Top 5 Things to Do to Generate AI Search Results

The future of search isn’t just about keywords—it’s about AI-driven answers. With generative AI search engines like Google’s SGE, Perplexity, and ChatGPT Search changing the way people discover information, businesses must evolve their SEO strategies. Instead of focusing only on ranking in traditional blue links, brands now need to understand how to optimize for AI search results that deliver direct, conversational, and context-rich answers.

Here are the top five things you can do today to generate visibility in AI search results:

1. Optimize Content for Conversational Queries

AI search engines pull from content that sounds natural, helpful, and user-focused. Instead of just targeting short-tail keywords, create content that answers real questions people ask:

  • Use long-tail, conversational phrases (“What’s the best way to…”).

  • Build FAQ sections that mimic natural speech.

  • Structure blog posts around problem/solution formats.

By anticipating how users phrase queries in AI-driven environments, your content is more likely to be surfaced.

2. Strengthen Your Topical Authority

Generative AI engines look for trusted sources when building answers. To build topical authority:

  • Create a hub-and-spoke content model (pillar pages + supporting blogs).

  • Earn high-quality backlinks to establish credibility.

  • Regularly update older posts to stay relevant.

When AI tools see you consistently publishing accurate, expert-level content, your chances of being cited in AI results increase dramatically.

3. Implement Structured Data and Schema Markup

AI search systems need structured context to understand your site. By adding schema markup, you can:

  • Highlight products, reviews, FAQs, and events.

  • Give AI engines machine-readable signals about your content.

  • Increase the likelihood of being featured in rich snippets or AI-generated summaries.

Structured data is like giving AI search engines a roadmap—it helps them “read” your content more efficiently.

4. Focus on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Google and other AI-driven engines prioritize content that demonstrates E-E-A-T. To strengthen your credibility:

  • Add author bios with credentials.

  • Reference reputable studies, data, or industry leaders.

  • Encourage reviews and testimonials that reinforce trust.

AI search relies on identifying trustworthy voices—and if your brand is established as a reliable expert, you’re more likely to be pulled into answers.

5. Create Multi-Format, AI-Friendly Content

AI search isn’t limited to text. Generative systems are learning to analyze and pull from images, videos, and audio. To maximize visibility:

  • Include short explainer videos in your posts.

  • Optimize images with descriptive alt text and captions.

  • Repurpose content into multiple formats (blogs → videos → infographics).

The more formats you provide, the more opportunities you give AI search to include your brand in diverse results.

Final Thoughts: AI Search Optimization Is the New SEO

The shift from traditional search engines to AI-powered results is already underway. By focusing on conversational content, topical authority, structured data, credibility, and multi-format assets, your brand can stay ahead of the curve and ensure visibility in generative search experiences.

If you’re serious about future-proofing your SEO strategy, start implementing these five steps today. The businesses that adapt fastest will be the ones most visible in the age of AI search optimization.

Jonathan Barnett

Jon is an industry vet with extensive experience across multiple verticals. His client experience includes global brands like Instagram, Molson Coors, Kraft Heinz Co. and Microsoft, as well as a number regional banks and credit unions.

As a client leader, Jon has a keen ability to see around corners. He’s an active and attentive listener who is easy to work with and has a knack for solving complex business problems with simple, creative solutions.

But after over a decade at some of the industry’s top agencies, Jon realized there was an opportunity to shake up the old agency model. And thus, the Barnett Brand Co. was born.

https://barnettbrandco.com
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