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Written by John Rod of John Rod & Co.

If you’re a business owner or an agency, you already know that getting to the top of Google Search is competitive. Now, there’s a new twist: AI-generated Google search results. Platforms like Google’s AI Overview, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are starting to deliver direct, AI-written answers before traditional organic listings. And with a little help, you too can break into the AI section of Google.

This means you’re no longer just competing for Google’s first page (we all know the second page means you are invisible). You’re also competing for AI recommendation space, and the rules are different.

The New Google Search Algorithm Challenge: Two Battles for Visibility

For years, SEO has been about optimizing for Google’s search algorithm. You built keyword-rich content, earned backlinks, and optimized metadata. Now, large language models (LLMs) are scanning different signals: mentions on forums, inclusion in “best of” lists, consistent reviews, and complete business profiles.

If you want to appear in both Google Search rankings and the AI-generated answers, you have to adapt to both systems. PRO TIP: We used to write for keywords, now we write for the readers who are trying to solve a problem!

What is the goal? Below is a real-life example of what every company or agency can hope to achieve in our new AI filled world.

Google Search Checklist: Staying Visible in Google + AI Search

✅ Get mentioned in third-party content — forums, listicles (lists are easily digestible by AI), review sites (Yelp, Facebook, Google, Angi – formally Angies’ List).

✅ Write about your business in third person — unbiased, recommendation-style posts.

✅ Build authority content — case studies, FAQs, comparisons, and transparent pricing pages.

✅ Maximize your profiles — Google Business Profile, Bing Places, LinkedIn, Yelp, BBB, and niche directories (find the directories and fill them out, this is free and super important).

✅ Collect reviews on autopilot — Google, Yelp, Trustpilot are key. Reviews describing customer experience is what AI is looking for. Get a protocol in place to reach customers for reviews when they are “happiest”.

✅ Make content easy for AI to quote — clear, factual, human-sounding writing. Leave out the typo’s and give it a human touch! Human oversight is expected. Avoid low-effort generic content.

A Client’s Perspective

Blythe’s experience reflects the reality for many: good SEO is no longer optional—it’s the difference between being found by customers or being invisible in both Google Search and AI-generated results.

Google Search & AI Content Q&A for Business Owners

Q: Is SEO still relevant now that AI is generating search answers?
A: Absolutely. SEO ensures you’re visible in Google’s traditional rankings, but the same credibility signals help you appear in AI responses too. You should plan on having a SEO pro review what you have – like yesterday!

Q: How do I get my business mentioned in AI answers?
A: Focus on getting talked about across the web—on review sites, in listicles, and in forums. AI pulls from a wide variety of sources, not just your website. Look for SEO professionals who have experience in AI “best practices in Google Search”.

Q: Will my current content work for AI visibility?
A: Possibly, but AI prefers concise, factual, recommendation-style writing—often written in third person—rather than marketing fluff.

Google Search & AI Content Q&A for Fellow Agencies

Q: How should agencies adapt their SEO strategies for AI search?
A: Think beyond keywords. Include name-drop strategies, structured content for FAQs, and comparison pages that make clients “quote-ready” for AI tools.

Q: What’s the role of backlinks in AI SEO?
A: AI doesn’t care about follow vs. no follow—it cares that you’re mentioned in reputable places. Agencies should prioritize quality mentions over link type.

Q: Should agencies still focus on local SEO?
A: Yes—especially for service-based businesses. AI tools still look at proximity, relevance, and authority when recommending local services.

Why Does AI in SEO Matter Now?

Google is integrating AI into search faster than most businesses can keep up. The companies that adapt first—building content and visibility strategies for both Google Search and AI recommendation engines—will own the next wave of search traffic. Those that don’t will find themselves invisible in both worlds (The AI world and Search Rankings world).

The shift is already here. AI doesn’t just “crawl” like Google—it scrapes, summarizes, and selects the most trustworthy answers. Your job is to make sure your business is one of them.

Your Next Steps – Where Do I Start?

Don’t wait for your competitors to figure this out first.

Whether you’re a business owner who wants more leads or a marketing agency looking to future-proof your clients’ rankings, now is the time to adapt your SEO for both Google and AI search.

How do I get my company’s website up to speed with AI and Google Search?

Our cutting-edge digital marketing solutions help you attract the right customers, convert leads, and grow your customer base. For more information on how we can help you implement an SEO strategy and increase your ranking and visibility in search engines, connect with us here.