SEO for AI

In 2026, SEO for AI (often referred to as Search Everywhere Optimisation) encompasses two primary disciplines: using AI tools to improve traditional search rankings and optimising your own content to be cited by AI search engines and agents.

1. Optimizing Content for AI Discovery (GEO & AEO)

To ensure your content is "ingested" and cited by AI engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews, you must use Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO):

• Structured Information: Use clear content hierarchies with descriptive H2/H3 headings phrased as natural questions. AI agents often skip JavaScript and look for clean HTML or Markdown.
• Direct Answers: Place concise, factual answers to core questions early in your text (ideally the first 100 words) to increase the likelihood of being featured in snippets or AI summaries.
• AI-Ready Protocols: Implement llms.txt files and Schema Markup (JSON-LD) to help AI crawlers accurately interpret pricing, specifications, and reviews.
• E-E-A-T & Proprietary Data: AI tools prioritise unique insights and first-hand data over "repackaged" information. Injecting original research and personal experiences makes your content more "quotable".

2. AI-Powered SEO Workflows

By 2026, over 58% of SEO professionals have integrated generative AI into their daily tasks to scale production:

• Keyword Research: Tools like Ahrefs and Semrush use AI to identify niche long-tail keywords and emerging topics that traditional methods might miss.
• Technical Audits: Use automated platforms to instantly identify broken links, slow-loading pages, and duplicate content across large site portfolios.
• Content Optimisation: Tools like Surfer SEO and Clearscope provide real-time suggestions on content length, semantic keywords, and readability to match top-ranking competitors.

3. Measuring Success in the AI Era

Traditional "blue link" rankings are no longer the only metric. In 2026, success is measured by:

• AI Presence Rate: The percentage of target queries where your brand appears in AI-generated responses.
• Citation Authority: How frequently your site is cited as the primary source for an answer.
• Share of AI Conversation: Your "semantic real estate" compared to competitors in chatbot dialogues.

Jamie