The new world of AI search is rapidly changing how people search for products and services online. Google has recently rewired their search engine into ‘AI Mode’ too, which means AI SEO is finally here. So, what is AI SEO and how can your business website be selected as a cited source by AI chatbots? I explain all these confusing acronyms and what you need to know.
It’s not just about being visible on Google anymore… An increasing number of people are using their social media feeds and AI to get their questions answered. From ChatGPT and Claude to Gemini and Perplexity, these AI systems are becoming ‘go-to’ search tools for information.
Did you know that your business website can be featured in AI search tools as well as Google? And if you want your business to stay visible online, then you need to start thinking beyond traditional search engine optimisation (SEO).
Let’s explain all the geek-speak…
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. It’s a series of methods that enable your website to appear in the right search results list on Google or another search engine. It requires a combination of Technical, Off-page and On-page approaches.
Put simply, SEO involves making sure your content uses the right keywords, is easy to read, and loads quickly, etc. If you want your website to appear in the right place when people search online, there are several elements needed for each area of SEO. These elements send signals to bots or crawlers that visit your website and decide how it will appear online.
Think of SEO as a big cake. You need all the right ingredients if you want to achieve a good bake. Now, think of AI SEO as a curry with lots more ingredients and spices to achieve visibility not only on Google but across different AI and social media platforms.
What’s changed with SEO and AI?
AI SEO is the latest term to cover a couple of different areas. It’s worth noting that you still need a solid SEO foundation before you embark on strategies to be seen on AI platforms.
Firstly, there’s Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO). Think of this as making your content easy for AI tools or voice searches to read aloud. It involves producing content that gives clear and concise answers to real-life questions people are asking online. AI loves to find answers from certain websites and if you show up in the right places, you’ll increase your visibility.
Next, there’s Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). This is about structuring your content to increase the chances of your business being mentioned by AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s AI answers. GEO involves writing high-quality blog articles and content in a certain way using specific formats. And AI loves content that’s neatly laid out, factual, and easy to reuse.
AI SEO isn’t just for big brands. If you produce content in the right way, small businesses can be featured on AI platforms too. Your aim should be to become a trusted expert in your field, so those AI bots (and humans) go to your website for information.
AI SEO for small business websites
Here are a few things to consider:
- Build trust and show that you know your stuff
With more people looking for quick answers from AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s new search features, think about how you can prove your credibility. A blog is your chance to show customers you know what you’re talking about and that you’re a safe pair of hands. - Your website is your shop window
Social platforms come and go, and their rules and popularity can change overnight. Your website, however, is yours to control. You can keep a blog post working for you for years, while a social post is forgotten in a day. - Write for humans not bots!
Yes, AI can churn out text at lightning speed BUT it’s generic and you risk producing similar content to another business. Always edit your content by 50% to showcase your personality, experience, or point of view. Along with language nuances and localisation, that’s what makes your content stand out from others. Share your real-life knowledge, tips, and stories. - More than just traffic
Blogs can bring AI bots and human visitors to your website. You can repurpose articles into social media posts and use them in your email newsletters. They can help you build a library of information, so you become the trusted expert in your field. - Blogs keep bringing people back
A well-written blog can show up in Google searches for years after you’ve published it. That means your effort keeps paying off. Unlike social media trends, blogging is a slower burn, but it can deliver steady traffic to your website over time.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to increase your online visibility on AI search tools, you need to become a ‘go-to’ expert. Being featured on Google, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Perplexity involves understanding AI SEO. It also involves writing regular posts that are clear and helpful. If you want to give your business a stronger online presence, there are a whole host of methods you can use, including having profiles on certain online platforms.
So, if you’ve been putting it off for a while, it’s time to dust off that blog page on your website and start writing again. And if you’re struggling to write your content, why not ask us to do it for you or we can train you up so you can do it yourself?
For more information, read our article, Why you still need to write a blog.
Get in touch to find out more about our AI SEO workshops, training and content support.
