The "New SEO" Game
SEO = "Search Everywhere Optimization"
SEO isn't just Google anymore. If people search it, you can optimize for it.
Traditional SEO
Keywords, backlinks, on-page, technical.
The foundation most marketers start with.
AI Search Optimization
AI Overviews, AI Mode, ChatGPT search.
Optimize for being chosen by models, not just crawled by bots.
Paid Search Visibility
Google Ads, YouTube Ads.
You can buy your way into visibility — but it's rented space.
LLM Answer SEO
ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude.
Create content that LLMs retrieve, cite, and summarize.
Brand Authority SEO
Brand mentions, unlinked citations, roundups.
Search engines and LLMs use what others say about you.
Community SEO
Forum threads, Reddit, Quora, Slack, Discord.
Influence where people ask real questions and get trusted answers.
Parasite SEO
Medium, LinkedIn Articles, Substack.
Rank by leveraging the authority of platforms you don't own.
Platform-Specific SEO
Amazon, App Stores, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn.
Tailor SEO for each ecosystem's internal search algorithm.
Topic Domination
Own the conversation across every channel and layer of discovery.
This is how modern brands scale visibility in the AI-first era.
Search Everywhere Optimization
The "new SEO" isn't about abandoning Google — it's about expanding your visibility across every platform where your audience searches. From traditional search to AI tools to community forums, optimize wherever discovery happens.
The Modern SEO Progression
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Search Everywhere Optimization" mean?
It means expanding SEO beyond Google to include every platform where people search — AI tools, social media, marketplaces, forums, and more. Modern brands need visibility wherever their audience looks for information, not just in traditional search results.
Should I master all 9 levels of SEO?
Start with foundations and expand based on your audience. Level 1 (Traditional SEO) remains essential. Add levels based on where your customers actually search. Most brands should prioritize Levels 1-4, then expand to others as resources allow.
What is LLM Answer SEO and why does it matter?
LLM Answer SEO focuses on creating content that AI models retrieve, cite, and summarize. As more users ask ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude instead of searching Google, being present in these AI responses becomes critical for brand visibility.
How does Brand Authority SEO work?
Brand Authority SEO focuses on building mentions and citations across the web — even without direct links. Search engines and LLMs evaluate what others say about your brand. PR, media coverage, industry mentions, and roundup inclusions all contribute to authority signals.
What is Parasite SEO and is it legitimate?
Parasite SEO means publishing on high-authority platforms (Medium, LinkedIn, Substack) to leverage their domain strength for visibility. It's legitimate when providing genuine value — you're using platform authority to reach audiences you couldn't reach from your own domain alone.
Why does Community SEO matter for brands?
Community platforms like Reddit, Quora, and Discord are where people ask real questions and get trusted peer answers. These discussions influence buying decisions and increasingly appear in AI training data. Authentic participation builds visibility and trust.
How do I optimize for platform-specific search algorithms?
Each platform has unique ranking factors. YouTube values watch time. Amazon prioritizes conversion rate. TikTok rewards engagement velocity. Study each platform's algorithm and optimize content specifically for how that platform ranks and surfaces content.
What does Topic Domination look like in practice?
Topic Domination means appearing wherever someone searches for your topic — Google, AI tools, YouTube, forums, social media, and marketplaces. You own the conversation across channels. This requires coordinated content strategy across all platforms, not just one.