AI Search Optimisation

A complete guide to getting your website cited by AI

What is AI Search Optimisation?

AI search optimisation (AI SEO) is the process of making your website attractive to AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google's AI-powered search. The goal isn't just visibility — it's being cited as a trusted source when AI answers user questions.

The AI Search Landscape

Several AI platforms are changing how people find information:

  • ChatGPT — OpenAI's conversational AI with web browsing
  • Perplexity — AI-powered answer engine with citations
  • Claude — Anthropic's AI with strong research capabilities
  • Google AI — AI Overviews and Gemini integration in search
  • Copilot — Microsoft's AI assistant with search integration

AI Search Optimisation Checklist

Content Optimisation

  • [ ] Write comprehensive, in-depth articles
  • [ ] Include specific data, statistics, and numbers
  • [ ] Use expert quotes with proper attribution
  • [ ] Create original insights and analysis
  • [ ] Update content regularly with fresh information
  • [ ] Structure content with clear headings (H1, H2, H3)
  • [ ] Write quotable passages that can stand alone

Author & Brand Authority

  • [ ] Create detailed author bio pages
  • [ ] Include author credentials and expertise
  • [ ] Link author profiles to their professional profiles
  • [ ] Build consistent brand presence across platforms
  • [ ] Earn mentions from authoritative sources
  • [ ] Demonstrate industry expertise through content

Technical Optimisation

  • [ ] Ensure fast page load speeds (under 3 seconds)
  • [ ] Make site mobile-friendly
  • [ ] Use semantic HTML5 elements
  • [ ] Implement proper schema.org markup
  • [ ] Add JSON-LD structured data
  • [ ] Configure robots.txt to allow AI crawlers
  • [ ] Consider creating llms.txt file
  • [ ] Ensure SSL/HTTPS is enabled

Platform Presence

  • [ ] Optimise LinkedIn company page
  • [ ] Create and optimise YouTube channel
  • [ ] Set up GitHub organisation (if applicable)
  • [ ] Maintain active social profiles
  • [ ] Get listed in industry directories
  • [ ] Pursue press coverage and interviews

Advanced AI Optimisation Strategies

Entity Optimisation

AI systems understand the world through entities. Help them understand yours:

  • Use consistent brand name and logo across all platforms
  • Create a Wikipedia page (if notable enough)
  • Get listed in Wikidata
  • Maintain consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information

Structured Data Best Practices

  • Organisation schema with logo, url, and sameAs links
  • Person schema for content authors
  • Article schema for blog posts and news
  • FAQ schema for question-answer content
  • LocalBusiness schema (if applicable)

Content Types That Get Cited

  • Original research — Data and insights you generate
  • Expert interviews — Quotes from recognised professionals
  • How-to guides — Practical, actionable tutorials
  • Industry analysis — Expert commentary on trends
  • Tool comparisons — In-depth comparisons with data
  • Statistical roundups — Curated data and statistics

Common AI SEO Mistakes to Avoid

  • Keyword stuffing — AI ignores content that reads unnaturally
  • Thin content — AI prefers comprehensive coverage
  • Anonymous content — Always attribute to experts
  • Blocking AI crawlers — Don't disallow AI in robots.txt
  • Ignoring E-E-A-T — Experience and expertise are crucial
  • No structured data — You're invisible without schema

Measuring Your AI Optimisation

Track your AI search optimisation progress with SearchScore:

  1. Get your baseline AI visibility score
  2. Identify lowest-scoring categories
  3. Implement targeted improvements
  4. Re-score after 2-4 weeks
  5. Repeat until you reach AI-Ready status

Start Your AI Search Optimisation

Check your current AI visibility score and get a personalised action plan.

Get Your Free Score

Related Topics