# Introduction (/docs)



## What is Elmo? [#what-is-elmo]

Elmo is an open source **Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)** platform. It monitors how AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google AI Overviews mention your brand in their responses.

Unlike proprietary alternatives, Elmo is fully self-hosted — you own your data, control your infrastructure, and can customize everything.

## Key Features [#key-features]

* **AI Visibility Tracking** — Monitor your brand's presence across ChatGPT, Claude, and Google AI Overviews
* **Citation Analysis** — See which sources AI models cite when discussing your brand
* **Competitor Intelligence** — Track how competitors appear in AI responses
* **Prompt Management** — Configure and track prompts relevant to your brand with an AI-powered wizard
* **Automated Reports** — Generate comprehensive AI visibility reports
* **White Label** — Deploy under your own brand with full multi-org support

## How It Works [#how-it-works]

Elmo runs as a Docker Compose stack on your infrastructure. Once running, it periodically queries AI models with your configured prompts and tracks how they mention your brand, competitors, and cited sources over time.

## Next Steps [#next-steps]

<Cards>
  <Card title="Quick Start" href="/docs/getting-started">
    Install the CLI and get Elmo running in minutes.
  </Card>

  <Card title="User Guide" href="/docs/user-guide">
    Walk through the complete setup — from brand creation to visibility tracking.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Developer Guide" href="/docs/developer-guide">
    Configure your deployment, hit the API, or contribute to Elmo.
  </Card>
</Cards>