SEO vs AI-search readiness: what's the difference?

The short answer SEO helps search engines find, understand and rank your pages. AI-search readiness is about making your facts clear enough that AI answer tools can describe you accurately. Most of the groundwork is the same.

Worked example A plumber's site that states its services, area, prices and contact details in plain text helps both. A site that hides this inside images or vague slogans helps neither.

Where they differ SEO cares a lot about links and ranking signals. AI-search readiness leans on clear, quotable facts and consistent details across the web. No one can guarantee an AI tool will mention you.

Sources Google Search Central, "Creating helpful, reliable, people-first content" and guidance on AI features in Search.

Limitations Our AI-readiness score is our own checklist, not measured visibility in ChatGPT or Google.

Next step The free website check shows both your site score and the AI-readiness checklist.