We are beginning a major phase of experiments aimed at promoting companies and their products within modern AI systems. Our goal is to explore various approaches for generating traffic from AI-driven platforms such as ChatGPT and Perplexity. In this case study, we document our observations and strategies used to optimize content for these AI-powered search and recommendation engines.
How ChatGPT and Perplexity Handle Information
Through our research, we observed key differences in how ChatGPT and Perplexity process and present information:
Perplexity consistently provides a source for all informational queries.
ChatGPT, on the other hand, often generates answers without citing sources unless explicitly asked.
When probed for sources, ChatGPT reveals a list of websites it references, which allowed us to track our content’s presence.
Understanding these behaviors helped us refine our approach to AI SEO, ensuring our content is structured in a way that these AI systems can recognize and reference.
The Experiment: Optimizing Pipl.Systems for AI Visibility
We tested our strategies on the website Pipl.Systems by implementing the following SEO techniques:
Content based on Google’s ‘People Also Ask’ questions – We structured our articles around commonly asked questions to increase relevance.
Structured data – Implemented FAQ, How-To schema, and internal links to relevant terms (similar to Wikipedia) to enhance AI comprehension.
Thematic SEO optimization – Instead of focusing on specific keywords, we covered entire topics comprehensively to provide in-depth, valuable content.
User-focused content – Each article aimed to solve multiple reader problems while ensuring SEO optimization for Google.
The primary objective was to assess how ChatGPT and Perplexity interact with our articles, beyond just optimizing for traditional search engines.
Experiment Results: AI Interactions with Our Content
ChatGPT Recognition of Pipl.Systems
We asked ChatGPT about the best Security System Installers in Calgary (see Screenshot 1). It generated a response and provided a source list, where we found a direct reference to our article on Pipl.Systems.
Screenshot 1
Perplexity Source Attribution
When we posed the same question in Perplexity, it included a company that we had described in our article and explicitly cited Pipl.Systems as the source (see Screenshot 2). This confirmed that our content was being recognized and referenced by AI systems.
Screenshot 2
AI Usage of Informational Content
For informational queries like What is…? or How to…?, ChatGPT typically provides an answer without sources. However, tracking its browsing behavior revealed that it had accessed our site before generating a response (see Screenshot 3). This suggests that our content is contributing to ChatGPT’s knowledge base, increasing the likelihood of future references.
Screenshot 3
Direct Citations in Perplexity
When we explicitly asked Perplexity to list its sources, it immediately displayed our website and referenced content from our articles (see Screenshot 4). This further validated our content’s credibility within AI-driven search models.
Screenshot 4
Expanding the Experiment to Other Locations
We then queried ChatGPT about the best security system installers in Toronto. The response included links to specific companies, and once again, we found our article in the list of sources ChatGPT referenced (see Screenshot 5).
Screenshot 5
Key Takeaways: The Power of AI SEO
AI platforms are actively sourcing information from well-structured, authoritative content.
Our SEO approach is enabling ChatGPT and Perplexity to recommend businesses from our articles.
This presents a new avenue for marketing and lead generation, where AI-driven search results influence user decisions.
AI SEO is not just about Google ranking anymore—it’s about positioning content to be referenced by AI models.
This strategy is applicable across industries—from eCommerce to informational portals like Pipl.Systems.
The Future of AI SEO
Our findings confirm that AI SEO is essential for modern businesses. Companies must adapt their SEO strategies to ensure their content is recognized and referenced by AI systems. Whether you run an eCommerce store, a service-based business, or an informational website, AI-driven search and recommendations are becoming a vital traffic source.
This is just the beginning. As AI systems evolve, optimizing for AI search engines will become as crucial as traditional SEO. The businesses that embrace AI SEO today will have a significant competitive advantage in the digital landscape.
With years of experience navigating the ever-evolving crypto landscape, Eugen knows exactly how to make content shine in Google’s eyes—without breaking the algorithm. With experience working as an SEO specialist in real fast-growing crypto companies, along with training in crypto trading, Google Ads Search Certification, and Google Analytics Individual Qualification, he is a master of SEO in the crypto world, blending AI-powered strategies with deep industry knowledge. From ChatGPT to blockchain trends, he knows how to make content rank, engage, and convert.
