The AI-SEO Funnel
LLMs now learn, cite, and recommend your brand's content. Here's how to rank in AI-Search.
1. Foundational SEO
Goal: Get Crawlable content
- Use semantic HTML
- Add schema markup
- Build internal links
- Improve site speed
Ask: Can LLMs crawl this?
2. LLM-Ready Content
Goal: Teach with structure
- Factual, clear writing
- Use FAQs + tables
- Link to credible sources
- Cut vague language
Ask: Easy to summarise?
3. Visibility Optimization
Goal: Show up in answers
- Add FAQ schema
- Match prompt language
- Write listicle formats
- Strengthen internal links
Ask: Will AI cite this?
4. Entity Layer
Goal: Be known by LLMs
- Add to Wikidata
- Publish on GitHub
- Earn trusted citations
- Use structured datasets
Ask: Am I in memory?
5. Tracking & Refinement
Goal: Improve AI visibility
- Monitor AI mentions
- Use tracking tools
- Track prompt results
- Benchmark top competitors
Ask: Where do I appear?
The funnel narrows as you climb
Each step builds on the previous. Skip none.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AI-SEO Funnel?
The AI-SEO Funnel is a 5-step framework for making your brand visible in AI search results. It progresses from Foundational SEO (crawlability) through LLM-Ready Content, Visibility Optimization, Entity Layer, to Tracking & Refinement. Each step builds on the previous to maximize AI citation potential.
What does "LLM-Ready Content" mean?
LLM-Ready Content is structured for AI to understand and summarise. It uses factual, clear writing with FAQs and tables, links to credible sources, and avoids vague language. The test: can an AI easily extract and summarise key points from your content? If not, restructure it.
What is the Entity Layer?
The Entity Layer ensures AI systems recognize your brand as a known entity. This involves Wikidata entries, GitHub presence for tech brands, trusted citations from authoritative sources, and structured datasets. Being "in memory" means LLMs can confidently cite your brand without hedging.
How do I know if LLMs can crawl my site?
Check if your robots.txt allows GPTBot and other AI crawlers. Use semantic HTML that's easy to parse. Implement schema markup for structured data. Test site speed—slow sites may not be fully crawled. Most importantly, query AI tools with your brand name and see if they have accurate information.
What's the difference between SEO and AI-SEO?
Traditional SEO optimises for search engine rankings and clicks. AI-SEO optimises for AI retrieval and citations. Both require technical foundations, but AI-SEO emphasizes structured content, entity recognition, and appearing in AI-generated answers—not just ranking in traditional SERPs.
How do I track AI visibility?
Monitor your brand mentions across ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Claude. Track prompt results for key queries. Use tools like Otterly.AI or manual spreadsheet tracking. Benchmark against competitors—note when they appear and you don't. Track trends over time as you implement optimizations.
Can I skip steps in the funnel?
No—each step builds on the previous. Without Foundational SEO, AI can't crawl your content. Without LLM-Ready Content, crawled content won't be cited. Without Entity Layer, AI won't confidently mention your brand. The funnel represents dependencies: skip a step and higher steps fail.
How long does AI-SEO take to show results?
Foundational and content changes can show results within weeks as AI systems re-crawl. Entity Layer building takes 3-6 months as you earn citations and build presence. Full AI visibility requires continuous tracking and refinement. Unlike traditional SEO, AI-SEO results can appear faster but also require ongoing maintenance.
Ready to Dominate AI Search Results?
Our SEO agency specializes in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategies that get your brand cited by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. We combine traditional SEO expertise with cutting-edge AI visibility tactics.