SEO and AI: How to Stay Visible in the Search Shake Up

Search is not what it used to be. People no longer just type a few words into Google. They ask Siri for directions, Alexa for recommendations, and even AI tools like ChatGPT for answers. If your business is not showing up in these places, your competitor is.

That is why the latest Wheeler Wise Guys episode focuses on the new world of SEO. It is no longer just about headlines and backlinks. It is about making your website AI-friendly so that both people and machines can find you.

The Shift in Search

Traditional SEO is still important, but AI-driven search is changing the rules. Voice assistants and AI summaries are now the first stop for many customers. If your site is not optimized for that, you are invisible.

Why It Matters:

• Voice search is everywhere. Customers are asking things like “Where is the closest furniture store open right now?” If your hours and location are not optimized, you lose the sale.

• AI tools are gatekeepers. When someone asks, “What is the best credit union near me?” AI decides who to recommend. If your info is not structured and trustworthy, you are out of the conversation.

• Credibility counts. AI-powered search engines scan your content for structure and trust signals. If your site is slow, confusing, or missing schema, you will not make the cut.

  
  

The SEO + AI Formula:

1. Structure your content with schema and long-tail keywords.

2. Keep your site fast, secure, and mobile friendly.

3. Optimize local information like hours, locations, and reviews.

4. Write content that real people love, but that AI can easily read too.

   
   

Bottom Line:

SEO is not dead. It has evolved. To stay visible, you need a strategy built for both people and machines. That is how you future-proof your business in the age of AI search.