How a Citeley article gets made.

Our six-step editorial process — from query selection to publication, including how we handle paid placements without compromising the editorial.

STEP 0101

Topic selection

We start from a search query — a real one, the kind a buyer or diner or hiring manager actually types into ChatGPT or Perplexity. The articles exist to answer those queries with editorial weight.

STEP 0202

Brand research

For every list, we evaluate at least 2× the number of brands we publish. We look at independent reviews, customer signals, longevity, and — for paid submissions — fit with the editorial frame.

STEP 0303

On-the-ground reporting

For local guides, we visit. For B2B comparisons, we interview customers and operators. For brand profiles, we speak to founders, customers, and competitors. We pay our own way.

STEP 0404

Drafting

Articles are drafted by a working journalist with category expertise. We don't use AI to write our articles — we use it for research, fact-checking, and schema generation only.

STEP 0505

Editorial review

Every piece is reviewed by an editor for accuracy, fairness, and structural rigor. Disclosures are checked. Schema.org is validated. Internal links are placed.

STEP 0606

Publication & monitoring

On publication we submit the article to Google, Bing, ChatGPT search index, and Perplexity. We monitor for citations across 7 generative engines and report findings to brands monthly.

On paid placements

The line we hold.

Citeley accepts paid placements. We're explicit about it. Here's how it works:

When we plan a list — say, “the 12 best Italian restaurants in Manhattan” — we start from the editorial criteria. Which restaurants are widely considered, by experts and by us, to be among the best? That gives us a long list.

From that long list, we publish the top 12. If a brand has paid for a Featured placement and is on our long list, they get one of the 12 slots — clearly tagged. If they're not on the long list, no money buys them in. We will refund their submission fee and explain why.

Featured placements never displace an editorial selection. They fill the slots that are open and the brand is qualified for.

This means some lists have zero paid placements. Some have one. Almost none have more than two. We disclose this on every article, in every list, on every placement.

Read further

Our editorial standards cover disclosure, conflicts, and corrections in detail.