The Future Is Here: Why AI Should Be a Part of Your EDO’s SEO Strategy

Search engines aren’t what they used to be—and that’s a good thing. AI is revolutionizing how people search for information online, and for economic development organizations, this shift presents both a challenge and a major opportunity.  

If your SEO strategy hasn’t evolved to meet the age of AI-driven search, now is the time. 

AI Is Changing the Way People Search 

Tools like Google’s AI Overviews and conversational platforms like ChatGPT are changing the game. Instead of relying on traditional lists of blue links, users are now getting quick, conversational responses that summarize information from across the web. This evolution means that ranking on the first page of Google isn’t the be-all and end-all anymore, your content needs to be good enough for AI to reference. 

So, why does this matter? Well, your audience is already searching, and according to DCI’s Winning Strategies in Economic Development 2023, 97% of corporate executives and site selection advisors used the internet in some capacity during their last location search. And from Talent Wars 2024, we know the number one influence on talent relocation decisions was online research.  

With 71% of Americans reporting using AI tools for search, how do you ensure your region is showing up when AI does the talking? 

How to Incorporate AI Into Your SEO Strategy 

 To start, EDOs must adapt their SEO strategies to align with the rise of AI-driven search. As business investors and job seekers increasingly expect fast, conversational, AI-generated answers, the competition to be featured in those responses is heating up.  

To stay visible and competitive, your region’s website must check three key boxes: it should be structured in a way AI can easily interpret, demonstrate strong authority and trust signals and provide clear answers to the kinds of questions people are actually asking. Here’s how to make sure your content stands out in the age of AI: 

1. Structure Content for AI Visibility 

Think of the content on your website like a standardized test from grade school. You might have all the answers, but if you don’t use a No. 2 pencil and fill in the bubbles all the way, you lose points.  

The same goes for how AI interprets your content. It’s not just about having the right information—it’s about presenting it in a format that’s easy to read and extract. Use clear headings, bullet points and modular page layouts to make your site more digestible for both users and AI tools alike. 

2. Focus on Authority & Trust Signals 

AI platforms prioritize content that reflects experience, expertise, authority and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). To improve your ranking in AI responses, your EDO should: 

• Publish high-quality, research-backed content regularly 

• Earn citations from credible sources like media outlets, government sites or respected industry publications 

• Ensure your website is fast, mobile-friendly and secure 

3. Answer the Right Questions 

Today’s searchers ask specific, conversational questions, and AI tools prioritize answers that match this intent. Don’t just target broad keywords like “Tennessee business incentives.” Instead, create content that answers more nuanced questions like, “What are the best tax incentives for manufacturers in Tennessee?” 

By anticipating what your audience is asking and answering it clearly, you increase your chances of being included in AI-generated search results. 

The bottom line is AI-powered search is here to stay. And with business leaders and talent using these tools to make decisions, your EDO can’t afford to be invisible. By adapting your SEO strategy now through prioritizing structured content, building authority and addressing intent-driven questions, you can stay ahead of the curve and ensure your region gets the attention it deserves. 

If you’d like to learn more about optimizing your SEO strategy, reach out to Carly Steele Johnson, DCI’s Senior Director of SEM & Media at Carly.Steelejohnson@aboutdci.com.