AI Search Optimization: How to Get Cited by ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
August 10, 2026 · Michelle Hummel
Why this matters
Learn how AI search optimization (AEO) works and the exact steps to get your business cited in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
At Web Strategy Plus we build growth systems, not one-off tactics. AI Search Optimization works best when it is connected to everything else: search visibility, a website that converts, and follow-up that never drops a lead.
The short version
- Start with the questions your buyers actually ask.
- Answer those questions better than anyone else in your market.
- Make the next step obvious on every page.
- Measure leads and revenue, not vanity metrics.
Step 1: Map demand before you create anything
List the 20 questions your sales conversations keep repeating. Those questions are your roadmap. Group them into three buckets — problem-aware, solution-aware, and ready-to-buy — because each bucket needs a different kind of page.
Step 2: Build the hub, then the spokes
A pillar page covers the topic broadly and links out to detailed supporting articles. Those articles link back. That internal structure tells search engines, and AI answer engines, which page is the authority on the subject.
Step 3: Make trust visible
Reviews, case studies, named authors, credentials, and real photography all lift conversion rates. They also raise the odds that an AI assistant treats your page as a credible source worth citing.
Step 4: Connect it to follow-up
Traffic without follow-up is a leak. Route every form into one pipeline, respond quickly, and automate the reminders so nothing sits idle.
Common mistakes we see
- Publishing volume with no internal linking plan.
- Writing for competitors instead of customers.
- Treating AI Search Optimization as a silo separate from SEO and web design.
- No clear owner for measurement.
Where to go next
If you want to see how your site stacks up today, run our free AI website revenue audit and get a personalized roadmap in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long before we see results?
Most clients see early movement in 60 to 90 days, with compounding results between months four and nine depending on competition and publishing cadence.
Do we need to publish every week?
Consistency beats volume. One strong, well-linked article per week outperforms five thin posts.
Can this work alongside paid ads?
Yes. Organic content lowers paid acquisition costs over time by warming up audiences and improving landing page quality.
About the author
Michelle Hummel
CEO of Web Strategy Plus, published author of three digital marketing books, and a nationally recognized speaker on SEO, AI search, and revenue-focused web strategy.
Meet the team