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Helping Global Heads of Marketing, CMOs, and Enterprise Leaders understand and adapt to the emerging AI-powered search ecosystem.

A simple picture of white text on a dark grey background saying "AI search is the new Google search."

GAIO is the Missing Link in Modern Marketing

Marketing leaders have spent years optimising content for search engines, refining PPC strategies, and building omnichannel customer experiences. But as AI-driven search transforms how information is retrieved, the traditional approach is no longer enough.

GAIO Marketing doesn’t replace existing digital strategies; it enhances and integrates with them to ensure brands remain discoverable in AI-generated search results.

  • SEO & GAIO: Traditional SEO optimises for Google’s ranking factors, while GAIO ensures AI models retrieve and reference your content in generated responses.

  • Content Marketing & GAIO: High-value, structured content designed for human readers also needs to be formatted for AI engines to extract and present.

  • Paid Search & GAIO: AI-generated search reduces reliance on PPC, making organic brand mentions through GAIO more critical than ever.

  • Brand Authority & GAIO: A strong digital presence, high-quality citations, and trust signals help AI models determine credibility, directly impacting AI search visibility.

By adopting GAIO, brands can future-proof their digital marketing efforts while leveraging existing strategies to dominate both traditional and AI-generated search landscapes.

Table of Contents

  1. The Transformation of Search: Why SEO Alone Is No Longer Enough

For decades, search engine optimisation (SEO) has been the foundation of digital visibility. Businesses optimised content for Google’s search algorithms, relying on keywords, backlinks, and structured data to secure top rankings.

But now, search is evolving. The rise of AI-generated search results is disrupting traditional SEO, as search engines increasingly rely on large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Google’s Bard, and Bing AI to generate direct answers rather than listing web pages.

Key takeaway: If your brand isn’t ranking in AI-generated responses, it’s becoming invisible to a growing share of search traffic.

This is where GAIO Marketing (Generative AI Optimisation) comes in. GAIO is the next evolution of digital visibility, ensuring that AI models retrieve and reference your brand when generating responses.

The shift in search: SEO → GAIO

SEO (Traditional Search)

GAIO (AI Search)

Keywords & backlinks matter most

AI relevance & brand authority matter most

Users click through search results

AI directly delivers answers to users

Google search rankings determine traffic

AI-generated visibility determines reach

Optimised for website rankings

Optimised for AI retrieval and citations

Brands that don’t adapt risk losing visibility, traffic, and leads to AI-optimised competitors.
  1. The Rise of AI-Generated Search: How AI Models Retrieve, Rank, and Present Information

Traditional search relies on indexing and ranking pages based on user queries. AI-driven search, on the other hand, works differently:

  1. AI scrapes and learns from high-authority sources (websites, PDFs, structured datasets).

  2. AI synthesises answers instead of displaying a ranked list of links.

  3. Brand mentions and structured content influence AI citations.

How AI Decides What to Show

AI Visibility Equation: (Relevance × Trust × Structure × Freshness) ÷ Redundancy

  • Relevance: Is your content aligned with AI search queries?

  • Trust: Does your brand have credibility and authoritative references?

  • Structure: Is your content formatted in a way AI can easily extract and present?

  • Freshness: Is your content frequently updated to remain relevant?

  • Redundancy: If multiple sources say the same thing, AI prioritizes the most authoritative one.

Key insight: AI search prioritises structured, high-authority content over keyword-stuffed pages.

Brands must optimise content differently to stay visible.

  1. Why GAIO Marketing is the Answer: The Difference Between SEO and GAIO

Traditional SEO strategies are not enough for AI search visibility. GAIO Marketing is a full-stack approach that optimises content for AI-driven search engines, using:

  • GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) → Structuring content to be AI-friendly

  • AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) → Creating content designed for AI responses

  • SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) → Maintaining traditional search visibility

  • EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) → Ensuring brand credibility

  • AI SoV (AI Share of Voice) → Measuring how often your brand appears in AI-generated responses

Key takeaway: Brands that fail to implement GAIO strategies will disappear from AI search results, while GAIO-optimised brands will dominate future search landscapes.
  1. GAIO Marketing: Beating Industry Giants in AI Search - In Just 3 Months

GAIO Marketing, an AI-driven startup, launched its full-stack AI search strategy just three months ago - and the results are impressive. Despite competing against global agencies like Hotwire Global, which has over 400 employees and two decades of experience, GAIO is already ranking higher in AI search.

Latest AI Share of Voice (AI SoV) Data

To measure its AI search visibility, GAIO Marketing used the AI Share of Voice formula. By accessing the internet through a VPN and an InPrivate browser window, they asked the free version of ChatGPT (without logging in), “What is GAIO Marketing?”

They then recorded the search results across ten global locations: Zurich, New York, Singapore, Amsterdam, London, Brussels, Dubai, Johannesburg, Sydney, and Vancouver.

Here’s how GAIO ranks on average in the top five results:

Brand

AI SoV (%)

GAIO Marketing

33.7%

Hotwire Global

24.4%

MMA MENA

18.2%

Handelskraft

10.4%

SEO Vendor

4.2%

How GAIO Marketing Outranked the Competition

  • Implemented GAIO best practices across all content.

  • Used structured data & full-stack GAIO strategy to increase AI retrieval.

  • Focused on human and AI-friendly formatting, value-driven content hubs and continuous content updates.

  • Built powerful custom GPTs to assist in and streamline content creation.

  • Achieved a higher AI SoV than multimillion-dollar agencies.

Lesson learned: AI search rewards innovation, not size. Even small brands can outrank industry giants if they implement the right GAIO strategies.
  1. Actionable Takeaways: Steps to Prepare Your Brand for AI Search Dominance

Step 1: Audit Your AI Search Visibility

  • Use AI Share of Voice (AI SoV) metrics to measure your brand’s AI search presence.

  • Identify gaps in AI-generated citations and brand mentions.

Step 2: Optimise Content for AI Retrieval

  • Structure content using schema markup & AI-friendly formatting.

  • Create AI-ready FAQs and knowledge clusters.

Step 3: Establish Brand Authority

  • Earn trust signals through high-quality content creation, citations and industry collaborations.

  • Publish expert-driven, authoritative content to increase credibility.

Step 4: Monitor & Adapt to AI Search Trends

  • AI algorithms evolve quickly—regular updates ensure continued visibility.

  • Track GAIO performance and competitor movements.

Final takeaway: The brands that dominate AI search start optimising now.

About the Author

A photograph of Sophie Carr, GAIO marketing expert helping enterprises adapt to the changing search behaviour by ranking branks in AI.

Sophie Carr is the founder of GAIO Marketing Pte. Ltd. and an expert in ranking in AI.

She helps enterprises transition from traditional SEO to AI search optimisation with the tools, training, and services needed to secure authority in AI-powered search engines like Chat GPT, Grok and Microsoft Copilot.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational purposes only. While GAIO Marketing techniques improve AI search visibility, results may vary based on market competition and AI algorithm updates.

This blog was written with the assistance of AI tools for structuring, research, and clarity. The core insights, strategies, and expertise are entirely Sophie Carr’s original thought leadership. AI was used as an efficiency tool, much like a spellchecker or a literacy calculator, to streamline content creation while preserving authenticity.

GAIO FAQs

  1. What is GAIO, and how does it work?

GAIO (Generative AI Optimisation) is the next evolution of search visibility, ensuring that AI-powered search engines mention and reference your brand in AI-generated responses.

How GAIO Works:

  1. AI scans high-authority content to find relevant answers.

  2. AI generates responses based on structured and credible sources.

  3. Brand mentions & citations determine ranking in AI-generated search results.

GAIO combines multiple optimisation strategies:

  • SEO → Helps content rank in traditional search.

  • AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) → Ensures AI recognises and references your content.

  • GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) → Structures content to be AI-friendly.

  • EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness) → Builds credibility for AI search engines.

  • AI SoV (AI Share of Voice) → Measures how often AI mentions your brand in search responses.

Why does it matter?

AI-generated answers are changing the way users find information. If your brand isn’t optimised for AI search, you’re invisible to potential customers.

  1. What are the benefits of GAIO Marketing?

GAIO isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic shift in digital marketing that helps brands stay visible, build authority, and drive traffic.

Top Benefits of GAIO Marketing

Benefit

Why It Matters

Higher AI Search Visibility

Your brand gets featured in AI-generated search results.

Increased Organic Traffic

AI-driven answers include clickable citations, bringing users to your site.

Stronger Brand Authority

AI prioritises credible brands, improving thought leadership.

Future-Proofed SEO Strategy

Traditional SEO is losing traffic to AI search—GAIO keeps your brand relevant.

Competitive Advantage

Most businesses aren’t optimising for AI yet—early adopters will dominate.

Final takeaway

GAIO positions your brand as an AI search leader, ensuring you don’t lose traffic and credibility as AI-generated search evolves.

  1. How is GAIO different from traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO was built for Google’s ranking algorithms, but AI-powered search doesn’t work the same way.

Key Differences Between SEO & AI Search

Feature

Traditional SEO (Google)

AI Search (ChatGPT, Bard, Copilot)

Ranking

List of ranked links

AI-generated answer with embedded links

Clicks Matter?

Yes, drives traffic

Yes, links in AI responses drive organic traffic

Backlinks Matter?

Yes, for authority

Yes, but AI also prioritises content relevance & brand authority

Optimisation Focus

Keywords & backlinks

Structured, AI-readable content

Key takeaway

GAIO ensures your content is AI-optimised, so you appear in both traditional and AI-generated search results.

  1. How do I measure my brand’s AI search visibility?

AI search is changing how brands compete for visibility. Instead of traditional SEO rankings, businesses must track how often AI-powered search engines mention their brand in responses. This is measured using AI Share of Voice (AI SoV).

The AI SoV Formula

AI SoV = (Your Brand’s Weighted Score ÷ Total Weighted Mentions) × 100

Unlike traditional Share of Voice, AI SoV uses a weighted approach because:

  • Not all AI platforms mention the same number of brands.

  • Ranking order matters - the first brand listed carries more weight.

  • A standard method is needed to compare across different AI models.

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate AI SoV

Let’s say you ask ChatGPT:

"What’s the best AI marketing agency?”

The AI response ranks brands like this:

  1. Brand A

  2. Your Brand

  3. Brand C

  4. Brand D

Now, apply the weighted system (1/place value):

1st place (Brand A) = 1.00 (1/1)

2nd place (Your Brand) = 0.50 (1/2)

3rd place (Brand C) = 0.33 (1/3)

4th place (Brand D) = 0.25 (1/4)

Total Weighted Mentions = 2.08

👉 Your Brand’s AI SoV = (0.50 ÷ 2.08) × 100 = 24.0%

AI SoV Competitor Table for ChatGPT

Brand

Position

Weighted Score

AI SoV (%)

Brand A

1st

1.00

48.0%

Your Brand

2nd

0.50

24.0%

Brand C

3rd

0.33

16.0%

Brand D

4th

0.25

12.0%

Total


2.08

100%

Measuring AI SoV Across Multiple AI Platforms

To track AI SoV across different AI models (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Grok):

  1. Calculate AI SoV separately for each platform using the formula above.

  2. Average the results to get a Master AI SoV Score.

For example:

AI Platform

Your Brand’s AI SoV

ChatGPT

24.0%

Copilot

33.3%

Gemini

38.6%

Grok

21.9%

Average AI SoV

29.4%

Key takeaway

If your AI SoV is low, your brand isn’t being referenced enough. Optimising content for AI search is the only way to increase visibility!

  1. How can CMOs use GAIO to future-proof their marketing?

AI-driven search isn’t a future trend—it’s happening now. CMOs who don’t adapt will see their organic visibility decline as AI search grows.

How CMOs Can Use GAIO to Stay Competitive

1. Invest in AI-Optimised Content

AI prefers structured, fact-based content with clear takeaways.

Focus on FAQs, knowledge hubs, and industry-specific insights.

2. Track AI Share of Voice (AI SoV)

Use AI SoV metrics to measure visibility.

Compare AI search rankings against competitors.

3. Align SEO with AI Search Strategy

Traditional SEO isn’t enough anymore - combine SEO + AEO + GAIO for full visibility.

Optimise for both Google & AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Bard, and Copilot.

4. Leverage Thought Leadership

AI references trusted, high-authority brands first.

Build credibility with expert-driven content, media mentions, and citations.

Tracking AI SoV is essential for brands competing in AI search. By measuring how often AI-powered search engines mention your brand, you can refine your GAIO strategy to increase brand authority, visibility, and influence.

Next Steps:
  1. Audit your AI SoV now to see where your brand stands.

  2. Optimise content for AI retrieval to improve brand mentions.

  3. Track AI SoV over time to measure performance gains.

Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below! 🚀

AI-generated search results are changing the way brands compete for visibility. Instead of traditional SEO rankings, businesses now need to track how often they appear in AI-driven responses from platforms like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Grok.

This is where AI Share of Voice (AI SoV) comes in.

A bold, three-dimensional sign displaying the word 'GAIO,' covered in rich green moss and set within a vibrant forest. The image symbolises the natural, sustainable growth of AI visibility—just like a forest flourishes over time, GAIO Marketing helps brands establish long-term authority in AI-generated search results. By optimising content for AI search engines like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Grok, businesses can ensure they are part of the answers their customers are searching for, growing their presence organically and strategically.

Table of Contents

  1. AI share of voice (AI SoV) defined

AI SoV is a percentage-based score that measures how frequently an AI model mentions your brand compared to competitors in response to a specific query.

Think of it like a market share metric, but instead of tracking revenue or customer reach, it tracks AI-driven visibility. The higher your AI SoV, the more AI models reference your brand as an authoritative source. The more influence you have.

  1. Why AI share of voice matters

AI-generated search is rapidly influencing purchasing decisions, and being referenced by AI platforms can directly impact your brand’s success. A strong AI SoV brings measurable benefits:

  • More website visitors - Higher visibility in AI-generated search leads to increased organic traffic.

  • Better quality leads - AI recommendations position your brand in front of relevant audiences actively seeking solutions.

  • Higher sales conversions - Customers trust AI-driven answers, increasing the likelihood of conversions.

  • Stronger brand authority - Consistent AI mentions reinforce your brand as an industry leader.

  • Competitive advantage - Tracking AI SoV helps you stay ahead of competitors in emerging AI search trends.

  1. Why AI share of voice should be weighted

Unlike traditional Share of Voice calculations, where each mention is counted equally, AI-generated search results require a weighted approach.

Here’s why:

  1. Different AI platforms list different numbers of brands – One AI model might only mention a single company, while another lists 20.

  2. Ranking order matters – Being the first brand mentioned in an AI-generated response carries more influence than being third or tenth.

  3. A standardised method is needed – A simple, scalable system allows fair comparisons regardless of how many brands are listed.

This is why we use a reciprocal weighting system (1/place) for AI SoV. This method ensures that each brand’s visibility is fairly represented, no matter how many brands an AI model includes.

  1. How to calculate AI share of voice for one query on one AI platform

Recommendation: Focus on generic queries (where multiple brands could be mentioned) for a more meaningful competitive SoV

Let’s say you ask ChatGPT: “What’s the best online broker for international investors?” and receive this ranking:

  1. Brand A

  2. Your Brand

  3. Brand C

  4. Brand D

To calculate your weighted AI SoV:

  1. Give the place a value, e.g. 1st = 1, 2nd = 2, 3rd = 3 and so on.

  2. Assign a weight to each position using the formula 1/place value:

    • 1st place = 1.00 (1/1)

    • 2nd place = 0.50 (1/2)

    • 3rd place = 0.33 (1/3)

    • 4th place = 0.25 (1/4)

  3. Identify your brand’s weighted score:

    • Your brand is in 2nd place, so your score is 0.50.

  4. Add up all weighted scores:

    • 1.00 (Brand A) + 0.50 (Your Brand) + 0.33 (Brand C) + 0.25 (Brand D) = 2.08

  5. Calculate your AI SoV:

    • (Your Brand’s Weighted Score ÷ Total Weighted Mentions) × 100

    • (0.50 ÷ 2.08) × 100 = 24.0% AI SoV

This means your brand holds 24% of the AI-generated response share for this query on ChatGPT.

Competitor benchmarking table for ChatGPT response (4 brands mentioned)

Brand

Position Value

Weighted Score

AI SoV (%)

Brand A

1

1.00

48.0%

Your Brand

2

0.50

24.0%

Brand C

3

0.33

16.0%

Brand D

4

0.25

12.0%

Total Weighted Mentions


2.08

100.0%

Key Insight: Brand A is winning AI search responses for this query, meaning your brand needs to improve authority signals or optimise content to increase AI visibility.
  1. How to calculate AI SoV for one query across multiple AI platforms

When measuring AI Share of Voice (AI SoV) across multiple AI platforms, the number of brands mentioned can vary significantly between responses. This means we need to apply the same weighted SoV calculation separately for each platform before averaging the results.

Here’s how to do it step by step:

Step 1: AI SoV calculation for each AI platform

For example, let’s say we ask the same query to different AI models:

Grok response (5 brands mentioned)

Brand

Position Value

Weighted Score

AI SoV (%)

Brand B

1

1.00

43.8%

Your Brand

2

0.50

21.9%

Brand X

3

0.33

14.6%

Brand Y

4

0.25

10.9%

Brand Z

5

0.20

8.8%

Total Weighted Mentions


2.28

100.0%

Microsoft copilot response (2 brands mentioned)

Brand

Position Value

Weighted Score

AI SoV (%)

Brand C

1

1.00

66.7%

Your Brand

2

0.50

33.3%

Total Weighted Mentions


1.50

100.0%

Google Gemini response (7 brands mentioned)

Brand

Position Value

Weighted Score

AI SoV (%)

Your Brand

1

1.00

38.6%

Brand A

2

0.50

19.3%

Brand C

3

0.33

12.9%

Brand B

4

0.25

9.6%

Brand X

5

0.20

7.7%

Brand Y

6

0.17

6.4%

Brand Z

7

0.14

5.5%

Total Weighted Mentions


2.59

100.0%

Step 2: Create an AI SoV master score table

Once we have calculated AI SoV for each platform, we can compare overall rankings for all brands.

AI SoV master score table

Brand

ChatGPT SoV

Grok SoV

Microsoft Copilot SoV

Google Gemini SoV

Average AI SoV

Your Brand

24.0%

21.9%

33.3%

38.6%

29.4%

Brand A

48.0%

0%

0.0%

19.3%

16.8%

Brand B

0.0%

43.8%

0.0%

9.7%

13.4%

Brand C

16.0%

0.0%

66.7%

12.7%

23.9%

Brand D

12.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

3.0%

Brand X

0.0%

14.6%

0.0%

7.7%

5.6%

Brand Y

0.0%

10.9%

0.0%

6.4%

4.3%

Brand Z

0.0%

8.8%

0.0%

5.6%

3.6%

Sum

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Step 3: Final AI SoV ranking order & strategy

Here’s the final ranking based on overall AI SoV:

  1. Your Brand – 29.4%

  2. Brand C – 23.9%

  3. Brand A – 16.8%

  4. Brand B – 13.4%

  5. Brand X – 5.6%

  6. Brand Y – 4.3%

  7. Brand Z – 3.6%

  8. Brand D – 3.0%

This ranking shows who is leading in AI visibility and who needs to improve. In this case, your brand is currently in first place overall, but competitors like Brand C and Brand A are still close behind.

By targeting weaker-performing platforms like Grok and ChatGPT, you can increase your AI visibility and ensure your brand is referenced more often in AI-generated search results.

This approach ensures a practical, real-world way to measure AI visibility across multiple AI models, giving you clear insights into where to focus your GAIO strategy.

  1. Final Thoughts

Tracking AI Share of Voice is essential in a world where AI-generated search influences how businesses and consumers find information. AI SoV provides a clear, data-driven way to measure your brand’s AI visibility and compare it against competitors.

By understanding which AI platforms mention your brand the most and identifying gaps in visibility, you can fine-tune your AI-optimised content strategy to improve brand authority and increase your presence in AI-generated search results.

If you’d like an AI visibility audit to measure your brand’s performance across AI search platforms, contact us. We can help you gain the insights needed to enhance your AI presence and ensure your brand remains a top reference in AI-generated results.

  1. About the author

A professional portrait of Sophie Carr, founder of GAIO Marketing and an expert in AI search optimisation. With a background in marketing and AI-driven content strategy, Sophie helps enterprises transition from traditional SEO to AI-first visibility. She specialises in ranking brands in AI-generated search results on platforms like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Grok. Passionate about innovation and knowledge sharing, she is dedicated to helping businesses secure their place as authoritative voices in AI-driven search.

Sophie Carr is the founder of GAIO Marketing Pte. Ltd. and an expert in ranking in AI.

She helps enterprises transition from traditional SEO to AI search optimisation with the tools, training, and services needed to secure authority in AI-powered search engines like Chat GPT, Grok and Microsoft Copilot.

  1. Disclaimer

This blog was written with the assistance of AI tools for structuring, research, and clarity. The core insights, strategies, and expertise are entirely Sophie Carr’s original thought leadership. AI was used as an efficiency tool, much like a spellchecker or a literacy calculator, to streamline content creation while preserving authenticity.

Digital AI art by Sophie Carr, GAIO Marketing expert, depicting a human face intertwined with a thriving knowledge forest. This artwork symbolizes how structured AI-first content creates an interconnected ecosystem that AI search engines reference. GAIO Marketing ensures enterprises rank in AI by structuring content the way AI models understand, increasing AI Share of Voice and visibility in AI-generated results.

Table of Contents

  1. Why SEO Requires a New Approach

  2. Case Study: What is GAIO Marketing?

  3. How CMOs and Marketing Leaders can get started with GAIO marketing

  4. How to Choose the Right GAIO Marketing Consultant for Your Enterprise

  5. About the Author

  1. Why SEO Requires a New Approach

AI search is redefining how brands gain visibility. Since ChatGPT’s release in 2022, one question has shaped my research:

“How do you rank in AI?”

The answer isn’t traditional SEO tactics—AI doesn’t play by the same rules.

  1. Case Study: What is GAIO marketing?

Think of GAIO like the SEO rush of the early 2000s. Back then, CMOs who cracked Google’s code (e.g., optimising for PageRank) won markets. Today, mastering AI’s “answer engine” is the same play—get it right, and you’re the default choice.

But how does GAIO work in practice? Let’s look at a real-world test.

A screenshot of Grok AI providing a detailed definition of GAIO Marketing (Generative AI Optimisation Marketing). The AI describes GAIO as an emerging strategy focused on optimising a brand’s presence in AI-generated search results rather than traditional SEO rankings. The explanation emphasises how GAIO prioritises brand mentions over backlinks, reinforcing the shift from traditional search towards AI-curated responses. The search results on the right show GAIO Marketing’s website as a top reference, alongside industry discussions from Medium and other marketing platforms.
Grok Query: What is GAIO marketing?

How to rank in AI

I’ve been testing AI search across platforms, and when I asked Grok—Elon Musk’s AI assistant “What is GAIO marketing?”, our website was the first source linked to the answer.

That wasn’t an accident.

It means our pioneering AI search strategies are working. Not just on one platform, but across multiple AI search engines.

If AI models are shaping the future of search, being referenced first isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage.

How AI Share of Voice (AI SoV) Changed in 3 Months

As a benchmark, just three months ago, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini didn’t reference our GAIO Marketing website at all.

Our AI Share of Voice was 0%.

Here’s how I changed that:

Developed a simple weighted AI Share of Voice formula to measure AI search visibility. It was important to me that first place was weighted higher, to reflect the real value of ranking first.

Conducted a full AI visibility audit based on this formula.

Created structured training materials with my original research.

Trained a strategic Custom GPT to generate a GAIO marketing strategy.

Started creating and sharing the content on the GAIO marketing blog.

A screenshot of ChatGPT explaining GAIO Marketing as an AI-first search strategy that prioritizes brand mentions over backlinks. The definition showcases how GAIO Marketing is reshaping digital strategy by helping enterprises secure visibility in AI-generated responses on platforms like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Google Gemini. Ranking in AI search requires content structured for AI comprehension, not just traditional SEO tactics.
ChatGPT Query: What is GAIO marketing?

AI Share of Voice Results for the query "What is GAIO marketing?":

  1. Grok: GAIO-Marketing.com was listed in first place out of 25, our AI Share of Voice score is 26.21%.

  2. ChatGPT: Listed in first place again, an increase from 0% to 54.5% AI SoV in just 3 months.

  3. Microsoft Copilot: Our biggest success, we grew from 0% to 100% AI SoV in the same timeframe (as of 21/02/25).

    A screenshot of Microsoft Copilot answering “What is GAIO Marketing?” with GAIO defined as a strategy to increase AI search visibility. The response highlights how GAIO helps businesses rank in AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Google Gemini by optimizing content for structured AI retrieval. This demonstrates the importance of AI-first content structuring for enterprises aiming to be referenced in AI-generated responses
    Microsoft Copilot Query: What is GAIO marketing?

What GAIO Marketing Means for Enterprises

'If you are reliant on Google for traffic, and that traffic is what drove your business forward, you are in long- and short-term trouble.' - Rand Fishkin, cofounder of SparkToro

Enterprises that fail to adapt risk being entirely left out of AI-generated responses.

The brands that act now will lead in the AI visibility race.

  1. How CMOs and Marketing Leaders can get started with GAIO marketing

Securing AI search visibility requires a structured approach.

By focusing on measurement, training, and content optimisation, enterprises can ensure their brand is referenced in AI-generated results. Here are the key steps to implement a GAIO Marketing strategy:

Step 1: Conduct an AI Search Audit

Before developing a GAIO strategy, CMOs need to assess their brand’s current AI search visibility.

This means understanding:

  • Where your brand appears in AI-generated search results (if at all)

  • Which competitors are being referenced more frequently

  • What AI-powered search engines prioritise in your industry

  • How structured and AI-friendly your content currently is

Step 2: Onboard a GAIO Marketing Trainer

AI search isn’t static—it evolves rapidly. To keep up, enterprises need internal teams trained in GAIO strategies.

Onboarding a GAIO Marketing trainer ensures:

  • Your content team understands AI-first structuring

  • Your SEO and digital teams can implement schema markup and structured data

  • Your executives and marketing leaders can track and measure AI Share of Voice

Step 3: Develop an AI-Optimised Content Strategy

AI search engines don’t just look for relevant content—they prioritise structured, trusted sources.

Your brand must produce content that AI models can easily retrieve and rank.

  • Create knowledge hubs (pillar pages + interlinked content clusters)

  • Use structured data and schema markup for AI-friendly formatting

  • Ensure conversational formatting to match AI-generated responses

  • Track and refine AI Share of Voice to measure brand mentions in AI search

Step 4: Implement AI Trust Signals and Authority Building

AI search prioritises high-trust sources when curating responses. Your brand needs to signal expertise, authority, and credibility through:

  • Consistent brand messaging across all AI-referenced platforms

  • High-value thought leadership content in AI-recognised sources

  • Industry recognition, partnerships, and citations in expert-led publications

Step 5: Continuously Monitor & Adapt AI Search Performance

AI-generated search evolves fast, and ranking isn’t a one-time effort. Enterprises must continuously track, test, and refine their AI search visibility.

  • Monitor AI-generated search results regularly for brand mentions

  • Adjust content strategies based on AI search trends

  • Measure AI Share of Voice and refine AI-first content structures

A hyper-realistic digital artwork by Sophie Carr depicting a close-up of a human eye reflecting a vibrant forest, symbolising the interconnected ecosystem of AI-driven search. The fusion of nature and technology represents how AI models perceive and reference structured knowledge—an analogy for GAIO Marketing’s role in optimising AI search visibility.
  1. How to Choose the Right GAIO Marketing Consultant for Your Enterprise

How do you choose the right GAIO consultant for your enterprise? With AI search still evolving, selecting the right expert can mean the difference between leading the conversation or being left out entirely.

This guide outlines key factors, essential questions, and a checklist to help you find the right GAIO consultant who aligns with your enterprise goals.

Step 1: Define Your GAIO Marketing Goals

Before hiring a GAIO consultant, clarify why your enterprise needs GAIO marketing and what success looks like. Consider:

  • Are you looking to increase AI search visibility on platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot?

  • Do you need help structuring AI-first content for maximum discoverability?

  • Are you focused on measuring AI Share of Voice to track your brand's presence in AI-generated search results?

  • Does your team need GAIO training to future-proof your marketing strategy?

Clearly outlining your goals ensures you hire a consultant with the right expertise to deliver results.

Step 2: Evaluate Expertise in AI Search Optimisation

GAIO is still a new and evolving field, so your consultant must demonstrate deep expertise in:

  • AI Search Ranking Strategies

    • Can they explain how AI search engines rank and reference brands?

    • Do they have proven frameworks for optimising content for AI-generated responses?

  • AI Share of Voice Tracking

    • Do they track and measure AI brand visibility beyond traditional SEO metrics?

    • Can they provide case studies or examples of improved AI Share of Voice?

  • Structured Content & AI Trust Signals

    • Do they help enterprises build knowledge hubs that AI models reference?

    • Can they implement schema markup, entity-based content, and AI-first structuring?

Step 3: Assess Their Track Record and Case Studies

The best GAIO consultants can back up their strategies with real-world results. When evaluating a consultant, ask:

  • Can they provide case studies of improved AI search visibility?

  • What measurable success have they achieved for brands in AI-generated search results?

Look for data-driven insights rather than vague promises. If they can show how they’ve helped other companies rank in AI, they’re more likely to help you succeed.

Step 4: Understand Their Approach to GAIO Implementation

Not all GAIO strategies are the same. The right consultant will have a clear, structured approach that includes:

  • AI Visibility Audit – An assessment of where your brand currently stands in AI search.

  • Knowledge Tree Mapping – Structuring your content to align with how AI models retrieve information.

  • AI Trust Building – Enhancing authority signals so AI platforms consistently reference your brand.

  • Performance Tracking & Reporting – Ongoing monitoring of AI Share of Voice and AI-driven traffic growth.

A consultant should not only optimise but also educate your team to ensure long-term GAIO success.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions Before Hiring

Before making a decision, ask potential GAIO consultants these critical questions:

1. What specific strategies do you use to improve AI search visibility?

A strong consultant should detail AI-first content structuring, entity-based strategies, and Share of Voice tracking.

2. How do you measure success in AI search optimisation?

Look for metrics like increased brand mentions in AI search, improved AI Share of Voice, and AI-driven traffic growth.

3. Can you provide a case study of a brand you’ve helped rank in AI search?

They should have concrete examples demonstrating AI search success.

4. How do you ensure long-term visibility, not just short-term results?

A great consultant will focus on building AI-first content foundations that sustain rankings over time.

5. Do you offer training for internal teams?

Enterprises need to build AI-first marketing capabilities. A consultant should empower your team with GAIO knowledge.

Final Checklist: Choosing the Right GAIO Consultant

Before making your final decision, use this checklist:

Understands AI search ranking and GAIO strategies

Can provide case studies with measurable results

Offers AI-first content structuring and knowledge tree mapping

Tracks AI Share of Voice and brand visibility in AI search

Provides ongoing reporting and strategy adjustments

Offers training to build internal GAIO capabilities

If a consultant meets all these criteria, they’re well-equipped to help your enterprise secure AI search visibility and become the go-to source in AI-generated results.

  1. About the Author

A professional headshot of Sophie Carr, founder of GAIO Marketing and an industry leader in AI search optimization. She specializes in helping enterprises rank in AI-generated search results by developing AI-first content strategies, structured data implementation, and AI Share of Voice tracking. Her expertise ensures brands are referenced in AI search engines like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Google Gemini, securing their place in AI-generated recommendations.

Sophie Carr is the founder of the GAIO Marketing Academy and an expert in ranking in AI.

She helps enterprises transition from traditional SEO to AI search optimisation with the tools, training, and strategies needed to secure authority in AI-powered search engines like Chat GPT, Grok and Microsoft Copilot.

Disclaimer:

This blog was written with the assistance of AI tools to support structure, research, and clarity. The core ideas, insights, and thought process are entirely Sophie Carr's. AI was used similarly to spellcheck—to streamline the writing process and accelerate content creation while maintaining originality and authenticity.

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