Microsoft Copilot is an AI chatbot that differs from Bing’s generative search feature. It uses machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) to generate summarized results presented in a conversational tone. It runs on the same intelligence as ChatGPT, providing access to the latest information, current events, and attributions. It offers many features, including advanced voice mode and an option for uploading and generating images.

Below, discover how you can optimize your website and webpages to get indexed and appear in Microsoft Copilot’s results.

How Does Microsoft Copilot Build an Index?

Microsoft Copilot uses a similar process to Bing to build an index of pages that appear on the AI assistant’s search results page. The indexing process typically follows these steps:

1. Crawling: Microsoft Copilot uses a crawler to discover new and updated pages to add to its search index. The crawler uses an algorithm to decide which pages to crawl and how often to crawl them.
2. Indexing: The crawled information is sent to Microsoft Copilot, analyzed by other algorithms, and added to the tool’s index. The platform indexes entire websites, blog posts, research articles, images, videos, and more types of content.
3. Ranking: Once pages are indexed, Copilot leverages algorithms to generate results by matching users’ search queries with third-party web pages in the index. Microsoft continually updates its algorithm to display the most relevant, comprehensive, and valuable results for searchers.

What is a Semantic Index on Microsoft Copilot?

The corporate data map combines indexes of user keyword searches to provide more information about an organization. The semantic index enables the AI assistant to locate and fetch the most accurate and relevant data requested by users.

It also enables the assistant to provide contextually relevant information instead of every result relating to a keyword search. The Semantic Index for Copilot provides an enhanced search experience by:

• Using a Microsoft Graph Connector to integrate external data sources with your corporate data map
• Utilizing plugins, like OpenAI plugins, to optimize real-time API-based data retrieval
• Ensuring connectors and plugins follow Microsoft’s comprehensive security and compliance guidelines

What Indexing Factors Does Microsoft Copilot Consider?

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the process of optimizing your website and content so that it’s indexed and can appear as results on AI search engines like Microsoft Copilot. The main indexing factors that determine if you’ll appear on Microsoft Copilot search results pages include:

1. Domain Authority
   Domain authority refers to the measure of a website’s credibility and influence. Microsoft Copilot considers it among the top-ranking factors. With a good domain authority of 85 to 100, Microsoft Copilot is highly likely to index and rank your website well.

One of the most effective ways to increase domain and page authority and your chances of getting indexed on Microsoft Copilot is by consistently creating unique and relevant content that provides users with value.

That’s not enough, though. You must go the extra mile to promote your content to other reputable websites to earn backlinks. Avoid the high-reputation sites in your industry that everyone is already cold pitching to because your request may get lost among the thousands of requests.

Send personalized outreach emails to “smaller” yet authoritative names in your industry, and be patient. It may be a while before you hear back.

2. User Engagement
   Microsoft Copilot considers an organization’s reputation when indexing websites. Building an online reputation involves strategically acquiring reviews, ratings, and mentions, which are valuable trust signals.

You can make it easier for website visitors to engage with your website by optimizing it in the following ways:

• Implementing a simple website layout and ensuring easy navigation
• Using eye-catching colors and leaving ample white space
• Ensuring your website is mobile-friendly and accessible
• Including clear and distinct calls-to-action

3. Content Relevance
   The AI assistant prioritizes indexing and ranking pages that produce relevant and accurate information. For example, this comprehensive guide to learning English uses clear categorization and internal linking, making it highly valuable for users and AI indexing.

So, it helps to regularly update your content to ensure its relevance and usefulness years after initial publication. Microsoft Copilot aims to provide users with comprehensive results that reflect all possible search intents.

4. Voice Search Optimization
   Microsoft Copilot has a voice mode that allows users to request responses using voice searches. With the voice mode, users receive more natural and conversational responses based on the emotional and non-verbal cues they pick up in the user’s voice.

You can optimize your website and content for voice search to increase your chances of being indexed on Microsoft Copilot by:

• Optimizing for long-tail keywords because people tend to use longer sentences when searching with voice
• Including a frequently asked question (FAQ) section with concise answers and target keywords to increase your chances of appearing on relevant AI search results
• Optimizing for local search engine optimization (SEO) by integrating your location and address details on your website and Google Business Profile listing
• Ensuring your website is mobile responsive because most voice searches happen on smartphones and smart speakers

FAQs About Getting Indexed on Microsoft Copilot

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Microsoft Copilot:

1. How do I access Microsoft Copilot?
   You can access Microsoft Copilot in a number of ways:

• Launch the Copilot app from the Start menu on your taskbar
• Find it on the home tab of different Microsoft 365 apps, like Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Access it on the web at https://copilot.microsoft.com/

2. Is Microsoft Copilot free?
   Microsoft Copilot is available in both free and paid versions. Individuals can access the free version with numerous basic features, including summarization of web pages and documents, image creation, and commercial data protection.
3. What is Microsoft Copilot Pro?
   Microsoft Copilot Pro is a subscription-based model that utilizes the latest AI models. It provides access to new features and fast response times. You can use your Microsoft Copilot Pro to supercharge your productivity within Microsoft 365 without a separate subscription.

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