Updated January 2026: This post now includes AI search tips (ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews), while keeping the same proven SEO foundations.
If you want more traffic and more leads, improving your Google rankings is still one of the best long-term strategies you can invest in.
But here’s what’s changed recently: people don’t just search in Google anymore — they also use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and AI-powered search results (including Google’s AI Overviews).
The good news? Traditional SEO still works. In fact, the rise of AI search makes the basics even more important: site quality, structure, speed, authority, and clarity.
Below is my top 10 list of proven strategies to boost your Google rankings — and improve your visibility in AI search results as well.
Quick Answer: How Do You Rank in Google and AI Search?
To rank in Google and show up in AI results, focus on:
- a fast, mobile-friendly website
- high-quality content that matches search intent
- strong technical SEO foundations
- internal linking and clear site structure
- authority signals (links + trust + consistency)
AI tools usually summarize what Google already trusts — so good SEO supports both.
What AI Search Changed (And What It Didn’t)
AI didn’t replace SEO. It changed discovery.
AI tools prefer content that is easy to summarize, structured with clear headings, written with direct answers, and backed by authority and clarity.
That said, the foundation hasn’t changed:
- good content still wins
- fast sites still win
- authority still wins
- the site that’s easiest to understand still wins
1) Start with a Solid Foundation (Fast + Mobile-Friendly)
Building a solid website foundation is crucial for user experience and long-term SEO success.
Choose a lightweight WordPress setup and a theme/page builder that avoids bloated code. Faster loading speeds improve user experience, increase time on site, and reduce bounce rates — all of which support better rankings.
Be sure your site works well on both desktop and mobile. In today’s world of iPhones and Androids, mobile usability is non-negotiable.
While developing your site, build it from the user’s perspective:
- make it fast loading
- make your message clear
- keep navigation simple
If you get these three things right, visitors stay longer — and both Google and AI tools are more likely to trust your website as a high-quality source.
2) Research the Right Keywords (Focus on Intent)
Keyword research is a required step in any successful SEO campaign. It involves identifying the keywords and phrases people use when searching for your products or services.
Keyword research tools save a lot of time. They help you identify the most popular and relevant keywords, analyze competitors, and find gaps in your strategy.
Once you’ve identified your target keywords and keyword phrases, you can start creating high-quality content that naturally incorporates those terms.
See also my tip below for long-tailed keywords and recommended tools.
3) Create Authoritative Content (Answer Questions Like an Expert)
Good content is essential for content marketing and a successful SEO strategy. Your content should be engaging and easy to read, with supporting images and videos when possible.
It’s also important to offer fresh insight and position yourself as an authority. Authority is a key factor in SEO because it determines your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of both Google and potential customers.
With AI-powered search growing, this matters even more. AI tools don’t just look for keywords — they look for content that is clear, accurate, and written in a way that’s easy to summarize.
Two practical ways to answer questions as an authority
- Idea #1: Answer the question early, then explain the “why.”
Start your section with a direct answer in plain language (1–2 sentences). Then explain why it works, who it applies to, and any exceptions. This structure improves rankings because it matches search intent and makes your content easy for Google and AI tools to quote. - Idea #2: Add proof and process (not just opinions).
Instead of saying “this is best,” explain what you look for, how you do it, and what results you expect. Include real examples, steps, checklists, or common mistakes. This builds trust and turns your content into something worth referencing and linking to.
4) Make Sure Your Website Is Fast
Website speed optimization is an essential aspect of SEO. It involves using tools to analyze a website’s performance and identify scripts, images, and other factors that may be slowing it down.
The importance of mobile speed tests cannot be overstated as more and more people access the internet using mobile devices.
One of the main reasons speed matters is that it affects user experience. A slow website frustrates visitors, leading to high bounce rates which negatively impact search engine rankings.
Extra tip: If you want a deeper breakdown of what actually slows down WordPress websites (and how to fix it), see this guide here: WordPress Speed Optimization Tips.
5) Get Other Sites to Link to You (Link Building)
Link building is one of the most powerful ranking factors in SEO.
By creating informative, engaging, and shareable content, you increase the chances of other websites linking to you. Those links improve your site authority and visibility in search results.
Reaching out to other website owners and collaborating on content can also help build relationships and increase the likelihood of earning natural backlinks.
6) Optimize Titles and Descriptions
A good SEO strategy always involves optimizing titles and descriptions. Titles should describe the page’s content with relevant keywords without keyword stuffing.
Descriptions should provide a brief summary of the page, accurately describe the content, and never mislead visitors. Optimizing titles and descriptions improves visibility in search results, attracts clicks, and enhances the overall user experience.
As a general guideline:
- titles: 50–60 characters
- meta descriptions: 155–160 characters
7) Use Long-Tailed Keywords to Rank More Easily
Long-tailed keywords are more specific phrases that are usually easier to rank for and attract more targeted traffic.
By identifying long-tailed keyword opportunities and incorporating them naturally into your content, you can rank faster and attract visitors who are more likely to convert.
Note: Semantic keywords are related words and phrases connected to your main keyword. Google uses semantic language to better understand the intent behind a search query and match it with relevant content.
8) Optimize Your Internal Linking (Critical for Google + AI)
Improving your internal link structure is critical for enhancing user experience and improving search rankings.
Start by ensuring your site has a clear navigation structure. Then incorporate internal links throughout your site to guide visitors to related content and make it easier for search engines to understand how pages connect.
A great long-term strategy is building pillar content — main topics supported by related blog posts — and linking them together to strengthen topical authority.
If you’re building out pillar pages, here’s a helpful internal resource: How to Build Pillar Content (And Rank Faster).
9) Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console
To improve your website, you need to use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Google Search Console is a free tool that lets you see how your website performs in Google search. It shows which keywords bring people to your site, and it can reveal broken links and indexing issues.
Google Analytics can help you see which pages visitors spend time on and where they leave the site. These insights help you improve your content, boost conversions, and build search traffic over time.
10) Optimize Your Site for Local Searches
For businesses that rely on local customers, local SEO is crucial.
One key step is setting up a Google My Business profile, which can improve visibility in Google’s local search results.
Be sure to incorporate location-specific keywords and create location-based landing pages. This is one of the best ways to improve local rankings and attract visitors who are ready to contact or buy.
Bonus Tip: Format Your Content So AI Can Quote It
This is one of the biggest “AI search” improvements you can make.
AI tools tend to pull content that is:
- structured and scannable
- written in clear, direct answers
- broken into headings, steps, and bullet points
- supported by real examples and useful explanations
This doesn’t replace traditional SEO — it strengthens it.
Final Wrapup: Traditional SEO Still Works (AI Rewards Clarity)
If there’s one message to remember, it’s this:
SEO still works — and AI search doesn’t change the fundamentals.
All the base rules still apply:
- fast website
- great content
- clear structure
- authority
- internal linking
- consistent improvement
The sites that win in Google are often the same ones AI tools trust enough to summarize.