AI Search Visibility States: How LLMs Choose What to Cite and Mention
LLMs curate answers like librarians rather than ranking documents like search engines. Understanding the seven visibility states changes AI search strategy.
AI Search Insights
AI search covers how large language models generate answers, cite sources, and surface content in generative search interfaces. The insights below focus on the mechanics of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), how AI search visibility differs from traditional SEO, and how sophisticated AEO practitioners produce consistent visibility across ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and other AI search platforms.
The applied SEO discipline that underlies traditional SEO applies to AI search too — roughly 85% of the tactics overlap. The 15% that's genuinely different is where sophisticated AI search practitioners differentiate. These posts cover both the shared foundation and the AI-specific work.
AI search reputation work also connects here. When users specifically ask AI systems about a person or brand, what the AI says affects perception directly. The mechanics differ from traditional SERP reputation work but the underlying discipline applies across both surfaces.
How SEO Skills Translate to AI Search Visibility (And Where They Don't)
Roughly 85% of AEO tactics are the same SEO discipline you already know. The 15% that's genuinely different is where sophisticated practitioners differentiate.
Also see: Reputation Management insights →