I have been marketing on the internet since dial‑up modems squealed and AltaVista felt cutting‑edge. Google Search went live in 1998 and instantly rewired how we all fought for clicks. We are now standing at the biggest shift since that moment: large‑language models (LLMs) sit inside every major search engine, rating pages by evidence, clarity, and real user satisfaction—far beyond simple keyword math.
Below are the seven core signals these models weigh. Each includes a plain‑language subtitle so anyone can grasp the idea at a glance.
Search engines convert sentences into vectors and look for the tightest geometric fit with the user’s intent. Lead with a direct, one‑sentence answer, then layer context and caveats. This structure proves you understand both the surface query and the deeper why behind it, boosting immediate and long‑tail relevance.
LLMs cross‑reference named entities—brands, tools, regions—against their knowledge graph. Mentioning “CSA‑approved 14‑2 copper wire” anchors your advice to a verified concept, while vague phrases like “quality materials” drift in semantic limbo. Precise nouns signal expertise, help clarify topics, and make your page easier for today’s search engines to categorize and cite.
A strong resource lets readers stay put. Tackle the obvious follow‑ups—cost considerations, required steps, realistic timelines, common pitfalls, and wrap‑up tasks—in a single location. When the page anticipates next questions, users don’t have to hunt elsewhere, proving to the model that your coverage is complete and authoritative.
Anonymous copy is cheap; verified expertise is scarce. Attach a short bio, licence number, or certification link right beside your advice. External citations from reputable bodies—think government codes or peer‑reviewed data. Add another trust layer. When identity and references align, the algorithm scores your page as lower‑risk and higher‑value.
Regular, meaningful updates—new data, recent examples—signal ongoing expertise more than a static “set‑and‑forget” page.
Text alone can feel hypothetical; original photos, bespoke graphics, and short clips supply concrete proof that stock imagery can’t match. An annotated diagram, 30‑second demo, or interactive checklist provides AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity cross‑modal corroboration that reinforces accuracy. Alt‑text and captions weave each media asset into the page’s meaning, boosting its overall relevance score.
Search systems record aggregated user actions—dwell time, scroll depth, internal clicks—and use them as a feedback loop. Pages that invite exploration with clear sub‑headings, quick summaries, and linked deep dives keep visitors onsite longer. Sustained engagement teaches the algorithm that your answer satisfies, earning more prominent placement over time.
