Google Says Optimizing for AI Search Is Just Like Traditional SEO Search Optimization
Nick Fox, a senior leader at Google, recently shared some advice about how to get your website noticed by Google’s new AI search features as well as other AI search platforms.
His main message is simple: if you want your website to show up in search results, whether it’s regular search or their new AI-powered search, the key is to build a great website with unique, helpful information for your visitors.
What Does Google Say About AI Optimization?
Nick Fox said in a recent podcast that the steps to make your site stand out in Google’s AI search are basically the same as what you’d do for a regular Google search. His advice is to focus on creating useful, high-quality content that people actually want to read or use. Build your website for real people, not just for search engines.
Normal Website Optimization Practices for SEO (Google Organic Search) Will Work for AI Search Too
Another Google expert, Gary Illyes, spoke at a recent forum, explaining that you don’t need to do anything special for Google’s AI Overviews (the new AI features in search). Just use the usual ways to help your site show up in search results, like making sure it’s easy to use, provides good information, and follows basic website guidelines.
What about using Special site Files and sitemaps like LLMS.txt?
Recently, there’s been talk of a new file called LLMS.txt that some people think could help websites get noticed by AI systems.
Some companies will even call businesses to try to sell this feature, with ongoing “optimization” to improve AI search results. However, Google says you don’t need this file for AI search. Google won’t be looking at LLMS.txt, so you can ignore it if you’re focused on Google search.
How to Spot False Sales Pitches About AOI Optimization?
If you want your website to show up in Google’s AI search, just keep doing the same things that help your site in regular search. Make your site useful and easy to find, like you always have. There are no new tricks or special files needed for AI search features; good SEO website practices are still what matter most.
In summary, Google leaders say that optimizing your website for AI search works the same way as traditional SEO. To appear in both regular and AI-powered Google searches, focus on building a website with unique, helpful, high-quality content for real people. There’s no need for special tactics or files like LLMS.txt—just follow standard SEO best practices, such as making your site user-friendly and informative. Ignore sales pitches promising special AI optimization features, as Google has confirmed they are unnecessary. Good website practices remain the key to success in both traditional and AI search results.
