seo

AI Optimization: Hype, Hope, or Head Start?

Last Updated: April 23, 2025

Last week, we unpacked the alphabet soup of SEO, GEO, and AEO. This week, we’re staying in the same neighborhood, but turning the spotlight onto a buzzword that’s been lighting up our inboxes and call logs: AI Optimization.

Let’s clear the air right away: Not all AI optimization is a scam. But some of it? Yeah… it’s more smoke and mirrors than substance.

AI Optimization: The New Snake Oil… or the Next Big Thing?

Here’s the truth: There’s a lot of AI snake oil being sold right now. Fancy dashboards, “AI-powered” this, “machine learning” that… some of it sounds impressive, but when you dig in, it’s all fluff that has no functional purpose (at least at the present time.)

We’ve had a few confused call-ins recently, wondering if they’re being taken for a ride. It’s a fair concern! But here’s the flip side: completely ignoring AI is like refusing to get a smartphone in 2009. Sure, your flip phone still works… but for how long?

Don’t Break the Bank, But GET OFF of Zero

Let’s be clear: we’re not suggesting you dump your entire marketing budget into AI tomorrow. That’s not smart. But staying at zero? That’s even riskier.

Here’s why: Right now, search is still king. About 95% of your traffic probably comes from search engines like Google. But that balance is shifting. Fast.

The traffic you get from search will continue to drop. That much we already know for certain.

We’re looking at a near future where:

95/5 (search/AI) becomes
80/20, then
60/40, and eventually
20/80 in some industries.

You might think that sounds extreme, but AI-driven platforms (think ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, voice assistants, and future tools we haven’t even seen yet) are already starting to serve answers directly to customers… before they ever hit a search result.

If you’re still sitting at zero when that wave fully hits, you’re going to be underwater.

What Are We Doing About It?

For our CoreSite clients, we’re in the process of rolling out an upgrade to our standard offering. It’s a suite of features we’re calling “AI-Friendly” to help you get future-ready, without the fluff.

Things like:

Structuring content so AI can easily understand and surface your business
Answer formatting that matches how AI bots want to deliver results
Meta data and schema upgrades to talk the AI language

For forward-thinking, future-minded folks, who are looking to move first and reap the benefits, we just launched specific Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services. These AI Optimization Packages offer more in-depth page-by-page optimizations that will feed those AI bots with all the information they need, exactly how they want to see it. Think of it like putting a turbocharger on your digital presence.

Ask the Hard Questions

If you’re working with an SEO provider, now’s a great time to ask: “What are you doing to prepare me for AI-driven search?” If they shrug, mumble something vague, or try to distract you with a shiny pie chart… it might be time to get a second opinion.

Bottom Line

AI is coming. It’s not a question of if, but when, and how fast. You don’t need to overhaul your whole strategy overnight. But you do need to get off zero. Ever step you take in the AI direction will give you a leg up on your competition. Let’s future-proof your business, smartly, and without the smoke.

AI Optimization FAQs

What is AI optimization?

AI optimization is the practice of structuring website content, schema markup, and conversational language to improve visibility and ranking in AI-driven search systems and virtual assistants.

How is AI optimization different from traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO focuses on search engine result pages through keyword use, backlinks, and on-page content, whereas AI optimization prioritizes structured data, natural language conversational content, and schema markup to align with AI agents and generative search models.

What is “AI optimization hype” and why is some AI optimization considered snake oil?

AI optimization hype refers to exaggerated marketing claims promising instant SEO results via AI, and some AI optimization services are considered snake oil when they offer expensive tools or packages without measurable impact or sound methodology.

Why should my business get off zero for AI optimization?

My business should get off zero for AI optimization because completely ignoring AI-driven search platforms risks losing visibility as AI agents increasingly serve answers before traditional search results.

How should my business budget for AI optimization without breaking the bank?

My business should budget for AI optimization by allocating a manageable portion of its marketing budget—piloting AI-friendly features and services—rather than investing all funds at once or ignoring AI entirely.

What AI-Friendly features does Prospect Genius include in the CoreSite upgrade?

Prospect Genius’s CoreSite upgrade includes AI-Friendly features such as structured content templates, answer formatting optimized for AI bots, metadata enhancements, and JSON-LD schema markup.

What are Prospect Genius’s AEO and GEO services?

Prospect Genius’s AI optimization packages include Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) services for AI agents requiring FAQ integration and structured answers, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services for AI-driven recommendation engines and generative models.

How can I evaluate if my SEO provider is preparing me for AI-driven search?

To evaluate if my SEO provider is preparing me for AI-driven search, I should ask: “What AI optimization strategies are you implementing, and can you provide examples of AI-Friendly features, schema markup, or conversational content you have deployed?”

Has A.I. Killed the SEO Star? SEO, GEO, and AEO for Modern Digital Marketing

Last Updated: April 15, 2025

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If you’ve been around digital marketing even a little, you’ve heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimization.) You know the drill: use the right keywords, build some solid backlinks, and boom, your website shows up on Google when someone types in “water heater installation Boston MA.”

But in 2025, the game’s evolving. A lot.

Thanks to the rise of AI-powered assistants (like Alexa and Siri) and chat-based search (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok), it’s no longer just about ranking on Google. It’s about showing up in the answers AI gives people. Even Google is using Gemini to show you AI answers to your searches, right at the top of the search results. This is why AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) are becoming so critical.

Let’s break it all down.

SEO: The Classic Crowd-Pleaser

Goal: Rank high on Google (and other search engines) when someone searches for services you offer.
Focus: Keywords, structure, speed, backlinks.

Let’s say you’re a plumber in Boston. You create a page like:

Title Tag: Water Heater Installation Boston MA | Boston Hot Water Pros
H1: Water Heater Installation in Boston, MA
Meta Description: Need water heater installation in Boston, MA? Call now for fast, affordable service!

Your content hits the right phrases—“plumbing in Boston,” “tankless water heaters,” “Boston water heater repair”—and you throw in a Google Map, a few local backlinks, and you’re cookin’.

Outcome: Your page shows up when someone Googles “water heater installation Boston MA.” Clicks start coming in.

AEO: Talk Like a Human (Because AI Is Listening)

Goal: Be the go-to answer when someone asks their phone or smart speaker a question.
Focus: Conversational tone, FAQ-style answers, schema markup.

People don’t always search like they used to. Now, they ask:

“Who installs water heaters near me?”
“How long does it take to install a water heater?”
“What’s the cost of a tankless water heater in Boston?”

To show up in voice searches or smart assistant answers, your content needs to match that Q&A format:

H1: Who Does Water Heater Installation in Boston, MA?
Subheading: How much does it cost?
- On average, between $800–$1,500 depending on the unit.
Subheading: How long does it take?
- Most jobs take 2–4 hours for our team.

Outcome: Someone asks ChatGPT or Grok, “How long does it take to install a water heater in Boston?” and you’re the answer.

GEO: Win the AI Brain Game

Goal: Be the source that tools like ChatGPT reference when crafting detailed responses.
Focus: Authority, clarity, structure, and originality.

This is where content starts doing real heavy lifting. AI bots don’t just look for keywords, they understand what’s helpful, unique, and well-explained. Your job? Be the expert voice they lean on.

So instead of a sales-y blurb, you write something like:

“In 2024, over 65% of Boston homeowners upgraded to tankless water heaters, according to the Boston Plumbing Association.”

“Because of Boston’s hard water, traditional tank heaters wear out 20% faster, so going tankless often saves in the long run.”

Break it down into steps. Add data. Speak like a pro. Be the plumber who’s not just trying to rank, but trying to teach.

Outcome: Someone asks an AI, “What’s the best way to install a water heater in Boston?” and it replies:

“Boston Hot Water Pros recommends tankless units for Boston’s hard water. Installation usually takes 2–4 hours and costs between $1,000–$1,500.”

Boom. You’re the authority.

Quick Comparison: SEO vs. AEO vs. GEO

Keyword Focus

SEO: Heavy

AEO: Moderate (natural questions)

GEO: Light (broad relevance)

Content Style

SEO: Keyword-rich

AEO: FAQ/conversational

GEO: Expert-level, detailed

Length

SEO: ~700 words

AEO: ~500 words

GEO: 900+ words

Structure

SEO: Ranked sections

AEO: Q&A format

GEO: Bullet points, tables, step-by-step

Target Platform

SEO: Google SERPs

AEO: Voice search / AI assistants

GEO: ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews

Local Detail

SEO: Basic (address, map)

AEO: Specific (neighborhood examples)

GEO: Deep (e.g., local stats, trends)

So… What Should You Do?

Honestly? Start with strong SEO. It lays the groundwork. If you’re using keywords like “emergency plumber Boston” or “tankless water heater install in Dorchester,” you’re already headed in the right direction.

Then, sprinkle in some AEO magic:

Add an FAQ section.
Use natural questions as subheadings.
Keep answers tight and scannable.

Finally, beef it up for GEO:

Drop in unique insights and local stats.
Use clear formatting—bullet points, charts, comparisons.
Write like an expert, not a salesman.

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t killing SEO, it’s evolving it. The goal now is to be the best answer, whether someone’s typing into Google, asking their phone, or chatting with a bot.

Your website is no longer just a brochure, it’s a resource. A guide. A trusted voice.

So next time you’re updating a service page, ask yourself:

“Would this help me if I were the customer?”

If the answer is yes, chances are… the search engines (and AI) will think so too.

Want help giving your service pages a glow-up that works for SEO, AEO and GEO? Drop us a line. We speak fluent Google and robot.

SEO Myth-Busting: The Truth About Landing Pages

Last Updated: March 3, 2025

First things first: A landing page needs to be on your website’s domain. If it isn’t, then it’s not a landing page—it’s a completely separate website, even if it’s only a single page. This distinction is crucial because many business owners are being misled by marketers who claim otherwise. This myth can end up hurting your SEO and wasting your marketing efforts.

The False Promise: “Landing Pages on Other Domains Boost Traffic!”

Some marketers might try to convince you that placing landing pages on different domains is a clever way to boost traffic or “hack” Google’s system. They might claim that this tactic can somehow give you an edge in search rankings or drive more leads. But here’s the reality: creating landing pages on different domains does not give you an SEO advantage. In fact, it can do the opposite.

The Reality: What Landing Pages Are and Aren’t

A landing page is a tool designed to guide visitors toward a specific action, like signing up for a newsletter, requesting a quote, or making a purchase. However, to be an effective part of your marketing strategy, it must reside on your main domain. For example, if your website is www.yourwebsite.com, your landing page should look something like www.yourwebsite.com/landing-page. When it’s hosted on your main domain, it contributes to your site’s overall SEO health and authority.

If you create a page on a different domain (like www.someotherdomain.com), Google treats it as an entirely separate website. This means you’re splitting your SEO power between multiple sites instead of building authority on one, which can confuse search engines and weaken your online presence.

Why This Myth Hurts Your Business

Let’s break down why the myth of off-domain landing pages is harmful:

Diluted SEO Efforts: By placing landing pages on different domains, you’re fragmenting your SEO. Instead of building the authority of your main site, you’re spreading it thin across multiple domains. Google sees each domain as a separate entity, reducing your chances of ranking higher in search results.
Visitor Confusion: Sending visitors to a different domain can confuse them. If they expect to be on your website but are redirected elsewhere, this can break trust and reduce the likelihood of conversions.
Wasted Resources: Creating and maintaining multiple domains requires additional time and effort, without offering any real SEO benefit to your primary site.

The Honest Truth About Landing Pages

Landing pages are valuable, but they aren’t a loophole to exploit Google’s algorithms. Here’s what they actually do:

Drive Specific Actions: A landing page is a focused tool designed to funnel visitors toward a specific action—whether that’s filling out a form, clicking a button, or making a purchase. But this focus should happen on your domain, reinforcing your website’s authority.
Optimize for Relevancy: When properly used, landing pages can improve your website’s SEO by providing relevant, targeted content that aligns with user searches and marketing campaigns.
Boost PPC Campaigns: Landing pages are incredibly effective for Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaigns. By directing highly-targeted traffic to a page specifically built around the ad’s message, you can improve relevancy scores, drive down costs, and increase conversions. But again, this only works if the landing page is part of your main domain.

The Real Power of Landing Pages: PPC Campaigns

Landing pages can be a game-changer for your PPC campaigns. When they’re hosted on your main domain and aligned with your ads, they can:

Improve Relevancy Scores: PPC platforms like Google Ads value relevancy. When your landing page closely matches the content of your ad, Google sees this as a positive signal, improving your relevancy scores. Higher relevancy means lower costs per click and better ad placements.
Increase Conversions: A landing page that’s tailored to the ad’s message creates a seamless user experience, making visitors more likely to convert. This is a win-win for both your PPC performance and your overall website goals.

Best Practices for Landing Pages

To avoid falling into the trap of off-domain landing pages, focus on the following best practices:

Keep It on Your Domain: Always host your landing pages on your main website. This not only boosts your SEO but also ensures a cohesive experience for your visitors.
Streamline the Experience: Use landing pages to create a focused, distraction-free environment. Minimize navigation options to keep visitors on the path toward your desired action.
Align with Your PPC Strategy: Tailor your landing pages to match the message and intent of your PPC ads. This approach maximizes your ad spend’s effectiveness by increasing conversions and lowering costs.
Provide Clear Value: Use compelling content and a strong call to action to guide visitors toward a specific goal. Remember, the purpose of a landing page is not to trick search engines but to provide a clear, valuable path for your audience.

Protecting Your Business from SEO Myths

If someone is telling you that landing pages on different domains are the secret to driving traffic and boosting SEO, they’re selling you a myth. Quality landing pages are a powerful tool, but they must live on your main domain to be effective. They’re not about gaming the system; they’re about offering targeted, valuable experiences that drive conversions and support your website’s overall goals.

Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of by misleading marketing tactics. A solid landing page strategy—rooted in best practices and honesty—will always serve your business better in the long run. In SEO and online marketing, there are no magic tricks—just smart strategies and consistent effort.

Genius Success Story: Robust Recovery Thanks to Seasoned SEO

Last Updated: October 19, 2021

In our weekly “Genius Success Stories” series, we showcase clients that have used our program to positively impact their small businesses. Check back each week to see a new success story!

Ready for another installment of optimism in the time of COVID?

Discount Appliances Repair – HVAC is a small business in Arlington, VA, that saw a significant drop-off in jobs and new leads this spring due to the pandemic. Spring is usually a busy season for them, as you can see from the 2019 data below:

However, when the pandemic locked down businesses and residents alike in March and April, the appliance repair company’s numbers took a hit. In the chart above, you can see how few leads they got in April and May 2020 compared to the previous year.

Thankfully, though, Discount Appliances Repair – HVAC was able to bounce right back as soon as pandemic restrictions were lifted. In fact, they’ve consistently been receiving over 50 leads per month since the summer!

We credit their rapid comeback to the vitality of their pre-COVID web presence. Not only have they had an ongoing SEO campaign with Prospect Genius since 2014, but they’ve also amassed stellar customer reviews on their Google Maps listing.

These two components—a seasoned SEO campaign and a high business rating on Google Maps—reinforced the company’s foundation and prevented a prolonged downturn in the wake of the pandemic.

Think of it this way: Their dynamic web presence acted like a robust immune system. Even though they were temporarily hurt by the coronavirus, they were able to recover quickly and come back stronger than ever!

Genius Success Story: Over One Thousand Calls Per Month?!

Last Updated: October 19, 2021

We’re back with another success story, and boy do we have a doozy for you this week!

Shout out to Suncoast Sound, a car audio company in Monroe, LA, for topping over one thousand calls per month!

They’ve been with us since the beginning—all the way back in 2009. (Gosh, we feel old…)

Over the last 10+ years, we’ve watched their website and corresponding marketing campaign really take off. As a result, their inbound leads have multiplied year after year. See for yourself:

As you can see, COVID-19 appeared to have zero negative effect on their numbers this spring and summer. In fact, they got more calls than ever before, peaking at 1,712 in June!

And it’s no wonder Suncoast Sound is getting so many calls every month—because they’ve got the #1 spot on Google Maps. Look:

This is why search engine rankings matter. With a highly visible placement in the top spot, you could potentially pull in thousands of calls per month just like Suncoast Sound has done.

This kind of exponential growth is a perfect demonstration of how a smart SEO program is a long-term investment. It more than pays for itself when you have patience and stick with it for the long haul.

Of course, all the SEO magic in the world won’t help your business if you’re getting negative customer reviews on Google. So, kudos to Suncoast Sound for maintaining an impressive 4.2 rating! That high score undoubtedly plays a role in convincing so many people to call them for service.

Congrats again to the whole team at Suncoast Sound on all of your success!

Prospect Genius