Definition
Updated
AI SEO, sometimes called LLM SEO, is the work of getting a business found and cited by AI assistants and AI search features as well as by traditional search.
It is an umbrella term for answer engine optimization and generative engine optimization. Neither Google, Bing nor OpenAI defines 'AI SEO' or 'LLM SEO', and Google says optimizing for its AI search is still SEO.
Google says you can ignore tactics like chunking content, creating unnecessary AI text files such as llms.txt, or pursuing inauthentic mentions, and that no third-party tool has access to its internal ranking or AI systems.
Other engines have their own entry points. OpenAI says sites that opt out of its OAI-SearchBot crawler won't be shown in ChatGPT search answers, and Bing says the same SEO practices support its AI answers and citations.
For a local business it means accurate listings, specific reviews, clear pages and genuine mentions on the sites that matter in its trade.
Example: a dental office that allows OAI-SearchBot, keeps its Business Profile current and earns a mention in a local news story is doing AI SEO without any special AI files.
Sources
- Google Search Central: Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search, checked Nov 6, 2026
- OpenAI: Overview of OpenAI crawlers, checked Nov 6, 2026
- Bing Webmaster Guidelines, checked Nov 6, 2026