Everyone probably knows by now that AI is transforming search marketing. Tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews now deliver direct answers, often without sending users to traditional websites. This shift means your business needs a new kind of visibility strategy: one built for AI-driven discovery.
What AI Prioritizes in Content
AI-powered tools are now generating answers. These tools pull from a wide range of sources to respond to user questions instantly. So, if your content isn’t structured and authoritative, it might get overlooked entirely.
To be chosen as a source, your content needs to be worthy. These AI tools tend to look for:
- Well-structured content that’s easy to scan
- Accurate, up-to-date information
- Authoritative voices backed by experience or credentials
- Signals of trust (like cited sources and good site reputation)
In short, the same principles that help content rank on Google (especially E-E-A-T / Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) are even more important for AI.
So many businesses are now asking how to rank in AI Overviews and stay competitive. Let’s discuss below.
How to Get Featured in AI-Generated Results
You don’t need to reinvent your entire SEO strategy to show up in AI search tools. In fact, many of the fundamentals (clear writing, trustworthy content, and good site structure) still apply. But there are a few newer tactics that may improve your chances of being pulled into AI-generated answers. While not guaranteed, these patterns have started to emerge and are worth considering.
Read more: SEO vs. GEO
1. Use a Q&A Format or Question Headings
You’ve probably found yourself asking ChatGPT or Google a question like you’re talking to a person. Instead of searching something like “best productivity software,” we now ask “What’s the best productivity software for small businesses?” or “How does [tool] work?” This conversational style is how AI tools are trained to respond, thus how your content should be structured to match.
Include headings like “What is…” or “How does…” to mirror typical chatbot queries. Consider adding FAQ sections to your content with even more helpful info.
2. Start with the Answer First
AI prefers concise answers. Begin each section with a direct, clear response to the question, followed by supporting details. This structure helps AI quickly identify useful information.
Gone are the days of having to scroll through a novel just to get to your lasagna recipe. AI tools are built to surface the answer right away…because that’s what users want. So give them (and the AI) what they’re looking for upfront.
3. Break Up Content for Readability
Well-organized content with short paragraphs, headings, and bullet points is easier for both users and AI to process. Clear formatting improves your content’s chances of being selected.
4. Use Structured Data Markup
Implement FAQ and How-To schema to give search engines additional context. This helps tools like Google better understand your content and increases the likelihood of being featured in AI-generated snippets. It makes your content more helpful to real users too.
Who knows, this might be one of the best ways to improve your chances of ranking in AI Overviews.
5. Build Long-Term Authority
AI tools tend to cite content from sources they trust. That’s why long-term authority matters. Strengthen your credibility by:
- Including bios for authors and contributors
- Publishing case studies and original insights
- Earning links from relevant and reputable sites
- Keeping your content up to date
These aren’t new SEO tactics, but they’re now important than ever for ranking in AI-driven results.
Read more: AI Tools for Small Businesses
Popular AI Search Engines You Should Know
If you’re aiming to show up in AI-driven results, it’s helpful to know which platforms are out there. Here are a few major AI-powered search tools your business should be aware of:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Used for general information, summaries, and conversational answers. Plugins and browsing tools can expand its reach. Like we mentioned earlier, businesses are learning how to rank in ChatGPT search by optimizing for conversational queries.
- Google AI Overviews (SGE) – Provides AI-generated answers at the top of many Google search results.
- Copilot (Bing AI) – Integrates GPT technology directly into Bing search with interactive, chat-style responses.
- Perplexity.ai – A newer tool that blends search and AI responses, with cited sources.
- Gemini (Google) – Google’s standalone AI assistant and search experience, designed to work alongside traditional search and deliver conversational results.
Each of these tools pulls from trusted, public web content. So the more helpful, well-structured, and authoritative your content is, the better chance it has of being referenced.
AI Citations Breakdown: This snapshot from Ahrefs’ new AI Overview report shows how often a site’s content appears across major AI search platforms like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Perplexity, Gemini, and Bing’s Copilot.
Think Beyond Google
Google is still the biggest player in search, but other engines like ChatGPT are on the rise. That means it’s important to regularly test how your brand appears in these platforms.
Search for your business in ChatGPT. Ask it a question you want to rank for. If your company isn’t mentioned, it’s a sign your content might need to be more visible, trustworthy, or relevant. This is a strong signal that your strategy needs to account for how to rank in ChatGPT search.
Read more: How to Generate Leads Using ChatGPT
Ready for AI Search? So is MARION.
We’ll be honest, AI search is still new territory for everyone…including us. The tools, behaviors, algorithms, etc. are changing fast, and we’re learning more every day. But we’re tackling this new era of search with confidence, and we want you to feel confident working with us, too.
At MARION, our digital marketing team combines proven SEO foundations with fresh, AI-focused tactics to make sure your content gets found.
Want to evolve your generative AI and SEO strategy? Contact MARION today and let’s tackle it together.
