Score 2 points for each item you can confirm with evidence. Score 1 if partially true. Score 0 if absent or unclear. A reliable signal requires honest answers — not aspirational ones.
Firm name is identical across website, LinkedIn, Clutch, DesignRush, and all active directories
One-sentence descriptor is locked and identical across all platforms — same words, same order
Core differentiation language is consistent across all touchpoints
Organisation schema markup is implemented and validated on the website
Firm has been cited or featured in at least 1 relevant trade publication in the last 12 months
At least 1 team member has a speaking record at a recognised industry event or conference
Firm has a byline, guest contribution, or cited piece on a respected external platform
A Wikipedia or equivalent authoritative reference entry exists — where applicable to firm scale
At least 2 published methodology essays exist that directly answer questions clients type into AI assistants
At least 1 case study exists with specific, verifiable outcomes named — not just aesthetic results
Published content uses the exact language clients use to search — not internal agency jargon
Each published piece names the firm's methodology or framework explicitly and consistently
At least 3 LinkedIn recommendations name a specific outcome rather than general praise
Google Reviews reference specific services or named results — not only star ratings
At least 1 published client testimonial includes the problem faced and the outcome achieved
A discovery question is in place at first contact: how did you find us, and did you use an AI assistant to search?
LinkedIn and Instagram carry a consistent, specific intellectual point of view across recent posts
Posts name the firm's methodology or framework at least once per month
No conflicting brand descriptions appear across any active platform
Content is argument-led, not engagement-led — posts make a claim, not a request for attention
Scoring Key — 2 pts confirmed · 1 pt partial · 0 pts absent
32–40
Ahead of most firms. Next step is deepening authority and machine trust.
18–31
Foundation exists. Gaps will limit discoverability as AI search matures.
0–17
Significant visibility risk. The audit comes before any new content investment.