What is AI search optimization? +
AI search optimization is the practice of getting your brand cited by AI models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok, and Google AI when users ask questions relevant to your business. It requires strong SEO fundamentals first, then a layer of citation architecture, entity clarity, and structured content that AI retrieval systems extract from.
Which AI model should I optimize for first? +
Start with ChatGPT and Perplexity. They account for the largest share of AI search queries in most verticals. Build the SEO foundation that all models rely on, then add model-specific signals. Grok is worth prioritizing if your audience is active on X. We track all major platforms and advise based on where your specific buyers are searching.
How is this different from regular SEO? +
SEO targets ranked pages in a search index. AI search optimization targets brand citations in AI-generated answers. The foundation is the same: domain authority, content depth, and technical health. AI search adds entity clarity, FAQ schema, citation architecture, and review management as additional layers. We run both together because one compounds the other.
Do I still need SEO to show up in AI search? +
Yes. AI models cite brands with domain authority. Pages that don't rank on Google don't get cited by AI either. The brands appearing in AI answers are the same brands winning in organic search. We build the SEO foundation first because the GEO layer won't hold without it.
How long until we see results? +
Butcher's Hook saw their first ChatGPT-attributed sales within two weeks of starting a GEO retainer. AetherHaus began seeing AI citations within weeks of hitting position one on Google for their primary keyword. Timeline depends on your current domain authority and content depth. Brands with strong SEO fundamentals move faster.
How do you measure AI search success? +
We track brand citations across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot monthly. Metrics include citation frequency, query coverage, sentiment accuracy, and competitive share of voice in AI answers. We report these alongside organic rankings and traffic so you see both channels compounding together.
Which AI platforms do you cover? +
We optimize for 10 AI platforms: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok, Google AI Overviews, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, Meta AI, You.com, and Bing AI. Each platform has distinct retrieval signals. We build model-specific pages for the highest-priority platforms and cover the full set through our SEO-first foundation.
Is this relevant for local businesses? +
Yes. Users ask AI models local queries constantly: best sauna in Vancouver, top plumber near me, recommended restaurant downtown. AetherHaus, a local wellness brand, saw AI citations appear within weeks of ranking number one on Google for cold plunge Vancouver. Local SEO authority directly translates to local AI citation frequency.