The Problem
Relevance Isn't Automatic
Keyword targeting alone won't guarantee your content is chosen by generative engines. Modern algorithms assess **semantic relevance** by comparing the meaning of a passage to the meaning of a queryhttps://ipullrank.com/ai-search-manual/relevance-engineering#:~:text=Elements%20of%20Relevance%3A%20Semantic%20scoring,and%20passage%20optimization. They look for clear answers, related concepts and well‑structured information. Long paragraphs that wander between topics confuse these models, while concise sections with descriptive headings stand outhttps://ipullrank.com/ai-search-manual/relevance-engineering#:~:text=What%20is%20Passage%20Optimization%3F. Additionally, many websites fail to connect related pages, making it harder for AI to interpret their overall topical authority.
The Hypothesis
Engineered Relevance Drives Inclusion
If generative search engines are selecting the most relevant passages, then **engineering relevance** becomes a strategic advantage. The hypothesis is that by organising content into focused sections, using related terms and synonyms, and strengthening internal links, you can increase the semantic score of your passages. Combined with clear formatting (headings, lists, tables) and proper citation, your passages become more likely to be retrieved and synthesised.
The Solution
Tactics for Relevance Engineering
**Focus each passage on a single idea.** Break your content into sections that answer one question or convey one concepthttps://ipullrank.com/ai-search-manual/relevance-engineering#:~:text=Elements%20of%20Relevance%3A%20Semantic%20scoring,and%20passage%20optimization. Use a descriptive heading that restates the question. Place the most important sentence at the beginning of the paragraph and support it with evidence or examples.
**Use topic clusters and related terms.** Group content around themes (e.g., benefits, pricing, comparisons) and use synonyms and semantically related phrases throughout. This helps embeddings recognise your page as relevant to multiple variants of a query. Topic clustering also aids navigation and reinforces topical authorityhttps://ipullrank.com/ai-search-manual/relevance-engineering#:~:text=Now%20that%20you%20understand%20how,take%20a%20look%20at%20those.
**Optimise your headings and lists.** Headings act as signposts for both users and AI. Use H2/H3 tags that mirror the user's question ("How do electric bikes work?"). Within the section, present key points in bullet lists or tables to make extraction easier. Add context around lists so they don't appear out of nowhere.
**Enhance internal linking.** Connect related pages with descriptive anchor text ("see our guide to e‑bike motors") to signal relationships between topics. This helps AI understand the hierarchy and breadth of your content and keeps users engaged longer.
**Avoid keyword stuffing.** Overusing the same term can weaken your vector representation and reduce readability. Instead, vary your language with synonyms and related concepts. Use natural language and explain terms in plain English.
**Include evidence and citations.** When citing statistics, studies or laws, link to reputable, non‑competitor sources. AI models favour passages with specific numbers, dates and referenceshttps://ipullrank.com/ai-search-manual/geo#:~:text=Being%20Specific%20and%20Adding%20Extractable,Data%20Points. Cite your sources inline or in a references section to build trust.