Summary
A source domain is the root domain of an external source included in an AI response, such as example.com.
Definition
When engines like Bing Copilot or Anthropic Claude Results produce answers, they synthesize information from multiple websites. Each website providing that underlying content is considered a Source Domain. This concept applies whether the site is cited directly as a link (Cited Domains) or indirectly embedded in the text as Inline Domains.
Source Domains form the foundation of AI-generated responses. They show which publishers, brands, or competitors are shaping the knowledge that AI engines present to users. Unlike surface-level visibility, analyzing Source Domains reveals the deeper content ecosystem driving results.
For marketers and agencies, knowing which Source Domains appear most often helps measure influence and identify gaps. If your brand is absent from key Source Domains in your industry, it means competitors are setting the narrative in AI search, shaping both Brand Position and Brand Perception.
Use cases
Mapping all domains contributing to AI-generated answers in your category.
Comparing your own presence as a Source Domain against competitors.
Distinguishing between Cited Domains and Inline Domains to understand attribution.
Prioritizing partnerships or guest publishing opportunities with high-impact Source Domains.
Guiding AI Engine Optimization (AEO) and GEO strategies toward authoritative sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a brand’s own website become a Source Domain?
Yes, publishing authoritative and trustworthy content can make your site a Source Domain for relevant AI queries.
Why should marketers track Source Domains?
They reveal which websites drive the knowledge base for AI engines, helping brands assess influence and visibility.
How do Source Domains influence brand perception?
They shape how AI engines describe a category or brand, even if users never see a citation.
What is the difference between a Source Domain and a Cited Domain?
A Source Domain is any website used to generate an answer, while a Cited Domain is specifically one that receives visible attribution.