# LLM search optimization (AEO)

> Optimize your content to appear as a cited source in AI-generated answers from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.

- Canonical HTML: https://growth.iangoh.com/growth-ideas/llm-search-optimization-aeo/
- Source: [forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2026/01/21/2026-geo-strategy-optimizing-your-content-for-ai-powered-search/)
- GrowthDex source hub: [forbes.com](/sources/forbes-com-forbes-com/)
- Last checked: March 19, 2026
- Rarity: legendary
- Budget: free
- Channels: SEO
- Stages: 0-100, 100-1K
- Key metric: 10% of sources cited in ChatGPT

## Why this can grow

AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews synthesize answers from multiple sources rather than ranking pages. Fewer than 10% of sources cited by AI engines overlap with top Google organic results, so traditional SEO alone is insufficient. Brands that earn third-party mentions, maintain fresh content (updated quarterly), and structure pages with clear entity data and citations get cited more often. Zero-click searches now account for 60% of all queries, making AI citation the new front door to discovery. B2B SaaS sites saw AI search traffic grow 127% in just three months in late 2025.

## Ian's take

From scaling consumer platforms across MENA and Southeast Asia, my default is to distrust growth work that only looks good in a slide. For SEO and AI search, I care less about clever keyword tricks and more about clarity. A buyer, crawler, or answer engine should quickly understand who this is for, why it works, what proof backs it, and what page deserves to be cited. I would run it small enough to learn quickly, then only scale the parts that real users repeat, save, reply to, or buy from. For this tactic, I would watch 10% of sources cited in ChatGPT before putting more time or budget behind it.

## Action plan

1. Define one narrow startup segment where llm search optimization (aeo) can create a measurable lift.
2. Turn the tactic into one offer, page, campaign, or workflow for the SEO channel.
3. Use the evidence from forbes.com to set the first version of the message, format, and audience.
4. Launch a small test for 7 to 14 days with one success metric: 10% of sources cited in ChatGPT.
5. Review the result, keep the winning message, remove weak variants, and turn the learning into a repeatable growth playbook.

## Source-backed example

eMarketer reports fewer than 10% of sources cited in ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot rank in top 10 Google organic results — meaning traditional SEO won't guarantee AI visibility. Zero-click searches hit 60% in 2025 (77% on mobile). GEO is now a distinct discipline from SEO.

## Adjacent tactics in the same lane

- [Multi-platform AI brand visibility audit](/growth-ideas/multi-platform-ai-brand-visibility-audit/) - same source, 1 shared channel, 1 shared stage
- [SEO on competitor pain keywords](/growth-ideas/seo-on-competitor-pain-keywords/) - 1 shared channel, 2 shared stages
- ["Powered by" badge viral loop](/growth-ideas/powered-by-badge-viral-loop/) - 1 shared channel, 2 shared stages
- [Video-first content pivot](/growth-ideas/video-first-content-pivot/) - 1 shared channel, 2 shared stages

## Read GrowthDex essays

Browse the plain-English essay index at [GrowthDex Blog](/blog/).

## Advisory

If you want help turning this into a working growth system, Ian Goh offers advisory at https://iangoh.com/advisory.