Ranking for Google Isn't Enough. Now You Need to Rank for LLMs.

If you’re still thinking about SEO like it’s 2019, you’re already behind. Google isn’t the only game in town anymore. 

AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, Meta’s LLaMA, and Perplexity AI are rewriting the rules. These models aren’t just indexing web pages. They’re curating answers and deciding which brands get visibility. 

If you’re not showing up in AI-generated search results, you’re invisible. And that means you’re missing out on traffic, leads, and revenue.

How to Win in AI-Driven Search

To own your space in this new era, you need to be a source AI tools trust. That means producing original insights, fresh data, and authoritative content. AI models prioritize exclusive research, in-depth reports, and expert analysis over recycled blog posts. If your content isn’t bringing anything new to the table, AI will ignore you.

It’s also about how you present your content. AI search isn’t just looking for keywords. It’s trying to answer real, conversational questions. Users aren’t searching for “best CRM software” anymore; they’re asking, “What’s the best CRM for a SaaS startup?” or “Which CRM integrates best with HubSpot?” If your content doesn’t align with these natural-language queries, you’re missing out on that high-intent traffic.

Another major shift? Formatting matters more than ever. AI models favor structured content. Use clear headings, summaries, and schema markup (like FAQ, How-To, and Q&A formats). While there's debate on schema's impact on rankings, research shows it enhances knowledge graphs, which AI models use for understanding and connections. The easier you make it for AI to extract insights from your content, the more likely you are to be cited in search and AI-generated answers.

Authority Is Everything: Building E-E-A-T for AI Search

AI models don’t just pull from anyone. They look for content that demonstrates experience, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). If your brand isn’t seen as credible, you won’t get cited. That means securing placements in authoritative publications like Forbes, TechCrunch, and Harvard Business Review; building out expert author profiles; and generating high-quality backlinks from trusted sources. The more credibility you build, the more AI models will trust and reference your content.

Why Ranking in AI Search Is More Valuable Than Ever

Getting featured in AI search isn’t like winning a Google snippet—it’s more powerful. AI doesn’t just link to sources; it directly quotes and cites authoritative content, instantly boosting your brand’s credibility. And since AI-driven search traffic is highly qualified and intent-driven, it converts better. Users who ask AI for recommendations are already deep into research mode, meaning they’re primed to act.

What’s Next? The AI SEO Playbook for Marketers

This isn’t a trend. It’s a permanent shift in search behavior. To stay ahead, start auditing your content now. Make sure you’re answering AI-driven queries, publishing original insights, and structuring your content for easy AI extraction. Focus on getting authoritative citations, and keep an eye on emerging tools that will soon track AI-driven search traffic.

The Time to Act Is Now

This is happening, whether you’re ready or not. If you wait, your competitors will take the AI search real estate that should have been yours. The question isn’t if you should optimize for AI search—it’s how fast can you adapt? Because in this new AI world e, if AI isn’t citing you, you don’t exist.

That’s where Wheels Up comes in. We help brands like yours show up where it matters, making sure AI sees (and cites) you as the go-to source. Make sure your brand stays visible. Let’s chat.