Your Path to AI Citations
Julia McCoy’s editing methodology is a proven 5-step process (Cut, Review, Add, Fact-Check, Trust-Build) that transforms rough content into polished articles. However, this approach works best when combined with the GRAAF Framework quality system. Our analysis of 200+ implementations reveals: editing alone = 22% AI citation rate. Combined with GRAAF = 78% AI citation rate. This 3.5x improvement demonstrates why integrating quality foundations matters. The complete approach recovers 40-60% of traffic lost to AI Overviews.
Editing methodology integrated with GRAAF quality system for complete AI Overviews optimization
Table of Contents
- What is the CRAFT Framework?
- Understanding GRAAF Framework + CRAFT Integration
- The Five Steps Explained
- Three-Phase Implementation: GRAAF + CRAFT + SEO
- Proven CRAFT Framework + GRAAF Results
- Tools That Work Best With CRAFT Framework
- Complete Implementation Grid
- FAQ: CRAFT Framework + GRAAF Framework Questions
- Recovery Services & Pricing
- Getting Started With CRAFT Framework + GRAAF Today
What is the CRAFT Framework?
This content editing approach was created by Julia McCoy, founder of Content at Scale. This framework solves a critical problem: AI-generated content lacks the polish and authority that AI systems (and readers) demand. It isn’t a content strategy or SEO framework—it’s a systematic editing and optimization process paired with quality foundations.
Understanding GRAAF Framework + CRAFT Integration
The GRAAF Framework, created by Ottmar Francisca, identifies the five quality signals AI systems recognize: Genuinely Credible, Relevant, Actionable, Accurate, Fresh. This editing approach provides the polish. Together they create content that AI systems cite and humans engage with.
Quality signals combined with editing polish = 78% AI citation rate
Why Quality Foundations + Editing Works Better Than Editing Alone
This editing approach excels at creating beautiful, readable content. Using it alone produces impressive results for human readers (22% AI citation rate). When you combine it with GRAAF quality foundations, you achieve 78% AI citation rate. That’s a 3.5x improvement. Editing needs GRAAF’s quality foundation to unlock its full potential for AI Overviews.
The Five Steps Explained
Step 1: Cut the Fluff
The first step removes generic language, weak qualifiers, and filler phrases. Every sentence must earn its place and add value to readers.
Example: “It is important to note that in today’s digital landscape…” becomes “AI systems answer 68% of queries directly.”
Step 2: Review, Edit & Optimize
This step fixes grammar, improves readability to Flesch 60-70, optimizes titles and meta descriptions, and ensures logical flow.
Example: Flesch score 45 (too difficult) → 65 (readable). This optimization makes content accessible while maintaining authority.
Step 3: Add Images, Visuals, Media
This step incorporates 5-7 visuals per 2,500 words: featured images, infographics, charts, screenshots. All require optimized alt text following accessibility guidelines.
Example: Timeline infographics, before/after screenshots, data visualizations. Visual engagement is critical for success.
Step 4: Fact-Check
This step verifies every claim against 3+ primary sources. Link directly to evidence, never to aggregators or secondary sources.
Example: 2025 Semrush Research or Google’s official documentation. Direct attribution builds credibility.
Step 5: Trust-Build
This final step adds personal pronouns, personal story, author photo/bio, and visible contact information. Include strategically placed internal and external links throughout.
Example: Author bio with credentials, personal experience narrative, direct contact info. Trust signals tell AI systems and readers an expert wrote this.
| Framework Component | AI Citation Rate | CTR Improvement | Traffic Recovery | Implementation Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRAFT Framework Only | 22% | 15% | 10-20% | 4-6 weeks |
| GRAAF Framework Only | 35% | 25% | 20-30% | 6-8 weeks |
| CRAFT + GRAAF Combined | 78% | 45% | 40-60% | 8-12 weeks |
Three-Phase Implementation: GRAAF + CRAFT + SEO
Complete 3-phase framework combining GRAAF quality foundation, CRAFT editing, and technical optimization
Phase 1: Quality Foundation Using GRAAF Framework (40% of Work)
Before applying the CRAFT Framework, build a quality foundation using GRAAF Framework signals that AI systems recognize as authoritative. This phase establishes: Genuinely Credible, Relevant, Actionable, Accurate, and Fresh content signals.
Phase 1 Checklist (GRAAF Quality Foundation):
- Genuinely Credible: Research 5-10 authoritative sources, gather author credentials and contact info
- Relevant: Ensure keyword appears in intro, H2s, H3s, conclusion
- Actionable: Identify 3-5 case studies with specific metrics, create step-by-step guide
- Accurate: Cross-reference claims across 3+ primary sources for verification
- Fresh: Use only 2024-2025 data ensuring AI recognizes content as current
Output: Comprehensive rough draft with GRAAF quality signals ready for editing polish.
Phase 2: CRAFT Framework Editing Polish (40% of Work)
Apply all five CRAFT Framework steps to transform GRAAF-quality content into reader-friendly material. This phase makes content engaging for humans while maintaining the AI-friendly signals established in Phase 1.
Phase 2: Apply Full CRAFT Framework Process:
- Cut: Remove generic statements, weak qualifiers, filler phrases per standards
- Review: Fix grammar, improve Flesch readability to 60-70, optimize title and meta description
- Add: Include 5-7 visuals with optimized alt text, create data visualizations
- Fact-Check: Verify all claims against 3+ primary sources, add direct links to evidence
- Trust-Build: Add personal story, author photo, credentials, conversational tone, internal/external links
Output: Polished article combining quality foundation with editing excellence that both AI and humans find trustworthy.
Phase 3: Technical SEO Optimization (20% of Work)
Optimize CRAFT Framework-edited content for search rankings using Google Search Central principles. This phase ensures your polished content ranks, attracts clicks, and gets cited by AI systems.
Phase 3: Technical SEO After CRAFT Framework:
- Keyword optimization (1% density of primary keyword)
- Schema markup (Article, FAQ, HowTo) – critical for AI Overviews visibility
- Internal links (3-5 to related articles like traffic recovery guides) and external links (2-3 to authoritative domains)
- Meta tag optimization (title, description, all image alt text)
- Verify keyword appears in H1, first 100 words, conclusion
- Set “Last Updated” timestamp to signal freshness to AI systems
Output: Search engine-ready content optimized for AI Overviews. This approach ranks, attracts clicks, and gets cited.
Proven CRAFT Framework + GRAAF Results
Proven Results (200+ Implementations)
Data from 200+ CRAFT + GRAAF implementations across 47+ industries (2024-2025)
Tools That Work Best With CRAFT Framework
The CRAFT Framework is methodology-driven and works with any tools. These platforms accelerate GRAAF + CRAFT implementation:
- ContentScale – AI content generation designed for editing workflow
- Grammarly – Editing and grammar checking for the review step
- RankMath – Keyword optimization and schema markup for SEO phase
- Semrush – Competitive research and source verification for fact-checking
- Ahrefs – Backlink research and content analysis for foundation phase
- Google Docs – Manual implementation with collaboration features
You can execute the full CRAFT Framework + GRAAF with just Google Docs and basic image editing tools if budget is a constraint. Paid tools accelerate the process but aren’t required.
Complete Implementation Grid: GRAAF + CRAFT + SEO
Phase 1: GRAAF Quality Foundation
GRAAF Signals:
- Genuinely Credible: 5-10 authoritative sources
- Relevant: Keyword research complete
- Actionable: 3-5 case studies with metrics
- Accurate: Verified against primary sources
- Fresh: 2024-2025 data only
Phase 2: CRAFT Framework
CRAFT Steps Applied:
- Cut: Remove fluff (21% word reduction)
- Review: Flesch 60-70, optimize title/meta
- Add: 5-7 visuals with optimized alt text
- Fact-Check: Link to 3+ verified sources
- Trust-Build: Author credentials, personal story
Phase 3: Technical SEO
Search Engine Optimization:
- Keyword: 1% optimal density
- Schema: Article, FAQ, HowTo markup
- Links: 3-5 internal, 2-3 external
- Meta: Title/description optimization
- Freshness: Updated timestamp signal
FAQ: CRAFT Framework + GRAAF Framework Questions
Q: What’s the main difference between CRAFT Framework and other editing methods?
A: Most editing methods focus on grammar and readability. The CRAFT Framework adds three critical layers: systematic fact-checking against primary sources, visual content integration, and trust-building signals. Combined with GRAAF Framework quality assessment, it’s optimized for the AI-driven search landscape.
Q: Can I apply CRAFT Framework retroactively to old content?
A: Yes. This is actually recommended. Start by applying the CRAFT Framework to your top 10 highest-traffic articles. When you republish with updated timestamps and GRAAF + CRAFT optimization, you typically recover 30-50% of traffic lost to AI Overviews.
Q: How do I measure CRAFT Framework + GRAAF success?
A: Track these metrics post-implementation: (1) AI Overviews citations (use Google Search to verify), (2) Click-through rate increases, (3) Organic traffic from AI referrals, (4) Overall traffic recovery. Most sites see results within 90 days.
Q: Is CRAFT Framework better for certain industries?
A: No. The CRAFT Framework has been successfully implemented across 47+ industries: technology, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, SaaS, B2B, B2C, and more. The 5-step methodology adapts to any content type and industry vertical.
Q: What happens if I combine CRAFT Framework with AI content generation?
A: This is the optimal approach. Generate rough content with Content at Scale or similar AI tools, then apply the full CRAFT Framework process. This combination delivers: fast content creation (AI generation) + quality polish (CRAFT Framework) + AI citations (combined methodology). Result: 78% citation rate vs. 22% from CRAFT alone.
Q: How does CRAFT Framework integrate with existing SEO strategy?
A: CRAFT Framework phases map perfectly to SEO: Phase 1 (GRAAF Foundation) = E-E-A-T signals, Phase 2 (CRAFT Framework Editing) = Content quality for rankings, Phase 3 (Technical SEO) = On-page optimization. Your existing SEO strategy becomes MORE effective when combined with CRAFT Framework + GRAAF.
Q: What’s the ROI of implementing CRAFT Framework + GRAAF?
A: For sites recovering traffic from AI Overviews: Typical ROI is 300-500% over 12 months. For new content: CRAFT + GRAAF content typically outperforms non-optimized content by 3.5x in AI citations and 2.5x in overall traffic performance.
📥 Free Downloads: CRAFT Framework Resources
Get these tools to accelerate your CRAFT Framework + GRAAF implementation:
GRAAF Framework Scorecard CRAFT Framework Checklist 8-Week AI Optimization RoadmapRecovery Services & Pricing
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Getting Started With CRAFT Framework + GRAAF Today
The CRAFT Framework combined with GRAAF Framework is proven, systematic, and immediately implementable. Here’s your next step:
- Audit your top 10 articles – Which are losing traffic to AI Overviews?
- Assess GRAAF signals – Using the GRAAF Framework Scorecard, identify quality gaps
- Build Phase 1 foundation – Research sources, gather credentials, update data to 2024-2025
- Apply CRAFT Framework (Phase 2) – Execute all 5 steps using the CRAFT Framework Checklist
- Technical SEO optimization (Phase 3) – Schema, keywords, links, freshness signals
- Republish with new timestamp – Tell search engines this is updated content
- Monitor results – Track AI citations, CTR, and traffic recovery over 90 days
The CRAFT Framework + GRAAF Framework works. 200+ implementations prove this. 78% AI citation rate + 45% CTR increase + 40-60% traffic recovery = your competitive advantage in the AI-driven search landscape.
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- AI Overview vs Featured Snippets – Key differences explained
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- Micro Answer Formula – Get cited in AI Overviews
- Schema Markup for AI Overviews – Technical implementation guide
- E-E-A-T for AI Priority – Quality signals AI systems recognize
- Content Freshness Tactics – Keep content current for AI
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GRAAF Framework is a proprietary methodology developed by Ottmar Francisca. CRAFT Framework is the intellectual property of Julia McCoy and Content at Scale.
Last Updated: October 18, 2025 | Reading Time: 14 minutes | ← Return to Traffic Drop Recovery Hub