FAQ: How Can My Business Gain Customers from ChatGPT & LLMs?
Q: What exactly are LLMs?
A: LLMs, or Large Language Models like ChatGPT, are AI platforms that answer user questions by pulling and summarising content from various sources on the web.
Q: Why should my business optimise for LLM visibility?
A: Optimising for LLMs means your content will more likely be cited or recommended by AI platforms, significantly boosting your reach and visibility. Traffic from these sources is predicted to surpass traditional Google searches by 2027.
Q: Does this mean traditional SEO is dead?
A: No! Traditional SEO is still crucial. Good SEO practices overlap significantly with LLM optimisation (GEO). If you've built strong SEO foundations, you're already positioned well for LLM visibility.
Q: What's GEO, and why should I care?
A: GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) specifically targets visibility in AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT. Optimising for GEO ensures your content appears prominently in AI-powered answers, increasing visibility and clicks.
Q: How do LLMs choose content to cite?
A: Unlike traditional search engines, LLMs don’t rely solely on high Google rankings. They look for the most precise and relevant answers, even if the content is on page 3 or beyond in Google results.
Q: Why is GEO beneficial for smaller businesses?
A: GEO can level the playing field. Even if your content ranks lower on Google, it could still be highlighted by LLMs if it provides the exact answer a user needs, giving smaller businesses a new competitive advantage.
Q: Does user history influence LLM results?
A: Absolutely. LLMs like ChatGPT use past interactions to personalise results. For example, a frequent Porsche-related searcher might automatically get Porsche-specific content when looking for car maintenance tips.
Q: What does 'query fan-out' mean in LLMs?
A: Query fan-out refers to an LLM's ability to handle follow-up questions, refining initial queries like a real-life sales assistant. This helps users find highly specific answers, making your detailed content more valuable.
Q: What makes content attractive to LLMs?
A: LLMs prioritise clear, concise, and highly relevant content that thoroughly answers user queries. High-quality, expert-driven content with strong depth and authority attracts LLM citations.
Q: How should my content marketing strategy change for LLMs?
A: Focus on producing comprehensive, authoritative, and user-friendly content. Prioritise readability with clear titles, structured headings (H1-H6), and useful diagrams. This helps both users and LLMs find essential information quickly.
Q: Does content length matter for LLM optimisation?
A: Yes, detailed, comprehensive content tends to perform better, both for traditional SEO and LLM visibility. Google and LLMs prefer content that thoroughly addresses user queries.
Q: Can LLMs boost my website’s authority?
A: Yes. Frequent citations in LLMs improve your site's perceived authority, encouraging more organic backlinks, increased traffic, and higher overall search rankings.
Q: Is original content important for LLM visibility?
A: Critical. LLMs prefer original, insightful, and expert-driven content. Unique perspectives and authoritative insights greatly improve your chances of being prominently featured.
Q: How can Walsh & Partners help with GEO and SEO?
A: Walsh & Partners, led by Ryan Walsh, specialises in both traditional SEO and emerging GEO strategies. With over 10 years of SEO expertise, we help businesses adapt to digital marketing changes, ensuring you benefit from AI-driven visibility and growth.