Should you build pages for best-of and list intent even if users do not ask that way? | Trakkr Research
Yes. AI turns a meaningful share of vague prompts into list-like and best-of retrieval queries, so pages that already match that structure are easier for models to find and cite.
Methodology: Built from 11,521 captured prompt-to-query pairs observed in OpenAI web search calls, with 100% search-query coverage in the sampled dataset.
Direct Answer
Yes. AI turns a meaningful share of vague prompts into list-like and best-of retrieval queries, so pages that already match that structure are easier for models to find and cite.
What this means
This answer matters because it turns a study finding into an operating rule teams can use when they decide what to publish, refresh, or measure next. Content strategies must account for AI rewriting behavior to maintain visibility.
Evidence table
| Metric | Value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| List-format conversion | 20.13% | 2,319 rewrites added list framing. |
| Best-of conversion | 20.21% | 2,328 rewrites added best-of framing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do AI models add list framing to user prompts?
AI models added list framing to 20.13 percent of queries, representing 2,319 rewrites in the study.
What is the conversion rate for best-of framing in AI rewrites?
The best-of conversion rate is 20.21 percent, accounting for 2,328 rewrites that added best-of framing.
What to do next
- Write for the query the model is likely to search, not just the wording a human might type first.
- Add current-year, format, and category framing where it genuinely helps the page answer the query.
- Make sure competitor and category language is present when the model is likely to inject it during retrieval.
Related pages
Continue through the same study cluster.
- why do models rewrite so heavily before they search - Related answer page
- does ai prefer expanded queries over shorter ones - Related answer page
- ai adds location context in thirteen percent of rewrites - Related fact page
- query transformation severity tracker - Related tracker page
Data & Sources
- How AI Translates Your Questions - Flagship study behind this page
- Page JSON - Machine-readable companion file