Search results now often start with an AI-generated summary, and more people are asking ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini directly instead of typing into a search box. Being clearly understood by these systems is becoming as important as ranking in classic results.
Google's AI Overviews now answer many queries before a person ever scrolls to a traditional listing, and tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity are increasingly used to research options and shortlist businesses directly.
None of this replaces classic SEO — it sits on top of it. A site still needs solid technical health and on-page content; AI SEO adds the extra layer of structure and clarity that helps AI systems summarise and cite that content accurately.
Content structured so Google's AI Overviews can summarise it accurately.
Clear, direct answers placed early on the page, not buried in long copy.
The same schema markup used for classic SEO also helps AI systems parse a page correctly.
Business name, services, location and contact details stated plainly and consistently.
Headings and lists that make it easy to pull a clean, correct snippet.
The same information across your site, Google Business Profile and other listings.
Reviewing how tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini currently describe your business.
Technical and on-page SEO fundamentals remain the foundation this is built on.
Optimising a website so it is easily understood, summarised and referenced by AI-powered search tools such as Google's AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity and Gemini, alongside traditional search engines.
No, it builds on the same technical and on-page SEO fundamentals. AI systems and classic search engines both need a clear, well-structured, accurate site to work from.
No specific placement or citation in any AI tool's answers is ever guaranteed. The focus is on making a site as clear and accurate as possible for these systems to reference.
No, any business with a website can benefit, since AI tools already pull from smaller business sites and directories when answering local and service-based questions.
Let's look at how AI tools currently describe your business and what can be improved.