Hey there! I’ve been diving into ways to develop an effective AI-ready content strategy that’s perfect for large language models (LLMs) to parse, trust, and cite. It’s fascinating how the focus has shifted from just getting clicks to ensuring understanding through visibility. Let me walk you through my journey of crafting this strategy.
Imagine building a content framework where AI tools not only recognize but also rely on the information you provide. This is where content tailored for LLMs comes into play. It’s all about providing data that these models find credible and resourceful. Essentially, visibility is now measured by how well the content communicates rather than just its ability to attract clicks.
As I started building my strategy, I focused on ensuring that the content is structured and detailed enough for LLMs to easily process and extract valuable insights. This involves more than just surface-level content optimization but delves into creating comprehensive narratives that AI can effectively utilize.
This past Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I delved into the fascinating insights from our Black Friday Index, crafted from a vast pool of 400 million genuine conversations. It was enlightening to see which brands stood out as AI’s top recommendations, especially as so many of us relied on Answer Engines to hunt down the best deals.
As I explored the data, the impact of AI on shopping trends became crystal clear. The technology not only streamlined how we search for deals but also influenced brand visibility and consumer choices. The excitement of seeing how AI is reshaping shopping habits made this year’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday particularly intriguing for me.
The findings from the Black Friday Index are a testament to the growing importance of AI in retail, showing us how indispensable it has become for both consumers and brands. Being part of this evolution makes me look forward to what future shopping events will bring, especially as technology continues to advance.
When I think about improving my website’s visibility, AI comes to mind as a crucial tool. It serves as a second pair of eyes, helping me evaluate intent signals, compare top results, and refocus pages that aren’t performing well.
Despite having well-written content, excellent layout, and robust backlinks, pages can still underperform in rankings. A frequent culprit is misaligned search intent, which can be more elusive than it seems.
Focusing on content optimization and usability sometimes makes it easy to overlook or misjudge intent. This is where AI shines as a reviewing tool, effectively steering things back on course.
Whether I’m working on a new page or revising an existing one, returning to the basics of search intent always sets me up for success.
Starting with a simple AI prompt to outline likely search intents for a keyword offers a solid framework for content creation or optimization.
This comprehensive list isn’t something I strive to cover completely on a single page. Instead, it highlights diverse user types, shifts in intent, and needs I might not have initially considered.
By considering these factors, I aim to create a more useful, well-rounded page that genuinely satisfies user needs.
Getting the intent right can be challenging. AI tools help me understand what’s already successful by examining top-ranking pages and what they excel at.
I utilize AI tools for a swift overview of a page’s primary intent. By evaluating this at scale, I can see if top-ranking pages meet the same intent.
It’s crucial to assess the intent of my page with the same rigor, be it a fresh draft or a page I’m optimizing. If the primary intent aligns with what’s succeeding, it’s a strong starting point. If not, it provides clear direction for improvement.
Again, consulting AI tools for improvement suggestions can yield valuable insights into refining intent. Key areas to focus on include:
The language I use can either reinforce or contradict the intended message. For commercial intent, persuasive wording is necessary, while for informational pages, clear and descriptive language is preferred.
The format of a page can also convey intent. For instance, in a sales page, details like product placement and accompanying information matter greatly. Similarly, guides need clear step-by-step labeling and possibly visual aids.
Clearly defined calls to action are essential. They align the user’s actions with the page’s intent, enhancing both engagement and ranking potential. Unclear or generalized calls to action dilute this effect.
Listing accurate pricing, VAT elements, and currency signals is vital in conveying commercial intent. They guide users accurately at critical decision points.
Availability of support is another crucial factor. I make sure that pre- or post-sale queries can be easily addressed by ensuring my contact details and support options are clearly visible.
Trust signals, like product guarantees, return policies, and customer reviews, make a big difference in user decisions. Including these details serves to strengthen user trust.
When clear comparisons are needed, laying out products side by side can assist users in their decision-making process, moving them closer to making a purchase.
In my experience with working pages centered around user intent, I’ve seen that excess information can sometimes bloat a page.
Previously, this depth might have worked, but now clarity and a focus on intent are what truly resonate.
I’ve learned to reassess where content performs best within the user journey, often seeking AI’s guidance to refocus content structure wisely.
For instance, if I notice my sales page for internal French doors isn’t performing, I consult AI, along with competitor analysis, to uncover key insights.
Competitors might be focusing on selling first, while my page addresses user concerns, which means I need to reposition my content priorities.
By reordering sales-driven content and addressing pain points concisely, I better align with user intent, letting supporting pages deal with detailed post-sale information.
AI isn’t here to replace expertise but to guide my strategic intent, enhancing my understanding of user behavior for better conversion.
Today, I am thrilled to share that Search Engine Land is celebrating its 19th anniversary!
Nineteen years is an incredible milestone. For almost two decades, we have been diving deep into the ever-evolving world of search engines, always striving to make sense of the changes and challenges Google and the search industry present.
This year, 2025, has been one of the most transformative since our launch in 2006. The rapid pace of change has been exhilarating.
Through it all, our mission remains steadfast: to provide clear news, insightful analysis, and practical guidance to help you navigate the world of search.
Before we look to the future, I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your support and reflect on the past year with you.
Thank you for reading
Sincerely, thank you for being with us.
Every day, we focus on you: what you need to know, what really matters, and what changes will impact your work today or your strategy months down the line.
Our goals include:
Focusing on meaningful stories, not filler.
Delivering news clearly and quickly.
Providing essential context and expertise.
Being a dependable resource in a fast-changing industry.
Helping you anticipate where search is heading, even when it’s unclear.
If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to subscribe to our daily newsletter for a curated summary of all things search, helping you stay updated without feeling overwhelmed.
Thank you to the Search Engine Land team
Our team’s passion is what has driven our success for almost two decades.
Though small, our team accomplishes significant and impactful work because we are mission-driven and dedicated to search.
I extend my greatest thanks to:
Barry Schwartz. With 22 years of experience, Barry’s passion for search ensures complex topics become understandable. He is indispensable.
Anu Adegbola. Focusing on paid media, Anu offers clarity amidst constant changes with her insightful writing.
Angel Niñofranco. Angel plays a crucial role in our SME articles through his coordination and editorial oversight.
Kathy Bushman. Kathy’s behind-the-scenes expertise ensures SMX events are seamless and valuable.
And to the entire team at Third Door Media within Semrush, whether or not your name appears here, your contributions are invaluable.
Top highlights from the past year
Despite the uncertainties of this year, Search Engine Land thrived, thanks to the trust of our community.
SMX Advanced returned in person for the first time in 6 years
This was arguably the highlight of the year. SMX Advanced’s return in person after six years was electrifying.
With attendance surpassing expectations, the sessions were dynamic, and conversations felt like reunions for the search marketing community. It was clear that we all missed these face-to-face exchanges about AI, Google’s updates, and more.
We learned again that when great minds gather, extraordinary things happen. We eagerly await our next gathering in Boston, June 3-5.
Defining industry coverage of AI Overviews and the new era of search
This year, more than ever, transformed the search landscape. We’ve provided the clarity and reporting needed in this evolving environment.
Our readers rely on us for insights during times of change, and we take pride in shaping the industry’s future understanding of search.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) program growth
This year saw a surge of new and returning readers turning to us for insight into SEO and PPC shifts, from AI to SERP experiments.
Our growth owes much to our fantastic contributors, and I extend my gratitude for their impactful work.
Looking ahead: What’s next for Search Engine Land
As we embrace our 19th year, our resolution is steadfast: to offer unparalleled coverage of search-related topics.
This year, you can anticipate:
Continued breaking news on SEO, PPC, AI, and more.
In-depth analysis, guides, and contextual explainers on industry evolution.
SMX events tailored around the nuances of AI-driven search.
Enhanced expert viewpoints, data, and market clarity.
Mark your calendars for:
SMX Advanced: June 3-5
SMX Next: Nov. 18-19
We have much in store for you, with the aim of equipping you with the insights necessary for your best work.
A brief look back to where it all began
Launched on Dec. 11, 2006, Search Engine Land began with a vision of search as a vast community. A place of exploration, connection, and evolution. Over these years, it’s grown beyond our expectations.
The mission remains the same:
Search Engine Land is your destination to remain informed, educated, and connected within the world of modern search engines.
Thank you for 19 incredible years
From everyone here at Search Engine Land and Semrush, thank you for your readership, engagement, and passion for the evolving world of search.
Here’s to a promising rest of 2025 and a remarkable 2026.
I recently learned about a significant ruling that will impact Google’s longstanding agreements with tech giants like Apple and Samsung. This decision means that moving forward, Google will only be able to secure its place as the default search engine on devices for one year at a time. Despite this change, I’m not expecting a major shift in Google’s dominance over the search market anytime soon.
Here’s what’s driving the news: On Friday, Judge Amit Mehta described this one-year cap as a crucial step in enforcing antitrust measures. This follows his 2024 decision, which concluded that Google was unlawfully monopolizing the realms of search and search advertising. According to Business Insider, the requirement aims to enforce fair competition in the industry.
Additionally, Judge Mehta’s earlier ruling outlined restrictions for Google:
Google must avoid any exclusive contracts regarding the distribution of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and the Gemini app.
They cannot condition licensing agreements of the Play Store on the preloading of these applications on devices.
Revenue sharing cannot be contingent on placing or maintaining these applications on devices beyond one year.
Partners are free to distribute alternative GSEs, browsers, or GenAI products simultaneously.
Why I care: This landscape shift could mean that user searches originate from a wider array of platforms. If AI-powered competitors like OpenAI, Perplexity, or Microsoft make even modest advances, we could see a more diverse and challenging search terrain emerge.
Reality check: In my view, this is more of a bump in the road rather than a disruption. Google’s financial resources, brand strength, and user habits continue to provide significant leverage in annual negotiations.
I’m excited to share with you that SMX Advanced is gearing up to make its mark in Boston from June 3rd to 5th, 2026, hosted at the Westin Boston Seaport. This is the premier event for those of us committed to mastering search marketing.
We’re really keen on highlighting the advanced strategies in SEO, PPC, and AI, and we can’t do it without your expertise.
The world of search is evolving incredibly fast.
As SEOs, we find ourselves adapting to AI SEO trends, making sense of AI Overviews dominating SERPs, and navigating Google’s ever-changing landscape and algorithm updates.
For those in PPC, there’s the challenge of making informed, data-driven decisions while seamlessly integrating new AI tools and maintaining that essential human touch.
We’re looking for speakers at SMX Advanced who can provide real solutions to these complex issues.
Do you have proven, high-level strategies for today’s marketing landscape? Now is the perfect time to share your session idea with us. Even if you haven’t spoken at SMX before, in person or virtually, we encourage diverse voices and perspectives to come forward.
The deadline for submitting your SMX Advanced session pitch is January 30th. Don’t delay—spots are limited and fill up quickly.
Consider these tips for crafting a compelling session proposal:
Ensure that your topic is truly advanced and tailored for intermediate to advanced professionals in search marketing.
Introduce an original idea or a unique session format.
Include a case study or specific examples to illustrate your points.
Be mindful of what can realistically be covered in a 20-minute timeframe.
Provide clear, actionable takeaways for participants to implement.
Clarify what skills or insights attendees will gain from your session.
I’ve discovered the art of AEO content writing, and it’s all about structure, thorough research, and establishing authority signals. This approach can significantly boost the chances of your content being cited by LLMs such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
If you saw that CrushPress’s founders were heading to San Francisco, the obvious question is whether New York is being left behind. That is not the right reading of the move. San Francisco is being added as a second home, while New York remains central to how the company began.
The useful question is what a second city can change. For customers, partners, candidates, and AI-search practitioners, the answer depends less on the address than on whether greater proximity to the AI community produces clearer insights, better decisions, and more useful work.
The important word is second
CrushPress’s New York connection is not incidental. The founders first crossed paths at South Park Commons in New York City, and they expected the venture they built together to remain rooted there. New York’s pace, ambition, and grit matched the kind of company they wanted to create.
Calling San Francisco a second home therefore signals addition, not erasure. It preserves the founding relationship with New York while opening another place from which the founders can build relationships and learn.
That distinction prevents a common misreading. A founder presence in a city does not automatically establish a new headquarters, a customer-facing office, a full-team relocation, or a change to contracts and support. Those are separate operational facts. If you work with CrushPress, do not infer them from the move alone; rely on direct communication about anything that affects your account.
At the same time, founder geography is not meaningless. It changes which conversations happen frequently, which problems are heard early, and which relationships can develop without every interaction requiring a planned trip. The opportunity is real, but it still has to travel from the room into the work.
Why San Francisco can sharpen an AI-search company
AI search sits at the intersection of models, search interfaces, content systems, measurement, and brand strategy. The field changes through many small shifts: a new answer format, a different citation pattern, an emerging workflow, or a change in how marketing teams evaluate visibility. Written updates reveal the finished change. Direct conversations can reveal the unresolved problem behind it.
A San Francisco base can compress that learning loop. Proximity makes it easier to encounter model builders, technical operators, marketers, founders, investors, and prospective hires in overlapping communities. A question heard in one meeting can be tested in the next. A repeated complaint can be separated from a one-off preference before it influences a roadmap or editorial position.
But proximity is an input, not an outcome. Being near an active AI community does not automatically improve a product, an optimization method, or a customer’s visibility. The move becomes strategically useful only when the resulting access passes through a disciplined sequence:
Listen for repeated problems. A memorable conversation is not necessarily a market signal. The same need should appear across different roles and companies before it drives a major decision.
Separate platform change from user confusion. Sometimes a model or interface has changed. In other cases, users have not yet adapted their workflow. Those situations require different responses.
Turn learning into a concrete decision. Useful proximity should affect a product priority, measurement approach, technical recommendation, explanation, or partnership.
Make the insight portable. Customers and readers outside San Francisco should benefit through documentation, content, tools, or clearer guidance.
Check the result. The final test is whether the decision solved a real problem, not whether the original conversation sounded important.
This is the standard worth applying to any company’s move into an industry hub. Access has value when knowledge moves outward. If the insight remains inside private dinners and event rooms, the location may strengthen a network without strengthening the work.
A two-city company needs one clear entity story
For anyone responsible for SEO, AEO, GEO, structured data, or digital PR, the move also illustrates a less glamorous problem: location language can create entity ambiguity. People, search engines, and language models may encounter company facts across an About page, founder biographies, job listings, interviews, directories, social profiles, press coverage, and JSON-LD. If those surfaces use location terms carelessly, they can describe different companies without meaning to.
Keep these concepts separate:
Origin: where the founders met or where the company took shape.
Founder presence: where one or more founders spend time and participate in a community.
Office: an actual operational location used by the company.
Headquarters: the primary location the company formally identifies as its central base.
Service area: the markets or customers the company serves, which may have little relationship to founder residence.
A second home can describe founder presence and community connection without settling the other four facts. Treating those terms as interchangeable creates avoidable contradictions.
If your own company is adding a city, use a simple publishing process:
Write one canonical sentence that distinguishes the company’s roots from the new presence.
Use that distinction consistently on the About page, founder biographies, media materials, recruiting pages, and major social profiles.
Audit address-related structured data. Do not encode a narrative connection to a city as a postal address, office, or headquarters unless that underlying fact is true.
Link secondary announcements and biographies to one canonical page that explains the relationship between the locations.
Review important third-party profiles for stale or overstated wording after the change becomes public.
For CrushPress, the clean narrative is already available: New York is the founding root, and San Francisco is a second home. Future operational details can be added when they are established. That is more accurate than forcing the move into the familiar but potentially false story of one headquarters replacing another.
Judge the move by what crosses the bridge between cities
You do not need to guess whether the move will work. Watch the outputs that should follow if the new proximity is creating value.
More specific insight: Look for clearer explanations of how AI discovery, citations, brand representation, and measurement are changing. Generic enthusiasm about AI is not evidence of learning.
Visible transfer: Useful ideas should reach customers and readers who are not in San Francisco. Documentation, technical guidance, product decisions, and public analysis are stronger signals than event attendance.
Stronger collaboration: Partnerships should solve recognizable user problems or expand access to relevant expertise. A list of logos without an explained benefit says little.
Continuity in New York: A second home should add capacity without making the company’s original community feel like discarded history.
Factual consistency: Company pages, founder profiles, structured data, and third-party descriptions should agree about what each city represents.
If you are a customer, keep your due diligence practical. Ask whether your point of contact, support process, contracting entity, billing, or data handling has changed. A founder’s location does not answer any of those questions. If you are considering a role or partnership, ask where the work happens, how often travel is expected, and where decisions are made. Those answers matter more than the broad label attached to the move.
Key takeaways
San Francisco is being positioned as a second home for CrushPress, not as a replacement for its New York roots.
The strategic opportunity is a shorter feedback loop with people building and using AI, but location alone does not produce better outcomes.
The move creates value when local conversations become concrete decisions and portable knowledge.
A two-city narrative requires precise language across biographies, company pages, media materials, and structured data.
Customers should act on formal operational changes, not assumptions created by a city name.
For now, watch what CrushPress carries from San Francisco back into its products, methods, and public guidance. That transfer – not the move by itself – will show whether the second home is becoming a strategic advantage.
