Optimising content for ChatGPT citations in 2026 centres on structured data markup and adherence to evolving AI-content detection protocols, as ChatGPT’s citation capabilities now rely heavily on identifying verifiable information sources within the content itself.
As of December 2025, platforms like Schema.org are crucial. Implementing Schema markup – specifically the ‘Article’, ‘BlogPosting’, and ‘NewsArticle’ schemas – allows ChatGPT to more accurately identify key content elements like authors, publication dates, and source URLs. Australian businesses utilising content management systems (CMS) like WordPress can leverage plugins such as Rank Math SEO or Yoast SEO, which now include automated Schema generation features. These plugins currently support Australian business registration numbers (ABN) as a verifiable author attribute. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), rolling out across Australia in 2026, further reinforces the importance of Schema, as SGE prioritises content with robust structured data. OpenAI has announced that in 2027, ChatGPT will integrate directly with Australia’s National Library’s Trove database for enhanced source verification.
Essentially, ChatGPT in 2026 functions by scanning content for these embedded data signals to determine source credibility and facilitate accurate citations.
