Off-Page SEO 2026 for Google & Large Language Models
You can publish the most valuable content, optimize all your pages, and have your technical SEO perfectly under control…
Hand on heart: Since ChatGPT, Gemini and co. have shaken up the market, we have heard the same question again and again in our briefings: „Is SEO still worthwhile if AI provides us with the answer directly?“
The short answer: Yes, more than ever.
The long answer: The rules of the game have changed, but the playing field still belongs to Google.
Here's the Intel update on why SEO will remain essential for your sales in 2026.
It's easy to be blinded by the hype. But let's take a look at the hard facts from 2024/2025. Despite the meteoric rise of LLMs (Large Language Models), Google remains the undisputed top dog for digital visibility.
Global Number of Searches/Day - SparkToro - https://sparktoro.com/blog/new-research-google-search-grew-20-in-2024-receives-373x-more-searches-than-chatgpt/
While Google generates around 14 billion search queries ChatGPT & Co. are in the double-digit million range. That is not competition on an equal footing.
David Bachetti gets to the heart of the matter in our internal analysis:
«Google remains by far the most important channel for digital visibility - and continues to gain in importance.» Founder & CEO of the SEO agency Zurich and digital full service agency: Agent AGENTUR GmbH, David Bachetti
We need to understand, like people use AI. A study by Harvard & OpenAI (September 2025) has decoded this:
Study from September 2025: „Harvard/OpenAI Study (NBER Working Paper 34255, 2025)“ - one of the most comprehensive analyses to date on the actual use of ChatGPT worldwide.
If someone wants to know how to tie a tie, they might ask Gemini. But if someone Buy If someone wants something - be it insurance or a new e-bike - they go to Google. Real transactions and decision-making processes still take place on search engines.
«Conclusion: SEO remains essential - for sales and visibility in the age of AI. If you are not listed in the top rankings, you will remain invisible.» David Bachetti
We encounter many half-truths in everyday agency life. It's time to clear them up. Here is our de-briefing on the most common misconceptions about AI and SEO:
SEO is not dead, it has evolved. Today we speak of GEO.
It's no longer just about 10 blue links. AI overviews have also been live in Switzerland since March 2025. Google itself is becoming an answer engine. For your strategy, this means: GEO is the integration and expansion of existing SEO.
They must take place where the search begins - whether in the classic search slot or in the prompt of an AI. Our optimizations have a positive side effect: they also feed the LLMs.
Don't let yourself be put off. As long as people buy products and search for services, Google will remain your main port of call. But: Your content must be precise enough to be recognized as „the best answer“ by both humans and machines.
Ready for the next level? We analyze the latest updates on a weekly basis and separate hype from reality for you.
Over and Out.
David Bachetti is an SEO strategist with a „license to rank“. As the founder of SEO Agentur Zürich and Agent AGENTUR GmbH, he starts where standard agencies give up. His focus is on precise navigation through the jungle of Google, AI systems and LLMs.
Highest qualifications: Advanced Digital Marketing at the ZHAW (University of Applied Sciences) & Swiss Certified Web Project Manager (Higher Professional Examination / Master Craftsman Examination).
Official Google Partner: Certified expertise for maximum performance.
Tried and tested strategies: Over 50 successful SEO missions for startups, SMEs & large companies.
AI pioneer: Specialized in visibility in modern search engines, LLM & AI systems.
His credo:
„Visibility is no coincidence, but the result of a precise mission.“
The algorithms of Google and AI never sleep. Equip yourself with more tactics from our command center to stay one step ahead of your competition.
You can publish the most valuable content, optimize all your pages, and have your technical SEO perfectly under control…
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Hand on heart: Since ChatGPT, Gemini and co. have shaken up the market, we keep hearing the same question in our briefings...