KentLundin.com

You need to think about SEO in a way that aligns with the future—optimizing not just for traditional search engines but also for AI-driven search and retrieval systems. This falls right into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and requires a shift from keyword-based SEO to question-based content optimization.

Here’s a step-by-step process for identifying the best AI-friendly questions for your content and what to do with those questions:

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Step 1: Identify High-Volume Topics

Before focusing on specific questions, you need to determine what AI users and traditional searchers are interested in.

How to do this:

• Google Trends – Identify growing interest in topics over time.
• SEO Tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush, Ubersuggest, Google Keyword Planner) – Look at high-volume keywords, but think about broad intent instead of specific phrases.
  
• Reddit, Quora, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Niche Forums – These platforms often reveal pain points and discussion topics that AI might pick up on. Read More Postette
• YouTube Auto-Suggest & Google’s “People Also Ask” – AI often sources answers from well-structured, authoritative content.

Deliverable: A list of topics that have significant search interest.

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Step 2: Identify the Questions AI is Likely to Be Asked

Instead of looking at just keywords, we need to find natural language questions that AI chatbots, search engines, and voice assistants will frequently receive.

How to do this:

• Google’s “People Also Ask” (PAA)
  • Enter your broad topic in Google and extract the question boxes that appear.
  • Click on some to reveal deeper questions.
  • Use tools like AlsoAsked.com to automate this process.
• AI Chatbots (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
  • Ask them:
    • “What are the most commonly asked questions about [topic]?”
    • “If someone is researching [topic], what are the top questions they might ask?”
    • “How would you summarize key insights about [topic] in Q&A format?”
• Quora & Reddit Question Threads
  • Search for “[your topic] site:quora.com” or “[your topic] site:reddit.com” in Google.
  • Find threads with upvotes and engagement—these signal high-interest questions.
• Google Search Console & Ahrefs/Semrush Question Reports
  • If you already have content, check which search queries are bringing traffic.
  • In Ahrefs or SEMrush, use their questions filter.
    
• YouTube Comments & Podcast Q&A Sections
  • Check how users phrase their questions in video descriptions and comment sections.

Deliverable: A list of AI-relevant questions that people commonly ask on your topic.

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Step 3: Validate Question Demand & Search Volume

Not all questions have high search volume. To ensure your AI-focused questions are worth pursuing:

How to do this:

• Google’s Auto-Suggest
  • Type each question in Google and see if it autocompletes—this indicates frequent searches.
    
• Ahrefs/Semrush/Ubersuggest Question Volume Reports
  • These tools show monthly search volume for questions.
  • Sort by search volume + keyword difficulty (low competition is best).
    
• Google Ads Keyword Planner
  • Even though it’s not designed for question-based queries, it can help you see related search volumes.
• Compare with AI Chatbot Responses
  • If a question is frequently asked, but AI’s response is weak or generic, that’s a content gap you can fill.

Deliverable: A refined list of high-volume, AI-friendly questions.

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Step 4: Optimize for AI Indexing

AI models retrieve answers differently than Google’s algorithm. To ensure your content is well-structured for AI:

How to do this:

• Create FAQ-Style Content
  • Structure your articles using clear questions as headers (H2/H3 tags).
  • Answer the question immediately in the first 2-3 sentences.
• Use Conversational & Contextual Language
  • AI tools prefer well-explained, natural-sounding answers over keyword stuffing.
• Implement Schema Markup (FAQ & How-To Schema)
  • This helps Google understand your Q&A format and boosts visibility in rich results.
• Provide Multiple Answer Formats
  • AI uses different answer styles:
    • Direct answers: “Yes, X is true because…”
    • List-style: “Here are the top 5 reasons why…”
    • Step-by-step guides: “First, do X. Then, do Y…”
• Link to Authoritative Sources
  • AI models favor well-cited, authoritative content.
• Create Short Video Answers for YouTube & TikTok
  • AI-driven search (especially via Google’s SGE) prioritizes video-based responses.

Deliverable: AI-optimized content that increases visibility in rich results and AI-generated answers.

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Step 5: Track AI-Driven Search Results

Since AI-generated search results are evolving, it’s important to track your impact and visibility.

How to do this:

• Monitor Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE)
  • See if your content appears in AI-generated answers.
• Analyze “Zero-Click” Performance
  • AI-powered search often leads to zero-click results (where users get answers without visiting your site).
  • Use tools like Semrush and Ahrefs to check ranking without clicks.
• Check AI Assistants (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini)
  • Periodically ask AI tools your key questions and see if they cite your content.

Deliverable: Ongoing tracking of AI-driven search rankings.

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FAQ

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

• Answer: GEO involves optimizing content for AI-driven search engines by focusing on question-based content rather than traditional keyword strategies.

How does AI change traditional keyword research?

• Answer: AI emphasizes understanding user intent and natural language queries, shifting the focus from single keywords to comprehensive question-and-answer content.

Why are platforms like Reddit and Quora valuable for AI-focused content?

• Answer: These platforms highlight real user questions and pain points, offering insights into topics that AI models are likely to encounter and process.

What is the role of schema markup in AI optimization?

• Answer: Implementing schema markup, such as FAQ and How-To schemas, helps AI understand and index your content effectively, enhancing its visibility in search results.

How can I identify high-volume topics for AI-driven SEO?

• Answer: Utilize tools like Google Trends, SEO platforms, and social media discussions to discover topics with significant interest and relevance to your audience.

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Final Thoughts

By focusing on questions rather than keywords, you’re adapting to how AI search engines work. GEO is the future of SEO, and this process will help you stay ahead.