AI Optimisation (AIO): The Next Step in Making Your Website Work Smarter
AI Optimisation (AIO): What It Is and Why It Matters
Most of us are familiar with SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) — making your website visible to Google so the right people can find you. But the landscape is changing quickly. With tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI-driven search results becoming the norm, we need to think about a new layer of visibility: AI Optimisation (AIO).
Put simply, AIO is about making sure your content is structured, clear, and trustworthy so that AI tools can pull it, recommend it, and present it accurately to potential clients.
Why AIO matters:
AI-driven tools are becoming people’s go-to for quick answers.
If your content isn’t optimised for these platforms, you risk being invisible.
Done right, AIO helps you reach people faster, with your expertise presented in context.
What to Implement for AIO Right Now
Clear, Human-Centred Content
AI tools pull from natural language patterns. Your content should be conversational, simple, and free of jargon so it can be easily summarised and repurposed.Structured Headings and FAQs
Break your content into clear sections with H2/H3 headings and question-based FAQs. This makes it easy for AI to identify and lift answers directly.Authoritativeness
Add author bios, credentials, and references where relevant. AI favours content that signals expertise and trustworthiness (known as E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust).Fresh, Regular Content
Blogs, resources, and guides should be updated regularly. AI models draw heavily from recent, relevant content, so don’t let your site sit stagnant.Schema Markup
Add structured data (schema) to your site, especially for FAQs, services, and products. Schema helps both search engines and AI tools understand the context of your content.Multimodal Content
Consider adding videos, podcasts, or graphics alongside text. AI platforms are evolving to recognise and recommend multiple forms of media.Optimised Internal Linking
Link between relevant pages on your site. This not only improves SEO but also helps AI tools follow the flow of your expertise.
The Bottom Line
SEO isn’t going away, but it’s no longer the whole picture. AI Optimisation (AIO) is the next step in making sure your business is visible and accessible in the way people are now searching for answers.
The good news? AIO is less about tricking an algorithm and more about leaning into what you already do best: creating clear, trustworthy, and valuable content that reflects your brand.
Want to know if your website is ready for the new era of AI-driven search?
My Website Audit Service includes recommendations for both SEO and AIO — so you can stay ahead of the curve and attract your dream clients with confidence.
