We’ve all noticed it — searching online feels different these days. Instead of scrolling through endless blue links, people are getting quick AI-generated summaries from tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity or Google’s new AI Overviews.
That shift changes the game for businesses. It’s no longer just about where you land in search results these days. It’s about whether your website gets included in those handy little summaries. The good news? With a few smart adjustments, you can boost your chances of being part of the conversation. Here’s how:
1. Keep It Simple (and Scannable)
AI loves what people love: content that’s easy to read. Short sentences, clear headings and bullet points go a long way. Think about how you’d explain something to a neighbor over coffee. That’s the clarity AI is looking for.
2. Speak the Language of Search Engines
Behind the scenes, you can help AI understand your site by using structured data (a.k.a. schema markup). That might sound techy, but it’s basically a way of labeling your content so search engines know what’s what. For instance, telling them, “Hey, this page is an FAQ,” or “This part is our business info.”
3. Answer Questions Up Front
AI tools are built to answer questions directly. If you know what your audience is likely to ask, put the answer right there on your site. Example: “How do I choose a marketing agency?” deserves a clear, straight-to-the-point response. The easier you make it, the more likely AI is to grab it.
4. Show You’re Trustworthy
AI doesn’t want to pull from sketchy sources (and neither do your customers). Make sure your content looks credible: update it regularly, link to solid sources, and show the real people behind your brand. Those little signals add up to trust, and trust gets you noticed.
5. Stay Fresh
Think of your website like a garden that needs tending. Regular updates to blogs, service pages and FAQs show both humans and AI that you’re active and current. The fresher the content, the more likely you are to show up in summaries.
Wrapping It Up
AI-powered search isn’t something to fear. Rather, it’s an opportunity to make your content even more useful and relevant. By writing clearly, answering questions and keeping your site fresh, you’ll give your business a better shot at showing up where it matters most.
At Verdin, we’re always looking ahead to what’s next in marketing so our clients don’t have to play catch-up. Want to see how your website stacks up in the age of AI? Let’s chat!