AI traffic is no longer a trend. It’s the next era of online visibility. Business owners who understand this shift will be the ones who participate in AI-powered conversations, while others are left scrambling for page-two Google results.

If you’ve been laser-focused on traditional SEO, but here’s my advice: Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the next big layer on top of SEO. Yes, there’s overlap. But the endgame is different. While SEO aims to rank and generate clicks, GEO is about being cited by Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini and appearing in AI-generated answers that are already influencing buyer decisions.

Why GEO Matters (More Than You Think)

• AI-driven traffic is growing fast. ChatGPT referral traffic has doubled since January, accounting for roughly 50% of LLM traffic.

• AI traffic converts better. Visitors arriving via AI are typically “warmed up,” meaning they’ve already received context about you. They’re not just cold leads… they’re ready to take action.

• The playing field is new. About 90% of LLM-cited search results don’t show up on the first two pages of Google. QUICK Translation: You can win AI visibility even if you’re not ranking high in search results.

How to Adapt Your Website & Social Media Content for LLMs

1. Structure for LLM Readability

• Write clear, unambiguous, and fact-based content.

• Use specific data instead of generalizations.

• Start with a summary or key takeaways at the top of each article.

• Chunk content into sections with headings and bullet points.

• Add FAQs to address common questions. LLMs love concise, direct answers.

2. Show Depth & Expertise

• LLMs value comprehensive coverage of a topic over short, shallow content.

• Back up claims with data, studies, or reputable links.

• Quote real-world examples and client stories to prove credibility.

• Even a statement like “I’m an expert in [your field]” can help LLMs associate you with that authority.

3. Create Persona-Based Content

• LLMs tailor their answers based on user intent.

• Write content that speaks to specific personas (CFO vs. CMO, for example).

• Use landing pages like “[Product] for Small Business Owners” or “[Service] for Creatives” to show up in AI-curated answers.

Building Your AI-Friendly Online Presence

1. Be Everywhere That LLMs Pull From

• Reddit and Quora are goldmines for AI sourcing, but authenticity is key. Answer questions and add value, don’t spam.

• Maintain a presence on LinkedIn, Wikipedia, YouTube, and review sites like G2, Trustpilot, and Capterra.

• Listicles are a shortcut to AI citations. Get your brand included on “Top 10” posts or create your own.

2. Manage Sentiment & Reputation

• LLMs summarize the consensus of what people say about your brand. If negative info pops up, address it directly, even in a tucked-away blog post or FAQ.

• Publish accurate, positive content to outweigh inaccuracies.

• Use press releases to get brand mentions. LLMs often pick these up quickly.

3. Keep Messaging Consistent

• Your brand tone and facts should match across all platforms, websites, and third-party mentions. Mixed signals confuse LLMs.

GEO Tracking & Monitoring

• Start with Google Search Console’s AI Overview traffic insights.

• Utilize advanced AI visibility tools, such as Chosenly, Market Brew, SurferSEO, or BrightEdge.

• On a budget? Manually test by asking ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini for recommendations in your niche. Note who’s being mentioned and why.

A Fun Hack (That Actually Works)

If you want to know why your brand or business isn’t showing up in AI-generated answers, just ask the AI directly. For example, open ChatGPT and type something like:

• “Why didn’t you mention [Your Brand] when recommending [service/product]?”

• “Which competitors are you seeing as stronger options, and why?”

• “What information about [Your Brand] is missing online that would make you recommend us?”

Sometimes, the AI will literally spell out what’s wrong. You might learn that:

• Your website doesn’t have enough detailed content on a certain topic.

• Competitors are mentioned more frequently on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, or review sites.

• You don’t have a clear FAQ, press mentions, or trust signals that AI uses to confirm credibility.

Guys…this is gold. It’s like having the algorithm write you a playbook for how to earn visibility. You can then take that feedback and update your content, improve your authority signals, or create new landing pages that answer exactly what AI says is missing.

Copy & Paste Prompts to Test Your Brand Visibility

1. “Which companies or brands are the top recommendations for [your service/product niche]? Why did you choose them?”

2. “Why didn’t you include [Your Brand] in your list of recommended [services/products]?”

3. “What information or content about [Your Brand] is missing that would make you recommend us?”

4. “What are the strengths of [Your Competitor] compared to [Your Brand]?”

5. “What sources or websites did you use to come up with your answer about [service/product niche]?”

My Pro tip: Run this same query every few weeks. As you make improvements, you’ll start to see your brand get pulled into AI answers more frequently.

The Takeaway

SEO isn’t dead, but the AI layer is rewriting the rules. LLMs aren’t just indexing the top Google results; they’re curating answers from content that feels trustworthy, comprehensive, and persona-focused.

If you want your brand to show up in AI-driven conversations, start optimizing for LLMs today. That means cleaning up your structure, creating clear expertise signals, and spreading accurate mentions across the web.

Ready to Get ChatGPT Talking About Your Business?

If you want ChatGPT to recommend your business (and not your competitors), you need prompts that pull out the real you—your expertise, your story, and your value.

That’s exactly why I created my Magnetic Sales & Messaging Prompt Pack.

It’s over 50 proven prompts designed to:

• Train ChatGPT to write like you.

• Create content that connects and converts.

• Get your business noticed—by both people and AI.

Want to skip the trial and error? Grab the full prompt pack here: Get the Magnetic Sales & Messaging Prompt Pack

PROOF My Prompt Pack Gets Results:

• One of my clients told me she booked me because of a post I made about Lake’s tiny four-tooth grin. Not because I shared an overly filtered selfie or meticulously clean house, but because she saw me as a mom who gets how fast these moments fly by. That connection matters more than any polished post.
• When I worked with PUMA, they told me what sealed the deal wasn’t just my portfolio — it was the way I share my process and personality online. They said, “We feel like we already know how you’ll show up for us. That’s what real proof of your ‘human-ess’ can do!!
• I get bookings from Instagram, google, and even pinterest anywhere from 1 week to 18 months in advance!!

More Ai Tips & Tools You’ll Love To Read About

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• Blogging Isn’t Dead. It’s Just Evolving (And So Should You).
• GPT vs Agent: Which AI Sidekick Actually Gets Sh*t Done for Your Photo Biz?
• AI Is Creating New Jobs — Here’s What That Means for Photographers

About the Author
Ren Lenhof is an award-winning photographer, educator, and AI strategist based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since 2010, she has built Studio 29 Photography into a multi-six-figure business, working with thousands of families and brands like PUMA, West Elm, and Martha Stewart.

Ren is the founder of The Green Room, a popular photography studio rental space, and the creator of The Momtographer Method, a coaching program that helps moms master their cameras and build flexible photography businesses.

She also teaches creative entrepreneurs how to use AI to save time, create content that sells, and grow their businesses through her digital products, workshops.