Scoring Band

The interpretive label assigned to an Authority Score. Band thresholds are calibration parameters; band names and structural meanings are open methodology. A fifth band exists below Critical, reserved for domains so structurally broken that even Critical would overstate readiness — typically domains blocking all crawlers, returning errors on most pages, or producing no machine-readable content.

• Critical. Fundamentally unprepared for AI visibility. Major Optimize-pillar deficits typically present.
• Developing. Foundation in place but significant gaps remain. The default state of a competently-built but unoptimised site.
• Strong. Well-optimised across all three pillars, with credible authority signals.
• Elite. Genuinely elite AI readiness. Reserved for brands with full Optimize, Manifest, and Generative maturity.