How to Really Rank in AI and Google: The Truth About Modern SEO

"How do I rank in AI and Google now that everything has changed?" I must get asked that question at least five times a week.

My answer is always the same.

Stop listening to the flood of misinformation on social media. Just scrolling LinkedIn for five minutes, I see a ton of infographics and posts on how to rank in AI and how to do the "new SEO."

So much of it is wrong. The one thing I have not seen is the receipts. So before I go any further, let me drop some so that you know what I am telling you is the truth.

We need to normalize looking at someone's resume, experience, and receipts before trusting the advice we see.

Way too many have gone to YouTube University and decided to call themselves an expert. Please be careful who you trust.

Receipt #1: Ranking in Google and AI in Days

Last week, we ranked a brand new apartment building in downtown Oklahoma City in a top spot on page one in Google and top in many AI conversations... within days.

But let me back up for just a moment.

What does it even mean to rank in AI?

It means you're showing up in places people are asking questions now. AI tools, voice assistants, social media, and other modern search tools.

That includes:

• ChatGPT and AI chat tools that generate summaries

• Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa

• Google's AI-powered results and featured snippets

• TikTok and YouTube search engines

How Our Content Engine Builds and Ranks Authority

We don't get those results using any of the tactics you see saturating social media feeds.

We do it the only way that works... by building a system.

It isn't about backlinks anymore or keywords. Links are still important, but they are only part of a much bigger authority map.

Here's a snapshot of pieces of our Content Engine:

Mapping Conversations

We begin by mapping the exact questions the target audience is asking. Those conversations become the blueprint for our content strategy.

Training AI to Write Human

We train AI on brand voice using our proprietary Voice Forensics system. We don't just drop a prompt and tell ChatGPT to write like our clients. They sit in voice interviews with AI, where we extract the mechanics of how they speak.

Structuring for AI and Voice Search

We format content the way AI crawlers prefer: direct questions and answers, conversational phrasing, long-tail queries, and tight FAQs. Every single H1, H2, and H3 is intentional and optimized for all forms of search.

Building Trusted Authority

We build up both the brand and the client as trusted authorities in their industry and market with our custom system that includes schema, metadata, and other technical pieces that matter most in building credibility.

Amplification Beyond Google

We amplify the system with a custom repurposing GPT trained on each aspect of our Content Engine system, from voice forensics to our SEO Topical Maps. Every guide scales into carousels, shorts, captions, and inbox content. Because search is no longer isolated to Google, social algorithms now function as SEO. Those signals feed back into authority, creating a closed loop of visibility.

This has worked repeatedly through many industries and many brands. From those with no previous digital footprint to those who struggled for years to rank.

Receipt #2: Standing out in Google and AI in a Saturated Market

We ranked a realtor in a saturated market who had no previous strong digital presence.

Our content engine produced measurable authority and visibility in one of the most competitive industries:

• #1 AI rankings in his market for “Best tips for first-time home buyers” and “What is the process to buy a home.”

• Top 5 AI placement in his market for “How to choose a real estate agent.”

• Page one Google visibility just under sponsored ads for valuation queries.

• 1,090 AI user queries tracked in the last 30 days.

• Ranked #1 in visibility score, outranking national brokerages like Coldwell Banker and McGrath Realty.

Read all of the results: Case Study: How Our Content Engine Ranks Realtors Top in AI in Saturated Markets

So, my answer is always the same. You will not rank listening to the noise on social media. You will not sustain a top spot by having someone simply do SEO. You have to combine all aspects of your marketing into one system.

Our content engines not only rank, but build your foundation for what's next

Every business is going to have to make this shift, because it is how search works now. Not only do we position you as a leader in your market, but we set you up to easily adopt as things change so quickly with AI and all emerging tech.

But, we only work with one business in each industry in each market for maximum results. Start the conversation now while your competition is still using outdated tactics: Book a Mini Discovery Call.

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About the Author

Michele Biaso is President and CEO of Imagine Social Media and founder of the Girl’s Guide to AI. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and AI strategy, Michele helps businesses leverage technology and social media for sustainable growth and standout branding. Connect with her on TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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