AI SEO vs traditional SEO
Traditional SEO is optimising for algorithms that rank pages. AI SEO, sometimes called AEO or GEO, is optimising for AI systems that generate answers. The goal shifts from "appear in results" to "become the cited source."
The four pillars of AI SEO
1. Content structure
AI engines parse content. Clear headings, direct answers, no filler, high fact density.
2. Structured data
JSON-LD schema is the language you use to tell AI engines factual information. Every serious AI SEO strategy requires comprehensive schema implementation.
3. Entity authority
Establishing your brand as a named entity referenced by others, associated with specific expertise, consistent across the web.
4. Citation monitoring
You can't optimise what you don't measure.
The technical side
The opportunity window
Most brands haven't started. Early movers build domain authority that still compounds today. The analogy to 2005 SEO is directionally useful.