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Research Study

Trust Signal Correlation Study: GEO Citation Impact Analysis 2025

Quantifying the relationship between trust signals and citation performance in generative AI search
Published: 20 January 2025
Author: Terrence Ngu
Hashmeta Research
6
Trust Dimensions
450+
Brands Analysed
34
Trust Indicators
R² = 0.73
Correlation Strength

Executive Overview

Trust signals emerge as the strongest predictors of citation success in generative AI search results.

This study quantifies the relationship between trust signals and citation performance across 450+ brands, identifying six primary trust dimensions that collectively explain 73% of citation rate variance (R² = 0.73). Our analysis reveals that trust optimisation delivers the highest ROI of any GEO intervention, with comprehensive trust signal implementation correlating with 187% higher citation rates.

Overall Trust Impact

+187%

Brands with comprehensive trust signals (5-6 dimensions optimised) achieve 187% higher citation rates than those with weak trust signals.

Strongest Single Factor

Authority

Authority dimension shows highest individual correlation (r = 0.68), making it the single most impactful trust factor.

Compound Effect

+234%

Brands optimising all six trust dimensions see 234% improvement, demonstrating compounding benefits of holistic trust strategies.

Quick Win Opportunity

Attribution

Attribution (proper citations and references) delivers +103% impact with relatively low implementation complexity.

Trust Dimension Framework

👑

Authority

Correlation:
r = 0.68
Citation Impact:
+156%
Implementation:
Hard
Time to Impact:
6-12 months
✓

Verification

Correlation:
r = 0.64
Citation Impact:
+142%
Implementation:
Hard
Time to Impact:
3-6 months
🔄

Recency

Correlation:
r = 0.61
Citation Impact:
+124%
Implementation:
Medium
Time to Impact:
1-3 months
🔍

Transparency

Correlation:
r = 0.56
Citation Impact:
+118%
Implementation:
Easy
Time to Impact:
2-4 weeks
📚

Attribution

Correlation:
r = 0.58
Citation Impact:
+103%
Implementation:
Easy
Time to Impact:
2-4 weeks
🤝

Consensus

Correlation:
r = 0.53
Citation Impact:
+97%
Implementation:
Hard
Time to Impact:
6-12 months

Implementation Priority Matrix

QUICK WINS

High Impact + Low Difficulty

  • •Transparency Implementation: +118% impact, 2-4 weeks
  • •Attribution Enhancement: +103% impact, 2-4 weeks
  • •Recency Optimisation: +124% impact, 1-3 months
STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

High Impact + High Difficulty

  • •Authority Building: +156% impact, 6-12 months
  • •External Verification: +142% impact, 3-6 months
  • •Consensus Development: +97% impact, 6-12 months

📊 The full research report includes detailed correlation analysis, implementation templates, and trust audit frameworks.

Download the complete 94-page PDF report for comprehensive trust optimisation strategies.

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