Ranking in AI Search: It’s Not a Mystery or Magic—It’s Strategy

by Chad de Lisle August 18, 2025

 

As AI-driven search platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini explode in adoption, marketers are left asking a vital question: How do I get my business to rank organically in AI search?

The panic around AI-driven SEO is real. Statistics show that while organic search impressions are increasing, website traffic is decreasing. Marketing meetings are tense. Self-proclaimed AI “experts” are everywhere.

We get it—it’s easy to feel behind.

At Disruptive Advertising, we’re not in the business of selling fear—or pretending we’ve cracked the ever-changing algorithm code. Instead, we focus on:

Here’s what we’re learning (and teaching) our clients as we adapt together:


The Truth About AI Search Rankings

We don’t have a secret backdoor into ChatGPT’s algorithm—or any other AI-driven platform for that matter. No one does.

AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and similar conversational search engines evolve faster than traditional organic search—think Google core updates on steroids.

If someone tells you they can guarantee AI rankings, it’s probably time to walk away. But that doesn’t mean we’re flying blind.

Ranking in AI: Tested Strategies That Deliver Results

We’ve been testing, learning, and watching. And with insights from our SEO expert, Chelsea Bagley, and strategy leaders like Kaden Laga, we’ve started building a reliable framework that helps brands show up where AI looks for answers—and win visibility in AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini.


✅ SEO Isn’t Dead—It’s Just Evolved

AI platforms still rely on data from Google and Bing, meaning traditional SEO practices—like keyword optimization, authoritative backlinks, and user-responsive content—are still the foundation for AI ranking success.

If your brand already dominates organic search results today, you’re already in the running for AI visibility. Don’t abandon your SEO fundamentals.

✅ Be Omnipresent

AI scrapes your entire digital footprint—not just your website. Your LinkedIn articles, YouTube videos, Reddit mentions, and podcast appearancesall play a role.

In the AI search ecosystem, authority is earned where users engage most. Ask yourself: Is your brand visible and active across the platforms your audience already trusts?

✅ Become the Authority

Want to rank for “best [your product]”? Then be the most authoritative voiceon the topic. Not just one page—every page.

Topical authority beats keyword stuffing every time.

✅ Snackable Wins Over Storytelling

AI thrives on delivering concise, actionable answers. Provide direct answers with clear headings, bullet points, short intros, and TL;DR summaries that address questions directly.

If your blog doesn’t deliver the answer in the first few lines, AI won’t choose your content.

✅ Structure Still Matters

The technical side of SEO—structured data, XML sitemaps, and clean architecture—remains critical for discoverability in AI search. Implement schema markup, use concise, keyword-rich URLs, and ensure your most valuable content is well-linked internally.

Think of it this way: if your page is buried five clicks deep, AI-powered search engines can’t find it effectively. Structure still matters—now more than ever.

Our Results-Driven Approach to AI Search Strategy

At Disruptive Advertising, we pair authentic brands with top talent and a proven strategy to deliver breakthrough results.

Our take on AI search? Stay proactive. Stay authentic. Stay focused on what actually drives value.

“We’re not here to guess. We’re here to test, learn, and lead our clients with confidence—even when the rules are still being written.” Kaden Laga, Head of B2b at Disruptive Advertising

The AI search landscape is still taking shape. But one thing’s clear: the brands that succeed will be the ones who act decisively, embrace change, and focus on the long-term strategies that drive results in AI search.


Want to audit your AI-readiness?

Let’s talk about your visibility across search, social, and beyond.

At Disruptive, we don’t just chase rankings—we build ecosystems that AI can’t ignore.

  • AI

  • Marketing

  • SEO

  • Strategy

Chad de Lisle

Chad de Lisle

Chad is a passionate people-lover who is always down for a silly-goose time. He's been doing digital marketing since 2007 (don't let the baby-face fool you) where he's excelled specifically in driving results and growth for lead generation organizations of all sizes. He's been winning Dungeons & Dragons since 1997, he's hit a grand slam in a state championship baseball game, and he won't stop hoarding books. When he's not busy running a successful division at Disruptive Advertising, you will find him in the mountains with his dog Rusty or swinging in his hammock with his 3 kids. Beware: guilty of contagious optimism!

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