What is AI SEO and how to optimise for ChatGPT search engines

As the digital landscape evolves, traditional search engine optimisation (SEO) practices are being redefined by artificial intelligence. Terms like AI SEO, ChatGPT SEO, and SEO for ChatGPT are quickly becoming essential knowledge for any business looking to stay competitive online.

But what do these terms actually mean, and how can you leverage them to help your business grow?

What is AI SEO?

AI SEO refers to the process of optimising your website and content for artificial intelligence-driven search experiences. Rather than relying purely on keyword repetition and backlinks, AI SEO focuses on context, search intent, and content quality. Google’s latest AI search features, like AI Overviews and AI Mode, are designed to give users more comprehensive answers based on conversational input and deeper understanding.

At Watsy, we see this as a major opportunity. Our AI-powered website solutions already align with Google’s new direction. As highlighted in Google’s official blog, Succeeding in AI search, the focus remains on creating useful, people-first content that delivers unique value.

What is ChatGPT SEO?

ChatGPT SEO is the strategy of optimising your content to be discoverable and useful within generative AI tools like ChatGPT. These tools summarise web content and answer questions using natural language. If your site clearly answers common questions and is structured in a helpful way, it becomes a strong candidate for inclusion in AI-generated responses.

  • Using clear, plain language
  • Answering specific, high-intent user questions
  • Structuring content with proper HTML tags and headings
  • Supporting your answers with FAQs, images, or videos

SEO for ChatGPT – how to stand out in AI results

To appear in AI Overviews and be recommended by ChatGPT-style tools, follow these practical strategies:

1. Create valuable, original content

Google doesn’t reward generic copy. It prioritises content that is unique, helpful, and tailored to user needs. This is especially important in AI search results, where users tend to ask more specific and complex questions. Focus on content that answers real-world questions clearly and directly.

2. Improve your page experience

Great content is only effective if your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to use. Make sure:

  • Your site loads quickly and works on all devices
  • Your main content is visible and easy to find
  • Unnecessary clutter is removed

Watsy websites are designed with performance and usability in mind, ensuring both users and AI bots can easily engage with your content.

3. Make your content accessible to search engines

Ensure your pages are:

  • Not blocked by robots.txt or meta tags
  • Returning HTTP 200 (success) status codes
  • Easily crawlable and indexable

Our managed websites come fully SEO-optimised out of the box, including technical best practices to maximise visibility.

4. Use structured data correctly

Structured data helps search engines understand your content and display it more effectively. Use schema markup that matches your visible content, and always validate your markup to avoid errors.

This can boost your chances of being featured in rich snippets and AI-generated overviews.

5. Optimise for multimodal search

AI tools are becoming multimodal – combining text, images, and video. Adding high-quality media to your website supports your content and improves its discoverability in visual and conversational search formats.

Our plans include image optimisation and optional video content to make your site future-ready.

6. Focus on meaningful engagement, not just clicks

AI-generated search results tend to produce more qualified visitors. These users often have higher intent and spend more time on-site. Instead of just tracking page views, pay attention to:

  • Conversions
  • Time on page
  • Enquiry form submissions
  • Newsletter sign-ups

At Watsy, we help you monitor these deeper engagement metrics with built-in analytics on every site.

Future-proof your content strategy

Search will keep evolving – from ten blue links to voice, mobile, AI, and beyond. Businesses that adapt early and focus on helpful, high-quality content will thrive.

Want to learn more? Read Google’s full article on Succeeding in AI search to understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

Need help getting your site AI-ready?
Watsy builds professional, optimised websites designed to perform in both classic and AI-enhanced search. Reach out via our website, call +61 413 598 886, or email info@watsy.com.au.

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