Retrieval
Definition
Retrieval is the step where an AI search system selects and pulls relevant documents from the web or a search index before generating an answer.
Plain English
It's the "go find the sources" step. No sources, no grounded answer.
Why it matters
- If your pages aren't discoverable, you won't be cited.
- Retrieval strongly influences which brands appear at all.
- Index coverage becomes part of the strategy.