As the calendar inches closer to 2026, the way businesses capture attention online is shifting. Entrepreneurs and business owners need to update their SEO strategies because platforms are adapting and consumer behaviors are evolving. Local SEO is becoming increasingly nuanced, and advances in language learning models (LLMs) are reshaping content creation and performance metrics. Let’s dive into how these changes impact entrepreneurs, and I’ll share practical insights from my own perspective as a startup founder.
How Search Will Look in 2026
What entrepreneurs need to know about visibility on search engines is simple: keyword rankings alone are not enough to stay competitive. Large Language Models are transforming how search engines process content. Instead of driving traffic with searchable keywords, businesses will increasingly compete to be recognized as authoritative by AI systems. These models prioritize expertise, clarity, and structured information across web platforms.
On top of that, shifts in local SEO demand new approaches. AI systems often override location-specific rankings unless businesses establish undeniable relevancy for specific geographical markets.
Here’s what entrepreneurs should keep an eye on:
- AI as the Frontline Search Engine: Traditional search crawlers are giving way to AI-generated summaries and answers. Businesses must position themselves as the source these systems cite.
- Entity Authority Over Keywords: It’s not just about ranking first anymore. Search engines and AI prioritize credibility and trustworthiness over keyword counts.
- Content Authenticity: AI rewards structured and fully reliable information, meaning businesses need to back their claims with research and valid citations.
I’ve already watched competitors in several sectors struggle to keep up with these shifts. Fortunately, adapting to these changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Entrepreneurs' Guide to Success: Local SEO and LLMs
Step 1: Focus on Local Connections
If your business relies on local customers, boost your presence with strategies tailored to your community. Use these three approaches:
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Claim Your Local Listings. Platforms like Google Business Profile still matter. Accurate details allow your audience to find you without confusion. I use these tools to enhance visibility for CADChain in the Netherlands and other regions of Europe.
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Encourage Local Reviews. Request reviews from happy customers after positive engagements. Feedback works wonders for boosting relevance in location-based searches. You can see great examples from businesses featured on Search Influence.
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Hyperlocal Content. Build credibility by creating content reflecting your locality’s needs or trends. For example, I targeted engineering audiences in Eindhoven by partnering with tech forums and integrating local innovation trends into blogs.
Step 2: Position Yourself as an AI-Trusted Entity
The verdict is clear: AI crawlers are rapidly becoming decision-makers, and they favor trusted experts. Your business needs to become a source AI cites frequently. Entrepreneurs, take note:
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Publish Research and Data. Compile reports, share detailed studies, or use customer case data. Original numbers boost authority. A solid example is Mars’ approach to using interactive Reddit campaigns, which you can learn about here.
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Use Quality Structure. Format content with headings, tables, lists, or FAQs. It helps AI parse your blogs and site efficiently. I follow structured snippets inspired by ChatGPT’s citation practices when mapping CAD tools.
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Audit AI Visibility. Tools now analyze how models like ChatGPT or Claude understand and reference your topics. Platforms like CallRail are beginning to offer features to check this.
Step 3: Make Performance Data Your Ally
Search engines are moving towards measuring actual engagement more than clicks. Here’s how I keep performance metrics aligned with business goals:
- Track Conversion Over Rankings. Prioritize leads, sales, and newsletter sign-ups instead of obsessing over keyword rankings.
- Enhance Retention Metrics. Keep your audience spending time on your site through interactive quizzes or videos. Learn more about engaging strategies from Hiilite.
- Visual Search Paths. Work with tools monitoring raw engagement visuals to better understand content gaps.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Structured Content. Forget single-paragraph essays; short, digestible formats dominate search engines. Lists, bullet points, and summaries are key.
- Underestimating AI Mentions. Influence LLMs by securing your place in FAQs or third-party forums like Reddit or Quora, these are prime playgrounds for citations.
- Neglecting Media. If AI sees trustworthiness in Wikipedia’s fact-check structure, your business should apply media-centric frames to earn equal trust.
I’ve witnessed a competitor crumble because they ignored structuring high-value tech guidance into digestible pages. Don’t make the same mistake.
How You Can Move Forward Today
The simplest path for entrepreneurs is to segment your efforts. Here are actionable strategies:
- Local SEO Improvements. Get listed properly, gear content toward regional appeal, and incentivize reviews. Smaller cities often provide untapped opportunities.
- Audit Your Brand in AI Engines. Research how AI-generated answers describe you and adjust where negativity outweighs positives.
- Publish with Authority. Show why you’re credible using detailed studies, authentic stories, and larger partnerships. Thought leadership has proven to enhance ROI, according to research by TopRank Marketing.
Wrapping Up
SEO as we know it is changing. Entrepreneurs who insist on the same keyword-based models will lose their edge. Instead, focus on credibility and ensuring AI systems trust what you publish. Build locally and expand authority not just through quality content but also by auditing how you’re referenced by systems like ChatGPT.
For founders willing to adapt, these changes are opportunities waiting to be seized. Start positioning your brand as the go-to source AI trusts, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about in 2026.
FAQ on SEO and AI Trends in 2026
1. How is AI changing the way search engines work?
AI is becoming the primary "crawler" of the web, with systems like ChatGPT and Claude prioritizing authoritative and structured information over traditional keyword rankings. Businesses need to position themselves as trusted, expert sources to be cited by AI. Learn more about LLM visibility
2. What is Local SEO and why does it matter in 2026?
Local SEO involves optimizing your online presence to attract more local customers. In 2026, AI overrides many location-specific rankings unless businesses reinforce their relevancy in specific geographical areas through accurate listings, local reviews, and hyperlocal content. Check out strategies for Local SEO
3. What does “entity authority” mean in the context of SEO?
Entity authority is the measure of how trusted your business or brand is across platforms. LLMs favor brands with structured, data-backed content and consistent mentions from trustworthy sources. Building citations and original research can enhance this authority. Discover more about entity authority
4. How can I optimize my content for AI systems like ChatGPT?
To optimize for AI systems, format content using headings, tables, lists, and FAQs for easy parsing. Include verifiable data, citations, and structured information. This helps AI models process and reference your site more effectively. Learn about content practices for AI
5. Are performance metrics still relevant in SEO?
Yes, but they are evolving. Search engines now focus more on user engagement, conversions, and retention rather than just keyword rankings. Metrics like dwell time, interactions, and leads are critical to measure success in 2026. Explore performance metrics for SEO
6. How important is original research for SEO and LLM visibility?
Original research is crucial in 2026 as it boosts trust and establishes authority. Publishing detailed studies, unique customer insights, and data-backed reports can help businesses become the go-to sources for AI engines. Learn about using original research for SEO
7. What is the role of schema markup in SEO?
Schema markup helps search engines and AI systems interpret your content's structure and context. It increases the chances of your material being featured in AI-driven search results. Explore schema markup and its importance
8. What mistakes should businesses avoid in 2026 SEO strategies?
Common mistakes include ignoring structured content, failing to influence AI-generated mentions, and neglecting the use of media-rich, fact-checked frameworks. These can result in decreased visibility and trust from search engines and AI systems. Check out what to avoid in SEO
9. How is local content more effective for businesses?
Hyperlocal content tailored to regional needs builds credibility with both customers and AI. For instance, including localized innovation trends or partnering with community forums enhances your regional relevance. See examples of hyperlocal content strategies
10. How can I audit my brand’s visibility in AI systems?
You can use emerging tools to monitor how AI systems like ChatGPT and Claude reference your business. Platforms like CallRail enable businesses to track their mentions in AI answers and refine their strategies accordingly. Learn about AI visibility auditing
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.