Why your company is missing from AI responses (and how to fix it)

The arrival of artificial intelligence was welcomed by many companies as it promised more free time, automation and efficiency. However, the consequences are now being felt, particularly with regard to our online visibility. Over the past year, 60% of Google searches have not resulted in any clicks to websites.

So, how can you counteract the impact of AI-generated responses and ensure your business remains visible in search engine results? The experts at Webit recommend adopting a more comprehensive approach to SEO.

In this guide, we share:

• The context behind this new search reality
• A combined SEO, AEO and GEO approach
• Five concrete actions to implement now to stay visible and relevant

A new reality: the rise of generative AI engines

Search engines powered by artificial intelligence, such as Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity and Grok, have profoundly transformed search habits. Users can now access immediate, synthesised answers without having to compare multiple results or click on external links.

This new, more centralised, direct user journey is a game changer for businesses that rely on organic traffic to sell products or increase visibility. Google's AI Overviews are not helping matters: according to an Ahrefs study of 300,000 keywords, the average click-through rate on the page with the top organic ranking has dropped by 34.5% due to AI-generated results.

In other words, even if your site remains highly ranked, it receives fewer visits because AI already provides the answer, leaving users satisfied.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) isn't going away, but it's constantly evolving to ensure your visibility. It's based on three essential elements:

• A solid technical foundation: a fast, well-structured website that's easy for search engines to crawl.
• Relevant content: high-quality text with a rich lexical field that aligns with search intentions.
• Credible authority: trusted links, a well-established reputation and positive brand signals.

Well-structured content that is designed for both the user experience and search engines remains the basis for good positioning.

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a newer approach designed to improve the visibility of your content in AI-generated responses. It relies on:

• A consistent digital ecosystem: an up-to-date website, active social profiles, and reliable citations
• Easy-to-integrate content: clear, well-structured text designed to be picked up and rephrased by AI.
• Recognized authority on the subject: frequent mentions, semantic alignment and credibility on relevant platforms.

The more trust you inspire in AI, the more likely you are to appear in generated responses.

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) involves creating content that provides clear, concise and reliable answers in both Google summaries and natural language interactions with chatbots. It is based on:

• Clear structure: explicit titles and short paragraphs
• Effective formats: content in the form of FAQs, glossaries, guides, and definitions
• A neutral and informative tone: isolated and unambiguous answers

Combining these three approaches in your content strategy maximises your chances of being recognized, cited and used by AI-powered engines.

Today, 80% of consumersrely on AI for almost 40% of their searches. This means that your business needs to have a presence there now. Google's AI Overviews may explain the decline in your clicks, but the good news is that our Webit experts recommend concrete solutions to start seeing a difference now.

Since Google already displays answers, ensure your brand is included. Naturally integrate your name into your texts, especially when answering frequently asked questions related to your field. This enables AI to recognize you as the source.

Outdated content or content without references to sources can hurt your ranking. Take the time to review your old texts by updating them, improving their structure, and adding your sources. Focusing on originality and reliability will prevent Google from perceiving your content as duplicated or irrelevant.

Is your customer base local? Without the right data, they won't be able to find you quickly. Update your business profiles (Google Business Profile, Bing Places, etc.) to ensure a consistent geo-specific presence with simple contact details, clear service offerings and positive customer reviews. Remember: the right local keywords make all the difference!

AI favours clear, structured content. To stand out, provide content in the following formats, illustrated with real examples: FAQs, tutorials, lists and guides. Ensure your pages use well-defined HTML tags, informative titles and relevant keywords. This will strengthen your credibility and establish you as a reliable source in the eyes of search engines.

Tools such as Google Search Console and Semrush allow you to track your site's ranking, identify standout keywords, and monitor click-through rates. By testing, observing and adjusting, you will remain visible in the responses generated by AI. Adopt a simple but regular monitoring routine.

All of these actions are achievable, and you don't have to do everything alone. With the Webit team, you can assess your goals and implement an effective strategy, while we take care of the rest.

Due to the constant changes in SEO, Google and AI, it has become essential for any business that wants to remain visible to regularly adapt to these changes.

Understanding the impact of AI and applying best practices can help to ensure your brand's online presence:

• Conversational content designed for AI
• Up-to-date and reliable
• A clear and accessible online presence
• Enhanced credibility
• Continuous analysis of your results

Don’t wait until the bottom of the rankings to get back on track!