Stop Wasting Money Trying to "Rank on ChatGPT"

Let's be honest here. If you're not understanding how AI search works, you're going to waste a lot of time and money chasing the wrong strategy.

I get the same question from business owners all the time:

"Andy, how do I rank on ChatGPT? What about Grok? Do I need a new SEO strategy for AI search?"

If that's you, it is your lucky day because today I'm going to set the record straight.

This isn't some basic AI marketing tip. This is the reality of how these tools actually work and where you should focus your efforts.

The Big AI Search Misconception

Here's the truth that most "AI experts" won't tell you:

ChatGPT, Grok, Claude, and other AI tools are NOT independent search engines with their own rankings.

They're pulling data from the web, and guess what determines what content they see first?

Google rankings.

That's right. The AI doesn't have its own web crawler discovering your local plumbing business. It's largely trained on data that was already ranking well on Google and other search engines.

Two Requirements to Dominate Both Google AND AI Search

Everything that you need to win in this new landscape comes down to two factors:

1. Rank high on Google first

2. Create content that positions you as the definitive expert

Ranking on Google Still Matters More Than Ever

When someone asks an AI like ChatGPT about "best plumbers in Miami," the AI isn't magically finding your business. It's drawing on information that was already visible and prominent online—primarily content that ranks well on Google.

In fact, many AI tools are now directly accessing Google search results in real-time to provide responses.

This means if you're invisible on Google, you're invisible to AI search too.

How to Optimize for Both Google and AI Search

1. Double down on Google rankings

   • This is still your foundation

   • Focus on the ranking factors I've covered before: relevancy, trust, backlinks, and reviews

   • Without Google visibility, AI tools simply won't "see" your business

2. Create comprehensive, authoritative content

   • Create in-depth service pages that answer common questions about your service

   • Use clear, structured content with proper headings (H1, H2, H3)

3. Focus on your Google Business Profile

   • Make sure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent

   • Generate consistent reviews (AI tools love citing businesses with strong review signals)

The Bottom Line: Don't Get Distracted

Here's what you need to remember:

1. There is no separate "AI SEO" strategy you need

2. Google still controls the data that AI tools access

3. Ranking #1 on Google means you'll be found by AI search tools too

If you spend time and money trying to "optimize for ChatGPT" separately from your Google strategy, you're being duped.

Focus on what actually matters: dominating Google with high-quality, comprehensive content backed by a strong local presence.

The AI visibility will follow.

If ranking #1 on Google (and getting the AI search benefits for free) is something you're after, my team at Stryker Digital can help.

We've been adapting to the changing search landscape while keeping our clients firmly at the top of Google.

Schedule a call with us

Love you,

Andy

How I can help you:

1. You can apply to work with my agency, Stryker Digital (link)

2. You can read my free local SEO guide (link)

3. You can subscribe to my YouTube (link)

You can also reply to this email.

I reply to absolutely everyone who replies to me.