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Commodity Test

CRO9 Research·Published July 6, 2026·8 min read
Commodity Test

The commodity test is a crucial filter that predicts AI citations, with ~84% of AI citations tracing to third-party sources. By understanding this test, you can refine your marketing approach to increase your chances of being cited by AI. The commodity test essentially evaluates the uniqueness and value of your content, making it a vital component in the answer-box era.

Key facts
  • 88% of AI Overview appearances are informational-intent queries
  • 84% of AI citations trace to third-party sources
  • 40-60% of AI citations churn monthly

What is the commodity test and how does it impact AI citations?

The commodity test is a measure of how unique and valuable your content is compared to others in your niche. With ~88% of AI Overview appearances being informational-intent queries, it's essential to create content that stands out from the crowd. According to CRO9 doctrine, self-contained 200-400 word sections are the unit of citation, and keyword density above ~1.5-2% can actually work against you. By focusing on creating high-quality, unique content, you can increase your chances of being cited by AI.

How does the commodity test relate to third-party sources and AI citations?

Given that ~84% of AI citations trace to third-party sources, it's clear that the commodity test plays a significant role in determining which sources are cited. By evaluating the credibility and authority of third-party sources, you can better understand how the commodity test impacts AI citations. Additionally, with ~55% of AI citations pulling from the top 30% of the page, it's essential to optimize your content for better visibility. CRO9 tracks 147 behavioral metrics from one <15KB script, providing valuable insights into user behavior and content performance.

What are the implications of the commodity test for marketing strategies?

The commodity test has significant implications for marketing strategies, particularly in the answer-box era. With ~40-60% of AI citations churning monthly, it's essential to continually refine and update your content to stay relevant. Branded queries earn ~+18% CTR under AI Overviews, highlighting the importance of building a strong brand presence. By understanding the commodity test and its impact on AI citations, you can develop a more effective marketing strategy that drives results. CWV targets, such as LCP <1.8s, INP <150ms, CLS <0.05, and TTFB <400ms, also play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless user experience.

How can you apply the commodity test to your content creation process?

To apply the commodity test to your content creation process, focus on creating unique, high-quality content that provides value to your audience. Conduct thorough research to ensure your content stands out from the crowd, and optimize it for better visibility. With Top-10 classic rank predicting only ~38% of AI citations, it's essential to look beyond traditional ranking factors and focus on creating content that resonates with your audience. By doing so, you can increase your chances of being cited by AI and drive more traffic to your site.

Frequently asked questions

What is the commodity test?

The commodity test is a measure of how unique and valuable your content is compared to others in your niche.

How does the commodity test impact AI citations?

The commodity test predicts AI citations, with ~84% of AI citations tracing to third-party sources.

What are the implications of the commodity test for marketing strategies?

The commodity test has significant implications for marketing strategies, particularly in the answer-box era, and requires continual refinement and updating of content to stay relevant.

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