How to Optimise for AI Search Engines in 2025
Adapting your content strategy to thrive in the age of generative search engines
AI-powered search is booming in 2025—accounting for billions in market value and billions of users. Learn the latest trends and how to optimise your content for AI answer and generative engines to stay visible.
Jul 10, 2025
Alex S.
TL;DR
The global AI search market is projected at $43.6 billion in 2025, with a 14 % CAGR through 2032 .
AI-generated results now account for ~13–19 % of search answers, with features like Google Overviews reaching 1.5 billion people monthly
Brands must adopt AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) strategies to maintain visibility
Flywheel helps founders implement content systems designed for AI search, ensuring founder voice remains front-of-mind
1. The AI Search Revolution Is Here 🌐
AI-powered search interfaces are no longer experimental—they’re mainstream:
Google’s AI Overviews appeared in ~13 % of desktop searches in the U.S. recently, growing 102 % in just two months
These Overviews now reach 1.5 billion users monthly
Meanwhile, AI search platforms like ChatGPT Search, Perplexity, and Gemini are collectively capturing significant attention
Analysts project a 25–40 % decline in organic click-throughs for brands that don’t adapt .
2. Essential Strategies: AEO & GEO
✅ Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
Focus on structured Q&A content — concise answers to user questions that AI systems can directly quote.
Use schema markup, clear headings, and bullet points—making it easy for algorithms to digest
✅ Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Craft content that gets cited by AI models.
Include structured data, authority signals, and high-quality sourcing—ensuring trustworthiness
✳️ Hybrid Approach
Combine traditional SEO, AEO, and GEO strategies—so you’re discoverable across both link-based and AI-first search formats
3. Why Founders Must Prioritise AI-Optimised Content
First-mover advantage: AI search is evolving fast—companies that invest now have a head start.
Competitive positioning: With 79 % of consumers expecting AI-enhanced search within the year, missing this can mean missed attention .
Thought leadership and pipeline: When founder content answers users’ key questions, it builds trust—and fuels inbound leads.
4. Flywheel’s Practical Playbook
Audit existing content to identify gaps for AI optimisation.
Structure future pieces around Q&A and bullet-driven formats.
Map pieces to conversational prompts, such as:
“What is Generative Engine Optimization?”
“How do AI Overviews affect SEO?”
Track citations in AI Overviews, zero-click rates, and inbound quality.
In Short
The shift to AI-first search isn’t coming—it’s already here. And while Google’s still the dominant engine, generative alternatives and AI features are rapidly reshaping user behaviour .
Founders who lean into AEO + GEO—and do it from the authentic founder voice—will win the narrative, build trust, and drive pipeline in 2025.