SEOs (and their bosses) are quickly adopting AI search optimization, even when they’re nonetheless determining what all of it means, in keeping with 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% persist with web 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… Practically 91% mentioned management requested about AI search visibility up to now yr. Sure, the subject is mainstream in boardrooms.
Who’s in cost? 75% of SEOs mentioned the web optimization staff runs AI search efforts.
Few reported having a devoted AI search staff or cross-functional possession.
What’s working. High 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 affect 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 unstable AI solutions.
Why we care. AI search barely strikes the income needle – 62% of SEOs mentioned it drives lower than 5% of income. Nevertheless, purchasers and executives are already demanding visibility studies, methods, and budgets. This survey signifies that AI search is reshaping priorities sooner than it’s delivering outcomes.
Backside line. AI search is messy. SEOs are experimenting with numerous ways, and nonetheless no person 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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Danny Goodwin is Editorial Director of Search Engine Land & Search Advertising and marketing Expo – SMX. He joined Search Engine Land in 2022 as Senior Editor. Along with reporting on the most recent search advertising and marketing information, he manages Search Engine Land’s SME (Topic Matter Skilled) program. He additionally helps program U.S. SMX occasions. Goodwin has been modifying and writing in regards to the newest developments and tendencies in search and digital advertising and marketing since 2007. He beforehand was Government Editor of Search Engine Journal (from 2017 to 2022), managing editor of Momentology (from 2014-2016) and editor of Search Engine Watch (from 2007 to 2014). He has spoken at many main search conferences and digital occasions, and has been sourced for his experience by a variety of publications and podcasts.
