SEO

3 Secrets to Dominating Google & ChatGPT Rankings

Published by
Adrian Newman

What if you could go from being totally invisible online to topping Google search results, even becoming a source for AI-powered answers on ChatGPT?

Tell me if this sounds familiar: your business is buried on page 10 of the search results. You’re doing all the “right” things—blogging, social media, the occasional ad—but your traffic is flat, and you’re basically a ghost online.

I’m Adrian from Numero Uno Web Solutions, the local search engine optimization (SEO) agency that’s been helping businesses get found online since 2012. And if the above does sound familiar, then you need to forget everything you think you know about just “ranking on Google.”

The new goal is to become the trusted source of information for both search engines and AI. It’s not just about getting clicks anymore; it’s about being the answer.

That’s why I’m going to reveal to you three secrets to getting found on both traditional search engines like Google and the new AI-generated answer engines like ChatGPT. And I’m not just going to reveal them; I’m going to drill down to show you exactly how to put them to use for your own business. So, let’s go!

Secret #1: Become the Definitive Expert with Topical Authority

The first trick is to stop chasing individual keywords and start owning your entire topic. This is a concept called “topical authority.” It means your website becomes the most comprehensive and trustworthy source of information on a specific subject.

Think of it this way: Instead of trying to rank for one keyword like “best running shoes,” you create a network of content that answers every possible question someone might have about running. You’d have your main “pillar” page about running shoes, but it would link out to in-depth articles—or “clusters”—on topics like “running shoes for flat feet,” “how to clean running shoes,” and “marathon training footwear.”

Why does this work so well for Google and AI?

Because, by covering a subject so thoroughly, you’re demonstrating deep expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Search engines and AI are designed to find and reward this kind of expertise. When you have topical authority, Google and AI will see you as a reliable expert, making it easier for all your pages on that topic to rank higher and faster.

Secret #2: Speak the Language of Search Engines with Semantic Schema

The second secret is more technical, but it’s incredibly powerful. It’s called schema markup, or structured data. This is a type of code you add to your website that doesn’t change how it looks to a human, but it acts like a translator for search engines and AI. It explicitly tells them what your content is about.

Instead of just letting Google guess that a page is a recipe, you use schema markup to label the ingredients, the cooking time, and the calorie count. If you’re a local business owner or manager, you can use it to label your address, phone number, and business hours.

This is crucial, because AI systems rely on structured, well-organized content to provide accurate answers. By using schema, you’re making your content easier for them to understand, parse, and cite in their results. This can also help you win “rich snippets” in Google—like star ratings, prices, and FAQs—appearing directly in the search results, which makes your listing stand out and increases clicks. It’s like giving the search engine a perfectly organized file instead of a messy pile of papers.

Secret #3: Optimize to BE the AI’s Answer

The final secret is a shift in mindset. For years, the goal was to rank as #1. Now the new top spot is being the source cited within an AI-generated answer. This is called generative engine optimization (GEO).

So, how do you do it?

Well, you need to create content that is formatted for AI consumption.

First, answer questions directly and concisely. Use clear headings and structure your articles with questions and answers, because that’s how users interact with AI. A great place to find these questions is in Google’s “People Also Ask” section.

Second, put the most important information right at the top. AI tools prefer content that gets straight to the point. Think of it as writing the summary first, then providing the details.

And third, focus on being mentioned on other authoritative websites, like in “best of” listicles or industry reviews. AI engines synthesize information from multiple sources, so having your brand appear on trusted third-party sites signals that you’re a credible player in your field.

These three strategies—building topical authority, implementing semantic schema, and optimizing for AI answers—are no longer optional. They are the foundation of a modern SEO strategy that will keep you visible as search continues to evolve.

This can feel complex, and frankly, it is. It requires a deep understanding of your audience, a commitment to creating high-quality content, and the technical know-how to implement it correctly. This is precisely what we do for our clients every single day.

And a quick brag: The 3 secrets I mentioned are strategies that my agency has been using for years, and my clients are seeing results. In fact, one of my clients recently told me that when he asked ChatGPT what the best company to go to in his industry was, the AI chatbot recommended him. Why? Simply because we’ve been positioning his company as the definitive expert for years and answering his potential clients’ questions, all organized expertly to be found by both Google and AI.

If you’re ready to stop playing catch-up and start building a real, sustainable advantage over your competition, then simply contact me to schedule a free strategy session. We’ll take a look at your website and show you the exact opportunities you have to start dominating your market in this new age of AI search.

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