Self-promotional listicles still get cited — that doesn't make them smart

Self-promo listicles — 'best tools' posts that crown the author's product — remain visible in AI citations. In a 12-week software-review study, roughly one in ten citations came from that pattern. ChatGPT ran much lower (~4%) than Google AI Mode and Perplexity (~10–11%). No clear systemic clampdown showed in that window.

Still not recommended

• Reputational risk as buyers get savvier
• Algorithmic risk SEO leaders have warned about for years
• Better ROI from third-party listicles and real reviews

Anny helps you see when competitors lean on self-promo sources — and when earned placements move your metrics instead.