How to Rank in Large Language Models: Strategies for the New Era of SEO

Search engine optimization is evolving. Today, it’s not just about Google. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini, there’s a growing demand to learn how to rank in large language models (LLMs). These AI models don’t rely on the traditional page-rank algorithm or backlinks. So, how do you ensure your content gets seen and cited?

In this post, we break down how to rank in large language models using a blend of traditional SEO principles and new techniques tailored to AI-driven platforms.

1. Focus on Entities, Not Just Keywords

One of the most effective ways to rank in large language models is to focus on entities. LLMs don’t simply search for keywords; they understand context. That means instead of stuffing your content with exact-match terms, you need to make sure you’re covering a topic comprehensively and referencing related concepts.

For example instead of writing a post that just repeats “best project management tools,” expand into areas like features, pricing, integrations, alternatives, and use cases.

Use structured data (like schema markup) and rich internal linking to help machines understand your content better. This is a vital part of any LLM SEO strategy.

2. Write Fact-Rich, Trustworthy Content

LLMs are trained on high-quality, factual data. They often cite sources that have high credibility. If your content is vague, unoriginal, or misleading, it’s unlikely to appear in AI-generated answers.

Write clear, specific, well-researched articles. Cite reputable sources and link out to high-quality references. The goal is to become a source that LLMs trust.

Also, update your content regularly. AI models tend to favour fresh, accurate information especially for technical, scientific, financial, or health-related topics.

3. Become a Source, Not Just a Repeater

Large language models give preference to original content creators. If your post is simply summarizing what’s already out there, you’ll have a hard time standing out.

To improve your LLM SEO strategy, add original insights, data, or quotes. For example, run your own surveys, include customer stories, or offer detailed case studies. Being the source increases your chance of being cited in AI responses.

4. Answer Specific, Long-Tail Questions

AI tools are often used for asking specific, long-tail questions. To optimize content for ChatGPT and similar tools, structure your posts to answer questions directly.

Use subheadings with actual questions like “What’s the best CRM for solopreneurs?” and provide concise answers. Then expand with more context.

This not only helps traditional SEO (featured snippets) but also makes your content more scannable and LLM-friendly.

5. Build Topical Authority

Topical authority helps both traditional SEO and AI search engine optimization. If your site is known for publishing consistently good content on a specific subject, AI tools are more likely to pull answers from it.

Instead of covering everything, specialize. For example, rather than writing about general marketing, focus on email marketing for SaaS startups.

Use topic clusters, internal links, and semantic coverage to strengthen your authority.

6. Make Your Content Easy to Parse

AI models prefer content that’s easy to understand and parse. This includes:

• Using clear headings
• Bullet points and lists
• Structured formatting (e.g., tables)
• Proper HTML markup

If you’re using WordPress or other CMS platforms, avoid overly complicated page builders that generate messy code. Clean, accessible HTML helps AI systems extract your content efficiently.

This tactic is key if you want to optimize content for ChatGPT and similar tools that scrape or summarize the web.

7. Use First-Person Experience or Authoritative Voice

AI models tend to trust content that’s written from a first-person or authoritative perspective. This is why Google introduced the “Experience” part of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust).

Talk about things you’ve actually done. Add author bios, and show credentials when possible. This supports both human trust and AI trust.

8. Get Mentioned (Not Just Linked)

Unlike Google’s bots that track links, LLMs care more about mentions. If multiple sources talk about your brand, blog, or company in a positive and consistent manner, it’s likely to help your visibility in LLMs.

Mentions from podcasts, YouTube videos, Reddit threads, tweets, and even transcripts may matter more than backlinks.

That’s why a good AI search engine optimization strategy focuses on PR, collaborations, and building awareness not just link-building.

9. Optimize Your About, Author, and Contact Pages

LLMs crawl and use About pages, Author bios, and Contact pages to evaluate the trustworthiness and identity of your content. Don’t skip these!

Make sure your site has

• A detailed About page with your mission, team, and story
• Clear author bios with credentials and links to social profiles
• A functional Contact page

These signals matter for both Google and AI ranking models.

10. Keep Up With AI Trends

Finally, ranking in LLMs is a moving target. AI tools evolve fast. Follow updates from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google DeepMind, Meta AI, and similar research labs.

Join forums, read documentation, and experiment. Keep refining your approach. If you want to succeed long-term, you need to keep learning how to rank in large language models again and again.

Conclusion

The future of SEO lies in understanding how to rank in large language models. Traditional ranking factors like backlinks and keyword stuffing are becoming less relevant. Instead, content quality, originality, and structure now play a central role.

If you’re ready to future-proof your content strategy, start applying these techniques today:

• Build topical authority
• Optimize content for ChatGPT
• Improve your AI search engine optimization game
• Follow a solid LLM SEO strategy

The earlier you adapt, the better your chances of becoming a trusted source in the age of AI.