Comparison Page Template

Comparison queries (“[X] vs [Y]”, “best [category]”, “[product] alternatives”) are among the highest-intent, most-cited queries in AI search. When someone asks ChatGPT “Notion vs Coda which is better?” the AI needs a structured, balanced comparison to synthesize an answer. This template gives AI engines exactly what they need.

Why Comparison Pages Win in AI Search

Comparison pages are AI citation magnets because:

1. Direct query match: “[X] vs [Y]” is an extremely common AI query pattern
2. Structured data: Comparison tables are easy for AI to parse and extract
3. Decision-making value: These pages help users decide, which is AI’s core job
4. High commercial intent: Comparison searchers are close to purchasing

The Template

Page Structure

URL: /compare/[x]-vs-[y]/ or /blog/[x]-vs-[y]/
Title: [X] vs [Y]: Which Is Better for [Use Case]? ([Year])
Meta: Detailed comparison of [X] and [Y]. Covers features,
  pricing, pros/cons, and recommendations by use case.

Opening: The Direct Verdict

Start with a clear recommendation and don’t make the reader (or AI) wait:

H1: [X] vs [Y]: Honest Comparison ([Year])

[Direct verdict - 40-60 words]
State who should choose X and who should choose Y.
Be specific about use cases. Example:

"Choose [X] if you need [specific capability].
Choose [Y] if you prioritize [different capability].
For [specific use case], [X] is the better fit.
For [specific use case], [Y] wins."

Why this works: AI engines extract the opening paragraph as the primary answer. A clear, use-case-specific recommendation gets cited far more than “it depends.”

Quick Comparison Table

Immediately after the verdict, provide a scannable comparison:

| Feature | [X] | [Y] |
|---------|-----|-----|
| Best for | [Use case] | [Use case] |
| Starting price | $XX/mo | $XX/mo |
| Free plan | Yes/No | Yes/No |
| [Key feature 1] | ✅ / ❌ / Limited | ✅ / ❌ / Limited |
| [Key feature 2] | ✅ / ❌ / Limited | ✅ / ❌ / Limited |
| [Key feature 3] | ✅ / ❌ / Limited | ✅ / ❌ / Limited |
| [Key feature 4] | ✅ / ❌ / Limited | ✅ / ❌ / Limited |
| User rating | X.X/5 | X.X/5 |

Detailed Comparison Sections

For each major comparison dimension:

## [Dimension]: [X] vs [Y]

**Winner: [X or Y]** - [One sentence why]

### [X]'s Approach
[2-3 sentences on how X handles this]

### [Y]'s Approach
[2-3 sentences on how Y handles this]

### The Verdict
[Who should care about this dimension and why the winner wins]

Recommended dimensions to cover:

• Features and capabilities
• Pricing and value
• Ease of use
• Integrations
• Customer support
• Scalability

Recommendation by Use Case

This is the most cited section. AI engines love use-case-specific recommendations:

## Which Should You Choose?

### Choose [X] if you:
- [Specific scenario 1]
- [Specific scenario 2]
- [Specific scenario 3]

### Choose [Y] if you:
- [Specific scenario 1]
- [Specific scenario 2]
- [Specific scenario 3]

### Consider [Alternative Z] if you:
- [Scenario where neither X nor Y is best]

FAQ Section

## FAQ

### Is [X] better than [Y]?
[Direct answer with use-case context]

### How much does [X] cost compared to [Y]?
[Specific pricing comparison]

### Can I switch from [X] to [Y]?
[Migration/switching information]

### What do users say about [X] vs [Y]?
[Review sentiment summary with ratings]

Comparison Page AEO Checklist

• Direct verdict in first paragraph (who should choose what)
• Quick comparison table with key metrics
• Balanced coverage (acknowledge both sides’ strengths)
• Use-case-specific recommendations (not just “it depends”)
• Current pricing and feature data
• “Last updated” date visible
• FAQ section with FAQPage schema
• BreadcrumbList schema
• Internal links to detailed reviews of each product
• External links to official product sites

How Genrank Automates This

Genrank’s Answerability dimension evaluates whether your comparison pages clearly answer “[X] vs [Y]” queries. The audit checks whether your verdict is clear, your data is structured, and your recommendations are specific enough for AI to extract and cite confidently.