AI Search  FAQs

What is the main goal of GSO, as opposed to traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO focused on ranking for keywords to get a "click." GSO focuses on authority and inclusion. The goal is to ensure that when an AI generates a summary or answer, it cites your brand as the primary source or recommends your product. Success is now measured more by brand mentions and citations than just page position.
 

Will my organic traffic decrease because of AI search?​
Likely, yes. With "zero-click" searches rising, many users get their answers directly on the search page without visiting your site. However, the traffic you do get is often higher intent—users who click through from an AI citation are usually deeper in the funnel and ready to convert or engage.
 

How should I change the way I write my content?
AI models prioritize clarity over cleverness
- Answer first: Put the direct answer to a likely question in the very first paragraph.
- Be concise: Avoid "marketing fluff" and jargon.
- Use "Snackable" sections: Use short paragraphs and clear, question-based headings (e.g., "How do I maintain a heat pump?" rather than "Heat Pump Maintenance Tips").
 

Is "E-E-A-T" still relevant for GSO Search?

It is more critical than ever. AI models are trained to avoid misinformation, so they look for signals of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

- Action Tip: Include detailed author bios with professional credentials, link to reputable external studies, and showcase original data or case studies that a machine cannot simply "hallucinate."
 

What technical changes do I need to make to my website?

Structure is the "language" of AI crawlers. You should:
- Implement Schema Markup: Use JSON-LD (especially FAQ, HowTo, and Product schema) to "spoon-feed" data to AI.
- Check your robots.txt: Ensure you aren't accidentally blocking AI crawlers (like GPTBot or Google-Other).
- Speed matters: Fast-loading, mobile-friendly pages are still the baseline for being indexed and considered "reliable."
 

Should I stop using keywords?

No, but your focus should shift to Topic Clusters. Instead of targeting "best coffee beans," target the entire topic of "home brewing excellence." By creating a network of interlinked articles on one subject, you signal to the AI that you are a "topical authority," making it more likely to cite you as the definitive source.
 

How do I track my GSO performance?

Standard tools like Google Search Console are still useful, but you need to look at new metrics:
- Citation Share: How often is your brand cited in AI Overviews for your target terms?
- Brand Sentiment: When an AI describes your company, is the tone positive and accurate?
- Direct/Branded Search: A rise in people searching for your brand specifically suggests the AI is successfully "recommending" you.
 

Can I just use AI to write all my GSO content?

While you can use AI to help structure and optimize, "pure" AI content often lacks the unique insights and human experience that search engines now prioritize to stay relevant. To win in GSO, your content needs a "human-in-the-loop" to provide the original data, opinions, and nuance that an AI cannot generate on its own.
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