LLM SEO (Large Language Model SEO) is the practice of optimizing your brand, content, and digital presence to appear in AI-generated responses from platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. Unlike traditional SEO which focuses on Google rankings, LLM SEO focuses on how AI models understand and recommend your brand.

How is LLM SEO different from traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO optimizes for search engine crawlers and ranking algorithms. LLM SEO optimizes for AI understanding and recommendation. Key differences: 1) AI doesn't crawl in real-time, 2) There are no "rankings" - only mentions or omissions, 3) Context and reputation matter more than keywords, 4) AI synthesizes information rather than linking to sources.

How do I optimize my brand for ChatGPT?

To optimize for ChatGPT: 1) Ensure consistent brand messaging across the web, 2) Build authoritative backlinks and citations, 3) Create structured data on your website, 4) Develop content that answers common questions about your industry, 5) Monitor how ChatGPT describes your brand and address any misinformation.

Can I track my LLM SEO performance?

Yes, tools like Refractia allow you to monitor your AI Visibility Index - how often AI models mention your brand, in what context, with what sentiment, and compared to competitors. This is the new equivalent of tracking search rankings.

The New SEO Paradigm

LLM SEO

The Complete Guide to AI Search Optimization

Traditional SEO got you ranked on Google. LLM SEO gets you recommended by ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and every AI assistant your customers use.

"The brands that master LLM SEO today will own the next decade of discovery."

Traditional SEO

Optimize for Google crawlers
Chase keyword rankings
Build backlinks for authority
Focus on click-through rates
Compete for 10 blue links
Success = Page 1 ranking

LLM SEO

Optimize for AI understanding
Build semantic authority
Shape AI perception & sentiment
Focus on recommendation rate
Compete for AI mentions
Success = AI recommends you

Why LLM SEO is Non-Negotiable

AI-First Generation

Younger consumers increasingly use TikTok and ChatGPT instead of Google for search

Direct AI Answers

More queries are answered directly by AI without the user clicking a link

No Second Chances

If AI doesn't mention you, you don't exist to that user

The LLM SEO Framework

Five pillars to dominate AI search

AI Visibility Audit

Understand how AI currently sees your brand. What does ChatGPT say when asked about you? How do you compare to competitors?

Perception Optimization

Shape the narrative. Ensure your brand's tone, values, and positioning are accurately reflected in AI responses.

Competitive Intelligence

Monitor your AI Share of Voice against competitors. Identify gaps and opportunities in AI recommendations.

Content Architecture

Create content that AI models can understand, synthesize, and cite. Structure for AI comprehension.

Continuous Monitoring

Track AI perception drift over time. Detect and correct hallucinations before they spread.

LLM SEO Metrics That Matter

AI Visibility Index

How often AI mentions your brand in relevant contexts

AI Share of Voice

Your mention rate vs competitors in AI responses

Sentiment Score

How positively AI describes your brand

Perception Alignment

How closely AI's description matches your desired identity

Hallucination Rate

Frequency of incorrect AI statements about your brand

Citation Authority

How often AI cites your content as a source

Start Your LLM SEO Journey

See how AI currently perceives your brand and get actionable recommendations to improve your AI visibility.

Get Your AI Visibility Audit Learn About AI Visibility Index