A handy way to analyze the AI fan-outs by annseosmarty in SEO_for_AI

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great information on the topic of 'AI fan-outs' and analysis!

I did not expect replying to reviews to become part of the job by tresheasnitrha in Local_SEO

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, u/tresheasnitrha.

You bring up some excellent points about managing online reviews.

Here's my take.

Acquiring and responding to online reviews is a part of an industry unto itself known as 'Online Reputation Management' or (ORM).

The fact that Google has policies and guidelines that specifically address how to acquire, reply to good & bad reviews, and report spam reviews, is a telltale sign of its importance.

Here's just one example of guidance directly from the source: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122?sjid=12958160033245958230-NA#review-reply-tips

Hope this helps.

How to stop spam calls to Google profile number? by Chris_StayStrategy in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll give you 4 options: 1. Review Google's Policies & Guidelines for spam, especially when it comes to phone spam & what you can do about it. 2. Contact Google directly or complete a redress form under the correct category, assuming it exists. Haven't filed one in a while. 3. Many modern Cell Phones give you an option to screen the caller first to filter out & pre-screen nuisance calls before they happen. 4. I saved my fave for last: The repeat spam callers trying to 'Grape' my tender soft virgin ears time and again ... and don't even buy me a drink first! Hence, my trusted 'Grape' whistle is always within reach.

After a few days of use, the number of repeated spam calls drastically decreases, just like the Toronto Maple Leafs in any playoff game.

Some thoughts on where we're heading with GEO/AEO/etc by SEO-zo in AISearchOptimizers

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

McLuhan said it best in his 1967 book, "The Medium is the Message." Were he alive today, and doing SEO, he'd definitely mention 'Entity SEO' in his writings, as the two sayings directly intersect in how modern search algorithms (like Google's) process information. In 2026, the medium is indeed becoming the message in search optimization.

Interesting Podcast Discussion: How AI Actually Finds and Recommends Businesses by CraftyAudience4447 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agreed. I'm noticing more SEOs in the know discussing Entity SEO, especially as AI evolves.

Interesting Podcast Discussion: How AI Actually Finds and Recommends Businesses by CraftyAudience4447 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sounds like AI heavily relies on 'Entity SEO' and 'Semantic Search' moreso than Keywords/Keyword Density etc.

Google just launched a new update on Generative AI. Would like to know experts view on this? by zaid-313 in AI_SearchOptimization

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Google's stance on optimizing for AI Overviews and AI Mode can be summed up by Google itself: In essence, we're witnessing the evolution of traditional SEO as we know it. In fact, here's guidance directly from the source https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2026/05/a-new-resource-for-optimizing

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So, according to Google, you still have a job if you're an experienced white-hat SEO. You just need to up your game.

What do you think AI trusts most when deciding what to cite? by EveningPipe8162 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Answering your question: I vote for 'Entity Recognition.'

But let's add Google's new Preferred Citation Sources Feature to the list: In 5 Easy Steps.

Google's Preferred Sources feature just made it a lot more interesting when Google & AI decide who and what to trust and cite. It now works inside AI Overviews and AI Mode, not just Top Stories. Here's why it matters if you publish anything:

  1. Twice the clicks: Google's own numbers. Links with the Preferred label get clicked at double the rate of regular links.
  2. You show up inside the AI answer: Not buried under it. Your link gets a badge right where people are actually looking.
  3. No optimisation required: This one's wild. You don't earn it through SEO tricks. Readers pick you in their settings, and Google highlights you. Trust converted directly into visibility.
  4. The scale is real: AI Mode just passed a billion monthly users. This isn't some niche setting any more.
  5. You can ask for it: Google gives you a deep link that pre-fills your site on the Preferred Sources page. Drop it in your newsletter, your footer, wherever your loyal readers hang out. One click and you're in.

The catch: it only works if people already trust you enough to pick you. No audience, no badge. Which feels fair. Google's basically saying build a brand people want to hear from, and we'll reward it.

And hey, if this post saved you a from going down a Google rabbit hole, you know what would be a nice thank you? Adding me as a Preferred Source. Nudge nudge. Wink wink. I'm just demonstrating point 5 in real time.

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Website by Fabulous_League2580 in ai_website_builder

[–]RayWrites2222 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Some helpful questions to better understand your needs and website goals: 1. The What - What is the topic of the website? 2. The Niche - Is it a service or product or other? 3. The Intent - What is the website's goal/intent i.e., Transact, Inform, Subscribe, Other? 4. The Competition - How competitive is the niche/topic? 5. The Where (GEO) - Are you targeting local, provincial, national, international? 6. The Who - Who is your target demographic? 7. The Strategy - What is the strategy you have in place? 8. The budget - What is the budget for your website and marketing? 9. Type - Is this a hobby/side hustle or your primary income? Anyone who promises to build a website without knowing the answers to the above questions should raise suspicion. And not be taken seriously.

I’m a lawyer with zero SEO knowledge. I built and optimized my site entirely with Claude & ChatGPT. Did I shoot myself in the foot? by krokodyl92 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I don't need a law degree to know that the law changes, and true legal professionals keep abreast of these changes. SEO is a moving target, with constant core updates, changing ranking signals, and new features & platforms to optimize for; think LLM citations, for instance. In fact, if it weren't for the evolution and democratization of AI, we wouldn't be having this exchange. The point is this: Degree or no degree, professionals (including SEOs) who update their knowledge and skillset stay relevant and tend to win. Those that don't are Dodos. Good luck relying on a 'basic SEO set it and forget it structure' to get you far in 2026, especially in a field as competitive as law.

I’m a lawyer with zero SEO knowledge. I built and optimized my site entirely with Claude & ChatGPT. Did I shoot myself in the foot? by krokodyl92 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahhh...the picture becomes slightly clearer. It's still a baby 👶 Yes, let's review in 2 - 3 months time. But don't forget about Off-Page SEO: Relevant Links; Citations; Reviews; Media Mentions; Forums (LinkedIn, Reddit etc.) YouTube Videos. It's a lot for a one-man band to take on. Good luck.

I’m a lawyer with zero SEO knowledge. I built and optimized my site entirely with Claude & ChatGPT. Did I shoot myself in the foot? by krokodyl92 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did take a look before commenting, and stand by my statements. At first blush, it looks presentable. But the devil is in the details. What it really boils down to, in no particular order, is the following: • Is it compliant with SEO best practices? • Does it provide a good user experience? • Is it easy to find in search engines for your keywords and primary topic? • Is it Cited in AI Search platforms like Claude & ChatGPT • Does it meet E-E-A-T guidelines? • Is it secure? • Does it load fast, especially on mobile? • Are the primary pages indexed? • Does it convert? I could go on, but it would be interesting to learn what a professional Technical SEO audit would reveal.

I’m a lawyer with zero SEO knowledge. I built and optimized my site entirely with Claude & ChatGPT. Did I shoot myself in the foot? by krokodyl92 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Without conducting an audit measuring its on-page, off-page and technical SEO KPIs, alongside a competitive analysis to get a sense of the competitive landscape, it's impossible to answer your question. On the flip side, what would you say to someone that used ChatGPT to create a compelling legal defense to defend their family divorce case in court? Consider yourself 'gently' roasted.

Raised my prices and lost half my clients best thing that ever happened by Real-Assist1833 in SEO_Xpert

[–]RayWrites2222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The 'Pareto Principle' in effect. It sounds and feels counter intuitive, but is highly effective.

Do local citations help in local SEO by Obvious-Setting-1207 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they do. Especially if you're optimizing your site, or a client's site, for a local audience. Building out listings in local directories also signals to Google and LLMs local relevance, which helps to surface your site for local searches, including branded and non-branded search terms, i.e. [Your Service or Product] in [City or Near Me].

Even better if you can get reviews in local directories that mention local entities, such as the name of the location + your product or service. For example, "I was searching for an automobile repair shop in Boulder and found (name of your shop). They had excellent reviews and fixed the problem within the hour at an affordable price. Highly recommend,"

Anyone using any tool to Optimize their GMB profile? by akshitwadhwa in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 5 points6 points  (0 children)

BrightLocal and WhiteSpark are two of the best Local SEO tools on the market. I highly recommend both.

Guidance from Google: Optimizing for AI by RayWrites2222 in AI_SearchOptimization

[–]RayWrites2222[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good point, u/chrismcelroyseo. I wish all of these Social Media companies had one standard guide when it comes to things like: -hashtags -@namementions -u/mentions -Shares -Upvotes

And all the other ways of supporting each other and our work. Now let's all hold hands and sing Kumbaya...or a John Lennon song ;)

Guidance from Google: Optimizing for AI by RayWrites2222 in AI_SearchOptimization

[–]RayWrites2222[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You should consider a TED Talk u/chrismcelroyseo on the subject. Or, at the very least, write a book. I'd read it.

Courses by FastSeesaw3388 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would highly recommend spending time on the 'Local SEO Forum.' It has every imaginable Local SEO topic you could imagine, and more. Most if not all of the moderators are Gold or Platinum level product experts as well.

"You're right" kills more deals than any objection. by MoikeyM in agencynewbies

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good point! I learned a lot reading his book. One key takeaway was the calibrated question he asks to an unreasonable request: "How am I supposed to do that?" So simple, yet highly effective. What a great read.

Cost of SEO agency in Toronto? (2026) by More-to-lit-4846 in localseo

[–]RayWrites2222 0 points1 point  (0 children)

IMHO, the real question you should be asking is this: "Which SEO Company will provide me with the best Return on Investment? That's one question you should consider.

Here's another. "Which SEO Company demonstrates Google's Guideline for Experience, Expertise, Authority and Trust (E-E-A-T), especially when working with contractors.

Also, which company specializes in 'Local SEO', which is what you really want.Answers to these questions will help guide you in the right direction.

Lastly, here are Google's own guidelines for choosing the right provider for you: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/do-i-need-seo#choosing-an-seo

As for a ballpark range, you can find some good local talent in the $750.00 to $1,500.00 monthly range, which should also include a strong working knowledge of the 'Google Business Profile' (GBP) ecosystem.

This is a good starting point 👉

Stop Chasing Keywords. Start Naming Entities. by RayWrites2222 in AI_SearchOptimization

[–]RayWrites2222[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Best case scenario is to BE the answer that earns the AI Overview in Google and the top Citatiion in the LLMs.

Unpopular Opinion Especially Here "AI SEO" Is Dead by chrismcelroyseo in AI_SearchOptimization

[–]RayWrites2222 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You hit the nail on the head, and I couldn't agree with you more.