How to Make Websites Rank #1 in AI Search Results
Search engine optimization (SEO) is ever-changing, with its latest shift driven by artificial intelligence (AI). Today, more and more consumers look to AI search for a level of personalized, easy-to-digest information they can’t get from traditional search engines. That means now is the time to understand how AI finds, interprets, and recommends brands, and apply those principles to your sites.
As part of Circle Day 2025, SEOSpace founder Henry Purchase broke down a five-step blueprint to optimize for AI search. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Start with traditional SEO
AI search still relies on standard search results, which makes keyword-rich copy, high-quality backlinks, and user experience essential. In other words, your hard work on the SEO basics isn’t wasted—it’s foundational. Read top tips for designing SEO-friendly websites.
2. Optimize content for AI
AI search engines have their own criteria for what gets recommended. The good news is, they’ll tell you exactly what that is. Ask your AI tool (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) what it looks for when recommending a product or service like yours (for example: What do you look for when recommending a Squarespace web designer?). Then, add that information as plain text to your site. Learn more ways to optimize your website for AI search.
3. Audit your AI visibility
AI search is actively pulling information about your brand from directories, review sites, social media profiles, and more—but is what’s being shown aligned with how you want to be represented? Ask AI about your business and take note of where the information comes from. If the results are outdated or inaccurate, update those sources so AI can “learn” the correct details about your brand. You may need to contact other website owners to make these corrections.
4. Increase brand mentions
Whether about your business, your products or services, or even your team members, brand mentions help train AI to better understand your business. Some of the most valuable mentions come from “Best of” lists in your specific niche, which position you as a leader in your industry and increase the likelihood you’ll show up in AI search results.
5. Boost brand sentiment
AI doesn’t just want your brand to be mentioned; it wants those mentions to be positive. Reviews play a major role in if and how often your business gets recommended. The more high-quality reviews you have, the better positioned you are for AI search visibility, so ask clients for testimonials and reviews after every project.
For more tips on SEO and AIO best practices, check out the following resources:
Want more?
Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional designers and web design agencies. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.
