SEOs (and their bosses) are quickly adopting AI search optimization, even when they’re nonetheless determining what all of it means, in response to a brand new survey from Aleyda Solis.
By the numbers: Greater than 200 senior SEOs worldwide shared how they’re referring to this rising self-discipline.
- 36% say their purchasers/managers merely name it “AI search optimization.”
- 27% follow search engine optimization (however for AI platforms).
- 18% name it generative engine optimization (GEO).
- Others use phrases like AEO (reply engine optimization) and even LLMO.
Sure, and… Almost 91% mentioned management requested about AI search visibility up to now 12 months. Sure, the subject is mainstream in boardrooms.
Who’s in cost? 75% of SEOs mentioned the search engine optimization group runs AI search efforts.
- Few reported having a devoted AI search group or cross-functional possession.
What’s working. Prime ways SEOs are prioritizing:
- Schema and structured knowledge.
- Digital PR and citations on sources like Reddit and Wikipedia.
- Content material chunking and FAQs for retrieval.
- Monitoring AI mentions/citations throughout instruments like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini.
What’s not working. Income impression is tiny – 62% reported AI search drives lower than 5% of income.
- Measurement can also be not working. The highest frustrations for SEOs? Lack of attribution and risky AI solutions.
Why we care. AI search barely strikes the income needle – 62% of SEOs mentioned it drives lower than 5% of income. Nonetheless, purchasers and executives are already demanding visibility reviews, methods, and budgets. This survey signifies that AI search is reshaping priorities quicker than it’s delivering outcomes.
Backside line. AI search is messy. SEOs are experimenting with varied ways, and nonetheless no one can agree what to name this rising advertising and marketing self-discipline – or who owns it.
The survey. The SEOFOMO State of AI Search Optimization Survey – 2025 Version
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