<\/p>\n
Traditional search engine optimization is fundamental to visibility on generative AI platforms.<\/p>\n
Large language models query Google<\/a> to research topics and find answers. The result is low or unranked pages are largely invisible to platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and others.<\/p>\n Here are the top SEO tactics to elevate genAI mentions and citations.<\/p>\n To date, genAI platforms provide no prompt data. We have no definitive info on how consumers discover brands or products on those platforms.<\/p>\n Keyword research remains the primary source for how online consumers decide to buy. Third-party tools can organize keywords by intent<\/a>, offering clues for targeting prospects at every step of their research.<\/p>\n Keyword gaps<\/a> identify what\u2019s missing on a site to attract would-be customers.<\/p>\n Prompts are longer than traditional search queries and, anecdotally, wildly unpredictable. Yet higher-level keyword optimization informs content and landing pages that cater to shoppers\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n The best ecommerce content explains how a merchant\u2019s products help consumers address needs and solve problems.<\/p>\n It may generate less traffic than a few years ago, but it remains essential for product discovery. Focusing on \u201cbottom-of-the-funnel\u201d queries (a common recommendation from \u201cGEO experts\u201d) leads to fewer new customers.<\/p>\n Yes, LLMs may summarize your content and include it in an answer without referring to your company. But the content will be part of that answer as a trusted LLM solution provider, foretelling potential future recommendations.<\/p>\n Optimizing for buying journeys, then, includes keywords to understand shoppers\u2019 desires and relevant content for search and LLM bots to find solutions.<\/p>\n Horizontal site architecture (wherein pages aren\u2019t buried) and internal links ensure bot crawlability and long-tail ranking<\/a> opportunities.<\/p>\n Clear architecture helps LLMs understand a business and correctly place its products in the training data.<\/p>\n Optimized site navigation is:<\/p>\n LLMs\u2019 use of authority signals, such as backlinks, remains unclear. Nearly a year ago I speculated<\/a> on Reddit that Gemini and AI Mode rely on PageRank at least indirectly. Whether that includes backlinks, however, is a mystery.<\/p>\n Yet backlinks, brand mentions, and co-citations<\/a> are important for LLM visibility:<\/p>\n Such indirect LLM signals are achieved through traditional link building via journalist outreach<\/a>, being quoted as an expert<\/a>, and building connections on social media<\/a>.<\/p>\nKeyword research<\/h3>\n
Optimized content<\/h3>\n
Site architecture<\/h3>\n
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Link building<\/h3>\n
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