and proof assets that answer systems can trust.

What is a source pack?

A source pack is not one blog post. It is a structured bundle of evidence around one topic.

A core explainer page with plain definitions.
A methods page with clear process steps.
A proof page with examples, numbers, and dates.
A policy page with boundaries and claim rules.

Together, these pages make your brand easier to cite and harder to misquote.

Why AEO and GEO both need this

AEO is about being selected for answers. GEO is about being represented correctly in generated outputs. Both rely on clean, consistent source material.

If your definitions are vague, engines skip you.
If your claims change by page, engines distrust you.
If your proof is weak, users do not act.

A source pack solves these issues with structure, not guesswork.

The 5-step source pack design method

Step 1: Pick one decision topic

Start with a topic linked to a real decision. Good examples include pricing models, implementation timelines, or service scope choices.

Ask: what question appears often in calls?
Ask: what question causes deal delays?
Ask: what question gets weak or mixed answers online?

One topic is enough for one cycle.

Step 2: Write a claim table before writing pages

Create a small table with each key claim and its supporting evidence. This keeps your pages consistent.

Claim: “Most projects launch in 4–6 weeks.”
Evidence: Last 12 projects, median launch time 33 days.
Owner: Operations lead.
Review date: Every month.

If you cannot prove a claim, soften it or remove it.

Step 3: Build four page types

Now publish your source pack pages. Keep each page focused.

Explainer page: What it is, who it is for, what outcomes to expect.
Method page: Step-by-step process with timing and owners.
Proof page: Examples, mini case studies, and constraints.
Policy page: Definitions, disclaimers, and update policy.

Use direct headings and short sections. Avoid long intros.

Step 4: Add citation-friendly blocks

Answer engines prefer extractable blocks. Add these to each page where relevant.

Definition block: one sentence, one term.
Checklist block: short yes/no items.
Comparison block: option A vs option B with trade-offs.
Data block: one metric with method and date.

These blocks improve both human scanning and machine retrieval.

Step 5: Run a consistency QA pass

Before publishing, check all pack pages together.

Do dates match across pages?
Do terms use one shared definition?
Do numbers have a source and range?
Do internal links form a clear path?

Consistency is the core trust signal.

Common mistakes to avoid

Publishing opinions as facts. Label opinions clearly.
Mixing audiences on one page. Keep one page, one job.
Ignoring update dates. Old numbers hurt trust quickly.
No “what this is not” section. Ambiguity causes wrong citations.
No evidence owner. Data decays when no one owns it.

Quick source pack checklist

✅ One decision topic selected
✅ Claim table written before drafting
✅ Four page types published
✅ Citation blocks added to each page
✅ Terms and numbers consistent across pages
✅ Update owner and review date set
✅ Internal links point to next best action

How to measure if it works

In the first month, track simple evidence:

More branded mentions in AI answers.
Fewer incorrect claims about your service.
Higher assisted conversions from informational pages.

You are looking for better representation and better decision flow.

FAQ: source pack operations

How often should we refresh source packs?

Review high-value packs every month. Refresh immediately when pricing, scope, or policy changes. Outdated packs create citation drift very quickly.

Can one source pack serve multiple audiences?

It can, but only if each page has a clear section for each audience. In most cases it is cleaner to split packs by audience, then connect them with short bridge links.

Who should own the final claim table?

Give ownership to one person close to delivery data, usually operations or product marketing. Editorial teams should contribute, but one owner must approve the final numbers.

First-month rollout checklist

Week 1: choose topic and complete claim table.
Week 2: draft explainer and method pages.
Week 3: publish proof and policy pages.
Week 4: run consistency QA and update weak blocks.

This phased launch reduces pressure and improves quality control.

Final takeaway

AEO and GEO rewards teams that publish clear, stable, provable information. A source pack gives you this in a repeatable format. Start with one decision topic. Build four pages. Add citation blocks. Keep claims consistent.

Do this well and your brand becomes easier to find, cite, and trust.