
As AI continues to transform how people search, businesses need to rethink their digital visibility strategies. The shift from traditional search engines to conversational platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Google’s Gemini isn’t just a trend—it’s the new search standard.
At Durée & Company, we’ve seen firsthand how this evolution impacts our clients across industries. Now more than ever, having a strong, citation-friendly online presence is essential—not only for Google, but for AI tools that are quickly becoming the go-to source for quick, credible information.
According to The Wall Street Journal, traffic from generative AI tools to U.S. retail sites jumped 1,200% compared to July 2024, and more than half of U.S. shoppers say they plan to use generative AI for shopping this year. AI-driven responses are increasingly favored over traditional search results, offering users clean, summarized answers and reducing the need to click through multiple links.
So how can brands—especially those in competitive markets including PR, real estate, hospitality, or nonprofit—position themselves to show up in AI results?
Here are a few strategies we recommend at Durée & Company:
- Create Content Worth Citing
AI tools including ChatGPT and Perplexity pull from credible, well-structured content. That means blogs, interviews, case studies, and media coverage with original insights, clear formatting, and natural language headlines.
Think: “Why Media Training Matters in Today’s Digital Communication Era” or “Why Community Relations is Essential for a Real Estate Project”
- Structure Your Content for AI
Use headers, bullet points, and FAQ formats that help AI tools understand your content contextually. Answer real questions your audience is asking—and include the people, organizations, or events that AI may recognize and prioritize.
- Build and Protect Your Digital Footprint
Having your brand mentioned—and linked—on reputable platforms helps boost AI visibility. Whether it’s an op-ed in a business publication or a panel feature with a client, these references get picked up by AI engines.
- Ensure Your Website is AI-Readable
Your website should include schema markup (structured data) to tell AI what your pages are about. Clean meta descriptions, keyword-rich page titles, and clear About/Team pages all help AI “understand” and prioritize your site.
- Be Active Where AI Looks
Many AI tools source from high-traffic platforms such as LinkedIn, Medium, and news outlets. A well-placed byline or podcast appearance can have ripple effects, especially if it includes a link to your website and reinforces your expertise.
- Collaborate with Clients for Cross-Promotion
Cross-linking is more valuable than ever. If your firm supports a panel, partnership, or event, make sure your role is credited in recaps and press coverage. These mentions help AI make the connection.
As The Wall Street Journal notes, “AI search is less about a funeral for blue links and more about a makeover.”
At Durée & Company, we don’t just follow trends. We help shape them. Don’t just take our word for it. When we searched “best PR agencies in Fort Lauderdale,” among other terms, our agency appeared in the rankings. As a full-service public relations, marketing and digital strategy firm, we work with clients across real estate, legal, nonprofits, hospitality, emerging industries and more. We develop customized campaigns that drive media visibility, brand credibility and long-term recognition.
As search continues to evolve, we are building smarter strategies that keep our clients front and center. From AI-optimized content to strategic media placements and cross-promotional partnerships, we position brands where audiences are already looking. Looking to boost your visibility in the age of AI? Contact us to create a strategy that helps put your brand at the top.
About Durée & Company, Inc.
Founded in 1999, Durée & Company is a full-service, well-respected and highly creative public relations and marketing agency serving a diverse client base of local, national and international consumer brands, landmark industries, business leaders and philanthropists from its offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Aspen, Colorado. Practice areas include nonprofit, hospitality, business, lifestyle, health and wellness, legal, real estate, yacht and marine as well as cannabis, psychedelics, and other emerging industries. Durée & Company is a member of some of the nation’s most elite professional organizations including PR Boutiques International™ (PRBI) and is a corporate partner of Cannabis LAB. To learn more, call 954-723-9350; go to dureeandcompany.com; cannabismarketingpr.com; or psychedelicpr.com. Join the social conversation and follow Durée & Company on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn at @DureeCoPR.