Search behavior is changing fast. As users shift from traditional search engines in 2025 to AI tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews, businesses must rethink how their content gets discovered. With this change, content is not just about ranking on Google anymore; it is competing to be featured in AI-generated responses.
LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) is emerging as the new search engine optimization (SEO) in this AI-driven era. With 71% of organizations now incorporating generative AI into their strategies, understanding its impact on today’s search habits can ultimately help businesses stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape of digital technology.
What is LLMO in AI-Powered Search?
LLMO is an advanced digital marketing approach that aims to influence the outputs of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot. This strategy involves restructuring content to make it easier for AI models to find, read, and cite.
Today, 43% of users utilize AI tools daily, and around 75% use them more often than the previous year. This trend is expected to continue as more users begin their online searches via AI tools. A study by Semrush projected that AI search visitors can surpass traditional search in 2028.
- How LLMs Read Content
Traditional search engines crawl sites by analyzing metadata, schema markup, and link structures. However, LLMs interpret content differently.
Instead of scanning pages, LLMs break content down into tokens and use attention mechanisms to analyze the relationships between words, sentences, and concepts. LLMs look for clarity and try to determine whether the content answers the question directly.
Below is a simplified breakdown of what LLMs examine:
- Order of information presented
- Heading hierarchy
- Redundancy and reinforcement
- Semantic relationships
- Formatting cues, including bullet lists, bolded summaries, and tables
Rather than retrieving the whole page, LLMs generate new answers by interpreting content. LLMO was developed precisely to support this alignment, helping content be structured based on how AI systems process and present information.
LLMO vs SEO: A Comparison
LLMO and SEO are marketing techniques that both aim to improve visibility, but they differ greatly in their approach and channels.
SEO packages Philippines focus on optimizing content to enhance site rankings on traditional search engines. SEO strategy is primarily based on keywords and backlinks.
Meanwhile, LLMO concentrates on optimizing large language models by making content readable and quotable. Instead of depending on backlinks and keywords, LLMO ensures content uses clear and concise language to help AI-powered systems pull accurate answers in AI-generated search results.
This table provides a summary of the differences between LLMO and SEO:
| Aspect | SEO | LLMO |
| Goal | Improve rankings on search engine results page (SERPs) and boost organic traffic. | Enhance visibility and content relevance in generative AI responses. |
| Audience | Human users | AI tools like ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews |
| Optimization Focus | Keywords, backlinks, meta tags, and technical structure | Semantic clarity, context-rich phrasing, and structured formatting |
| Ranking Mechanism | Algorithm-based ranking | Relevance-based selection |
| Content Style | Often keyword-driven and promotional | Informative, concise, and conversational |
| Measurement Metrics | Traffic, click-through rates (CTR), and conversions | Retrieval frequency, citation in AI responses, and contextual match |
| Tools Used | Google Search Console, SEMrush, and Ahrefs | AI prompt optimization, natural language processing (NLP), and AI model testing platforms |
| Best Use Cases | Blog posts, landing pages, and product listings | FAQs, helpful content, knowledge bases, and AI-friendly content |
The State of SEO in 2025
As AI tools continue to reshape how users search and discover information, marketers are reevaluating the future of SEO. According to Ahrefs, AI overviews have led to a 34.5% drop in average CTR for top-ranking results, showing that traditional visibility is facing new challenges.
However, this does not make SEO dead. AI-driven searches increased search volume by 18% and led to higher-quality clicks, with users spending more time on pages and engaging more deeply. This means SEO is still vital in maintaining online visibility and providing the reliable content that AI systems use to generate responses.
Where LLMO and SEO Overlap
LLMO derives most of its practices from SEO. Recognizing where both strategies overlap can help in creating an effective campaign that targets both humans and machines:
- User Intent – Understanding what users want is integral to SEO and LLMO.
- Content Quality – Clear, well-structured, and informative content is always important.
- Strategic Formatting – Headers, lists, and concise summaries increase readability for users and AI.
- Keyword Relevance – SEO and LLMO rely on keyword relevance to answer user queries.
- Authority and Accuracy – Credible sources and expert tone increase trustworthiness in content, improving ranking and citation potential.
Key LLMO Strategies to Adopt
Writing for LLMs requires creating content that resonates with human users and AI models. The following are best practices for an effective LLMO campaign:
1. Structure for AI Readability
LLMs interpret content through tokens, patterns, and semantic cues. To improve readability:
- Use clear, natural, and information-rich language
- Stick to one idea per paragraph
- Apply consistent H2 and H3 headings
- Lead with answers, then elaborate
- Avoid run-on sentences, vague transitions, and nested clauses
2. Write to Answer Questions
LLMs prioritize content that reflects user intent and query phrasing. To align this:
- Use conversational, question-driven headers
- Anticipate follow-up questions and answer them directly
- Include definitions, examples, and analogies
- Avoid jargon unless it is explained clearly
- Use second-person phrasing when appropriate
3. Prioritize Semantic Clarity
Besides keywords, AI relies on context and meaning. To boost semantic relevance:
- Use consistent terminology
- Clarify ambiguous terms with definitions or examples
- Avoid keyword stuffing, focus on natural phrasing
- Link related concepts logically across sections
- Use synonyms and variations to reinforce meaning
4. Format for Skimming
Both humans and AI prefer content that is easier to understand. This is in line with Google’s June 2025 update, which prioritizes relevant, user-centric content. To enhance structure:
- Highlight key phrases with bold or italics
- Group related concepts using tables, bullet lists, or numbered steps
- Include summary boxes or too long; didn’t read (TL; DR) sections
- Add a frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) section
- Keep sentences short and direct
5. Optimize for Source Credibility
LLMs favor content that appears trustworthy and well-sourced. To build authority:
- Cite reputable sources
- Include author bios or credentials
- Avoid clickbait or exaggerated claims
- Use data, stats, and quotes to support key points
- Maintain a professional tone
Strengthen Your Brand Visibility in the Age of AI Search With DMP
Traditional methods of SEO no longer apply to modern search engines. As more users demand instant answers from AI-generated responses, businesses that adopt early using LLMO gain a significant competitive advantage and consistent visibility.
Whether you’re refining your SEO strategy or exploring AI-powered search, now is the time to future-proof your content with Digital Marketing Philippines (DMP).
DMP is a leading digital marketing agency offering affordable SEO services for small businesses in the Philippines. Our highly skilled team combines proven SEO expertise with powerful LLMO tactics and AI-driven insights to ensure your brand stays visible on search engines and LLMs.
Contact us today and unlock smarter marketing solutions with AI-optimized strategies that drive measurable results.
References:
https://www.llmoguy.com/beginners-guide-to-llmo
https://sufio.com/blog/llm-optimization-shopify-guide
https://blog.clickpointsoftware.com/what-is-llmo
Jomer B. Gregorio is a well-rounded expert when it comes digital marketing. Jomer is also known as a semantic SEO evangelist and practitioner. Check out our Digital Marketing Services today and let us help you in achieving positive and profitable results for your business.