AI is changing everything, and search is no exception.
More and more, consumers are asking questions directly to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity instead of typing keywords into Google. For business owners and marketers, this shift raises a critical question: What does it take to show up in an AI tool’s search results?
We already know that not all content carries equal weight. Just as Google has long prioritized credible, authoritative sources, AI models are also drawing heavily from platforms they trust. Reddit threads, YouTube tutorials, Wikipedia entries, and established media outlets are among the most common citations. For small and mid-sized businesses, that can feel daunting. But the good news is that there are clear, actionable steps you can take to make sure your business doesn’t get left behind.
Trust Matters More than Ever
AI tools are designed to lean toward content that signals authority, accuracy, and real-world relevance. In practice, this means your website needs to demonstrate EEAT: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.
Author bios with verifiable credentials, consistent brand representation, and clear sourcing of claims all help. AI is looking for signals that show you know what you’re talking about, and that others recognize your expertise too.
Structure Is Key
Even the best content can get overlooked if it’s not structured in a way that AI can easily process. Clear headings, subheadings, and well-organized sections help generative search engines identify and summarize the right parts of your content.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is also becoming increasingly important. It’s about formatting your content so AI tools can extract quick, reliable answers. This means publishing FAQs, providing concise definitions, and making sure your posts fully resolve common questions.
Build Visibility Everywhere
AI search evaluates not just your site, but your overall reputation across the web. If your brand is being mentioned in credible publications, featured in podcasts, or referenced in industry reports, those signals strengthen what’s known as your “entity strength.” The stronger your entity, the more likely AI will recognize you as a relevant source.
This is where GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) comes in as a bigger-picture strategy. It focuses on building topical authority, strengthening your brand identity across platforms and sources, and ensuring consistency across all your content so that, over time, AI engines see you as a go-to expert in your niche.
AI Is the New Search Standard
Being cited in AI search is the new version of being on Page 1 of Google. To get there, your content must have authority, structure, and visibility. If you can produce those three things consistently, AI engines will start recommending your business when potential customers are looking for help.
Are you ready to incorporate AI into your digital marketing strategy? Our team is ready to help! Check out our free downloadable guides, and contact us today for a free consultation.
COGO Interactive is an award-winning digital marketing agency specializing in strategic web design, SEO, lead generation, and digital marketing for service-based businesses. Based in Northern Virginia, we help clients in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and across the country grow their online presence and attract more qualified leads.
