What is Perplexity?
TL;DR
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that uses retrieval-augmented generation to answer questions with cited sources.
Definition
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that uses retrieval-augmented generation to answer questions with cited sources. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity provides synthesized answers with footnotes linking to source websites.
Why It Matters
Perplexity represents a new category of search engine where being cited as a source is the primary way to gain visibility. Businesses that create authoritative, well-structured content are more likely to be retrieved and cited by Perplexity.
Examples
- A user asks Perplexity 'best roofing company in Calgary' and gets a synthesized answer citing 3-4 roofing companies with explanations
- Perplexity citing a dental clinic's blog post about implant costs in its answer about dental pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Perplexity AI?
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that uses retrieval-augmented generation to answer questions with cited sources. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity provides synthesized answers with footnotes linking to source websites.
How do I get cited by Perplexity?
Create authoritative, well-structured content with clear answers to common questions. Implement schema markup, build topical authority, and ensure your content is semantically clear. Perplexity retrieves and cites content that directly answers user queries.
Is Perplexity important for local businesses?
Perplexity represents a growing category of AI-powered search. Being cited as a source in Perplexity answers drives visibility and trust. Businesses with comprehensive, authoritative content are more likely to be retrieved and cited for relevant queries.
Related Terms
