AI Visibility: How to Get Noticed in ChatGPT & More

Dr. Niklas Richter · 2026-06-02

Think about how you search for information now. A few years ago, you'd type a few keywords into Google and scroll through pages of blue links. Today? You're probably asking ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity a direct question. This shift in search behavior is massive, and it changes everything for businesses trying to get found online. In this post, we're pulling back the curtain on how to stay visible in this new AI-driven world, with insights from SEO and GEO specialist Trees Pille and developer Bram Theunis. ### SEO vs. GEO: What's the Real Difference? You've heard of SEO—Search Engine Optimization. It's all about tweaking your website so Google ranks it higher. But now there's a new kid on the block: GEO, or Generative Engine Optimization. These two aren't enemies; they're partners. Think of SEO as making sure your store is on a busy street, while GEO ensures that when someone asks a local for the best shop, your name comes up first. - **SEO** focuses on keywords, backlinks, and technical site health. - **GEO** focuses on how AI tools interpret and recommend your content. - Both are essential because AI models like ChatGPT pull from the same web content that Google indexes—but they prioritize different signals. ### How AI Tools Decide Which Businesses to Mention Here's where it gets interesting. AI doesn't browse the web like you do. It uses structured data, clear language, and authoritative sources to build its answers. If your website isn't speaking that language, you're invisible. We dug into how these tools collect information and why "answer-ready content" is suddenly a big deal. ### The Power of Structured Data and Clear Answers Imagine walking into a library where every book is jumbled on the floor. That's how AI sees a messy website. Structured data—like schema markup—acts as the card catalog, telling AI exactly what your pages are about. Combined with straightforward, question-focused content, this is your ticket to being cited in AI responses. ### Practical Steps to Optimize for AI Search You don't need to be a developer to start. Here are a few concrete steps you can take today: - **Write for questions, not just keywords.** Think about what someone would ask ChatGPT about your industry. Answer that directly on your site. - **Use clear headings and bullet points.** AI loves scannable, well-organized content. - **Add structured data.** Even basic schema for your business type can make a difference. - **Test your visibility.** Ask an AI tool a question about your niche and see if your business appears. If not, you know what to work on. ### Common Mistakes Businesses Make Right Now Many companies are still stuck in old SEO habits. They stuff pages with keywords but forget to answer real questions. Others ignore mobile performance or load times, which hurts both Google rankings and AI readability. And some just don't update their content, leaving AI to cite outdated information. ### What This Means for Your Business Tomorrow The way people find information is changing fast. It's not just about Google anymore. AI tools are becoming the new front door for discovery. If you're not visible there, you're missing a growing audience. The good news? The strategies that work are mostly about being clear, helpful, and technically sound. That's something any business can do. This podcast episode came from Creatic, a team that helps businesses build strong digital brands through branding, marketing, and effective websites. From strategy to design to a site that actually performs, they focus on making your business grow online. Curious what they could do for you? Check out more at [www.creatic.be](http://www.creatic.be) (nofollow).