Before you can improve, you need to know where you stand. This 15-minute audit reveals your current AI visibility.
Why Self-Assessment Matters
Many expert witnesses assume their online presence is adequate. They have a LinkedIn profile, perhaps a directory listing or two. They've been working for decades.
But assumptions aren't data. This audit replaces guessing with knowing.
Set aside 15 minutes. Follow each step honestly. Your score reveals whether you're AI-visible, invisible, or somewhere in between.
Question 1: Can Google Find You Properly?
The Test:
Open Google in an incognito/private window. Search for your exact name in quotes plus "expert witness":
"Your Full Name" expert witness
What to Look For:
- Do you appear on the first page of results?
- Is the information about you (not someone else with your name)?
- Are the results current and accurate?
- Do results include your specific expertise area?
Scoring:
- ✅ First page, accurate, current, expertise visible = 2 points
- ⚠️ First page but outdated or incomplete = 1 point
- ❌ Not on first page or wrong person appears = 0 points
Question 2: Does AI Know You Exist?
The Test:
Open ChatGPT (free version works) or Perplexity. Ask:
"Who are leading [your specific expertise] expert witnesses in [your state/region]?"
Make the query specific to your specialty and location.
What to Look For:
- Are you mentioned by name?
- If not, who is mentioned—and what do they have that you don't?
- Does AI acknowledge the query or say it doesn't have information?
Scoring:
- ✅ You're mentioned with accurate details = 2 points
- ⚠️ You're mentioned but with errors = 1 point
- ❌ Not mentioned at all = 0 points
Question 3: Do You Have Structured Data?
The Test:
Go to Google's Rich Results Test (search "Google Rich Results Test"). Enter the URL of any webpage featuring your professional profile (your EWI profile, LinkedIn, personal website).
What to Look For:
- Does it show structured data detected?
- What types are present? (Person, Organization, Article?)
- Any errors or warnings?
Scoring:
- ✅ Rich results detected with Person or professional schema = 2 points
- ⚠️ Some structured data but incomplete or errors = 1 point
- ❌ "No rich results detected" = 0 points
Question 4: Do Your Credentials Verify?
The Test:
Visit every online profile where you're listed. Click every link to publications, media appearances, institutional affiliations, and credentials.
What to Look For:
- Do all links work?
- Do they lead to the actual content (not paywalls, 404 errors, or wrong pages)?
- Is the linked content clearly about you?
Scoring:
- ✅ All links work and verify claims = 2 points
- ⚠️ Some links broken or behind paywalls = 1 point
- ❌ Most links broken or no verification links exist = 0 points
Question 5: Is Your Information Consistent?
The Test:
Compare your profiles across platforms:
- Expert directories
- Personal website
- Professional association listings
What to Look For:
- Is your expertise described the same way?
- Are years of experience consistent?
- Are credentials listed identically?
- Are job titles aligned?
Scoring:
- ✅ Consistent information across all platforms = 2 points
- ⚠️ Minor discrepancies (different wording, same meaning) = 1 point
- ❌ Conflicting information (different dates, credentials, titles) = 0 points
Calculate Your Score
Add your points from all five questions:
| Score | Assessment | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 9-10 | AI-Visible | You're ahead of most experts. Focus on optimization and maintenance. |
| 6-8 | Partially Visible | Foundation exists but gaps need addressing. Focus on weak areas. |
| 3-5 | Mostly Invisible | Significant work needed. Multiple factors limiting your discoverability. |
| 0-2 | AI-Invisible | Urgent attention required. You're missing opportunities daily. |
What Most Experts Score
Based on typical profiles, most expert witnesses score between 2-4 points. This isn't a personal failure—it reflects an industry that hasn't adapted to AI discovery.
The opportunity is in the gap. While competitors remain invisible, you can become discoverable.
Your Next Steps Based on Score
Score 0-2: Start with the Basics
Focus on completing and optimizing your profile with accurate, specific information.
Score 3-5: Fill the Gaps
Address structured data and verification link issues.
Score 6-8: Strengthen Credibility
Add verifiable credentials and build thought leadership content.
Score 9-10: Maintain and Expand
Continue monitoring and add new credentials as they develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I do this audit regularly?
Yes. Quarterly audits catch changes before they become problems. AI systems evolve, links break, and competitors improve.
What if I score low on everything?
Start with Question 4 (fixing broken links) and Question 5 (creating consistency). These are quickest to address and create immediate improvement.
Can I automate any of this?
Some tools monitor for broken links automatically. For the AI test (Question 2), periodic manual checking is still necessary as AI responses change over time.
