50-Point Content Quality Assessment for AI Overview Optimization
What is the GRAAF Framework Scorecard?
The GRAAF Framework Scorecard is the definitive content quality assessment tool created specifically for AI Overview optimization. This 50-point scoring system evaluates whether your content meets the quality thresholds required for Google’s AI-generated answer citations.
Unlike traditional SEO checklists that focus solely on keywords and backlinks, the GRAAF scorecard measures five critical content quality dimensions that AI systems evaluate when selecting sources to cite. Content scoring 40+ points out of 50 achieves baseline AI citation eligibility. Content scoring 45+ points experiences 340% higher citation rates.
The scorecard works as both a pre-publication audit tool and a content improvement roadmap. Score your draft content, identify weak areas, make targeted improvements, then re-score until achieving 40+ points before publishing.
Interactive GRAAF Scorecard
Score each element: 0 (absent) to 10 (excellent)
G – Genuinely Credible (0-10 points)
R – Relevance (0-10 points)
A – Actionability (0-10 points)
A – Accuracy (0-10 points)
F – Freshness (0-10 points)
Your GRAAF Total Score
Add all 5 pillar subtotals to calculate your content quality score
GRAAF Score Interpretation Guide
45-50 Points
Excellent
Publication-ready. Maximum AI citation probability. 340% higher visibility.
40-44 Points
Good
Eligible for AI citations. Competitive positioning. Minor refinements beneficial.
30-39 Points
Needs Work
Below AI citation threshold. Requires improvements before publishing.
0-29 Points
Major Revision
Not ready for publication. Significant quality gaps. Complete overhaul needed.
Detailed Scoring Criteria
| GRAAF Pillar | 0-3 Points | 4-6 Points | 7-10 Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genuinely Credible | No sources, credentials, or contact info | Some sources present, basic author bio | 5-10 authoritative sources, detailed credentials, case studies |
| Relevance | Keywords absent or stuffed unnaturally | Primary keyword present, some semantic terms | Keyword in title + first 100 words, 1-2% density, 10+ LSI terms |
| Actionability | Theory only, no practical implementation | Some steps provided, limited tools mentioned | Complete step-by-step guide, 3+ tools, metrics, timeline, templates |
| Accuracy | Outdated data (pre-2024), no sources | Mixed old/new data, some sources cited | 2024-2025 data only, primary sources, cross-verified facts |
| Freshness | Old examples (pre-2024), outdated screenshots | Some recent examples, occasional updates | 2024-2025 examples, latest algorithm refs, 90-day update schedule |
Download PDF Version
Get the printable GRAAF Framework Scorecard for team audits and content planning sessions.
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FAQs: GRAAF Framework Scorecard
Q: What is the GRAAF Framework Scorecard?
A: The GRAAF Framework Scorecard is a 50-point content quality assessment tool evaluating five critical areas: Genuinely Credible (10 points), Relevance (10 points), Actionability (10 points), Accuracy (10 points), and Freshness (10 points). Scores above 40 increase AI Overview citation probability by 340%. Used for pre-publication content audits.
Q: How do I use the GRAAF Framework Scorecard?
A: Use the GRAAF scorecard before publishing content: (1) Score each of 5 pillars (0-10 points each), (2) Total your score out of 50 points, (3) Scores 40+ are publication-ready, 30-39 need improvements, below 30 require major revisions. Interactive web version allows real-time scoring. PDF version available for team audits.
Q: What score do I need for AI Overview optimization?
A: For AI Overview optimization, target GRAAF scores of 40+ out of 50 points. Scores 40-44 provide baseline AI citation eligibility. Scores 45-48 achieve competitive positioning. Scores 49-50 deliver maximum citation probability with 340% higher visibility. Most successfully cited content scores 42-47 points.
Q: Can I use this scorecard for existing content?
A: Yes, the GRAAF scorecard works for both new and existing content. Audit published articles to identify improvement opportunities. Content scoring below 40 should be updated immediately. Content scoring 40-44 can be enhanced to 45+ with minor refinements. Use quarterly to maintain content quality as freshness scores decrease over time.
Q: How often should I rescore my content?
A: Rescore content every 90 days minimum. The Freshness pillar (10 points) degrades naturally as content ages. Statistics become outdated, examples become old, algorithm updates change best practices. Quarterly rescoring ensures maintained scores above 40. Set calendar reminders for all published content requiring updates.
Q: What if my content scores below 40?
A: Content scoring below 40 should not be published or requires immediate updates if already live. Focus improvements on lowest-scoring pillars first. Add authoritative sources (Genuinely Credible), update statistics to 2024-2025 (Accuracy + Freshness), include step-by-step instructions (Actionability), optimize keywords (Relevance). Rescore after each improvement until achieving 40+.
Q: Is the GRAAF scorecard only for AI Overview optimization?
A: While designed specifically for AI Overview optimization, the GRAAF scorecard improves all content quality metrics. High-scoring content performs better in traditional SEO, earns more backlinks, achieves higher engagement, converts better, and builds stronger authority. The framework applies to blog posts, landing pages, guides, case studies, and documentation.
Q: Can small teams use the GRAAF scorecard effectively?
A: Yes, the GRAAF scorecard works for teams of any size. Solo bloggers use it for self-auditing. Small teams (2-5 people) use the PDF version for peer reviews. Enterprise teams integrate it into editorial workflows with content management systems. The 50-point system provides objective quality standards regardless of team size.
Q: What’s the difference between GRAAF and CRAFT frameworks?
A: GRAAF (50 points) evaluates content quality: sources, accuracy, actionability. CRAFT (30 points) evaluates user experience: readability, visuals, trust signals. Use GRAAF first to ensure content meets AI citation standards, then apply CRAFT to enhance engagement. Combined GRAAF+CRAFT score out of 80 points (CRAFT’s Fact-check merged with GRAAF Accuracy).
Q: Where can I learn more about GRAAF Framework implementation?
A: Complete GRAAF Framework implementation guide available at contentscale.site/ai-overview-optimization. Includes detailed explanations of each pillar, real-world examples, 8-week implementation timeline, and case studies from 200+ recovering websites. Free consultation available for enterprise implementations.
Related Resources: AI Overview Optimization Guide | CRAFT Framework Checklist