AI Search Optimisation Insights

For years, visibility in search meant one thing: ranking on page one of Google. But AI search has changed the rules. If you’ve spent years building search rankings, this shift can feel destabilising. Your rankings still matter, but they’re no longer the complete picture. Today’s answer engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and Copilot don’t just list links. They generate direct answers and inside those answers, they decide which brands to name. That’s

AI search is changing how customers discover brands. But most businesses still don’t understand how AI decides who gets mentioned. People used to search, scan blue links, and click. Now they ask ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, or Google’s AI Overviews.And AI responds with complete answers, often naming specific brands. Some brands appear repeatedly. Others never show up at all. This isn’t random. And it isn’t about who posts the most content. AI systems generate answers by predi

You've been doing the work. Publishing content. Updating your website. Maybe even seeing decent rankings in Google. But something's changed. Traffic isn't converting the way it used to. Or worse, traffic is dropping and you're not entirely sure why. Here's what's happening: people are still searching, they're just not clicking through to websites the way they used to. Instead, they're getting answers directly from AI. Tools like ChatGPT, Google's AI Overviews, and Bing Copilo

This article answers one question: What actually makes a business visible and trusted in Google and AI search over time? If you’re trying to optimise for AI search, the advice can feel overwhelming and often contradictory with no clear path forward.  Some people tell you to chase AI mentions, others say nothing has changed. Most talk about tools before they explain principles. The truth is, businesses that perform well in AI search tend to do the same things that have always 

If you haven’t already read our article on " how Google AI and ChatGPT are changing search behaviour in 2025 " , it’s a great place to start, it explains why this shift is happening and how it affects every NZ business. Combine Traditional SEO with AI-Focused Optimisation To appear in AI chatbot answers, continue applying strong SEO foundations but extend them with AI-specific strategies: Create localised content that reflects New Zealand audiences and culture, including te r

Search behaviour has shifted dramatically in 2025, with over 50% of Google searches triggering AI Overviews and 66% of young adults using ChatGPT as a search tool. The takeaway? Your business needs to optimise for both to stay visible. Search Is Changing Faster Than Ever If you’ve been following our blog, you’ll know we’ve talked a lot about how AI search works and why it matters for businesses. But now, we have the numbers and they show we’re already living in a generative-A

GEO probably won’t replace SEO entirely — but it will become a critical sub-specialty. Most businesses will fold GEO tactics (AI-ready content, schema, AI citation tracking) into their existing SEO strategies. The Big Question In our last post, we looked at how search behaviour is shifting — and the data makes it clear that GEO is here. But where is this all heading? Will GEO replace SEO, or just become part of it? Let’s explore the scenarios. Scenario 1: GEO Becomes Its Own

Here’s a clear breakdown: GEO is Generative Engine Optimisation focused on getting your business discovered through AI-driven answer engines like ChatGPT and Google SGE. SEO optimises for search engines (like Google), while AEO tailors your online presence for AI-powered Q&A platforms. What you’ll learn from this blog The exact definition of GEO and why it matters today How GEO compares, contrasts, and complements SEO and AEO Actionable tips for businesses to prepare for the

AI won’t replace SEO in New Zealand, it’s reshaping it. Your website still anchors discovery and conversions, while Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) helps you get quoted inside AI answers. Practical AI optimisation SEO for NZ businesses, from Local SEO fundamentals to Answer Engine Optimisation service NZ. Our approach to AI optimisation for websites pairs Local SEO with SEO for AI search engines, clean structure, clear Q&As, and schema, so you gain website optimisation for A

Have you ever Googled something, then asked ChatGPT the same question and got completely different answers? You’re not imagining it. New research shows Google and ChatGPT understand what we’re searching for in very different ways. For small to medium businesses in New Zealand, this matters more than ever. If your website content isn’t speaking the right “language” to these AI platforms, you’re missing out on visibility and that means missed sales, bookings, and enquiries. I’l

Next Step: How NZ Businesses Can Optimise for AI-Driven Search? In a previous blog, we looked at how AI tools like ChatGPT and Bing Copilot are changing the way people search and what that means for your business. This follow-up dives into what you can actually do right now to make your website and content visible in AI-native search, especially if you're a New Zealand-based business. Because while Google still matters, being AI-search ready gives you a first-mover advantage

AI-powered search tools now provide users with instant, conversational answers—raising real concerns for business owners about declining website traffic and the future of the open web. Some fear classic web browsing will fade, threatening publishers, marketers, and those relying on SEO services in New Zealand, while others argue the web is simply evolving to meet the expectations of AI-savvy users. Here’s what you need to know. What will you learn from this blog: Why AI searc

When you want quick answers online, you probably turn to Google. It’s fast, familiar, and delivers pages of search results in seconds. But the way people search is changing, fast! AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are now answering questions without sending people to your website at all. For business owners and marketers, this shift raises an important question:Is your business visible in AI-driven search results? Google Search: Still the Leader in W