What is SEO for AI?
SEO for AI is the expanded practice of search optimization that covers both traditional Google/Bing rankings and AI platform recommendations. It recognizes that modern search is no longer just about ranking pages - it's about being recommended by AI.
The dual challenge
Marketers now need to optimize for two systems simultaneously: traditional SEO (keywords, backlinks, technical optimization) and AI visibility (brand authority, sentiment, third-party validation). Many tactics serve both - authoritative content, media coverage, structured data - but AI requires additional signals like reviews and consistent brand positioning.
Key difference from traditional SEO
Traditional SEO optimizes individual pages for specific keywords. SEO for AI requires optimizing your entire brand presence, because AI evaluates you holistically using signals from across the internet, not just your website.
Why both matter
Google still drives significant traffic, and AI Overviews now appear above organic results. A complete strategy addresses both search rankings and AI recommendations.