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

A Google Ads glitch erroneously notifies certain advertisers of the suspension of their ad accounts.

Right before the much-anticipated Thanksgiving holiday and the onset of the extensive holiday shopping spree, including the highly anticipated Black Friday and Cyber Monday events, a wave of concern swept through certain advertisers who received unsettling emails from Google Ads. These emails conveyed the alarming message that their ads were no longer running, and their accounts had been suspended. However, this predicament was not a result of any policy violations or account issues but, rather, a technical glitch within the Google Ads system. Google swiftly reassured the affected advertisers that the messages were erroneous and could be disregarded.

The issue came to light when he brought attention to it on a platform, sharing a screenshot of the email’s subject line that read, “Alert Your Shopping ads are no longer running on Google.” he noted that clients were panicking over the apparent suspension of their Google Merchant Center (GMC) accounts due to this email. To allay concerns, he and others responded with screenshots of the GMC and their ads actively running. He expressed bewilderment at the timing of these emails, questioning the rationale behind sending such notifications just hours before a major holiday. He pondered if it was an error or an intentional promotional email.

Responding to the situation, Ginny Marvin, the Google Ads Liaison, confirmed that the issue was indeed a bug. In her statement on the platform, she acknowledged, “We’ve identified a technical issue that incorrectly triggered this notification. The message is incorrect and can be ignored. Additional comms explaining will be sent. Apologies!” This clarification from a Google Ads representative helped alleviate concerns among advertisers affected by the erroneous messages.

Technical glitches and bugs in digital advertising platforms can have significant implications for advertisers, especially during crucial periods like the holiday season, where ad visibility and performance are paramount. The reassurance from Google Ads regarding the nature of the issue and the provision of additional communication to explain the situation indicate a commitment to transparency and customer support. While bugs are an inevitable part of technology, the timely identification and resolution of such issues are crucial to maintaining trust and confidence among advertisers relying on these platforms for their promotional activities.

What Happened?

A number of advertisers have reported they were sent scary messages indicating their Google Ads accounts were suspended due to policy infractions. The accounts were actually in good status, and the notices resulted from a system malfunction. The bug created automatic warnings that did not accurately represent the status of the accounts.

Google’s Response

Google admitted to the incident, explaining that it was a technical issue and not an enforcement action on their part. The firm ensured that no accounts were accidentally suspended and asked advertisers to ignore the false notifications. Advertisers were requested to review their Google Ads dashboard in order to identify the real status of their accounts, as opposed to the deceptive email or in-app notification.

Why This Matters for Advertisers

• Keeping track of account performance straight from the Google Ads interface.
• Remaining informed about official Google announcements before doing extreme changes.
• Having alternative advertising strategies in reserve to prevent dependence on one platform.

Lessons Learned

• Although the glitch has been repaired, advertisers can take a few important lessons away:
• Always Check Account Status – Don’t freak out at the appearance of a suspension notification. Sign in and verify the actual account status.
• Keep Touched to Official Channels – Google tends to make announcements on the Ads Help Center and official social media channels.

Final Thoughts

The Google Ads suspension notification bug was a brief but potent reminder of how much businesses rely on digital advertising platforms. Although no accounts were suspended, the situation highlights the importance of being on guard, communicating well, and having diversified marketing campaigns.

Tags: SEO

Fluctuations in Google Search Algorithm

Fluctuations in the Google Search Algorithm refer to the dynamic changes in the way Google’s search engine ranks and displays search results. Google employs complex algorithms to determine the relevance and ranking of web pages for a given query, and these algorithms are subject to regular updates, resulting in variations in search results. This phenomenon is often referred to as algorithmic volatility.

Google, being a search giant, continuously refines its algorithms to enhance user experience, improve the quality of search results, and combat spam and manipulation. These updates can have a profound impact on website rankings, influencing how content appears in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Algorithmic volatility can stem from various factors. Google routinely rolls out broad core algorithm updates, such as the Panda, Penguin, and BERT updates, which can significantly alter the search landscape. These updates aim to improve the understanding of user queries, prioritize high-quality content, and penalize sites engaging in manipulative practices.

Seasonal changes, user behavior shifts, and emerging trends also contribute to fluctuations in search algorithms. For instance, during major events, news stories, or trends, Google may adjust its algorithms to provide users with the most relevant and up-to-date information.

Webmasters and SEO professionals closely monitor algorithmic changes as they can impact website traffic and visibility. An understanding of these fluctuations is essential for adapting to the evolving search environment and ensuring that online content aligns with Google’s ranking criteria.

Moreover, algorithmic volatility underscores the importance of creating valuable, authoritative, and user-friendly content. Websites adhering to best practices in content creation, technical SEO, and user experience are better positioned to withstand the impact of algorithmic shifts and maintain or improve their search rankings.

Tags: SEO

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

Google Groups will resolve the issue by eliminating Usenet groups.

Recall our previous report on the surge in visibility of Google Groups in Google Search, leading to the proliferation of spam and potentially hazardous information in search results. According to Bleeping Computer, Google is taking action by discontinuing support for Usenet groups on Google Groups to counteract the spam issue. 

Officially announced by Google, this decision is influenced by the platform’s ongoing struggle with spam content. The changes are set to be implemented starting February 22, 2024, preventing users from posting, subscribing, or accessing new Usenet content through Google Groups.

Speculations arise about the connection between this move and the concerns raised by the search community regarding Google Groups content spamming Google Search results. Glenn Gabe shared insights on this development, stating, “Following the Google Groups spam problem? Interesting development -> Google Groups is ending support for Usenet to combat spam.”

As outlined in the Google support document, after February 22, 2024, users can no longer utilize Google Groups for posting, subscribing, or viewing new Usenet content. However, historical Usenet content posted before this date will still be accessible for viewing and searching.

Google clarified that the decline in legitimate activity in text-based Usenet groups over recent years is due to users transitioning to more modern platforms like social media and web-based forums. Additionally, the prevalence of non-text binary file sharing and spam on Usenet contributed to Google Groups’ decision to discontinue Usenet support.

Tags: Google Plus SEO, SEO, SEO Service

Google SGE Experimenting with Export Functionality to Gmail & Google Docs

Google SGE (Search Generative Experience) is currently undergoing testing for a feature that enables users to export the responses generated for their queries to Gmail and Google Docs. The export functionality is accessible through a dedicated button located on the left side of the query box.

“Tea and coffee, popular beverages, offer distinct flavors and caffeine levels. Tea, with varied types, boasts antioxidants. Coffee, bolder and richer, is celebrated for its robust taste and energy kick.”

Tags: Google Plus SEO, SEO

How SEOs can successfully collaborate with web developers

Collaboration between SEOs (Search Engine Optimizers) and web developers is crucial for creating a website that not only looks good but also performs well in search engine rankings. Here are some strategies for successful collaboration:

1. Open Communication Channels:

   – Establish clear lines of communication between SEOs and web developers. Regular meetings, emails, and project management tools can be used to facilitate this.

2. Educate Each Other:

   – SEOs should provide web developers with an understanding of SEO best practices, including keyword research, on-page optimization, and technical SEO elements.

   – Web developers can educate SEOs about technical constraints and opportunities, ensuring that SEO strategies align with the website’s capabilities.

3. Involve SEO from the Beginning:

   – Bring SEOs into the project from the planning phase. This ensures that SEO considerations are integrated from the outset rather than being retrofitted later.

4. Define Clear Roles and Responsibilities:

   – Clearly outline who is responsible for what tasks. For instance, web developers handle technical implementations, while SEOs oversee content optimization and keyword targeting.

5. Collaborate on Site Architecture:

   – Work together to design a logical site structure that is user-friendly and search engine-friendly. This includes navigation, URL structure, and internal linking.

6. Prioritize Page Speed and Performance:

   – Web developers should optimize code, images, and other elements to ensure fast loading times. This is crucial for both user experience and SEO.

7. Mobile Optimization:

   – Ensure the website is fully responsive and mobile-friendly. SEOs and web developers should work together to address any mobile-specific issues.

8. Implement Structured Data Markup:

   – SEOs can provide guidance on implementing structured data to enhance search results, while web developers handle the technical implementation.

9. Collaborate on Content Creation and Optimization:

   – SEOs should work with content creators to ensure that content is optimized for relevant keywords and provides value to users.

   – Web developers can assist in creating a content management system (CMS) that is SEO-friendly and easy to use.

10. Technical SEO Audits:

    – Conduct regular technical SEO audits to identify and address any issues. Web developers play a crucial role in implementing the necessary fixes.

11. Monitor Analytics and Reporting:

    – SEOs and web developers should collaborate on setting up and interpreting web analytics. This helps track performance, identify areas for improvement, and measure the impact of SEO efforts.

12. Stay Updated on Industry Trends:

    – Both SEOs and web developers should stay informed about the latest trends and updates in SEO and web development. This ensures that strategies remain effective in a constantly evolving landscape.

13. Test and Iterate:

    – Continuously test and iterate on strategies. This includes A/B testing, monitoring rankings, and analyzing user behavior to make data-driven decisions.

14. Provide Constructive Feedback:

    – Foster a culture of constructive feedback. This helps in refining processes and improving collaboration over time.

By following these strategies, SEOs and web developers can work together effectively to create websites that are optimized for search engines, user-friendly, and technically sound. This collaborative approach ultimately leads to better online visibility and user experiences.

Tags: SEO, SEO Blog Back Again, SEOStrategy, TechnicalSEO

Build trust and boost profits with programmatic ads

Building trust and boosting profits with programmatic ads requires a strategic approach that focuses on transparency, relevance, and customer-centricity. Here are some steps you can take to achieve this:

1. Transparency and Honesty:

   Clearly Define Your Goals: Understand what you want to achieve with programmatic advertising, whether it’s driving website visits, generating leads, or increasing sales.

   Explain Your Process: Provide clear explanations of how programmatic advertising works and how it benefits both advertisers and users.

2. Audience Segmentation:

   Understand Your Audience: Use data to create detailed customer personas. This allows you to target specific segments with relevant content.

   Utilize First-Party Data: Leverage data collected directly from your customers to ensure accuracy and relevance in your targeting.

3. Quality Content and Creative:

   Create Compelling Ads: Design visually appealing, relevant, and engaging creatives that resonate with your target audience.

   A/B Testing: Continuously test different ad formats, messages, and visuals to optimize performance.

4. Ad Placement and Context:

   Choose the Right Channels: Select platforms that align with your audience’s preferences and behaviors.

   Avoid Intrusiveness: Ensure ads are placed in a way that doesn’t disrupt the user experience.

5. Ad Frequency and Retargeting:

   Optimize Ad Frequency: Avoid bombarding users with the same ad. Use frequency capping to maintain a balanced approach.

   Implement Retargeting Strategies: Target users who have shown interest in your products or services but haven’t converted yet.

6. Ad Verification and Brand Safety:

   Employ Ad Verification Tools: Ensure that your ads are being displayed on reputable websites and are not associated with harmful or low-quality content.

   Monitor Ad Placements: Regularly review where your ads are being displayed to prevent any misalignment with your brand values.

7. Data Privacy and Compliance:

   Adhere to Privacy Regulations: Stay compliant with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA. Be transparent about data collection and usage.

  Use Consent Mechanisms: Implement clear opt-in and opt-out mechanisms for data usage.

8. Optimize for Mobile and User Experience:

   Mobile Optimization: Ensure your ads are designed for mobile devices, as a significant portion of internet traffic comes from mobile users.

   Page Load Speed: Ensure that landing pages load quickly to prevent users from abandoning the page.

9. Monitor and Analyze Performance:

   Track Key Metrics: Keep an eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates (CTR), conversion rates, and return on ad spend (ROAS).

   A/B Testing and Optimization: Use data-driven insights to refine your strategies and improve results.

10. Feedback Loop and Customer Engagement:

    Listen to Customer Feedback: Actively seek and respond to customer feedback regarding your ads.

    Engage with Your Audience: Use social media and other channels to interact with your audience and build a sense of community.

By implementing these strategies, you can enhance trust with your audience, deliver more relevant ads, and ultimately increase profitability through programmatic advertising. Remember, it’s an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and adaptation to stay effective in a dynamic digital landscape.

Tags: SEO, SEO Blog Back Again