AI SEO for Dummies: 2025 Guide

Summary

In this video, SEO expert Nathan Gotch reveals a proven four-step process for ranking number one on Google and AI platforms like ChatGPT. He emphasizes understanding the fragmented search landscape, modernizing keyword strategies, dominating topics through comprehensive content, and signaling authority to AI and search engines. Gotch demonstrates how SEO tactics must evolve to target multiple platforms, from traditional search engines to AI-driven tools, while stressing the importance of content optimization, link building, and brand visibility across third-party sites and reviews. This approach is designed for agencies and businesses aiming to stay competitive in the AI-powered SEO era.

Takeaways

• 😀 Google search is becoming increasingly fragmented, with new AI features like AI overviews, AI mode, and Gemini altering the search experience.
• 😀 To succeed in SEO today, your strategy needs to encompass not only Google but also AI platforms like ChatGPT, YouTube, and TikTok.
• 😀 Modern keyword strategies should involve finding long-tail commercial keywords through AI tools like Perplexity, along with search engine data and Google Search Console.
• 😀 Understanding RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) is key for optimizing content to be used by AI platforms, which often retrieve answers from public search engines and sources like Reddit or YouTube.
• 😀 Synthetic queries can help, but proven, high-intent search queries should be the focus for building an effective keyword database.
• 😀 Building topic authority requires creating deep, focused content for your main topic (e.g., 'furnace repair in St. Louis') and distributing it across multiple platforms.
• 😀 Rankability's AI content optimizer can help generate optimized drafts for commercial keywords, saving time on content creation but still requiring thorough editorial work.
• 😀 Don't just create informational content; commercial pages (like service offerings or product details) are essential for ranking well in AI-driven platforms.
• 😀 Leveraging third-party platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn can significantly boost your SEO and AI visibility. Optimize your video scripts for SEO to rank better on YouTube and Google's AI systems.
• 😀 Backlinks are still critical in SEO. Consistent link-building, especially targeting high-authority platforms, is crucial to influencing AI search results.
• 😀 Building trust signals is essential. Focus on acquiring reviews on platforms like Google My Business and other relevant third-party platforms to enhance AI credibility and rankings.

Q & A

What is the new search battleground in SEO?

The new search battleground involves a more fragmented search experience, where Google now includes AI overviews, AI mode, and other products like Gemini. Additionally, other platforms like YouTube, ChatGPT, and TikTok are becoming significant players in search. To succeed, an SEO strategy must cover multiple search opportunities across different platforms.

How has AI affected the SEO strategy?

AI, especially with the use of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), has changed the way search engines like ChatGPT find answers. AI platforms often rely on external sources such as Google, Reddit, or YouTube for accurate information. Thus, ranking well in traditional search engines is critical to influence how AI generates responses.

What is query fanout and why is it important for SEO?

Query fanout is the process where AI platforms expand a seed keyword into various related queries. This is important because it helps identify potential search queries that users might input into AI platforms like ChatGPT. Understanding and optimizing for these queries can improve SEO rankings and influence AI-generated responses.

What are the best strategies to find queries for AI platforms?

To find queries that AI platforms are likely to use, you can run searches on platforms like Perplexity, Google, or use tools like Google Search Console. Additionally, you can collect 'people also ask' questions or run searches to see the related queries generated during the fanout process.

How does 'topic domination' play a role in SEO?

'Topic domination' involves going deep into a specific topic to create a comprehensive set of SEO-driven content across different platforms. The goal is to establish authority on a specific topic, such as 'furnace repair in St. Louis,' by creating multiple related pieces of content that improve rankings across various search engines and AI platforms.

What is the role of content optimization tools like Rankability in SEO?

Rankability helps in creating optimized content by offering tools for drafting, editing, and improving content for commercial keywords. These tools assist in generating AI-optimized drafts, which can be further edited by humans to ensure high-quality content for SEO purposes.

How should local SEO be approached when using tools like Rankability?

For local SEO, tools like Rankability can help in optimizing content by including local keywords and intent. By focusing on local search queries, such as 'furnace humidifier costs in St. Louis,' businesses can create localized content that targets users' specific needs while optimizing for both traditional search engines and AI platforms.

Why is link building still important in AI-driven SEO?

Link building remains essential because AI platforms, like ChatGPT, tend to cite websites with strong backlink profiles. A robust backlink strategy helps websites rank higher in both traditional search engines and AI-driven searches, as AI platforms often prefer trusted domains with a solid link profile.

What is the importance of third-party reviews in modern SEO?

Third-party reviews, particularly on platforms like Google My Business, are crucial for local SEO. Positive reviews from trusted sources signal to both search engines and AI platforms that a business is credible and relevant. Building a diverse review profile across platforms also strengthens your brand's visibility in AI search results.

What is 'signaling' in SEO, and how can it improve rankings?

'Signaling' refers to the process of sending signals to AI algorithms and search engines that your brand is authoritative and relevant. This can be done through link building, third-party reviews, and brand mentions. Consistently sending these signals helps improve your SEO rankings and AI-generated responses by establishing your brand as a trusted source.