The digital landscape in 2025 is transforming rapidly, and search is no longer synonymous with just Google. The rise of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT and Perplexity, has created a paradigm shift in how people discover and interact with content. Businesses, brands, and SEO practitioners are adapting to this new reality, learning to optimize for AI-driven search alongside the traditional search engines.
In a recent discussion with Jairo, a seasoned SEO strategist and co-founder of Organic Hackers, we explored cutting-edge strategies for succeeding in this evolving environment. From ranking in under 24 hours to leveraging technical SEO for AI-era success, here’s an in-depth look at the insights shared - and how they can revolutionize your approach to SEO.
Understanding LLM Search and Its Growing Importance
What Is LLM Search and Why Does It Matter?
LLM search refers to the integration of AI-powered large language models into the search process. These models, like ChatGPT, use advanced algorithms to retrieve, process, and generate search results in a conversational tone. Unlike traditional search engines, LLMs synthesize vast amounts of data to produce highly contextualized and concise answers.
For businesses, this marks a critical shift. If your content is optimized to appear in LLM-generated results, you stand to gain immense visibility. As Jairo eloquently put it, "LLM search is no longer optional - it’s a marketing channel. Businesses need to leverage it like any other critical platform."
Key Ranking Factors for LLM Search
1. Freshness of Content
According to Jairo, LLMs prioritize fresh content. "LLMs often have a bias toward the latest information", he explained. Businesses should regularly update their content to remain relevant, particularly for industries where trends or practices change frequently.
2. Brand Mention Frequency
Unlike Google, which relies heavily on domain authority, LLMs emphasize how often a brand or product is mentioned across the web. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Quora are frequently crawled and can significantly influence visibility in LLM-generated results.
3. Expertise and Industry Longevity
Brands with years of industry experience and consistent quality content have a distinct advantage. Jairo shared, "Mature brands with established credibility are more likely to be referenced by LLMs compared to newer, less-established competitors."
Optimizing Content for LLM Discovery
Informational Content Is King
Traditional SEO strategies often focus on bottom-funnel content to drive conversions. However, Jairo emphasized that informational content (e.g., guides, how-tos, and tutorials) plays a more critical role in LLM optimization. "Informational content triggers user engagement and builds trust, which is essential for gaining visibility in AI-driven search results."
Leverage Proven Formats
Content formats such as step-by-step guides and listicles tend to perform exceptionally well. These formats align with how users interact with LLMs, often seeking clear, actionable advice. For example:
- How-to Articles: "How to Choose the Right SEO Agency"
- Listicles: "Top 10 Tools for LLM Search Optimization"
Structured Content and Schema Markup
While structured data (e.g., schema markup) is vital for traditional SEO, its role in LLM optimization remains limited as of now. Jairo notes, "LLMs don’t yet rely on structured schema data to the same degree as Google. However, as LLMs evolve, structured data will likely become crucial for e-commerce applications, especially for displaying prices, reviews, and product details without errors."
Social Media’s Role in Fast SEO Wins
Social media, particularly LinkedIn, plays a significant role in influencing search rankings. Jairo shared a personal experiment where his LinkedIn posts directly impacted his website’s performance in Google rankings.
The LinkedIn Influence
"When you create viral posts on LinkedIn, the platform’s algorithm validates your authority in your niche. This validation indirectly influences how search engines perceive your website", Jairo explained. For example:
- Consistently post thought leadership content on social platforms.
- Use social media to drive clicks to your website, boosting click-through rates (CTR) and rankings.
Social Signals and EAT (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)
LinkedIn and other platforms can help establish your digital presence by positioning you as an expert in your niche. This visibility reinforces your EAT signals, which are increasingly critical in both traditional and LLM search results.
How Jairo’s Strategy Achieves 24-Hour Rankings
One of the standout moments from the discussion was Jairo’s method for achieving fast rankings, sometimes within 24 hours. While this doesn’t apply universally, it offers a glimpse into what’s possible with a well-executed strategy.
Key Ingredients for Fast Rankings
- Leverage Established Brands: Jairo’s clients often have decades of industry experience, making it easier to amplify their existing credibility.
- Target Niche Keywords: Focus on less competitive, highly specific queries that align with user intent.
- Boost CTR via Social Media: Encourage users to search for your content organically and click your links, signaling relevance to search engines.
Technical SEO in the AI Era
Technical SEO remains foundational, but its role has expanded with the emergence of LLMs. Jairo highlighted the following priorities:
1. Optimize Navigation and Internal Linking
Dynamic, user-focused navigation is essential. Properly clustered navigation ensures that the right content is discoverable and indexed.
2. Core Web Vitals and Site Speed
Core Web Vitals continue to impact user experience and rankings. "Fast-loading websites are vital for retaining users and satisfying search algorithms", he said.
3. Avoid Rendering Issues
LLMs process raw text more effectively than Google, but JavaScript-heavy websites can still create challenges. Ensure your website content is fully accessible to both humans and machines.
Predictions for the Future of SEO
Jairo touched on the evolving nature of SEO, emphasizing that nothing is stationary in the digital world. With rapid advancements in AI and LLMs, businesses need to stay adaptable.
Key Takeaways:
- AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement: "AI won’t do everything for you. It’s a technology, like blockchain - it needs strategic implementation."
- E-Commerce Will Transform: Expect AI-powered LLMs to integrate e-commerce features, such as live product feeds and ad models, similar to Google Ads.
- Consistency Is Crucial: Businesses must continuously update and refine their strategies to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
Key Takeaways
- LLM Search Optimization: Fresh content and frequent brand mentions are critical for ranking in AI-driven searches.
- Informational Content: Invest in guides, how-tos, and listicles to capture top positions in LLM responses.
- Social Media’s Influence: Platforms like LinkedIn can amplify your SEO efforts by increasing your authority and click-through rates.
- Technical SEO Prioritization: Focus on navigation, site speed, and avoiding rendering errors to ensure your content is readable for both humans and AI.
- Adapt to Change: The SEO landscape is evolving; staying updated with AI developments ensures long-term success.
- Fast Rankings: Established brands, niche keyword targeting, and CTR optimization can accelerate your ranking timeline.
Conclusion
The rise of LLMs has fundamentally changed the SEO playbook. Traditional strategies still hold value, but the addition of AI-driven search requires a broader, more adaptive approach. By focusing on informational content, leveraging social media, and refining technical SEO, businesses can thrive in this dynamic environment. The key? Stay flexible, stay innovative, and always keep your audience at the center of your strategy.
Source: "AI Search Strategies Every SEO Pro Must Know with Jairo Guerrero" - Navneet Kaushal, YouTube, Aug 26, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0M_gx2NVgH0
Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.
