By Rennette Fortune, AI Marketing Strategist & Fractional CMO

Yesterday, a friend updating their website asked me to help find “better keywords.”

It made me pause and ask a bigger question:

With everyone using ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, are customers even typing brands into Google anymore?

We’re entering a new era of search—one powered by artificial intelligence (AI) instead of traditional keywords.
People are no longer “searching”; they’re asking—and AI assistants are answering.

According to a 2025 BrightEdge study, brands are mentioned 3x more often in ChatGPT-style prompts than they are formally cited.
Meanwhile, Yext research found that 86% of AI citations come from brand-managed sources—your website, listings, and published content.

So, it’s not just about ranking anymore.
It’s about being part of the conversation AI has when someone asks for a solution like yours.

If your brand isn’t showing up inside those AI answers, you’re invisible in the new search.

1. Strengthen Your Brand-Owned Sources

The first step toward improving AI search visibility is ensuring your foundation is strong.

AI assistants rely on trustworthy, structured, and consistent data.
That means your website, Google Business Profile, and LinkedIn presence need to tell the same story—clearly, accurately, and in a format AI can understand.

Action Steps for AI SEO Strategy

Audit your website. Every page should clearly state what you do, who you help, and where you’re located.
Use structured data (schema markup). This helps search engines and AI tools understand your business.
Add FAQs. These mimic natural questions AI models are trained to answer.
Keep your business listings accurate. Mismatched details weaken your digital credibility.

Pro Tip:
If AI can’t read your content, it can’t recommend your brand.
Start by making your data clean, clear, and consistent.

2. Publish Expertise That Gets Cited

AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity rely on public web content to build their knowledge base.
If you create clear, factual, and updated content that answers specific questions, your brand becomes part of the dataset AI draws from.

Action Steps for AI Brand Optimization

Write short, informative posts that solve niche problems for your audience.
Example: “Best AI tools for real estate agents in Florida.”
Use question-based subheadings (like this one).
Include stats, examples, and quotes that increase the chance of being referenced.
Keep content updated every 90 days—AI models prioritize freshness.

Pro Tip:
Use tools like AlsoAsked, AnswerThePublic, or Semrush Topic Research to find what your audience is really asking.
Then answer it directly—clearly, conversationally, and in plain English.

By aligning your content to real-world questions, you increase your AI brand discoverability while maintaining strong Google SEO performance.

3. Be Quoted and Referenced Across the Web

AI doesn’t just read your website, it studies your reputation footprint.
When you’re mentioned on credible websites, podcasts, and media outlets, it signals that you’re a trusted source.

That’s how you build AI authority.

Action Steps

Pitch short insights or expert quotes to journalists using Help a Reporter Out (HARO) or Qwoted.
Partner with local associations or small-business networks to co-author blog posts or guides.
Guest on niche podcasts or webinars where your ideal clients listen.

Each of these creates digital citations, which AI uses to confirm you’re a reliable expert.

Pro Tip:
Focus on quality mentions, not quantity.
A few high-authority links carry more weight than dozens of low-quality ones.

4. Why This Matters for Small Businesses

For small businesses, this shift to AI-driven discovery is an equalizer.
You don’t need a massive ad budget to win—you just need structure, expertise, and visibility.

This evolution from Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to AI Visibility Optimization (AIO) rewards:
-Clear brand messaging
-Structured data and consistent listings
-High-quality, question-based content

If you focus on those, your brand won’t just rank—it will be recommended.

Key Takeaways

–Optimize your owned sources. Clean, structured data increases AI readability.
–Create expert content that answers real questions. Specificity beats volume.
–Earn credible mentions online. Reputation builds AI trust.

If you apply these three principles, your business will show up not just in Google, but in the AI-driven conversations shaping the future of marketing.

Because now, the goal isn’t just traffic, it’s AI trust.

About Rennette Fortune

Rennette Fortune is an AI Marketing Strategist and Fractional CMO who helps small businesses scale smarter with AI. A former VP of Marketing managingmillions in annual revenue, Rennette helps founders automate workflows, sharpen strategy, and turn data into growth.

👉 Work with Rennette → Book a Strategy Call

FAQ

1. Is traditional SEO still relevant in 2025?
Yes, but it’s evolving. Keywords still matter, but context, credibility, and structure now drive AI visibility.

2. How can I check if my brand appears in AI search?
Ask ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity your target queries and see if your business appears.

3. What’s AI Visibility Optimization?
It’s the next generation of SEO, making your brand recognizable and trustworthy to AI systems, not just search engines.

4. How often should I update my content for AI ranking?
Refresh key pages every 90 days. Both Google and AI reward fresh, relevant content.

5. Do small businesses really need AI SEO strategies?
Absolutely. AI search levels the playing field—smaller brands can now compete through clarity, expertise, and smart automation.

Will Your Brand Show Up in AI Search? 3 Ways to Make Sure You Don’t Miss Out on AI Search Visibility