What is AI search optimization and how does it work
AI search optimization means shaping your content so AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity can read it and are willing to cite it. The core: write key facts as clear, structured text (not buried in images or scripts), label each with its source and date, and put the answer where AI reads it first.
- Most AI assistants do not run page scripts — the body must be readable text or it is effectively blank.
- Lead with the answer: put the conclusion at the top so AI can extract and cite it.
- Content with a source and date is trusted and cited; unsourced content reads as marketing.
- It does not replace traditional SEO — being cited by AI usually still requires being indexed by search first.