Stop #13: Why You’re Not Showing Up in AI Search (And How to Fix It) w/ Meg Clarke

MAPPED OUT

Welcome back to MAPPED OUT™! Lauren and Aurrie tackle the AI revolution that's completely reshaping SEO and search behavior. Joined by SEO expert Meg Clarke from Clapping Dog Media, this episode breaks down why traditional SEO tactics are failing and how to position your brand for the new era of AI-powered search.

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Episode Highlights

• [00:02:56] Why clients don't ask about "getting on the first page of Google" anymore
• [00:05:26] How search behavior has fundamentally shifted beyond Google
• [00:07:14] Why AI search tools prioritize authority over engagement
• [00:09:02] The four pillars of strategic SEO in the AI age
• [00:16:32] Page purpose strategy: Making your value proposition findable
• [00:18:51] Domain authority secrets: Why LinkedIn posts now show up in search results
• [00:21:07] AI optimization: What search bots look for to verify expertise
• [00:24:47] Meg's breakdown: Traditional SEO vs. AI search visibility
• [00:26:06] The EAT framework: Expertise, Authority, and Trust
• [00:31:44] Why 75% of AI tools surface answers without linking out
• [00:38:58] The adjustment protocol for low AI visibility

What You'll Learn

• How the game has changed when it comes to how people use search engines
• The psychology behind how people actually use AI search tools
• Why search engines now prioritize expertise over keyword optimization
• The exact difference between traditional Google SEO and AI search visibility
• How to structure content for citations rather than clicks
• The metrics that actually matter in AI-powered search
• Why cross-platform visibility is now essential for search authority

Flight Facts Featured

• 27% of Americans now prefer AI chatbots over traditional search engines (December 2024)
• 75% of Gen AI search tools surface answers directly without linking out
• Wine label branding agency example: Hyper-niching leads to #1 ChatGPT ranking

Meet Your Hosts

Lauren Loreto

• Founder of Brand Good Time
• Expert in content marketing and web design
• Website: brandgoodtime.com
• Instagram: @brandgoodtime

Aurrie Hicks

• Founder of Hopson Rae
• Expert in digital content and brand strategy
• Website: hopsonrae.com
• Instagram: @hopsonrae

Meet The Guest Meg Clarke - Clapping Dog Media

• SEO expert specializing in AI search optimization
• Expert in the transition from engagement-based to expertise-based search
• Focus on building authority across multiple platforms
• Website: clappingdogmedia.com
• LinkedIn: Meg Clarke

Resources Mentioned

• SEO research tools: Answer the Public, SEMrush, Keywords Everywhere
• AI search platforms: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Mode, Claude

Connect With Us

Have questions about AI and SEO? Our DMs are open! Visit mappedoutpod.com/newsletter to join our email list and get our weekly Flight Deck newsletter every Friday with deeper insights on each episode's topic.

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