From Keywords to Prompts: Optimizing for AI-Powered Search Assistants

Introduction

The world of search is changing. Traditional keyword-based SEO strategies are giving way to AI-powered search assistants like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Bing Copilot. Instead of typing simple keywords, users now ask conversational prompts, expecting direct, personalized answers. This shift marks the rise of prompt-driven SEO — a new frontier where businesses must adapt their strategies to stay visible in the age of generative AI.

In this blog, we’ll explore how SEO is evolving from keywords to prompts, and how you can optimize your content for AI-driven search engines.

1. Why Keywords Alone Are No Longer Enough

For decades, SEO revolved around keyword research — identifying high-volume terms and sprinkling them into content. But with AI assistants, search intent is expressed in natural language:

• Old search: “best SEO tools”

• AI-powered prompt: “What are the best SEO tools for small businesses in 2025, and which ones use AI features?”

This means content must go beyond targeting short-tail keywords. Instead, it must answer specific, context-rich queries.

2. Enter Prompts: The New SEO Currency

Prompts are essentially conversational questions or instructions users give to AI. Search assistants don’t just retrieve links — they generate answers. To appear in these answers, your content must:

• Cover long-form, detailed topics

• Use natural, conversational language

• Anticipate follow-up questions and provide context

Think of prompts as the new “keywords,” but far more nuanced.

3. Strategies for Optimizing Content for AI Search

Here are actionable steps to transition from keyword SEO to prompt-driven optimization:

 a) Target Conversational Queries

Instead of only using short-tail terms, create content around question-style searches:

• “How do peak lapel suits differ from notch lapel suits?”

• “What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and how does it impact SEO?”

 b) Emphasize Context & Depth

AI assistants prefer content that is comprehensive, structured, and semantically rich. Cover a topic in detail, including definitions, comparisons, pros/cons, and FAQs.

c) Optimize for Entities & Semantic SEO

AI systems rely heavily on entities (people, brands, products, concepts). Use schema markup, internal linking, and well-defined terms to strengthen your site’s authority in an AI knowledge graph.

 d) Use Prompt-Like Subheadings

Structure blogs with subheadings that mimic user prompts:

• “What is the difference between keywords and prompts?”

• “How do AI-powered search assistants rank content?”

This increases your chances of being pulled into AI-generated answers.

4. The Role of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)

Just as SEO became an industry, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is emerging as the discipline of optimizing content for generative AI search. Businesses that learn how to structure content for AI-generated responses will have a competitive edge.

5. Practical Example

Imagine you run a fashion eCommerce store. Instead of only optimizing for “men’s charcoal grey suit”, you create content that answers:

• “What occasions are best for wearing a charcoal grey three-piece suit?”

• “How should men style a pleated pant suit for weddings?”

AI assistants are more likely to surface your content in answers when it’s tailored to prompt-style queries.

Conclusion

The future of SEO lies beyond keywords. As AI-powered search assistants dominate how users find information, businesses must adapt by creating prompt-optimized content that is conversational, comprehensive, and entity-rich.

Moving from keywords to prompts isn’t just a trend — it’s the next era of search visibility. Those who embrace it now will lead in the AI-driven search economy.

Tags: search engines, SEO, SEO Service

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): The Future of SEO for AI-Generated Content

As artificial intelligence reshapes how people search online, a new discipline is emerging: Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Unlike traditional SEO, which focuses on ranking in Google’s search results, GEO is about optimizing content for AI-powered engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other large language models (LLMs) that deliver direct answers instead of links.

If your business depends on visibility, it’s time to learn how GEO can help your brand appear in AI-generated responses and future-proof your digital strategy.

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

Generative Engine Optimization is the practice of tailoring digital content so that it’s easily understood, cited, and surfaced by AI-driven search engines and assistants.

Instead of optimizing for keyword rankings, GEO focuses on:

• Structuring content for machine comprehension

• Ensuring data is credible, up-to-date, and verifiable

• Using semantic richness and structured cues so AI models recognize your content as authoritative

Why GEO Matters for the Future of Search

Traditional search results are changing. With AI assistants providing direct answers, many users may never click through to websites. This means the old blue-link SEO model is giving way to answer-first search.

Companies that adopt GEO strategies now will gain a competitive edge by ensuring their content is cited in AI outputs, keeping their brand in front of users even without traditional clicks.

Key Strategies for Generative Engine Optimization

1. Use Structured Data and Schema Markup

      Implement schema.org markup and structured metadata. This makes it easier for AI engines to parse your content and link back to your site in generated answers.

2. Create Credible, Authoritative Content

      AI models prioritize trustworthy sources. Cite reputable references, include author names, and build domain authority through backlinks.

3. Optimize for Questions, Not Just Keywords

     Since users often ask conversational queries, craft Q&A-style content. Example: “What is GEO in SEO?” or “How does Generative Engine Optimization work?”

4. Leverage Long-Form, Evergreen Content

     AI systems look for comprehensive resources. Well-researched articles with semantic depth are more likely to be used in AI-generated responses.

5. Add Transparency and Accuracy Signals

     Use clear citations, statistics, and updated facts. AI models trained on reliable data will be more inclined to surface your content.

6. Adopt llms.txt and AI-Specific Guidelines

     Just as websites use robots.txt for crawlers, new standards like llms.txt are emerging to signal how AI models should interact with your content. Implementing these early will future-proof your site.

Challenges of GEO

• Measurement Difficulty – Unlike Google rankings, tracking how often AI cites your site is not yet straightforward.

• Rapid Evolution – AI engines update faster than traditional search, so GEO best practices may change frequently.

• Competition – As more businesses adopt GEO, standing out will require unique insights and niche expertise.

Final Thoughts

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the next frontier of search visibility. As AI assistants dominate the way people consume information, businesses must adapt to ensure their content remains discoverable, authoritative, and cited in AI-generated results.

By focusing on structured data, credibility, question-based content, and future AI standards, you can position your brand at the forefront of this new search era.

Tags: search engines, SEO, SEO Service

Google’s Test: Underscores vs. Hyphens in URLs

Introduction

When it comes to SEO best practices, even the smallest details matter — including how you structure your URLs. For years, there’s been debate among SEOs about whether underscores (_) or hyphens (-) are better for search engine optimization. Google itself has tested and clarified this issue multiple times, but confusion still lingers.

In this blog, we’ll break down Google’s stance on underscores vs. hyphens in URLs, why it matters for SEO, and the best practices you should follow in 2025.

1. Why URL Structure Matters for SEO

Your website’s URL is more than just an address — it’s a signal for both users and search engines. A clean, descriptive, and well-structured URL can:

• Improve click-through rates (CTR)

• Help search engines understand page context

• Enhance overall user experience

For example:

• Good URL: www.example.com/seo-tips-for-beginners

• Poor URL: www.example.com/seotipsforbeginners123

That’s where the hyphen vs. underscore debate comes into play.

2. Google’s Official Position

According to Google’s Search Central documentation and past statements by engineers like Matt Cutts and John Mueller:

• Hyphens (-) are treated as word separators.

  • Example: best-seo-tools = “best seo tools”

• Underscores (_) are treated as word joiners.

  • Example: best_seo_tools = “bestseotools” (a single word)

This means hyphens are more SEO-friendly, because they help Google and other search engines parse URLs into meaningful keywords.

3. Google’s Tests: Do Underscores Still Matter?

Over the years, Google has tested how underscores and hyphens affect indexing. While modern search engines have improved at understanding context, Google still recommends using hyphens as the default practice.

Why? Because:

• Hyphens improve readability for users

• Hyphens provide clear keyword separation

• Underscores can still cause ambiguity in certain cases

So while Google can interpret both, hyphens remain the safer, SEO-approved choice.

4. Best Practices for URL SEO in 2025

If you want your URLs to perform well in both search rankings and user experience, follow these guidelines:

Always use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_)
Keep URLs short, descriptive, and keyword-rich

Avoid unnecessary words, numbers, or parameters
Use lowercase letters only
Don’t change old URLs unless absolutely necessary (redirect properly if you do)

5. Practical Example

• Hyphen URL: www.example.com/mens-suits-charcoal-grey

• Underscore URL: www.example.com/mens_suits_charcoal_grey

Both might rank, but the hyphen version is clearer for both users and Google — improving chances of higher CTR and better SEO performance.

Conclusion

Google’s tests confirm what SEOs have suspected all along: hyphens are better than underscores in URLs. While Google has become smarter at interpreting different formats, hyphens still provide the cleanest, most user-friendly, and SEO-friendly approach.

If you’re building a new site or optimizing an existing one, stick with hyphens for clarity and rankings. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your overall SEO success.

Tags: latest seo trends, search engines, SEO

Data Prior to Florida

Data Prior to Florida” refers to information collected or analyzed before the state of Florida became a focal point or a reference point in a specific context. This phrase could apply to various fields, such as epidemiology, finance, or climate studies, where historical or pre-existing data sets are crucial for analysis and decision-making.

In epidemiology, for example, “Data Prior to Florida” might pertain to information collected before a significant health event or outbreak in the state, serving as a baseline for understanding the progression or impact of the event. This historical data is valuable for identifying patterns, predicting trends, and informing public health strategies.

In finance, the term could be used to reference financial data and market trends preceding notable events or changes in Florida’s economic landscape. Analyzing data before a specific period allows for a comprehensive understanding of economic conditions and potential influencing factors.

In climate studies, researchers might examine “Data Prior to Florida” to assess historical weather patterns, temperature trends, or environmental conditions. This information can contribute to studies on climate change, resilience planning, and risk assessment.

Overall, the phrase underscores the importance of historical data in gaining insights, making informed decisions, and understanding the context before a particular event or development in the state of Florida.

Integration of Wordtracker and Overture in a Unified Tool

The integration of Wordtracker and Overture into a unified tool marks a significant advancement in keyword research and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. Combining the strengths of these two platforms creates a comprehensive solution for digital marketers and website developers seeking to optimize their online presence.

Wordtracker, known for its robust keyword research capabilities, allows users to identify relevant and high-performing keywords for their content. On the other hand, Overture provides insights into keyword popularity and search volume trends. By merging these tools, users gain a more holistic view of keyword effectiveness and user search behavior.

This unified tool streamlines the keyword research process, enabling users to access both platforms seamlessly. It empowers marketers to make data-driven decisions by considering both the specificity of Wordtracker’s keyword suggestions and the broader trends reflected in Overture’s data.

The integration enhances the efficiency of SEO campaigns, aiding in the selection of keywords that align with user intent and are likely to drive significant traffic. As digital landscapes evolve, having a unified tool that amalgamates the strengths of Wordtracker and Overture becomes instrumental in staying ahead in the competitive online environment.

Nielsen’s Latest Top Ten in Usability

Nielsen’s Latest Top Ten in Usability provides valuable insights into the current trends and benchmarks in user experience. This list, curated by usability expert Jakob Nielsen, reflects the evolving landscape of usability in digital interfaces. The rankings likely encompass factors such as website navigation, accessibility, responsiveness, and overall user satisfaction.

Usability is a critical aspect of web design, influencing user engagement and success in achieving specific goals. Nielsen’s expertise in this field ensures that the Top Ten highlights platforms that excel in creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences. It’s essential for businesses and developers to stay informed about these rankings, as they offer a snapshot of best practices and emerging standards in usability.

Staying abreast of Nielsen’s Latest Top Ten in Usability is not only beneficial for professionals in the web development and design industries but also for users who increasingly rely on digital platforms for various tasks. As technology evolves, the usability of digital interfaces plays a pivotal role in enhancing user experiences and shaping the future of user-centric design.

When it comes to user experience (UX), few names carry as much weight as Jakob Nielsen, co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g). Known as the “guru of web usability,” Nielsen’s research has shaped how businesses, designers, and developers approach digital product design for decades.

Recently, Nielsen and NN/g released their latest “Top Ten in Usability” list, highlighting the most important principles shaping the future of user experience. Whether you’re a UX designer, product manager, or digital marketer, understanding these insights is essential to building products people love to use.

1. Why Nielsen’s Usability Guidelines Matter

Nielsen’s usability principles are not just academic theories — they are data-driven best practices backed by decades of research and testing. Following these guidelines can help you:

• Reduce user frustration

• Improve task completion rates

• Increase customer satisfaction and retention

• Drive better business results through user-centered design

2. Nielsen’s Latest Top Ten Usability Insights

Here’s a breakdown of the latest usability priorities highlighted by Nielsen and his team:

 1. Mobile-First Experience

With mobile usage dominating, usability now hinges on responsive, mobile-first design. Small-screen optimization is no longer optional.

 2. Clarity Over Cleverness

Users prefer clear, straightforward interfaces. Overly creative labels, jargon, or hidden features reduce usability.

 3. Accessibility as a Core Requirement

Making websites and apps usable for all people, including those with disabilities, is both a moral obligation and a usability win.

 4. Faster Load Times = Better UX

Performance remains a critical factor. A faster site leads to lower bounce rates and higher engagement.

 5. AI-Integrated Assistance

As AI assistants become mainstream, usability now includes integrating AI features seamlessly without overwhelming users.

 6. Personalized Experiences

Adaptive content and interfaces that match user preferences improve engagement, but must remain transparent and easy to control.

 7. Simplified Navigation

Users expect clear navigation menus, breadcrumbs, and search functions that minimize friction.

 8. Error Prevention & Recovery

From form validation to undo features, designing for mistakes is a core usability principle that still holds strong.

 9. Trust & Transparency

Building credibility through clear policies, honest messaging, and secure design is a growing usability priority.

 10. Continuous Testing & Iteration

Usability is not one-and-done. Nielsen emphasizes ongoing user testing, feedback loops, and iterative design.

3. How Businesses Can Apply These Insights

Organizations can put Nielsen’s usability guidelines into practice by:

• Conducting regular usability testing

• Prioritizing mobile optimization and accessibility in every project

• Using analytics and feedback to track user frustrations

• Training teams to adopt user-centered design thinking

Nielsen’s latest Top Ten in Usability reaffirms that while technology evolves, the foundation of good design remains the same: make things simple, clear, and user-friendly.

By applying these usability principles, businesses can deliver digital experiences that not only meet user expectations but also drive long-term loyalty and success.

Fascinating observation on backlinks stemming from our investigation.

Web Analytics: The Ultimate Ally of SEO and SEM Strategies

Enhance Google Ads Performance with Brand and Custom Labels in Performance Max Products.

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital advertising, optimizing Google Ads performance is crucial for businesses seeking to maximize their online visibility and reach their target audience effectively. One effective strategy is the utilization of Brand and Custom Labels within the Performance Max Products framework.

Brand labels play a pivotal role in establishing and reinforcing brand identity across various advertising channels. By incorporating brand labels into Google Ads, businesses can enhance the recognition and recall of their products or services. This, in turn, fosters a sense of trust and familiarity among potential customers, potentially leading to increased click-through rates and conversions.

Custom Labels provide an additional layer of flexibility and personalization in organizing product data for advertising purposes. Businesses can categorize products based on specific criteria that align with their marketing strategy. This allows for more targeted and tailored advertising campaigns, ensuring that products are showcased to the most relevant audience segments. For instance, custom labels can be employed to highlight new arrivals, best sellers, or items on sale, catering to diverse customer preferences.

The Performance Max Products framework introduces a dynamic and automated approach to campaign management, optimizing ad placements across various Google networks to achieve the best possible outcomes. Integrating Brand and Custom Labels into this framework enhances its capabilities further, providing advertisers with granular control over product categorization and promotion.

Moreover, this strategy aligns with Google’s focus on user experience, as ads are more likely to resonate with users when they are relevant and personalized. Advertisers leveraging Brand and Custom Labels within Performance Max Products are better positioned to adapt to changing market trends, refine their targeting strategies, and ultimately drive more impactful and cost-effective advertising campaigns.

When it comes to optimizing ROI in Google Ads, perhaps the most powerful and underleveraged tactic is using brand and custom labels for Performance Max campaigns. Brand and custom labels are tools that enable advertisers to segment products, structure campaigns, and serve more intelligent bidding strategies that have an instant effect on sales performance.

What Are Brand and Custom Labels

Brand Labels: Employed to differentiate products based on their brand name or manufacturing company. For those retailers with more than one brand in their inventory, this aids in isolating ad campaigns and tracking performance by different product lines.

Custom Labels: Dynamic tags you apply to items in your Google Merchant Center feed. They can denote categories such as season, price points, margin levels, bestsellers, clearances, or holiday campaigns. They don’t show up in ads but assist advertisers in sorting, filtering, and optimizing campaigns.

Why Use Them in Performance Max Campaigns?

• Performance Max campaigns heavily depend on organized data to deliver the right ad to the right people. Brand and custom labels enhance:
• Campaign Organization – Organize products based on attributes like “high margin,” “holiday collection,” or “premium brand.”
• Bidding Efficiency – Spend more budgets on high-margin or trending products and less for clearance products.

How to Use Brand and Custom Labels

In Google Merchant Center, allocate custom labels (0–4 slots available) to products according to your strategy. Example:

1. Custom Label 0: “Bestsellers”
2. Custom Label 1: “High Margin”
3. Custom Label 2: “Holiday Promo”

Sync the feed with Google Ads and organize your Performance Max campaigns using these labels.

Optimize bidding and budget distribution by segment so top-performing categories receive greater visibility.

Align With Promotions: Add new or modify existing labels during seasonal campaigns to catch timely demand.

Conclusion

it’s about more intelligent optimization. By segmenting products by profitability, seasonality, or brand, companies can better budget, get more powerful campaign insights, and ultimately achieve greater ROI.

Google Fast Pickup Or Delivery Search Box

Google is currently experimenting with a new feature that highlights products within its index available for swift pickup or expedited delivery. Leveraging its knowledge of estimated delivery or pickup times, Google is consolidating these swiftly accessible items into a dedicated search box for user convenience.

This feature showcases products in their index with estimated delivery or pickup times, enhancing user convenience for quick and efficient online shopping experiences.

Tags: DataDrivenSEO, SEO