What is Share of Model (SOM)?

Definition & overview

Share of Model is a practitioner-defined measure of brand presence across a chosen sample of AI answers. In Mushbloom’s LLMboost work, it is used to compare visibility across a documented query set; it is not a universal engine-provided score.

Analogy & mental model

It is a survey of which brands are mentioned in a selected set of conversations, not a census of every answer.

State the prompts, engines, dates, sample size and whether you count mentions or linked citations.

Why Share of Model (SOM) matters

A documented sample can reveal whether a brand appears in relevant AI answers. Without a clear denominator, reported percentages can be misleading. The most useful measurement distinguishes accurate citations from superficial mentions and ties observations to commercially relevant questions.

Practical business example

An agency measures which sources appear in a repeatable set of buyer questions and separately reports inaccurate recommendations rather than counting them as positive visibility.

Illustrative scenario, not a client case study or promised result.

How Share of Model (SOM) works

1. Define the engines, prompts, dates, repeat runs and comparison brands.
2. Classify each answer using explicit rules for mentions and linked citations.
3. Report the numerator and denominator alongside context and sampling limitations.

Core components & mechanisms

• Fixed sampling plan
• Classification rules
• Transparent reporting

There is no universal engine-provided SOM score; results depend heavily on the sample and classification.

Share of Model (SOM) vs Market share

Market share refers to commercial participation in a defined market. Share of Model refers to presence in sampled answers and is not a sales or revenue measure.

Frequently asked questions

What does Share of Model (SOM) mean?

Share of Model is a practitioner-defined measure of brand presence across a chosen sample of AI answers. In Mushbloom’s LLMboost work, it is used to compare visibility across a documented query set; it is not a universal engine-provided score.

How is it different from Market share?

Market share refers to commercial participation in a defined market. Share of Model refers to presence in sampled answers and is not a sales or revenue measure.

What is a sensible first step for a small business?

State the prompts, engines, dates, sample size and whether you count mentions or linked citations. Define the engines, prompts, dates, repeat runs and comparison brands.

What limitations should I keep in mind?

There is no universal engine-provided SOM score; results depend heavily on the sample and classification.

Sources & further reading

Original Mushbloom explanation and illustrative examples. References support the underlying topic, not every business recommendation. Check current documentation before implementation.

Turn the concept into a practical decision

Discuss your website or business workflow before choosing tools or implementation. Start with the problem, approved information and appropriate human oversight.

No rankings, AI citations or commercial outcomes are guaranteed.