Tips to Increase Your Visibility for AI Search

No matter what sector you’re in, every startup should understand the basics of AI search optimization (also known as AEO or GEO). Why? Because it is essential for online visibility today.

AI assistants like ChatGPT and Gemini are rapidly becoming the new search engines, which means Google-focused thinking and traditional SEO are no longer enough. According to a recent McKinsey & Company report, 40-55% of consumers across sectors are using AI-powered tools to make purchasing decisions. By 2028, $750 billion of consumer spend will be driven by AI search.

So, it’s time to stop optimizing for Google alone. Queries are now conversational and very context-driven. Imagine you were looking for a birthday present. You wouldn’t type “presents dad birthday 65” into ChatGPT. You’d say: “I’m looking for a present for my dad, who is 65, loves chess but already has a nice board. He loves fishing but has all the tools, and is also a history buff. I need 10 ideas, but not your typical fishing tools or chess boards, because he has all the basics.” 

This type of dialogue changes how we optimize. The main thing to remember is that the aim of SEO is to get ranked, whereas AEO is about being part of the conversations people have with their AI assistants.

Rather than doing multiple searches followed by filtering and comparing results, discovery, comparison, and decision-making are compressed, speeding up the whole process.

Highly customized AI responses deepen trust; therefore, users rarely conduct a separate Google search. AI brand visibility, therefore, depends on being associated with specific problems, not generic keywords. It also means being trusted by these tools enough to be included in their recommendations.

Another thing to note is that the user flow is different. People are starting their journey less on a brand’s homepage and more on high-intent, topic-specific landing pages optimized for both AI and traditional engines.

It might seem overwhelming, but new behaviors bring new opportunities. You just need to adjust your approach.

Here are some practical tips to increase your visibility in the age of AI search:

1.      The path to discovery isn’t linear – it’s horizontal. Users jump between tools and platforms depending on what they need. Analyze how you appear in traditional search engines and AI-powered tools. Then, create landing pages focused on the specific topics people discuss, such as pricing comparisons, service alternatives, or “best for” scenarios. Don’t hide this information inside a generic Services page. Build standalone, optimized pages around each theme. Smaller, agile companies have a major advantage as they can create fresh content fast with fewer restrictions.

2.      Run monthly audits. Tools like Spotlight let you monitor your visibility across leading AI models and track how often your brand gets recommended. Use the data to identify 10–20 real questions buyers ask before they purchase. Create copy that answers them, and check whether your mentions and citations are increasing.

3.      One page, one question. Make each page focused on one clear question or problem, with a concise answer at the top. Structure the rest of the content so it can be easily summarized and easily understood by AI.

4.      Be explicit about what you do. AI models reward transparency. Include comparisons, limitations, FAQs, and clear value propositions. Detail strengthens credibility, whereas vague messaging gets filtered out.

5.      Strengthen authority signals. Make sure your founder point of view content, case studies, press coverage, website copy, and LinkedIn messaging all reinforce the same narrative. Share measurable outcomes, not generic statements.

6.      Use clear content design. Short definitions, scannable sections, and clear statements are the aim. Break down complex topics into digestible paragraphs. Because AI pulls from paragraph-level meaning, not page-level ranking, clarity and structure are key. Ask yourself: “Could ChatGPT lift this paragraph and use it as an answer?”

7.      Keep educating yourself. AEO is evolving fast. At decipher., we offer training sessions to help organizations understand AI visibility and how to improve mentions. Even if you want to handle the optimization yourself, make ongoing learning part of your strategy.

AI search is already reshaping how people find, compare, and choose brands. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on being genuinely useful in the conversations your buyers are having with their AI assistants. That’s how you earn recommendations and stay discoverable.

Ema Fulga is an AI Search Optimization Specialist & Founder of decipher.