The Shift to AI-Driven Search
In 2025, the way users interact with search engines is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditional search engines are being complemented, and in some cases, supplanted, by AI-powered platforms that provide direct answers, reducing the need for users to click through to individual websites.
According to recent data, ChatGPT accounts for approximately 80.1% of AI search traffic, underscoring its dominance in the AI search space. This shift is leading to a rise in “zero-click” searches, where users obtain the information they need directly from the search results page, bypassing traditional websites.
Furthermore, AI Overviews are becoming increasingly prevalent, with 13.14% of all queries triggering AI-generated summaries in March 2025, up from 6.49% in January. This trend underscores the importance of adapting your SEO strategies to align with the evolving search landscape.
The Similarweb May 2025 website visitor report ranks ChatGPT as the 5th most visited website in the world - having overtaken other prominent sites like X / Twitter, TikTok, Wikipedia and reddit. It is now more important than ever to have a strategy to rank in AI generated results.
Insights from Profound’s AI Citation Patterns Report
A recent study by Profound analysed over 30 million citations across ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Perplexity from August 2024 to June 2025 . The findings reveal distinct citation preferences for each platform:
- ChatGPT: Heavily relies on Wikipedia, which accounts for 47.9% of its top citations. Other notable sources include Reddit (11.3%), Forbes (6.8%), and TechRadar (5.5%).
- Google AI Overviews: Shows a more balanced distribution, with Reddit (21%), YouTube (18.8%), Quora (14.3%), and LinkedIn (13%) among the top sources.
- Perplexity: Demonstrates a strong preference for community-generated content, with Reddit comprising 46.7% of its citations, followed by YouTube (13.9%) and Gartner (7%).
These patterns suggest that to enhance visibility across AI platforms, a diversified content strategy is essential, encompassing authoritative sources like Wikipedia and active participation in community forums such as Reddit.
Strategies to Improve Rankings on AI Platforms
1. Optimising for ChatGPT
- Enhance Wikipedia Presence: Given ChatGPT’s reliance on Wikipedia, ensure your business or topic has a well-maintained and accurate Wikipedia page. Regularly update it with verifiable information and citations.
- Build Authoritative Backlinks: Secure backlinks from reputable sources like Forbes, TechRadar, and Business Insider to establish credibility.
- Structured Data Implementation: Utilise schema markup to provide clear information about your content, aiding AI in understanding and referencing your site.
2. Optimising for Google AI Overviews (Gemini)
- Engage on Reddit and Quora: Actively participate in relevant discussions, providing insightful answers and linking back to your content where appropriate.
- Leverage YouTube and LinkedIn: Create informative videos and share them on YouTube, and publish thought leadership articles on LinkedIn to increase visibility.
- Focus on E-A-T Principles: Ensure your content demonstrates Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness, aligning with Google’s quality guidelines.
3. Optimising for Perplexity
- Active Reddit Participation: Given Perplexity’s heavy reliance on Reddit, contribute valuable insights in relevant subreddits to establish authority.
- Encourage User Reviews: Solicit reviews on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor, as these are among Perplexity’s top-cited sources.
- Publish on Professional Platforms: Share content on LinkedIn and contribute to industry-specific forums to broaden your reach.
Additional Tips for Enhancing AI Search Visibility
- Maintain Updated Citations: Regularly update your content with current information and ensure all references are accurate and from reputable sources.
- Traditional PR Efforts: Engage in public relations activities to secure mentions in established news outlets, which can enhance your site’s authority.
- Diversify Content Formats: Produce a mix of content types, including articles, videos, and infographics, to cater to different platforms’ preferences.
- Monitor AI Trends: Stay informed about changes in AI search algorithms and adjust your strategies accordingly.
How Revised Can Assist in Navigating AI Search
Revised offers a suite of tools designed to help Australian businesses adapt to the evolving AI search landscape:
- Automated SEO Audits: Identify areas for improvement in your website’s SEO to align with AI search preferences.
- Backlink Analysis: Monitor your backlink profile and discover opportunities to acquire links from authoritative sources.
- Content Optimisation Recommendations: Receive tailored suggestions to enhance your content’s relevance and authority.
- Analytics Dashboard: Track your website’s performance across various AI platforms, gaining insights into traffic sources and user behaviour.
By leveraging Revised’s capabilities, you can streamline your efforts to improve visibility in AI-driven search results.
As AI continues to redefine web search, it’s imperative for website owners and businesses to adapt their digital strategies. By understanding the citation patterns of leading AI platforms and implementing targeted optimisation techniques, you can enhance your online presence and stay ahead of the curve. With tools like Revised, navigating this new terrain becomes more manageable, allowing you to focus on delivering value to your audience.
