AI search engines like Google’s AI Mode (Powered by Gemini), ChatGPT, and Perplexity
are transforming how people discover information. They blend
traditional search results with AI-generated summaries, citations, and
contextual answers, meaning that what used to be an SEO strategy for “10
blue links” now needs to perform in two layers of visibility:

1. Traditional results (10 blue links)
2. AI-generated answers (citations & mentions)

Revisit and Readjust Your SEO/GEO KPIs

Traffic remains the lifeblood of a website, but visibility in AI search is the new battleground for credibility and growth. However make sure to communicate with your SEO how much value you want to put on other KPIs like:

• Mentions
• Impressions
• Citation box inclusion

At Search Engine People, we’ve decided to keep traffic as the main
objective. While aiming for traffic, it’s safe to assume that other
KPIs, such as impressions, citation inclusion, and mentions, will be
covered automatically.

Too Many AI Platforms: Which One Should You Optimize For?

From ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok to Google’s AI Mode, this moment
feels similar to when search engine market share was once more evenly
distributed among Yahoo, Microsoft, AltaVista, Google, and others. It
didn’t take SEOs long back then to realize that focusing on Google was
enough, optimizing for Google naturally covered Yahoo and Bing as well.

At Search Engine People, we’ve made the decision to continue focusing
on traditional Google blue links while adjusting our strategy to
perform effectively within Google AI Mode (which could
become the default mode in the future). This approach will also position
us well across other AI-powered search engines.

For the rest of this post, our strategy adjustments and recommendations will primarily focus on Google AI Mode.

Please be aware that ChatGPT’s impact on traffic, conversions, and
revenue is currently less than 1% (based on 200+ GA4 data in our
database)

Required Adjustments for Traditional SEO to Work Effectively with AI SEO

1.      Adjust Keyword Research for AI Search

Based on our internal data and public studies, transactional/commercial keyword traffic is still largely dominated by Google.

SEP recommends avoiding low or no-CTR keywords (0 clicks) when
targeting the 10 blue links, unless the keyword is highly strategic for
the business. We’ve started calling keywords that do not trigger an AI
Overview “AI-immune keywords.”

? Action:

• Identify “AI-immune” keywords – those that still attract clicks and have strong CTR potential.
• Conduct AI keyword research to find equivalent
  queries for ChatGPT. For example, if “SEO company” performs well in
  blue-link results and Google AI Mode, the ChatGPT equivalent might be “best SEO company in Canada.”
• Develop two content versions for select topics – one optimized for traditional blue-link SEO and another structured for AI inclusion.
• Make sure to add Google AI Mode, blue-link keywords, and ChatGPT
  queries to your keyword tracking tool. All our clients have free access
  to these tools through our in-house SEO software.

2. Build Topical Content Hubs

AI engines and Google both reward subject matter expertise.
A topical content hub groups articles, videos, and
resources under one focused topic, strengthening authority and helping
AI recognize your brand as an expert source.

? Action:

• Create interconnected content that covers every relevant question around your service.
• Refresh and expand content hubs monthly using data from AI and blue-link results.

3. Strengthen EEAT Signals (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trust)

AI-driven algorithms rely heavily on EEAT signals to decide which brands to cite and feature.

Experience

Show real-world understanding.

• Publish client stories, anonymized case studies, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Create video explainers from real advisors or experts.
• Share proprietary data or research to prove hands-on knowledge.

Expertise

Demonstrate professional credentials.

• Add author bios, photos, and designations.
• Publish detailed guides and tutorials.
• Keep all content compliant and fact-checked by licensed professionals.

Authoritativeness

Earn validation from others.

• Acquire high-quality links and mentions from reputable sources, associations, and review sites.
• Get featured in best-of listicles, local directories, or industry events.
• Highlight awards and partnerships prominently on your site.

Trust

Be transparent and accessible.

• Maintain active social profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
• Display authentic client reviews and testimonials.
• Show contact info, compliance badges, and privacy standards clearly.

4. Optimize Off-Page Signals for AI Search

AI search engines weigh off-page credibility as much as on-page relevance.

? Action Steps:

• Acquire AI-friendly backlinks: listicles, review sites, and trusted directories that appear in AI citations.
• Partner with influencers and authoritative blogs to generate mentions.
• Maintain positive sentiment through quick review responses and client care visibility.
• Launch quarterly “Review Drive Weeks” to refresh recent reviews and improve recency signals.

Conclusion

Adjusting your SEO strategy for AI search engines isn’t about starting over, it’s about evolving what works.
Focus on:

• AI-immune keywords
• Citation-targeting strategy
• EEAT-driven authority
• AI-friendly link sources
• Authentic engagement on trusted platforms

The future of SEO belongs to brands that combine credibility, experience, and adaptability. Those who invest in AI-aligned SEO now will own the search landscape tomorrow, both in blue links and AI-generated answers.