Traditional Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) has long been a practice you might have been encouraged to do for your business. But then came AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, which have redefined online information search today.
These Large Language Models [LLMs] make it easy for us to find the correct information and content faster with less effort. Due to these factors, adapting to LLM SEO to stay visible is now non-negotiable.
But what is LLM SEO, why, and how do small businesses optimise for this? In today’s blog, I address these factors to give you an answer. So let’s go!
What is LLM SEO for home service businesses?
Also known as LLM optimisation (LLMO), it’s the practice of optimising content for your business to align with LLM responses. The responses can be through AI tools like ChatGPT, AI reviews on Google, or feature snippets. For example, as an interior designer, your business shows up in AI-generated answers on Gemini instead of ranking on Google alone.
Traditional SEO complements an LLM-optimised website, making it easy to appear on AI-powered experiences. The real differences are that:
- LLM SEO mainly focuses on conversational queries, unlike traditional search, which majors on keywords
- LLM SEO focuses on brand sentiments and mentions, while traditional SEO focuses on backlinks
Why businesses should care about LLM SEO
AI tools are the new search engines today. According to Search Engine Land, AI overviews cause a 15% to 64% decline in website traffic, challenging the maintenance of online visibility. People have also adapted to this search behaviour, which has grown since then.
42% of people use AI tools for product recommendations before making a purchase decision
48% of LLM users apply these platforms to understand the latest news.
Being “mentioned” by an AI system can bring more trust and visibility, which is why optimising for AI crawlability is a must for businesses in the home service business.
Other benefits of LLM SEO for Small Businesses include:
- Enhances user experience: Emphasis on better content structure offers smooth navigation through your site for potential clients and AI. This experience encourages conversion, ranking, and referrals from LLM.
- Cost-effective marketing: A well-designed LLM website reduces the cost spent on marketing, especially on advertisements. This strategy also powers your business to compete with larger brands.
How to Optimize for LLM SEO
Now that you know what LLMO is and its benefits, it’s time to know how to optimize your content to fit.
Use longtail keywords in your content
Search is now more conversational, and LLMs thrive on this type of input. Create content that’s geared to natural conversations to increase your chances of landing AI mentions. For example, “Why is owning your media essential today?” is how people may ask questions on AI platforms.
Enhance your traditional SEO
Most traditional website optimization strategies encourage brand mention on LLMs. Start by claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile(GBP), optimizing existing pages for search, and improving your site’s speed to increase chances of AI mentions.
Create Original content
Large language models love recommending recent insights, statistics, and quotes. Original findings increase the value of your content, allowing AI to cite it. This process presents your brand as an authority in your niche. Unique research where you collect, analyse, and publish the findings is the perfect way to get original data.
Enhance content structure
Use headings(H1, H2, and H3s), tables, and lists to organize your content for LLMs and users. Also, check your content readability score using tools like Hamingways, depending on your niche industry.
Employ key takeaways and FAQs
This strategy gives AI systems different, clear entry points to your content. It also helps potential clients to break down your content into useful chunks they can implement to get answers.
Stay consistent
Consistent brand presence online and in search engines presents you as a subject matter expert. This practice also builds trust and credibility, qualities picked up by LLMs.
Test and retest
Keep monitoring your content on platforms like ChatGPT to see how they appear and perform. You can do this by asking questions that your target audience may be asking. A tool like Google Analytics also helps measure LLM traffic.
Get the competitive advantage by embracing LLM SEO
Yes, AI is improving daily, but we can now all agree that LLM SEO isn’t a replacement but an evolution for traditional SEO. And if you’re a business owner who wants to stand out in an AI-crowded market, you need to adapt to this strategy today.
The earlier you start, the stronger your competitive edge.
