How to make your business stand out in a shifting search landscape

We are entering an age where large language model optimization (LLMO) is slowly topping search engine optimization (SEO). But what does that mean for your business?

Let’s start with the basics. One of the fundamental ways audiences interact with your business, and others in your industry, is through search. Now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shifting the search landscape.

What was once keywords has turned into a conversation, literally. Research shows users are beginning to seek out direct, comprehensive responses that mirror natural language.

But, it isn’t just the answers that are adapting, AI has changed how people are asking questions online. 

Take for instance a user searching for the best office spaces in town. Their search would most likely look something like this: “best office space rentals near me.” Whereas with LLMO, their search becomes “Where are the best office spaces for law firms in northeast Indiana?”

Instead of receiving lists of blue links, AI searching uses LLM optimized content to pull from a variety of sources and ultimately generates cross-referenced, customized responses.

In AI searching, users are asking more and clicking less.

Gartner predicts that traditional search engine volume will drop 25% by 2026, losing market share to AI chatbots and other virtual agents.

The research firm published this prediction in February 2024 and since, AI searching has only continued to skyrocket among online audiences.

It’s time to embrace the technology and get your business on board.

Early Action

Regardless of industry, businesses that have begun implementing LLMO are already seeing results.

According to Contently, content using LLMO strategies for web-connected AI platforms can begin showing results within one month.

By taking early action, your business has the opportunity to become a reliable source before more entities interact with AI searching elements.

Start Today

Gartner’s research estimates that by 2026, over one-third of web content will be created for the purposes of Generative AI powered search.

Instead of viewing the switch from SEO to LLMO as a massive content overhaul, think of it as building blocks to broaden your business’s reach.

Various simple steps can be taken today to help optimize your business for the changing search landscape.

Review Current Content: Utilize what you already have to inform where you will go. Audit existing content to understand how your business can adapt to AI search.

Consider where your business answers specific questions, where valuable insights are housed and how you show authority in the industry.

Lean Into Questions: Get into the minds of your consumers and note what they’re asking.

Stray away from jotting down keywords and record actual, specific questions. Support tickets and calls as well as online forums can help guide your research.

Highlight Expertise and Credibility: Establish what makes your business a credible source early on. AI searching is favored for more than just its ease, its ability to cross-reference content across a variety of platforms is key for providing informed responses.

Your team’s experience matters. Create consistency throughout your business’s online presence while showing why your team’s expertise makes all the difference.

Check Your Formatting: AI searching is all about connecting users’ direct questions with direct answers, your content should reflect that idea.

Prioritize verbiage that mirrors natural language and the way people ask questions. Your business should provide answers that are up to date, comprehensive and concise.

Credibility is Key: Source transparency is an important step for your business in being recognized as a leading industry authority.

Citations and links circling back to your sources build your credibility. Ensure you continue refreshing your information as updates become available to remain relevant.

We Can Help

Relearning the search landscape as it’s evolving can be challenging. We can help.

At Content By Request, we understand the importance of getting your business in front of an audience. Find out more about our digital marketing services at contentbyrequest.com/digital-marketing.