Publish Original Research and Proprietary Data
Also known as: First-Party Data Publishing, Information Gain Content, Original Studies
Conduct surveys, compile benchmarks, or release proprietary datasets that no other source offers; one 2024 study found adding statistics may help visibility in AI answers.
What is Publish Original Research and Proprietary Data?
- Impact Mechanism:
- Citation & Attribution
- Category:
- Data & Research
- Effort:
- High
- Skill needed:
- Strategy & Analytics
- Evidence level:
- Proven
How does it work?
1. Find a question without good data
Pick a question your audience asks where no current figures exist; check searches and AI answers for missing or outdated statistics.
2. Collect data with a sound method
Run a survey, analyse anonymised product data or benchmark tests yourself; record sample size, dates, questions and how respondents were found.
3. Publish findings with the method
Put the key numbers in plain page text with a methods section, date and named author; quote experts where it helps.
4. Offer the data and mark it up
Offer a CSV download and add Dataset markup (name, description, license, creator, distribution); validate it in the Rich Results Test.
5. Pitch the findings to journalists
Send the three strongest findings with a chart to reporters and newsletters in your field; independent coverage spreads and confirms the numbers.
6. Track who cites your numbers
Search for your headline statistic and ask AI tools about the topic; note who cites it, and refresh the study every year.