Introduction

The way people search for information is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Traditional search engines are losing relevance, while AI-powered language models like ChatGPT or Google Gemini are increasingly being used. Instead of browsing through a list of links, users now receive direct answers to their questions—precise, contextual, and without detours.

For companies and brands, this shift means that traditional SEO strategies are no longer sufficient. A strong ranking in conventional search engines does not automatically translate into visibility within the content generated by large language models.

This gives rise to a new strategic focus: LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization)—the optimization of content for generative AI systems. In practice, this topic also appears under the following terms:

• Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
• Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
• Generative Artificial Intelligence Optimization (GAIO)
• Artificial Intelligence Optimization (AIO)

In this e-book, you will learn which factors influence your visibility in AI-driven search processes—and which measures you can take to strategically position your brand.

The New Search Landscape: From Google to AI Language Models

How AI is fundamentally changing search behavior

More and more people today no longer expect a list of links when making a search query, but rather direct, immediately usable answers – and they are increasingly receiving them from generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity.

The trend toward zero-click search has long become reality. More and more queries are answered directly within the AI overlay – without users clicking on a search result. In the case of Google AI Overviews, for instance, websites in certain subject areas are losing up to 64% of their organic traffic.[1] Voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa are also increasingly delivering directly generated answers.

And it’s not just isolated cas