Jonathan Deleon

The way people search for information online is changing fast. For years, Google has been the top tool for finding anything from local services to product reviews. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and others are entering the picture and changing how people get answers. If you’re a business owner, this shift matters. Understanding the difference between AI search and traditional Google search can help you stay ahead of the competition, get found more often, and connect with customers in new ways. In this blog, we’ll break it all down for you. What Is Traditional Google Search? Traditional Google search works by crawling billions of web pages, indexing them, and ranking them based on a number of signals like relevance, authority, mobile usability, and page speed. When someone types a query into Google, the search engine returns a list of results called a Search Engine Results Page (SERP). Key features of traditional search include: For most businesses, especially local ones, ranking on page one of Google has long been the goal. This is how customers find plumbers, restaurants, law firms, or dental clinics near them. What Is AI Search? AI search works differently. Instead of returning a list of links, tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity generate a synthesized answer based on what they’ve learned from a large set of sources across the web. Here’s what makes AI search unique: In short, AI tools act more like smart assistants. Instead of giving you options to choose from, they try to give you the answer. How AI Search Impacts Your Business This change is significant. When someone searches “best family dentist in Orlando” on Google, they see a list of dental websites, reviews, and map results. But if they ask the same question in ChatGPT or Perplexity, they might only see a few named businesses based on content those tools can access. That means if your business isn’t part of the data those AI tools pull from, you may miss out on visibility—even if your website is doing well on Google. Key Differences Between AI Search and Traditional Search Here’s a breakdown to help you see the differences: Feature Google Search AI Search (ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc.) Output List of links Written answers, with optional sources User intent Click and explore Ask and receive SEO value Based on ranking signals and backlinks Based on content clarity, authority, structure Local SEO Map Pack visibility is crucial May rely on structured data and mentions across the web Content strategy Keyword-focused and intent-matched Conversational, question-based, fact-driven How to Optimize for AI Search Now that you understand the difference, how do you make sure your business is showing up in AI-driven answers? Here are some tips: 1. Publish Content That Answers Specific Questions AI tools love clear, helpful answers. Create blog posts, FAQs, and service pages that respond to real questions customers are asking. Use headings like “What’s the best AC system for Florida homes?” or “How much do dental implants cost in Orlando?” 2. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup) AI needs help understanding your site. Use schema markup to label your business name, services, locations, reviews, and FAQs. This helps AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity parse your content more accurately. 3. Build Topical Authority Don’t just publish one blog post about your services. Build an entire cluster of content around your niche. For example, a dentist might write about dental implants, all-on-four treatments, recovery time, costs, and local insurance options. This positions you as an expert and makes it more likely AI tools will cite your site. 4. Get Listed on Authoritative Directories AI platforms often pull business information from trusted directories. Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete, and that you’re listed on sites like Yelp, Healthgrades, TripAdvisor, or local directories relevant to your industry. 5. Create Conversational Content Because AI tools respond to natural language, your content should feel natural too. Write like you speak. Use complete sentences, avoid jargon, and focus on clarity. 6. Keep Your Website Updated AI platforms favor fresh content. If your site hasn’t been updated in years, you’re less likely to be referenced in AI search results. Add new content regularly and keep your information current. 7. Monitor Your Brand Mentions AI tools often mention businesses based on brand mentions across the web. Get featured in local news, guest posts, or testimonials on partner sites. These help expand your digital footprint beyond just your website. What Are the Limitations of AI Search? While AI search is powerful, it’s not perfect. Here are some things to keep in mind: That’s why it’s important to focus on both: keep ranking well on traditional Google search while optimizing for AI tools at the same time. What About Ads and Monetization? Right now, traditional Google still offers the best tools for paid search and ad targeting. AI search platforms are still working on how to monetize results, which means for lead generation and conversions, Google is still key. But that may change in the future, so being early to optimize for AI puts your business ahead of the curve. Final Thoughts: Do You Need to Choose One or the Other? Not at all. In fact, the best digital marketing strategies will blend both. You still need a strong presence on Google through organic SEO, local SEO, and paid ads. But now, you also need to make sure your content is written in a way that makes sense to AI tools. In other words, write for people, structure for search engines, and plan for AI. Want Help Getting Your Business Found by AI and Google? At Next Level Marketing Agency, we help small and medium-sized businesses in Central Florida stand out across every channel—Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and beyond. Our SEO and content strategies are built for the future of search. Contact us to schedule your free strategy session today.

AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini are rapidly changing how people discover businesses online. Instead of just typing keywords into Google, users are now asking full questions on conversational AI tools and getting highly curated, synthesized answers. For businesses, this shift means one thing: your website needs to be ready for the future of search. At Next Level Marketing Agency, we’ve helped countless businesses adapt to SEO changes. In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to optimize your site so it shows up in AI-generated results and voice-powered searches. Whether you’re a local business owner or a marketer looking to future-proof your strategy, this guide is for you. What Is AI-Powered Search and Why Does It Matter? AI search engines are different from traditional ones. Instead of returning a list of links, they often provide a synthesized answer based on the most relevant and authoritative sources available. ChatGPT, for example, pulls information from a wide range of sites and forms a response in plain language. Tools like Perplexity and Gemini are doing something similar, scanning billions of web pages to generate real-time responses. That means your website isn’t just competing for a spot on page one of Google. It’s competing to be the answer. How AI Search Engines Choose What to Display AI tools prioritize content that is: In other words, it’s not just about using the right keywords. It’s about being the most helpful source for the question being asked. 1. Focus on Topical Authority AI tools lean toward websites that have deep content in a specific niche. This is called topical authority. If you want to show up in AI responses about HVAC, dental implants, real estate, or legal services, you need to publish consistent, high-quality content that demonstrates deep expertise in those topics. Tips to build topical authority: 2. Write Conversational, Helpful Content AI tools respond to natural-sounding questions. To get featured, your content should match the way people speak and ask questions. Here’s how: 3. Add Structured Data to Help AI Understand Your Content Schema markup (structured data) helps AI and search engines understand the context of your content. This makes it easier for them to display your business information, reviews, FAQs, and service details directly in search results or when crafting AI responses. You should implement: 4. Optimize for Featured Snippets and Direct Answers Featured snippets are blocks of information that appear at the top of Google search results. These same formats often get pulled into AI answers. To increase your chances: 5. Build Backlinks from Reputable Sources AI search tools weigh credibility. One strong signal of credibility is backlinks—links from other respected websites pointing to your content. Earn backlinks by: 6. Optimize for Local SEO (Still Matters!) If your business serves a local area, AI search platforms still rely on accurate local data to recommend nearby providers. That means your website should: 7. Publish Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) FAQs are an underrated gem for AI optimization. These mimic the structure of the exact questions users might type into ChatGPT or Perplexity. Example: Question: What’s the difference between ductless and central AC? Answer: Ductless systems don’t use ductwork and are ideal for zone cooling, while central AC requires ducts and cools the entire home evenly. Use this format and publish FAQs on your service pages and blogs. 8. Improve Page Speed and Mobile Usability AI tools often use page performance data as a signal of quality. If your website loads slowly or is hard to use on mobile, you may be filtered out. Key areas to improve: 9. Establish Author and Brand Credibility E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is a concept from Google’s search quality guidelines. AI platforms also look for content created by real people with experience. Ways to build trust: 10. Track and Measure Performance with AI in Mind You won’t always see your AI-powered visibility in traditional analytics tools. But you can track related improvements by monitoring: The Future of SEO Includes AI—Get Ahead Now Optimizing for AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing strategy built around clarity, trust, and helpful content. Start by aligning your content to the real questions people ask, using structured data, and writing like a human, not a robot. Combine that with solid SEO foundations and you’ll be ahead of most businesses still relying on outdated tactics. Need Help Getting Found by AI Search? At Next Level Marketing Agency, we help Central Florida small and medium-sized businesses grow their visibility—whether customers are searching on Google, ChatGPT, or anywhere else. From AI-optimized content to technical SEO and schema setup, we’re ready to build your presence for where search is headed next. Contact us today to learn how we can help you get discovered.

If you’re running a business in 2025, you’ve probably heard the term SEO more times than you can count. It’s one of the most recommended strategies for growing your online presence. But that naturally leads to a common question from many business owners: Is SEO actually worth it? At Next Level Marketing Agency, we hear this question all the time from startups, local businesses, and even established companies. It’s a fair question. After all, SEO can take time, and it often feels like there are faster ways to get leads. In this blog post, we’ll break down exactly what SEO is, why it still matters, how it compares to other marketing methods, and whether it’s the right investment for your business. What Is SEO, Really? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s the process of improving your website and online presence so that you show up on search engines like Google when potential customers look for products or services like yours. But SEO isn’t just about adding keywords to a page. A complete SEO strategy can include: In short, SEO helps your business show up organically in search results, without paying for every single click like you would in ads. Why SEO Is Still One of the Most Valuable Marketing Channels Now more than ever, SEO is a long-term asset that pays off in multiple ways. Here’s why: 1. People Use Search to Make Decisions Over 90 percent of online experiences start with a search engine. Whether someone is looking for a nearby dentist, comparing roofing contractors, or researching gym memberships, their journey usually begins with a Google search. If your business is not showing up in those results, you’re not even in the running. 2. Organic Search Traffic Has Higher Intent Unlike cold outreach or social media ads, the people who find your business through search are actively looking for a solution. This means they’re more likely to convert into leads, calls, or sales. For example, someone who searches “best chiropractor near me” is likely ready to book an appointment. That’s the kind of traffic SEO brings in. 3. You Don’t Pay for Every Click Paid ads stop delivering traffic the moment you pause your budget. SEO continues to bring in leads without ongoing ad spend. Yes, SEO takes time and consistent effort, but the return compounds over time. It’s like building equity in a house rather than renting traffic month to month. 4. SEO Builds Credibility and Trust Ranking at the top of search results helps your business appear more trustworthy. Most users associate organic rankings with authority. If Google is recommending you, it must be for a reason. Combine this with great reviews and a fast, user-friendly website, and you’re building long-term credibility. 5. It Supports Every Other Marketing Channel Good SEO improves more than just your rankings. It supports your overall marketing efforts. Here’s how: It all connects. What About AI and Search Changes? With AI tools like ChatGPT, Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), and answer engines on the rise, some people wonder if SEO is becoming outdated. The short answer: no, SEO is not dying. It’s evolving. Search engines are still the dominant way people find information, and AI is enhancing how results are presented. In fact, the need for well-structured, helpful content is even more important now. AI platforms pull from authoritative content sources. If your website has structured, expert-driven content, you increase your chances of being featured in AI-generated results too. At Next Level, we include AI SEO and answer engine optimization as part of our programs so you don’t fall behind in this new search landscape. Is SEO Worth It for Local Businesses Absolutely. If you’re a service provider, restaurant, clinic, or any business that serves a specific area, Local SEO is one of the best investments you can make. It helps you show up in: A well-optimized Google Business Profile alone can drive consistent phone calls and foot traffic. When paired with reviews, local content, and targeted landing pages, the results can be game-changing. How Long Does SEO Take to Work One of the biggest concerns people have is the timeline. SEO is not an overnight solution. But it is a lasting one. At Next Level, we set clear milestones and provide monthly reports so you always know what we’re working on and how your site is performing. SEO vs Paid Ads: Which Is Better? It’s not about one being better than the other. It’s about balance. In fact, the most successful businesses use both together. They run paid ads while SEO builds, then reduce ad spend once organic traffic picks up. The Real Question: Can You Afford to Ignore SEO? If your competitors are investing in SEO and you’re not, you’re slowly giving up market share. Even if you rely on referrals or paid ads today, not being visible in search makes your business harder to find and easier to forget. SEO is not a trend. It’s how people discover, evaluate, and choose businesses in 2025. Final Thoughts: Is SEO Worth It? Yes—If You Do It Right. SEO is worth it when you treat it like an asset, not a shortcut. It takes time, strategy, and consistent execution, but the payoff is long-lasting visibility and trust. At Next Level Marketing Agency, we help business owners like you get found, get clicks, and get results. Whether you need Local SEO, content optimization, or guidance for AI-driven search, we’re here to help.

Search engine optimization (SEO) has always been about adapting. What worked five years ago looks very different today, and with the rise of artificial intelligence, the pace of change is picking up fast. If you’re a business owner, marketer, or content creator, understanding how AI is transforming SEO isn’t optional. It’s essential. In this post, we’ll break down how AI is reshaping search, what it means for your SEO strategy, and what you can do to stay ahead. No jargon, no hype, just clear, helpful information you can act on. What Does AI Mean in the Context of SEO? AI in SEO refers to both the tools that marketers use to optimize content, and the ways search engines are now processing and ranking that content. In other words, artificial intelligence is at work on both sides of the equation. On the one hand, AI tools help marketers with tasks like keyword research, content generation, optimization suggestions, and competitor analysis. On the other, AI is deeply embedded in how search engines like Google and Bing rank pages, understand user intent, and generate results. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), ChatGPT with browsing, and tools like Perplexity are introducing a new kind of search environment where answers are generated, not just listed. This means SEO strategies must adapt not only for traditional search engines but also for these newer AI-driven platforms. How AI Is Transforming Search Engines Let’s start with the big picture. Search engines have evolved far beyond simple keyword matching. With the help of AI, they now: These changes have led to more conversational queries, where people ask full questions instead of typing a few keywords. For example, someone might search, “What’s the best time to post on Instagram for a fitness business?” instead of “Instagram post timing.” AI helps search engines deliver more relevant answers to these types of questions. If your content is written with clear structure, helpful detail, and natural flow, it has a better chance of being surfaced. The Rise of Answer Engines and What That Means for SEO Answer engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s SGE are changing how people consume search results. Instead of scrolling through a page of links, users can now get a direct response in seconds. This shift doesn’t mean SEO is dead. It means SEO is evolving. To rank well in AI-generated answers, your content needs to: This is often referred to as “AI SEO” or “optimization for answer engines,” and it requires a shift in how we think about content. Instead of just ranking in Google, we’re now aiming to be the source that tools like ChatGPT pull from. How to Use AI Tools to Improve Your SEO AI isn’t just changing how search works. It’s also helping marketers do better SEO. Here are a few ways you can use AI tools to your advantage: 1. Keyword Research Tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Surfer SEO use AI to find keyword opportunities, analyze search intent, and suggest content gaps. You can also use platforms like ChatGPT to brainstorm long-tail keywords based on questions your audience might ask. 2. Content Strategy AI can help identify trending topics, outline content structures, and suggest subtopics to cover. For example, if you’re planning a blog post about “home renovation tips,” an AI tool can help you map out what to include, based on what’s already performing well. 3. Content Optimization Tools like Clearscope and MarketMuse analyze your content and compare it to top-ranking pages. They suggest improvements like adding missing keywords, reorganizing headers, or expanding sections for depth. 4. Meta Tags and Snippets AI tools can generate draft meta titles and descriptions that follow character limits and best practices. These can be refined by a human to keep the tone right while ensuring SEO standards are met. 5. Competitor Research AI can quickly analyze your competitors’ websites, content strategies, backlink profiles, and keyword targets. This gives you insight into what’s working for others in your space and where you can outperform them. Human Content Still Matters (A Lot) One of the most important things to remember: even though AI can help you create content, it’s still human-first content that performs best. Search engines are looking for content that: AI can help with efficiency, but if your content sounds robotic or generic, it won’t rank or convert. Always review, refine, and personalize anything AI helps you write. Inject your brand voice, your real-world examples, and your unique point of view. Tips for Optimizing Content for AI and Traditional Search To help your content rank in both Google and AI-generated platforms, follow these best practices: Don’t Forget Local SEO For businesses that serve a specific region, local SEO is still just as important. AI-powered tools can help here too. Make sure you: AI tools like BrightLocal and Surfer Local can analyze your local SEO performance and suggest improvements. Final Thoughts: Where SEO and AI Are Headed SEO is not going away. It’s just changing. With the rise of AI, both in tools and search platforms, businesses need to be more strategic than ever. The winners will be those who: At the end of the day, SEO with AI is not about replacing people. It’s about helping people create better, faster, more effective content that actually helps the user. If you’re looking to improve your search visibility, adapt to new trends, or start optimizing your content for both humans and machines, now is the time to start.