The SEO game is evolving. If you’re wondering how to rank in ChatGPT and Perplexity, your business needs to shift from traditional search tactics to AI-focused strategies.
That raises a critical question:
How can your business rank in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other LLMs?
Let’s break down the exact steps your business needs to take to earn visibility in this new AI-first search landscape.
Why LLM Ranking Is the Future of Search
LLMs (Large Language Models) don’t display search results the way Google does. Instead, they generate responses using a combination of their training data and real-time trusted sources. Some, like Perplexity, even cite their references.
So ranking in this context doesn’t mean position #1 on a SERP—it means being the source the AI pulls from, references, or recommends.
1. Build Entity-Based Authority
LLMs prefer citing entities they recognize. Your business must be structured in a way that search engines and AI tools understand it as a legitimate, authoritative entity.
Action steps:
- Ensure your business is listed consistently across directories (Google, Bing, LinkedIn, Crunchbase)
- Use consistent Name, Address, Phone (NAP) info everywhere
- Get featured in niche-relevant directories and high-authority websites
2. Use Structured Data Markup
AI systems, like search engines, rely on structured data to “read” your content accurately. Schema helps tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity extract facts, services, and context from your pages.
Schema to consider:
- Local Business
- Product or Service
- FAQ
- Article
- Review
Use Google’s Rich Results Test to check your implementation.
3. Write LLM-Friendly Content
If your content looks like it was written for humans and robots, you’re on the right track. LLMs favor content that’s clear, factual, and contextually rich.
Tips to improve LLM visibility:
- Use bullet points, numbered lists, and short paragraphs
- Answer specific questions directly (think FAQs)
- Incorporate semantic keywords and LSI phrases
- Avoid keyword stuffing—use natural language
Instead of this:
“We are the best digital agency and SEO company for all your online needs.”
Try this:
“Our services include SEO audits, on-page optimization, and structured content development to improve AI and LLM visibility.”
4. Target Long-Tail and Conversational Queries
People talk to LLMs the way they’d talk to a human. Your content should reflect that. Think less “digital marketing company New York” and more “How can I improve my website’s visibility in ChatGPT?”
Examples of LLM-friendly questions to include in your content:
- What SEO strategies work for AI tools like Perplexity?
- How does Google’s SGE choose sources?
- Can local businesses appear in ChatGPT search results?
Include answers directly under the question in clear, concise language.
5. Create Topical Authority
If you want LLMs to see your business as an expert, you need to go deep, not wide. Cover your topic in full with blog clusters, guides, and supporting content.
Strategy:
- Start with a pillar post (e.g., “Ultimate Guide to AI SEO”)
- Create 4–6 supporting blogs (e.g., LLM optimization for local SEO, schema for AI search, etc.)
- Internally link everything with descriptive anchor text
The more tightly woven your content around a topic, the more likely LLMs are to treat your site as a trusted source.
6. Get Referenced by Other Sites
LLMs are heavily influenced by authority. If trusted sites mention your brand or link to you, AI tools are more likely to pull your content as a source.
How to boost authority:
- Secure guest posts or interviews in industry blogs
- Get listed on data aggregators or review platforms
- Encourage natural backlinks through unique insights or research
Pro tip: Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to identify who’s already citing your competitors and go after those same opportunities.
7. Keep Your Content Fresh
LLMs are often tuned to prefer recent and relevant data. Even evergreen content should be periodically reviewed and updated with the latest insights, tools, or case studies.
Set a schedule to:
- Revisit old blogs every 6–12 months
- Add recent statistics or trends
- Update internal links to point to newer content
Final Thoughts
So, how can your business rank in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other LLMs?
It takes a shift in strategy. You’re no longer just optimizing for crawlers — you’re optimizing for AI comprehension, entity recognition, and semantic relationships. The future of SEO is structured, trustworthy, and deeply contextual.
If you’re looking to boost visibility across AI-powered tools, the smartest move is to start with an LLM-focused SEO strategy.
Get in touch with the experts at Star Way Web Digital, a top SEO agency for AI and LLM optimization, and let’s future-proof your search presence.
