How to Rank in AI SEO 2025

5 min read

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Search is changing—and fast.

If you’ve been relying on the old “stuff in some keywords and wait for traffic” approach, you’ve probably noticed it doesn’t work like it used to. AI is rewriting the rules.

Chatbots like ChatGPT, Google’s new AI search (SGE), and even tools like Perplexity are spitting out answers directly on the search page. A lot of people don’t even click links anymore.

So… what does that mean for you and me? Do we just pack up our blogs and businesses? Nope. We adapt.

Why Traditional SEO Alone Won’t Cut It Anymore

Back in the day, SEO was simple: pick your keywords, optimize your titles, sprinkle in backlinks, and boom—you’re ranking. But now?

AI tools don’t just rank content, they summarize it. That means they’re pulling from websites, chunking down key info, and serving it directly to users. In fact, some sites have reported a 30%+ traffic drop because AI is doing the “explaining” for them. Ouch.

But here’s the good news: if AI pulls your content into its answer, you still get visibility. That’s where the new players come in:

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): Make your content easy to quote by writing in Q&A style.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): Create fact-rich, structured content so AI assistants can cite you directly.

Think of it like SEO’s younger, smarter siblings.

Reality Check: People Still Click Links

Here’s something most people don’t realize: AI isn’t fully replacing search (yet). Surveys show only about 3% of traffic actually goes straight to AI chatbots. Google is still king.

So what’s the move? Play both games. Keep optimizing for Google and structure your content so AI can pick it up. That way, you’re visible everywhere.

How to Adapt Your SEO Strategy for AI (Step by Step)

1. Write Like You’re Answering Questions

Instead of stuffing keywords, frame content like you’re talking to a curious friend:

Use headers like: “What is AI SEO?”, “Why does AI kill traffic?”
Summarize with short, punchy answers that AI can grab.

2. Be a Source, Not Just Noise

AI tools love data, facts, and clarity. Don’t just ramble—drop in stats, comparisons, even bullet lists. For example:

“Apple and Tesla didn’t survive multiple economic crashes by chance—they innovated, year after year.”

That’s the kind of insight AI can cite.

3. Use the Tools AI Gives Us

Yep, fight fire with fire. AI-powered SEO tools can:

Predict keywords that humans and AI are likely to use.
Spot what competitors are doing.
Help structure your content for maximum visibility.

Platforms like Wix are already rolling out features that track how often your site shows up in AI answers. That’s the future right there.

4. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in the “Google Basket”

Social media. Newsletters. Communities. Even AI assistants themselves. The smart move is to diversify your traffic. Because if you’re only relying on one channel, AI changes can wipe you out overnight.

Let’s Talk About Speed vs. Depth

Sure, you’ve heard about people getting “rich overnight” because they hacked the algorithm. But those wins rarely last.

AI and search platforms reward depth, trust, and consistency. Think Apple, Tesla, or even your favorite YouTuber who’s been posting for years. Trends fade, but core value sticks.

If people (and AI bots) can trust you as a source? That’s game over—in your favor.

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Your Action Plan for AI SEO in 2025

Structure your posts like a Q&A.
Add clear, fact-rich summaries.
Use schema markup so search engines understand your content.
Keep building for humans first—AI will follow.
Spread your content across multiple channels.

Adapt Now, Thank Yourself Later

AI isn’t the enemy. It’s just the next evolution. And the creators who adapt early? They’re the ones who’ll win.

The secret is simple: create content that’s worth quoting. AI will find it, people will trust it, and your visibility will skyrocket.

So don’t wait. Start tweaking your strategy today—and when AI SEO becomes the new normal, you’ll already be ahead.

If you found this helpful, you might also enjoy my earlier blog where I broke down SEO the traditional Google way—covering keywords, backlinks, and on-page strategies before AI started reshaping search. It’s a great companion read if you want to see how the foundations of SEO still apply, even as we adapt to AI-driven search. Be sure to check that out next!