SEOs (and their bosses) are rapidly adopting AI search optimization, even if they’re still figuring out what it all means, according to a new survey from Aleyda Solis.

By the numbers: More than 200 senior SEOs worldwide shared how they’re referring to this emerging discipline.

  • 36% say their clients/managers simply call it “AI search optimization.”
  • 27% stick with SEO (but for AI platforms).
  • 18% call it generative engine optimization (GEO).
  • Others use terms like AEO (answer engine optimization) or even LLMO.

Yes, and… Nearly 91% said leadership asked about AI search visibility in the past year. Yes, the topic is mainstream in boardrooms.

Who’s in charge? 75% of SEOs said the SEO team runs AI search efforts.

  • Few reported having a dedicated AI search team or cross-functional ownership.

What’s working. Top tactics SEOs are prioritizing:

  • Schema and structured data.
  • Digital PR and citations on sources like Reddit and Wikipedia.
  • Content chunking and FAQs for retrieval.
  • Tracking AI mentions/citations across tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini.

What’s not working. Revenue impact is tiny – 62% reported AI search drives less than 5% of revenue.

  • Measurement is also not working. The top frustrations for SEOs? Lack of attribution and volatile AI answers.

Why we care. AI search barely moves the revenue needle – 62% of SEOs said it drives less than 5% of revenue. However, clients and executives are already demanding visibility reports, strategies, and budgets. This survey indicates that AI search is reshaping priorities faster than it is delivering results.

Bottom line. AI search is messy. SEOs are experimenting with various tactics, and still nobody can agree what to call this emerging marketing discipline – or who owns it.

The survey. The SEOFOMO State of AI Search Optimization Survey – 2025 Edition

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Danny Goodwin

Danny Goodwin is Editorial Director of Search Engine Land & Search Marketing Expo – SMX. He joined Search Engine Land in 2022 as Senior Editor. In addition to reporting on the latest search marketing news, he manages Search Engine Land’s SME (Subject Matter Expert) program. He also helps program U.S. SMX events. Goodwin has been editing and writing about the latest developments and trends in search and digital marketing since 2007. He previously was Executive Editor of Search Engine Journal (from 2017 to 2022), managing editor of Momentology (from 2014-2016) and editor of Search Engine Watch (from 2007 to 2014). He has spoken at many major search conferences and virtual events, and has been sourced for his expertise by a wide range of publications and podcasts.