The 8% Rule: How to Stay Visible in AI-Driven Search Engines

In this environment, SME leaders and marketers should not retreat, but change strategy. A 4-step action plan will help you navigate the world of AI-driven visibility.

Phase 1: Foundation – Topics in the language of algorithms

The era of keywords is over, as AI thinks in entities and topics. According to Mihály, the first step is to determine how we want AI to identify our brand.

• Map the questions: Don’t just aim for what people are looking for, but for what they are asking (How? Why? Which is the best?).
• Structure the content: AI likes pages that are easy to digest.
  • A short, 2-3 line introduction.
  • Direct answer right after the main title (this is the key to “readability”).
  • Use lists and clear subheadings.

“If you can’t articulate exactly what your company does, AI won’t be able to figure it out either” – warns Mihály Tóth.

Phase 2: GEO and AEO – Answer-based optimization

GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) have joined traditional SEO. The goal here is not to convince, but to provide immediate information.

Technical signals that we can’t miss

Mihály emphasizes the importance of structured data (Schema markup). This is the “invisible” code that helps AI understand who wrote the article and what the credibility of our company is.

• Author schema (Person/Author): Show that a real expert is behind the content.
• Organization schema (Organization): Clarify the market position of our brand.
• FAQ schema: Help AI find our answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Phase 3: Authenticity and E-E-A-T – The advantage of a “flesh-and-blood” expert

In the age of AI, real experience is valued. Generative systems (like ChatGPT or Google Gemini) prefer to cite sources that show real expertise.

• Own data and case studies: AI can’t replicate your own client successes or your own research. These act as “citation magnets.”
• “Citation-worthy” pages: Create summaries, statistical collections, or comparison tables that AI is happy to use as sources.

“If your content sounds like it could have been written by anyone, AI will treat it as such: interchangeable. The goal is to make your unique expertise indispensable,” the expert adds.

4. Phase 2: New Metrics – Forget the Click-Only Approach!

Many marketing leaders panic when click-through rates drop. However, according to Mihály Tóth, our visibility hasn’t disappeared, it’s just transformed.