Search is changing fast. Instead of typing into Google, more people are asking AI-driven engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini for answers. That shift creates a new challenge for businesses: how do you make sure your website “ranks” in AI responses the same way it does in Google search results?
At Bruxley, we’ve been tracking this closely. The emerging practice is called LLM Optimization (LLMO) or Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). While the rules aren’t set in stone yet, there are clear patterns you can follow to put your business in front of AI users.
Traditional SEO Still Matters
AI tools don’t replace search engines entirely; most LLMs are still trained or augmented with data from Google, Bing, and other sources. That means your core SEO foundations still apply:
- Clean site structure, fast load speeds, and mobile-first design.
- Strong technical SEO (sitemaps, robots.txt, Core Web Vitals).
- Authoritative backlinks and citations.
If your website isn’t visible to Google, it’s not going to be visible to AI either.
Structure Your Content for AI Crawlers
AI doesn’t just skim text; it builds conversational answers. To make your site “AI-friendly”:
- Use schema.org structured data (Organization, FAQ, HowTo, Product, LocalBusiness).
- Publish content in Q&A format that mirrors the way people ask questions.
- Create definitions, glossaries, and explainer posts that LLMs can use directly.
This helps AI engines pull your content as a ready-made answer.
Focus on Entity Authority, Not Just Keywords
Traditional SEO is keyword-driven. LLM optimization is entity-driven. AI models think in terms of brands, people, and organizations.
- Make sure your brand appears consistently across the web (same name, logo, and description).
- Strengthen your knowledge graph presence through Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, Crunchbase, and Wikipedia if possible.
- posts, andEncourage external mentions: press releases, guest posts, industry directories.
When AI engines recognize your business as a trusted entity, they are more likely to use your content as an authoritative source.
Publish Source-Friendly Content
LLMs often prefer sites that can be cited:
- Include outbound links and reference credible sources.
- Publish unique data, proprietary insights, or case studies.
- Create original content that doesn’t just recycle information already online.
This makes your site more “attribution-ready” when AI engines choose which links to surface.
Build Multi-Channel Visibility
AI engines pull from more than just websites. They crawl:
- Forums like Reddit and Quora.
- Social platforms with structured metadata.
- Public PDFs, GitHub repos, and industry reports.
The more places your brand shows up, the higher your chance of being referenced in AI responses.
Show Expertise and Trust
AI systems are tuned to detect E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust).
- Add author bios with verifiable credentials.
- Include real-world experience and case studies in your content.
- Use consistent schema identifiers (organization, logo, social profiles).
The stronger your authority signals, the better your LLM visibility.
Experiment with AI-Specific Techniques
Forward-looking businesses are already testing:
- llms.txt files: Similar to robots.txt, but designed to help AI crawlers find and prioritize content.
- AI-ready sitemaps: A curated sitemap of authoritative pages for AI indexing.
- Prompt-friendly headings: Titles shaped around real user prompts (e.g., “What is the best sod for New England lawns?”).
These experimental tactics can put you ahead of the curve.
The Future of Search is AI-Driven
Think of today’s LLM optimization as SEO in the early 2000s: experimental, changing, and highly rewarding for early movers. If you make your site machine-friendly, authoritative, and reference-worthy, you’ll increase your visibility across both traditional search engines and AI-driven engines.
20-Point LLM Optimization Checklist
Technical Setup
- Maintain traditional SEO (fast load times, mobile-first, clean code).
- Add and maintain an llms.txt file.
- Create an AI-specific sitemap highlighting your most authoritative pages.
- Implement full schema.org structured data (Organization, FAQ, Product, LocalBusiness).
Content Structure
- Use Q&A formatting for common questions.
- Add glossaries, definitions, and explainers.
- Write prompt-friendly headings aligned with how people ask questions.
- Publish original research, stats, and case studies for unique data signals.
Entity Authority
- Standardize your brand name, logo, and description across all platforms.
- Strengthen your Google Knowledge Graph presence.
- Get listed in industry directories and reputable third-party sites.
- Secure mentions in press releases, news sites, and interviews.
Trust & Attribution
- Include author bios with credentials on key content.
- Cite external sources and link out to credible references.
- Add testimonials, case studies, and proof of expertise.
Multi-Channel Presence
- Build visibility on Reddit, Quora, and niche forums.
- Keep social profiles updated with structured metadata.
- Publish public PDFs, white whitepapers, or GitHub repos.
AI-Specific Practices
- Monitor whether your site is cited in Perplexity and ChatGPT Browse.
- Test and update content regularly to ensure AI systems can parse and attribute your answers.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Website?
AI-driven search is here to stay, and the businesses that adapt early will capture the most attention. At Bruxley, we specialize in blending traditional SEO with forward-looking LLM optimization strategies so your brand stays visible in both Google results and AI answers.
If you want to make sure your business is showing up where your customers are searching, contact Bruxley today to schedule a free consultation.
