LLM Optimization: Get Your Business Cited by AI
LLM Optimization (LLMO) is the practice of structuring website content to earn citations and recommendations from AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
Why This Matters Now
The window of opportunity is clear: AI search adoption is accelerating while most businesses remain unoptimized.
AI-referred visitors convert at 4.4x higher rates than organic search
AI referral traffic grew 7x from 2024 levels
Over half of businesses lack any GEO strategy
| Platform | Traffic Share | Volume | Engagement |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | 78% | 293.5M/month | 9m 19s avg |
| Perplexity | 15% | 780M queries/month | ~9 min avg |
| Google AI Overviews | N/A | Reduces clicks 34-46% | Defensive |
| Microsoft Copilot | 6.4% | Growing | Moderate |
Source: Search Engine Land, Similarweb, and SparkToro research (2024-2025)
What You'll Learn Here
A practical, step-by-step approach to LLM optimization designed for small businesses with limited resources.
What is LLMO
Complete explanation of LLM optimization and how it differs from traditional SEO.
How LLMs Choose Sources
The ranking factors that determine which websites get cited by AI assistants.
Optimization Checklist
Step-by-step actionable guide to optimize your content for AI citations.
LLMO Tools
Free and paid tools for tracking your AI visibility and citations.
Is Your Site AI-Visible?
Find out how well your website is optimized for AI assistants with our free analysis tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LLMO different from SEO?
LLMO and SEO are closely related but focus on different goals. SEO optimizes for traditional search rankings, while LLMO optimizes for AI citations. The good news: 77% of GEO effectiveness comes from strong traditional SEO, so investments in one benefit the other.
Which AI platforms drive actual traffic?
ChatGPT leads with 78% of AI referral traffic (293.5 million monthly visits to external sites). Perplexity follows at 15% with highly engaged, research-focused users. Google AI Overviews mainly reduce clicks rather than generate new traffic.
How long until I see results?
Meaningful LLMO results typically appear within 60-90 days. The first two weeks focus on assessment, month one on foundational elements (schema, profiles), and months two-three on systematic content optimization.