LLM Optimization: how to rank in AI-driven search
LLMO is all about gaining visibility for your brand inside AI-generated responses from Large Language Models (LLM) like Gemini, Perplexity and ChatGPT.
It's like the evolution of SEO.
- SEO helps you show up on search engine results.
- LLMO helps you get cited or mentioned in an AI-generated response.
The difference is rather than getting ranked for a blue link in Google search results page (SERP), you are now trying to be a part of the actual answer that the AI is giving. In this new model, being included in this response does not mean higher visibility, but it means you are the answer.
AI search is changing how people find information. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity are not just giving you links but they are giving you answers. The main question now is how do you optimize for large language models (LLM)?
Why this matters
If you are an agency, brand or content creator this shift will change everything about how you create or measure success with your content.
Here is the trend we are seeing right now:
- People are asking the AI tools directly without search in Google Words
- Writers are asking how do they, "write" so LLMs pick it up
- Brands are seeing in AI answers, competitors are creators in AI replies but they are not
Writing Tips for LLM’s
Here’s the list of things to make your content LLM friendly:
- Optimized keyword research: Ensure that the content has a clear primary keyword with targeted secondary keywords.
- Use Clear Headings: Organize your content with a logical hierarchy of headings (H1, H2, H3) to guide both readers and AI.
- Incorporate Bullet Points: Break down complex information into bullet points for easier understanding.
- Write Concisely: Keep sentences short and to the point, aim for clarity over complexity.
- Include FAQs: Answer common questions to increase the chances of your content being featured in AI-generated content.
What AI-driven search values and what it ignores
Let's start with answering what works. AI is trained that way, they pull content that is:
- Clear and well-organized
- Informed by credible sources
- Composed in a manner that is easy to summarize
However, do you remember the last AI answer you were impressed by:
- Maybe it walked you through a simple process step by step that felt useful
- Maybe it actually cited a credible study or website
- Maybe it clearly summarized something complicated into content that felt actionable
Is it killing SEO?
Let's admit it, the old tricks won't be working again. Users do not scroll through ten links anymore, they ask once and move on with the AI provided answer.
This means:
- Fluff will not pass - Empty words will be bypassed by AI.
- Depth wins - AI gives value to real content and insights.
- Writers will have to evolve - You are not just writing for humans, you are writing for AI summarizers.
Now, what matters is that the content should be informative, should be meaningful and establish connections.
Final thoughts
AI-driven search is not replacing SEO, it’s rewriting the rules. LLM’s reward with genuine value, authority and clarity and not keyword stuffing.
If you want your brand to stand out, don’t chase algorithms, focus on creating content that is structured, trustworthy and has a human touch. Even if it’s AI who delivers the content, it is still the people who decide which brand to believe and follow.