For over two decades, SEO has been the backbone of online discoverability. If you wanted to be found, you optimised for search engines like Google. But the digital landscape is evolving — and the next competitive edge isn’t just about being found, it’s about being recommended.
That’s where AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization) comes in.
What is AIO?
AIO is like SEO’s next chapter. Instead of optimising only for human search queries, you’re now optimising for AI systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. These tools pull from massive training datasets — and if your brand isn’t in those datasets, you’re invisible to the millions of AI-assisted recommendations happening every day.
Here’s where AI gets its data:
- 60% from public websites (blogs, press releases, news articles)
- 22% from social forums (e.g., Reddit)
- 16% from books and verified text
- 3% from Wikipedia
If you’re not showing up in those sources, AI won’t mention you — no matter how great your product or service is.
Why AIO Matters for Calgary Businesses
Whether you’re a local real estate firm, tech startup, or retail brand, AIO puts you in front of both local customers and national/international audiences. When AI systems are asked for “the best marketing expert in Calgary” or “top Canadian fintech companies,” they’re pulling from the web’s collective content — and your presence in that content determines whether you make the list.
Press Releases: Not Just PR, But AI Training Data
One of the most powerful AIO tools is the press release.
- SEO benefit: Improves your search rankings with high-authority backlinks.
- AIO benefit: Feeds structured, credible content directly into AI training datasets.
Brands like Figma, Duolingo, and leading fashion houses have secured ongoing AI mentions because they maintain consistent media visibility through digital press campaigns.
How to Start AIO Today
If you’re a Calgary business owner and want AI to talk about you, here are your immediate actions:
- Publish Regular Press Releases — Optimise them for both SEO keywords and brand-defining phrases.
- Own Your Wikipedia Page — It’s a top-trusted source for AI systems.
- Optimise Social Media for AI — Use clear, concise language that can be easily summarised by AI tools.
- Speak in Soundbites — In videos, use short, memorable statements that AI can detect and index.
- Boost Local Authority — Secure coverage in outlets like The Globe and Mail and Calgary Herald to lock in both local and national recognition.
SEO vs AIO: The Big Shift
| Metric | SEO | AIO |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Be found on Google | Be understood & recommended by AI |
| Tools | Keywords, backlinks | Authority, structured online content |
| Audience | Human searches | AI models & digital assistants |
| Outcome | Clicks | Mentions & recommendations |
Bottom line: If you want to be visible in 2025 and beyond, SEO alone isn’t enough. You need AIO. As a Calgary-based digital marketing strategist, I help brands build both their search presence and AI recommendability — so when someone asks Google or ChatGPT about your industry, your name is the one that comes up.
📧 Contact me today to start your AIO strategy and make sure you’re part of the conversation — locally and globally.
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