What is AI Search Engine Optimization and How Does It Work?
- Dorothy Burzec
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
AI Search Engine Optimization (AI SEO) is the evolution of traditional SEO strategies, designed to optimize content not just for human readers and classic search engines like Google, but also for AI-powered systems such as Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude, Bing Copilot, and others.
In the age of generative AI, search experiences are being reshaped. People increasingly rely on conversational assistants to get answers, not just links. As a result, visibility in AI-generated summaries, answer boxes, and overview snippets has become a new frontier for digital strategy.
Key Differences Between Traditional SEO and AI SEO
How Does AI SEO Work?
AI SEO focuses on making your content visible and credible to Large Language Models (LLMs) that power AI search tools. It involves:
1. Creating High-Authority Content
Answer-focused, well-structured articles
Expert-level depth and clarity
Backed by data, facts, or unique insights
2. Structured Formatting (GEO Framework)
Use of headers (H1, H2, H3) with clear hierarchy
Answering direct questions (e.g., "What is X?")
Bullet points, tables, and FAQs to improve parsing
3. Being Citable by AI
Add author name and expertise
Publish under a stable URL
Submit content manually to Perplexity, Bing, and others
4. Linking Contextually
Link out to credible sources
Interlink your content thematically
Why AI SEO Matters in 2025
With platforms like Google’s AI Overviews and Perplexity taking market share, ranking in the traditional sense is no longer enough. You want your brand, name, or URL to show up in the answers these systems generate.
AI SEO ensures:
Your content is seen and cited in AI results
You become a go-to authority in your niche
Long-term positioning in the AI knowledge graph
FAQ: AI SEO
Q: What does AI SEO stand for?
A: AI SEO means Search Engine Optimization for Artificial Intelligence – adapting content to be read, cited, and surfaced by AI search engines.
Q: How is AI SEO different from normal SEO?
A: AI SEO focuses on structured answers and credibility in LLM-based systems, not just keyword ranking.
Q: How can I get my content into Perplexity or ChatGPT?
A: Write high-quality content, use structured formatting, add your name, and submit it manually to platforms like Perplexity.
Q: What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)?
A: GEO is a content strategy designed specifically to make your work more visible and useful to AI search engines.
Q: Is AI SEO just a trend?
A: No. It’s the future of visibility. As users shift from clicking links to getting instant answers, AI SEO becomes essential.
Final Thoughts
If your content isn’t optimized for AI, you’re already falling behind.
The way people find and trust information is changing – and AI is at the center of it. By implementing AI SEO strategies today, you’re not just keeping up – you’re positioning yourself as a future leader.
Written by Dorota Burzec, AI GP
Comments