Search in 2026 isn’t what it used to be. AI has completely changed the game, and your SEO strategy needs to catch up. It’s no longer just about ranking in Google’s standard search results—now you also want to show up in AI-powered answers (think ChatGPT, Bard, and other generative AI tools). Some people call this Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
At Webshark, we help businesses grow organic traffic from all search platforms—Google, AI, maps—you name it. Here’s a practical guide to making sure your website gets found in 2026.
1. Focus Less on Top-of-Funnel Keywords
Forget chasing queries like “what is CNC machining” or “how to reduce business taxes.” AI usually handles these now, and most users won’t even click through to a website.
That said, a few well-written blog posts can still help:
- Boost your site’s topical relevance.
- Improve rankings for bottom-of-funnel, conversion-focused keywords.
- Build trust with prospects and give leads something to reference.
For example, a Denver construction company might write a blog about “stages of a commercial construction project” to support rankings for “commercial construction companies Denver.”
2. Target Bottom-of-Funnel Keywords Hard
These are the searches that actually convert.
- List your products/services and think like a customer: “plumbers Boston,” “sump pump replacement Boston,” etc.
- Use tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to see search volume, competition, and related terms.
- Prioritize the keywords most likely to bring in real leads.
3. Check Out Your Competitors
See what’s working for others:
- Run competitor websites through SEO tools to find their ranking keywords.
- Look at backlinks and content ideas.
- Explore their site manually—how’s the UX, layout, and content quality?
- Aim to create a site that’s better in every way.
4. Build a Clear Sitemap and Site Structure
Each keyword needs its own dedicated page. Don’t stuff multiple topics onto a single page.
- Group pages logically into services, products, and categories.
- Make every page accessible in 3 clicks or less from the homepage.
- Submit an XML sitemap to Google Search Console.
5. Make Your Metadata Count
Your title tags, meta descriptions, and schema markup are what users see on Google.
- Include your target keyword early in the title and description.
- Make them compelling to boost click-through rates (CTR).
- Add schema for reviews, products, addresses, and sitelinks.
Pro tip: keep title tags under 60 characters and meta descriptions under 155 characters to avoid truncation.
6. Optimize On-Page Content
- Use your target keyword in the H1, first 200 words, at least one subheading, and image alt text.
- Keep keyword density around 1–2% without sounding forced.
- Match or slightly exceed the word count of your competitors if it adds value.
7. Use Internal Links Strategically
Internal links help search engines understand your site and pass authority between pages.
- Link high-authority pages to lower-authority ones.
- Keep it natural—2–5 internal links per 1,000 words is plenty.
- Use descriptive anchor text that flows naturally.
8. Nail Technical SEO & GEO
A few key technical steps go a long way:
- Maximize site speed (fast sites rank better and convert better).
- One H1 per page + logical heading hierarchy.
- Fully responsive design across devices.
- Clean URLs with target keywords.
- Robots.txt, XML sitemaps, canonical tags, and HTTPS.
- Accessibility (screen-readers, colour contrast, keyboard navigation).
- Hreflang for multilingual or regional sites.
Check out our Free Technical SEO/GEO Checker to find issues fast.
9. Focus on User Experience (UX)
Google cares about engagement. If people click around, spend time, and submit forms, it helps your rankings.
- Prioritize intuitive layouts over flashy visuals.
- Make your site easy to navigate and helpful.
- Conversion-focused design = better SEO results.
10. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
For local businesses, GBP is essential.
- Choose accurate primary/secondary categories.
- Make your address public for maps ranking.
- Use a detailed business description with target keywords.
- Keep NAP consistent across all directories.
- Respond to reviews and maintain a 4.5+ rating.
- Post monthly updates to show activity.
11. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks show search engines that your business is trusted by others.
- Aim for links from relevant, authoritative sites.
- Focus on quality over quantity.
- Check competitor backlinks for ideas.
12. Leverage Directory Sites & Listicles
- Directories (Yelp, niche sites, local lists) give citations and visibility.
- Citations help GEO results and AI mentions.
- Being featured in top lists can drive traffic even if you’re not ranking organically yet.
Bonus: Make Your Traffic Convert
Traffic is useless if it doesn’t lead to calls, form submissions, or sales. Combine SEO/GEO with CRO best practices to get the most from your visitors.
Bottom line:
2026 SEO isn’t just Google anymore—it’s Google + AI + local search. Focus on conversion-driven content, GEO, technical SEO, and a great user experience.
At Webshark, we combine web design with SEO/GEO strategies so your site gets found and turns visitors into leads.
