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Search has entered a new chapter with the rise of Large Language Models such as ChatGPT Gemini and Perplexity. Instead of browsing through long lists of links users now ask full questions and receive conversational answers. This shift has introduced a new discipline called LLM SEO. Many businesses are asking how does LLM SEO work and how they can adapt their strategies to remain visible.
LLM SEO is the process of optimising your content so that Large Language Models can understand trust and include it in their generated responses. Traditional SEO focuses on ranking in Google. LLM SEO focuses on being cited in AI generated answers. The difference is that visibility is not about ranking on a page but about being selected as a trusted source when AI builds its summaries.
Instead of rewarding keyword heavy posts LLMs look for content that answers queries fully. They scan text for relevance coverage and completeness. A page that solves a question in detail is more likely to be cited than one that simply repeats keywords.
LLMs are designed to mirror natural conversations. When people ask questions they use full sentences not short phrases. LLM SEO works by aligning content with this pattern. Headings framed as questions short direct answers followed by detailed context and a simple conversational tone make your content easier to surface.
LLMs do not want to risk including unreliable sources. They work by prioritising trustworthy content. Author bios that show expertise references to credible studies and backlinks from respected sites all signal reliability. The stronger your authority the greater the chance of being cited.
Schema markup helps LLMs extract information cleanly. When you use FAQ schema product schema or review schema it provides clarity. This makes it easier for AI engines to understand what your page is about and include it in their responses.
LLMs favour current and accurate information. Regularly updated posts are more likely to be cited than outdated ones. This means that refreshing statistics examples and titles with current years is critical to visibility in AI search.
Engagement matters. LLMs consider signals such as how long users stay on a page or how easy a site is to navigate. Fast load speeds mobile readiness and the use of visuals all contribute to stronger user experience which in turn makes AI systems view your content as more reliable.
LLMs also look for emerging topics. By publishing early on new trends you increase your chances of becoming the authoritative source that AI systems pull from later.
So how does LLM SEO work
By prioritising depth and completeness over keywords
By optimising for conversational queries
By building authority through expertise and trust signals
By applying structured data for clarity
By keeping content fresh and updated
By improving user experience and engagement
By publishing early around future trends
LLM SEO works by shifting the focus from keyword placement to trust clarity and depth. The goal is no longer to rank on page one but to be chosen as a reliable source in AI generated answers. Businesses that adapt now will gain visibility and authority in both traditional search and AI powered discovery.
At DWAO we help brands understand how LLM SEO works. Through strategies that combine content authority structured optimisation and predictive insights we prepare businesses to thrive in the future of AI driven search.
If you want to know exactly how LLM SEO works and how to use it to grow your visibility DWAO is here to guide you.