--- title: "What is the Knowledge Graph and why is it important in GEO? - Astrak" url: "https://astrak.agency/en/what-is-a-knowledge-graph-and-why-is-it-important-in-geo/" lang: "en-US" --- Real case, anonymized ## Build his Web Authorities In 2026 Knowledge Graph, Named Entities & GEO: the complete system to exist in Google AND in generative AI responses. Knowledge Graph Named Entities GEO ChatGPT Knowledge Panel Wikipedia Wikidata Scroll The context ![Link building](https://astrak.agency/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/icon-netlinking.webp) [SEO Netlinking Agency](https://astrak.agency/en/link-building-agency/)Boost your authority with premium backlinks Targeted strategy, optimized anchors, measurable ROI. [Book a meeting](https://astrak.agency/en/contact/) ## Why is it critique now We live in a world of dual search. On one hand, classic Google with its blue links, on the other, generative AIs: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude. And these AIs cite on average only 2 to 7 sources per response, compared to 10 blue links on Google. The competition to be cited has never been fiercer. 2-7 AI response cited sources (vs 10 blue Google links) 150,000+ LLM analyses citations Semrush Study, June 2025 30-year-old male citations studied by Profound ChatGPT / AIO / Perplexity 47,9% Top ChatGPT Quotes come from Wikipedia ### Most Cited Sources by LLMs in 2025 Reddit 40,1% Wikipedia 26,3% Google / YouTube 23% **Important nuance:** ChatGPT has a strong preference for Wikipedia (47.9% of its top citations according to Profound). Google AI Overviews and Perplexity prefer Reddit. ChatGPT became the #1 source of traffic to Wikipedia in June 2025 (Similarweb). Reddit dominates overall thanks to its $60M licensing deal with Google in 2024. [Visual Capitalist / Semrush](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-the-most-cited-websites-by-ai-models/) [Profound – 30 million citations](https://www.seroundtable.com/chatgpt-google-aio-sources-39578.html) [Ahrefs – Top 100](https://ahrefs.com/blog/most-cited-domains-in-chatgpt/) [Goodie – 5.7M citations](https://higoodie.com/blog/most-cited-domains-in-llms) [Press Gazette](https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/reddit-claims-top-spot-as-most-cited-domain-in-ai-generated-answers/) [Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1620335/top-web-domains-cited-by-llms/) Understand ## Two systems Complementary To build authority with Google and AIs, you need to understand and work on two distinct mechanisms. It's by combining them that you get the best results. ### System 1: Entity & Knowledge Graph Google's structured system. The goal: for Google to understand WHO you are as an entity (person, company, place). Once you exist in the Knowledge Graph, you get a Knowledge Panel (the panel to the right of Google results). - Be present on 20-30 sites that Google trusts and uses to build Knowledge Graphs. - «Points of contact» on high-authority sources (Wikipedia, Wikidata, Crunchbase, etc.) - In 2025-2026, the horizontal Knowledge Panel Cards for businesses are new and easier to trigger. - Google now uses Gemini to generate multi-source descriptions for Knowledge Panels. - Kalicube estimates that Google uses over 200,000 trusted sources to power its panels. - People with a Knowledge Panel quadrupled between June 2023 and June 2024 - The number of C-level executives with a panel is exploding, especially in YMYL companies. Wikipedia Wikidata Crunchbase Google Business Profile Schema.org Social profiles Entity Home ### System 2: Recommendations & Mentions When Google or an AI doesn't have a perfect and very reliable source on a topic, it explores the web and finds mentions, recommendations, and listicles. This is disconnected from the Knowledge Panel but carries a lot of weight in Local SEO. - Mentions in articles «Top 10 Best...», «Best Tool for...» - Reddit recommendation Threads (Reddit = source #1 for LLMs, 40.1%) - Comparisons, tests, reviews from third-party sites - Forums specialize in discussions on platforms like Quora and Stack Overflow. - LLMs love «listicles»: content structured with lists of recommendations - To be mentioned in podcasts, interviews, and press articles that are indexable - Reddit content is used in Google and OpenAI training (60M deal$) Reddit Listicles Forums Comparisons Top 10 Reviews Digital PR Key sources ## Top sources for Knowledge Graph The sites Google relies on to build and power Knowledge Panels. The goal: to be present on as many of these platforms as possible with consistent information. \#1Wikipedia \#2Wikidata \#3Crunchbase \#4Your website \#5Google News \#6LinkedIn \#7YouTube \#8Amazon \#9Spotify \#10ZoomInfo \#11Goodreads \#12Medium \#13Gartner \#14Y Combinator \#15IMDb \#16Trustpilot \#17Glassdoor \#18RocketReach \#19AngelList \#20G2 [Kalicube – Over 200K sources](https://kalicube.com/) [SEL – KP Corporate 2025](https://searchengineland.com/optimize-company-google-knowledge-panel-453882) [Reddit - How to get a KP](https://www.reddit.com/r/GrowthHacking/comments/wrs6jj/how_to_get_a_google_knowledge_panel/) The kit ## What we deploy concretely The tools, providers, and methods we use in our agency to build our clients' web authority. Accessible solutions that are available on the market. ### Bulk Social Profiles Creation of 100+ coherent social profiles on major platforms. This is one of the most accessible and cost-effective levers for starting to build your brand. - The more coherent and interconnected social profiles you have, the more Google detects and understands your entity. - Social profiles are displayed directly in Knowledge Panels (links to X, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) - There's no need to feed them all manually. The mere fact that they exist, are coherent, and are connected already plays a very important role in structuring the entity. - If possible, automate with AI to create a minimum of activity on each platform - Crucial coherence: same name, same description, same logo, same information everywhere - Horizontal Knowledge Panel Cards in 2025-2026 will make social profiles even more visible [SEOBuilder.com](https://seobuilder.com/) ### Wikidata item Wikidata is the structured database that Google uses DIRECTLY to power the Knowledge Graph. It's literally the language Google understands best. - Wikidata = the «technical sheet» of your entity in structured data - Google directly pulls information from Wikidata to build Knowledge Panels. - Each Wikidata entity is linked to other entities (relationships, categories, properties). - Check if you already have an entry: go to wikidata.org and search for your name or brand - This is the «machine» version of Wikipedia: if Wikipedia is for humans, Wikidata is for algorithms. - A well-filled Wikidata item significantly speeds up the appearance of a Knowledge Panel [Wikidata Provider on Legiit](https://legiit.com/SupremeSEO/get-your-companypersonal-profile-listed-on-wikidataorg) [Wikidata.org](https://www.wikidata.org/) ### Pack Wiki Links A set of links on mini-wikis and databases that Google recognizes as reliable sources for validating the existence of an entity. - Includes: CrunchBase, WikiAlpha, Fandom, and other mini-wikis recognized by Google - These sources validate the existence of the entity and strengthen the «web of trust» around your brand. - Each link is an additional «vote of confidence» in the Google ecosystem. - These mini-wikis are often among the 200,000+ sources Google uses for its Knowledge Panels. - The more consistent presences you have on these platforms, the stronger your entity becomes. [Pack Wiki Links on Legiit](https://legiit.com/SupremeSEO/combined-6-powerful-wiki-links-to-boost-rankings) ### Enterprise Knowledge Panel The creation of the famous Google sign for your business. It is the most visible and impactful element of the entire strategy. - The Knowledge Panel in 2026 is much more than a box: horizontal cards, attributes, key people, reviews, trust score - Google uses Gemini to combine multi-source descriptions (not just Wikipedia). - Do NOT launch a personal Knowledge Panel + business at the same time. It can create confusion for Google. - If the person already has a personal KG, prioritize the company KG. - Key People (leaders with their own KPs) are now displayed in the corporate panel - The change in «cohort» in the Knowledge Graph can take a year or more - A Knowledge Panel is a strategic asset: few competitors have structured it properly [Knowledge Panel on Legiit](https://legiit.com/SupremeSEO/get-a-verified-google-knowledge-panel-for-you) ### Google Business Profile (GMB) One of the most accessible ways to enter the Knowledge Graph properly and easily. Anyone can do it, even without prior fame. - GBP directly powers the Knowledge Panel and local results (Maps, etc.) - Validation can take time: sometimes 10+ days, with a possible video step - For the validation video: show the address clearly visible, the premises, an office - It's free and accessible to all businesses - A well-optimized GBP creates synergies with the rest of the strategy - We are exploring methods to accelerate and multiply the effects of GBP - The GBP is NOT a Knowledge Panel (it's a business profile that YOU create), but it contributes strongly to it - Photos, reviews, posts, and Q&As on Google Business Profile enrich the entity. [Google Business Profile](https://www.google.com/business/) Directories ![Local SEO](https://astrak.agency/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/icon-seo-local.webp) [Local SEO Agency](https://astrak.agency/en/local-seo-agency/)Capture customers searching near you Master "\[service\] + \[city\]". Calls, visits, real clients. [Book a meeting](https://astrak.agency/en/contact/) ## The distinction important Not all directories are created equal. There's a fundamental difference between classic SEO directories (backlinks) and directories that feed the Knowledge Graph and entities. ### Classic SEO Directories Relevant for backlinking, domain authority, and SEO juice. Always useful, but they do NOT work on the Knowledge Graph and Named Entity parts. Generic backlink directories Directories SEO / Web Directories Guest posting platforms PBN and private networks Niche thematic directories VS ### High-value entity directories Platforms with verification systems, an official and verified side. Google and AIs love these sources because they are reliable. [Yellow Pages – historical reference France](https://www.pagesjaunes.fr/) [Trustpilot – verified reviews, very strong reference](https://www.trustpilot.com/) [Yelp – enormous in the US, massively reused by AI](https://www.yelp.com/) [TripAdvisor – Big ref travel, well-oiled verification](https://www.tripadvisor.com/) [Mapbox Geographic data used by LLMs](https://www.mapbox.com/) [OpenStreetMap – open source mapping, geographic reference](https://www.openstreetmap.org/) [MapQuest – reference US](https://www.mapquest.com/) [OpenTripMap tourist mapping](https://opentripmap.io/) The Grail ## Wikipedia the keystone Wikipedia is a subject in itself, it's so powerful. It's the most used source by AIs and the one with the most impact on the Knowledge Graph. \#1 Most cited source by ChatGPT (47.9% of top quotes) 3% training data from GPT-3 come from Wikipedia 50% top agencies cited by AI have a Wikipedia page (Trackerly.ai) - **Location:** Wikipedia is heavily used by ChatGPT and all LLMs. ChatGPT became the number #1 source of traffic to Wikipedia in June 2025 (Similarweb). AIs consult and cite Wikipedia in real-time via RAG. - **Entity :** Having a Wikipedia page = a much stronger Knowledge Panel. Sites with a strong Knowledge Panel (including Wikipedia) tend to rank better overall. It's a signal of notoriety, legitimacy, and reliability. - **Domains Expired:** Buying back an expired domain that has a Knowledge Panel is extremely powerful. The Knowledge Panel often «survives» the change of ownership, and that's a huge competitive advantage. - **Reality:** Creating a Wikipedia page is difficult. It requires notability, independent secondary sources, and adherence to strict editorial rules. We work a lot on this in agencies with expert providers. We improve existing pages, deploy new ones, populate them, and ensure everything runs smoothly. - **Our quest:** We're fighting to create a Wikipedia page for the agency for personal branding, even without the «official» notoriety required. It's a long-term challenge but a huge strategic asset. In the meantime, Wikitia, Golden, and CrunchBase are good alternatives. - **Optimization** If you already have a page, make sure it's well-optimized. The first sentences are what Google uses for the Knowledge Panel. Add quality sources, keep the information up-to-date, and make sure you are cited in other Wikipedia articles related to your field. [WikiConsult - Wikipedia and LLM Ranking](https://wikiconsult.com/en/how-to-rank-better-in-chatgpt-using-wikipedia) [CyberNews – ChatGPT & Wikipedia](https://cybernews.com/news/chatgpt-wikipedia-google-reddit/) GEO ## Generative Engine Optimization Everything that works for the Knowledge Graph overlaps with what works in GEO. E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) signals are central to both. LLMs use RAG: they fetch sources in real-time, and these sources are exactly the ones we mentioned. #### Multi-source descriptions via Gemini Google uses Gemini to combine multiple descriptions from different sources. Wikipedia is losing weight, Google is increasingly drawing from companies' own websites. - The importance of the 'entity home» on your site is exploding - Optimize your descriptions on ALL platforms - The first sentences count enormously [Search Engine Land](https://searchengineland.com/optimize-company-google-knowledge-panel-453882) #### Essential Entity Home Your site + schema markup = your source of truth for Google and AI. It's the central page that defines your entity. - Schema markup: Organization, Person, LocalBusiness - Consistent information across all your web presences - Page «About» detailed with history, team, mission - Links to all your official profiles #### Google & Microsoft Patents Patents reveal how AIs process entities: multi-page synthesis, hierarchical graphs, authority scoring. - Google treats an entire website as a single LLM input - AI generates a synthesized «characterization» of the entity - Hierarchical structure in a parent/child graph [Patent Analysis](https://searchengineland.com/google-microsoft-patents-geo-468436) #### KP Cards 2025-2026 Horizontal Knowledge Panel Cards for businesses are new and increasingly easier to trigger. - Top rail horizontal cards = new for businesses - Right rail vertical cards = new in 2025 - Filter pills to navigate sub-entities - Key People (C-level with their own KP) #### The GEO is a team sport. SEO + content marketing + PR + social media. Signals must come from everywhere to maximize AI visibility. - Digital PR = external validation that LLMs love - LLMs favor recent and updated content - Sources with license agreements (e.g., Reddit/Google) are preferred [GEO 2026 Guide →](https://www.firebrand.marketing/2025/12/geo-best-practices-2026/) #### Wikipedia page GEO The GEO now has its own Wikipedia page. The subject has become mainstream and essential. - RAG = Retrieval-Augmented Generation - LLMs cite 2-7 domains per response - Citation authority replaces backlinks - Visibility score > organic ranking [Wikipedia GEO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_engine_optimization) Recap ![GEO](https://astrak.agency/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/icon-geo.webp) [GEO Agency](https://astrak.agency/en/geo-agency/)Be quoted by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini 60%: Some searches don't require a click. You are selected by AI. [Book a meeting](https://astrak.agency/en/contact/) ## Two systems in parallel, a major competitive advantage The Knowledge Graph is a long-term strategic asset. Very few competitors structure it correctly, and even fewer combine it with a GEO strategy. **Knowledge Graph**Strategic asset long term **Recommendations**Mentions, listicles, Reddit, forums **GEO**Prepare for the future generative AI **Wikipedia**The grail of authority for AI ### Sources & Useful Links [Visual Capitalist / Semrush – Most Cited Domains](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-the-most-cited-websites-by-ai-models/) [Profound – 30M citations ChatGPT / AIO / Perplexity](https://www.seroundtable.com/chatgpt-google-aio-sources-39578.html) [Ahrefs – Top 100 Domains Cited By ChatGPT](https://ahrefs.com/blog/most-cited-domains-in-chatgpt/) [Goodie – 5.7M citations, top 50 domains](https://higoodie.com/blog/most-cited-domains-in-llms) [Search Engine Land – Optimizing Your Corporate KP](https://searchengineland.com/optimize-company-google-knowledge-panel-453882) [Search Engine Land – Knowledge Panel Guide](https://searchengineland.com/guide/google-knowledge-panel) [Search Engine Land – Google/Microsoft Patents and GEO](https://searchengineland.com/google-microsoft-patents-geo-468436) [WordStream – How to Get a Knowledge Panel](https://www.wordstream.com/blog/google-knowledge-panel) [Link Juice Club – 2025 Knowledge Panel Guide](https://linkjuiceclub.com/blog/google-knowledge-panel-guide/) [WikiConsult - Wikipedia and LLM Ranking](https://wikiconsult.com/en/how-to-rank-better-in-chatgpt-using-wikipedia) [Perrill – Why Reddit is cited by LLMs](https://www.perrill.com/why-is-reddit-cited-in-llms/) [Press Gazette – Reddit top cited domain](https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/reddit-claims-top-spot-as-most-cited-domain-in-ai-generated-answers/) [CyberNews – ChatGPT Wikipedia, AIO Reddit](https://cybernews.com/news/chatgpt-wikipedia-google-reddit/) [Statista – Top web domains cited by LLMs](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1620335/top-web-domains-cited-by-llms/) [Wikipedia – Generative Engine Optimization](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generative_engine_optimization) [Firebrand – GEO Best Practices 2026](https://www.firebrand.marketing/2025/12/geo-best-practices-2026/) [Reddit - How to Get a Google Knowledge Panel](https://www.reddit.com/r/GrowthHacking/comments/wrs6jj/how_to_get_a_google_knowledge_panel/) [SEOBuilder – Social Profiles](https://seobuilder.com/) [Legiit - Wikidata Item](https://legiit.com/SupremeSEO/get-your-companypersonal-profile-listed-on-wikidataorg) [Legit – Pack Wiki Links](https://legiit.com/SupremeSEO/combined-6-powerful-wiki-links-to-boost-rankings) [Legiit - Knowledge Panel](https://legiit.com/SupremeSEO/get-a-verified-google-knowledge-panel-for-you) [Kalicube – Brand SERP optimization](https://kalicube.com/) [RLYL – Top 100 Tech Media Sources for AI](https://www.rlyl.com/uk/tech-media-sources-for-chatgpt-2/) **ASTRAK** astrak.agency Léo Poitevin's newsletter ## SEO and GEO that really work, every week Tests, client data and field feedback, read by more than 5,500 people. 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