Citation Quality Score (CQS)
Measure not just IF you're cited, but HOW you're cited
Analytical Tool in the Three Streams GEO Methodology
How This Tool Works
CQS measures the quality of citations where you already appear. Log each citation instance from AI responses to see your average quality score.
Note: Only log citations where your brand/product IS mentioned. Use SOV-AI Calculator separately to track how often you appear vs. competitors.
Note: Only log citations where your brand/product IS mentioned. Use SOV-AI Calculator separately to track how often you appear vs. competitors.
Educational Use Only: This tool is for learning and self-assessment. You must manually review AI responses and record citation details.
Log Citations
No citations logged yet. Click "Add Citation" to record an AI citation instance where your brand appears.
Results
Average CQS
0
Across all citations
Citations Logged
0
Individual instances
Total CQS
0
Sum of all scores
Add Citations to Begin
Record individual AI citations to calculate quality score
Scoring Reference & Interpretation
Scoring Formula
| Position | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st position | 100 |
| 2nd position | 70 |
| 3rd position | 50 |
| 4th position | 35 |
| 5th+ position | 25 |
| Citation Type | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Hyperlink (clickable) | ×1.5 |
| Named mention | ×1.0 |
| Paraphrased/implied | ×0.7 |
Strategic Diagnosis
Combine your CQS with ACF (citation frequency from SOV-AI) to diagnose your competitive position:
✓ Strong Position
High ACF + High CQS (75+)
You're mentioned frequently AND in good positions with quality citations. Focus on maintaining and defending this position.
⚠ Volume Without Quality
High ACF + Low CQS (<50)
Mentioned often but buried (4th-5th position) or only paraphrased. Focus on content authority to move up in rankings.
⚡ Quality Without Reach
Low ACF + High CQS (75+)
When mentioned, you're positioned well. But you're not appearing often enough. Expand query coverage and content breadth.
🌱 Foundational Work Needed
Low ACF + Low CQS (<50)
Rarely appearing and when you do, it's buried. Build entity authority first—focus on being recognized before optimizing position.