Search Everywhere Optimization: Why Your Google-Only SEO Strategy Is Killing Your Business
TL;DR: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is dead. Long live Search Everywhere Optimization. Your customers aren't just Googling anymore - they're asking ChatGPT, searching on TikTok, querying Claude, and scrolling Instagram for recommendations. If your content strategy is still focused solely on ranking in Google, you're invisible to 60%+ of potential customers. This comprehensive guide breaks down how to position your Santa Clarita business across every platform where people actually search: large language models (LLMs), social media platforms, answer engines, and AI-powered systems. Includes AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), AIEO (Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization), and the complete framework for dominating search everywhere your customers are looking.
The Search Revolution Nobody Told You About (And Why Your Competition Is Already Winning)
Let me hit you with something that should fundamentally change how you think about marketing your business:
Google is no longer the primary way people search for information.
I know. That statement probably feels wrong. Google has been the dominant search engine for over two decades. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has been the holy grail of digital marketing. Entire industries have been built around ranking on Google's first page.
But here's what's actually happening right now:
Your 25-year-old potential customers are searching for "best restaurants near me" on TikTok, not Google
Your corporate clients are asking ChatGPT "who are the top AI consultants in Santa Clarita Valley" instead of Googling it
Your target demographic is scrolling Instagram for product recommendations instead of reading Google search results
Professionals are using Claude, Copilot, and Perplexity to research solutions instead of traditional search engines
This isn't the future. This is right now.
And if your business isn't positioned across all these platforms - if you're still playing the old Google-only SEO game - you're invisible to a massive portion of your potential customer base.
Welcome to the era of Search Everywhere Optimization.
What Is Search Everywhere Optimization? (And Why The Name Actually Matters)
I heard this phrase recently - "Search Everywhere Optimization" - and it perfectly encapsulates what's happening in the market.
We used to call it SEO: Search Engine Optimization. The focus was Google. Maybe Bing if you were being thorough. Yahoo if you were being nostalgic.
Now? The acronym stays the same, but the meaning has evolved: Search Everywhere Optimization.
Same letters. Completely different strategy.
Here's what changed:
Then (Traditional SEO):
Optimize for Google's algorithm
Focus on keywords, backlinks, domain authority
Write content that ranks on search engine results pages (SERPs)
Pay attention to PageRank and crawlability
Success = First page of Google results
Now (Search Everywhere Optimization):
Optimize for multiple platforms simultaneously
Focus on answer quality, content depth, multi-format presence
Create content that performs across LLMs, social platforms, and traditional search
Pay attention to how AI models index and retrieve your information
Success = Visibility wherever your customers are actually searching
The fundamental shift is this: search behavior has fragmented across dozens of platforms, and your content strategy needs to match that reality.
Where People Are Actually Searching (And Why You're Missing Most of Them)
Let's break down the actual search landscape in 2024 and beyond.
Traditional Search Engines (The Old Guard)
Google - Still the heavyweight, but declining market share in specific demographics. Excellent algorithms that filter out garbage content and deliver relevant results. Still crucial for SEO, but no longer sufficient on its own.
Bing - Powered by Microsoft, integrated with Copilot (their AI assistant). Growing relevance due to AI integration. Often overlooked but represents significant search volume.
Yahoo - Still exists, still has users, but no longer a primary focus for most strategies.
Why they matter: These are where traditional search behavior still happens, particularly for older demographics and specific use cases. Ignoring them is stupid. Focusing exclusively on them is equally stupid.
Large Language Models (The New Search Engines)
ChatGPT (OpenAI) - Massive user base, conversational search interface. People ask questions and get comprehensive answers. Your business needs to be in its training data and retrieval systems.
Claude (Anthropic) - Increasingly popular for professional and research applications. Sophisticated reasoning capabilities. Excellent for detailed, nuanced queries.
Microsoft Copilot - Integrated into Microsoft's ecosystem. Billions of potential users through Windows, Office, and Edge. Direct pipeline to enterprise customers.
Grok (X/Tesla/Musk) - Real-time information integration. Connected to X (Twitter) for current events and trending topics. Growing user base with specific demographic appeal.
Perplexity - Aggregates multiple AI models and search sources. Provides sourced answers with citations. Popular among researchers and professionals.
Why they matter: People are increasingly using conversational AI instead of traditional search. They ask questions in natural language and get comprehensive answers. If your content isn't positioned to be retrieved and cited by these systems, you don't exist in this search paradigm.
Social Media Platforms (The Hidden Search Giants)
TikTok - Younger demographics search here FIRST, not Google. Product recommendations, local business discovery, how-to content. Massively underestimated as a search platform.
Instagram - Visual search for products, services, lifestyle content. Hashtag search, location search, explore page discovery. Critical for certain business types.
YouTube - Second largest search engine after Google (and owned by Google). Video content dominates for how-to queries, product reviews, educational content.
Facebook - Local business discovery, community recommendations, marketplace search. Still massive for certain demographics despite younger users abandoning it.
LinkedIn - B2B search, professional services, thought leadership. Crucial for service providers, consultants, and professional services.
Reddit - Increasingly showing up in Google results due to authentic user discussions. People add "reddit" to Google searches to get real opinions.
Why they matter: These platforms have built-in search functionality and massive user bases actively searching for products, services, and information. Each platform's algorithm determines what surfaces in search results. You need platform-specific optimization strategies for each.
Why Google's Algorithm Was Actually Protecting You (And Why That Era Is Over)
Here's something most people don't understand about traditional SEO:
Google's algorithm was actually doing you a favor.
Stay with me here.
Google built incredibly sophisticated algorithms designed to filter out garbage content. Low-quality content, keyword stuffing, thin pages, spammy backlinks - Google's algorithm evolved over two decades to eliminate this crap from search results.
This created a high bar for ranking, but also created a level playing field based on quality.
If you produced genuinely good content that answered user queries, structured it properly, built legitimate backlinks, and maintained technical SEO standards, Google would reward you with rankings.
The algorithm was predictable. The rules were clear. The game could be played.
Now? We're in the Wild West.
Large language models don't have the same sophisticated filtering mechanisms. Social media algorithms optimize for engagement, not necessarily quality or accuracy. Search is happening across dozens of platforms, each with different ranking factors.
This means:
Low-quality content can perform well if it's engaging or controversial
Gaming the system is easier on some platforms than others
There's no single "algorithm" to optimize for anymore
You need multiple strategies for multiple platforms simultaneously
The protective bubble Google created is gone. You're now competing in an environment where positioning matters more than pure content quality in many cases.
The Santa Clarita Business Reality: Where Your Competition Actually Is (And Isn't)
Let me walk you through what I do when consulting with a CMO or business owner here in Santa Clarita Valley:
Step 1: Find out where THEY are currently positioned
This is the easy part. They can usually tell me:
Yes, we have a website
We're on Facebook
We post on Instagram sometimes
We tried SEO a few years ago
Step 2: Climb down the rabbit hole to find where their COMPETITION is positioned
This is where it gets interesting. Most businesses have no idea where their competition is actually showing up.
I systematically check:
What comes up when I search their industry + Santa Clarita on Google?
What results appear when I ask ChatGPT about their industry in SCV?
What content surfaces on TikTok and Instagram for relevant searches?
What appears on LinkedIn for professional services?
What shows up on YouTube for how-to or review content?
What discussions happen on Reddit about their industry locally?
Step 3: Identify the gaps
Here's where opportunities emerge. Often I find:
Competition isn't thinking about TikTok at all
Nobody is optimizing for LLM retrieval
Instagram is being ignored despite massive local user base
Long-form content has been abandoned for paid ads only
YouTube presence is non-existent for explainer content
These gaps represent opportunities to OWN particular venues.
The Death of Organic Search (And Why Everyone Who Abandoned It Is Screwed)
Here's a massive mistake I see constantly:
Businesses abandoning organic content strategies entirely in favor of paid advertising.
I get why this happens. Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising provides:
Immediate results
Measurable ROI
Predictable traffic
Control over messaging
Clear attribution
But here's what you lose:
Compounding Returns: Organic content builds value over time. A blog post written today can drive traffic for years. A paid ad stops working the second you stop paying.
Trust and Authority: People trust organic results more than ads. Being found naturally builds credibility. Being found through ads just means you paid for attention.
Cost Efficiency: Organic traffic has acquisition costs, but no ongoing costs per click. Paid traffic costs money forever.
Multi-Platform Presence: Organic content can be repurposed across platforms. Paid ads are platform-specific and campaign-specific.
AI Training Data: LLMs are trained on publicly available content. If you only run ads and have no organic content, you don't exist in AI training data.
Here's the right approach:
Paid advertising should be part of your strategy, not all of your strategy. Use paid ads for:
Quick wins while building organic presence
Promoting specific offers or time-sensitive content
Testing messaging before investing in organic content
Reaching highly specific audiences
But never, ever abandon organic content creation. Because that's what positions you everywhere search is actually happening.
AEO: Answer Engine Optimization (Making AI Models Actually Recommend You)
Let's talk about a specific subset of Search Everywhere Optimization: AEO (Answer Engine Optimization).
This is optimization specifically for large language models and AI-powered answer engines.
What's different about AEO?
Traditional SEO focused on keywords, backlinks, and technical optimization. The goal was ranking in search results where users would click through to your site.
AEO focuses on having your content directly surface as the answer without requiring a click-through.
Here's how LLMs actually work:
They're trained on massive datasets of publicly available content
They index and vectorize that information
When queried, they retrieve relevant information and generate responses
They may cite sources or simply synthesize information
Your AEO strategy needs to address:
Content Depth: LLMs favor comprehensive, detailed content over thin pages. Your 300-word blog post won't cut it. You need substantive, thorough content that demonstrates expertise.
Clear Structure: Well-organized content with clear hierarchies (headers, subheaders, lists) is easier for AI models to parse and retrieve.
Authoritative Tone: Content that demonstrates expertise and provides specific, actionable information performs better than vague generalities.
Citation Worthiness: Content that provides unique insights, original research, or expert perspectives is more likely to be cited by AI models.
Current Information: Many AI models can access current web content. Fresh, updated information is valued.
Specific Answers: Direct answers to common questions perform well. FAQ sections, Q&A formats, and problem-solution structures are highly retrievable.
Examples for Santa Clarita Businesses:
Instead of: "We offer real estate services in Santa Clarita"
Write: "Santa Clarita real estate agents should focus on Stevenson Ranch for luxury buyers, Canyon Country for first-time homebuyers seeking affordability, and Valencia for families prioritizing schools. Here's why: [detailed analysis with specific data]"
The second version provides specific, substantive information that an LLM can retrieve and cite when someone asks "where should I buy a home in Santa Clarita?"
AIEO: Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization (The Technical Layer Nobody's Talking About)
Now let's get into AIEO (Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization).
This is the technical organization and structuring of content specifically for AI retrieval systems.
What makes AIEO different from AEO?
AEO is about content quality and substance. AIEO is about technical implementation and structure.
Key AIEO elements:
Structured Data Markup
AI systems can more easily parse content with proper schema markup. This includes:
Organization schema
LocalBusiness schema
Article schema
FAQ schema
How-to schema
Product schema
Service schema
Example:
json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"LocalBusiness","name":"Santa Clarita AI Consulting","description":"AI integration services for Santa Clarita Valley businesses","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Santa Clarita","addressRegion":"CA"
}}
Semantic HTML Structure
Proper use of HTML5 semantic elements helps AI understand content hierarchy:
<article>for main content<section>for distinct sections<header>for introductory content<footer>for supplementary information<aside>for related content<nav>for navigation elements
Content Organization Patterns
AI models respond well to specific organizational patterns:
Problem-Solution Format: Clearly state problem, then provide solution
Question-Answer Format: Pose common questions, provide direct answers
Step-by-Step Format: Numbered procedures for processes
Comparison Format: "X vs Y" structures for evaluating options
List Format: Comprehensive lists of items, features, or characteristics
Metadata Optimization
While traditional SEO focused on meta titles and descriptions for human readers in SERPs, AIEO focuses on metadata that helps AI systems categorize and retrieve content:
Descriptive, specific titles
Comprehensive meta descriptions
Relevant keywords in context (not stuffed)
Alt text that actually describes images
Descriptive file names
Clear URL structures
Content Interconnection
AI systems value content that's well-connected:
Internal links with descriptive anchor text
Related content suggestions
Topic clusters linking to pillar pages
Clear information hierarchy
Practical Implementation:
When you create content, organize it deliberately:
Start with a clear, direct answer to the primary query
Use headers that reflect actual questions people ask
Include structured data markup appropriate to content type
Create clear hierarchies with proper HTML semantics
Link related content internally with descriptive anchors
Provide comprehensive coverage of the topic
Update regularly to maintain currency
This technical structure makes your content exponentially more likely to be retrieved and cited by AI systems.
Long-Form Content: The Unexpected Winner in the AI Era
Here's something that surprises people:
Long-form blog content has become MORE valuable in the AI era, not less.
Many businesses abandoned long-form content, thinking:
Nobody reads anymore
Attention spans are shorter
Video is taking over
Social media is where engagement happens
They were wrong. Here's why:
LLMs Favor Comprehensive Content
Large language models are trained on and retrieve from substantive content. A 300-word blog post provides minimal information for training or retrieval. A 3,000-word comprehensive guide provides extensive information that can be retrieved for multiple queries.
Authority Building
Long-form content demonstrates expertise and authority in ways short content cannot. It builds trust with both human readers and AI systems evaluating content quality.
Keyword Coverage
Longer content naturally covers more related terms, phrases, and concepts without keyword stuffing. This creates more retrieval opportunities.
User Engagement Signals
People who find genuinely valuable long-form content spend more time on site, lower bounce rates, and engage more deeply. These signals matter for traditional SEO and increasingly for AI evaluation.
Repurposing Opportunities
Long-form content can be:
Broken into multiple social media posts
Converted into video scripts
Transformed into email sequences
Used as podcast episode outlines
Repurposed into multiple formats across multiple platforms
The Strategy:
Create comprehensive, valuable long-form content (2,000-5,000+ words) as pillar content, then:
Optimize it for traditional SEO
Structure it for AEO and AIEO
Excerpt it for social media
Convert sections into video content
Use it as source material for AI-generated variations
Update it regularly to maintain currency
This approach positions you everywhere: traditional search, LLM retrieval, social media discovery, and AI recommendations.
The Multi-Platform Content Strategy That Actually Works
Let me give you the practical framework that works for Santa Clarita businesses:
Core Content Hub (Your Website)
Purpose: Authoritative, comprehensive content that serves as the source of truth
Format: Long-form blog posts (2,000-5,000 words), service pages, case studies, guides
Optimization: Full SEO, AEO, and AIEO implementation with structured data
Update Frequency: Weekly to monthly depending on industry
Key Elements:
Comprehensive topic coverage
Local Santa Clarita angle for local businesses
Clear calls to action
Internal linking structure
Technical SEO foundation
Large Language Model Positioning
Purpose: Being retrieved and cited when people ask AI systems for recommendations
Strategy:
Create content that directly answers common questions
Use clear, authoritative language
Provide specific, actionable information
Include relevant local context (Santa Clarita Valley specifics)
Update content regularly for currency
Build citations and references from authoritative sources
Testing: Actually query LLMs about your industry and location to see what appears
Social Media Search Optimization
TikTok Strategy:
Short-form video content (15-60 seconds)
Hook in first 3 seconds
Educational or entertaining (preferably both)
Hashtag research for discoverability
Consistent posting schedule
Local Santa Clarita angles
Instagram Strategy:
Visual content showcasing products/services
Reels for discovery
Stories for engagement
Hashtags + location tags
Consistent aesthetic
Behind-the-scenes content
LinkedIn Strategy:
Professional thought leadership
Industry insights and analysis
Company updates and wins
Employee spotlights
B2B networking and relationship building
YouTube Strategy:
Long-form explanatory content (10+ minutes)
How-to guides and tutorials
Product demonstrations
Customer testimonials
Consistent branding
SEO-optimized titles, descriptions, tags
Facebook Strategy:
Community engagement
Local Santa Clarita content
Customer interactions
Event promotion
Local marketplace presence
Reddit Positioning
Purpose: Authentic discussions and recommendations that influence purchase decisions
Strategy:
Participate authentically in relevant subreddits
Provide value without overt self-promotion
Answer questions in your area of expertise
Build reputation over time
Disclose affiliations when relevant
Note: Reddit has a strong anti-spam culture. Approach as community participant, not advertiser.
Review Platform Optimization
Google Business Profile: Essential for local search, complete profile, regular posts, respond to all reviews
Yelp: Still relevant for certain industries, particularly restaurants and services
Industry-Specific: Zillow for real estate, Avvo for lawyers, Healthgrades for medical, etc.
Why it matters: Reviews appear in traditional search, influence AI recommendations, and drive direct traffic
The CMO Conversation: What I Tell Business Leaders
When I sit down with a CMO or business owner, here's the framework I walk them through:
Phase 1: Audit Current Position
Questions I ask:
Where does your content currently exist?
What platforms are you actively managing?
When was your last blog post published?
What's your video content strategy?
Are you tracking where traffic actually comes from?
What's your paid advertising spend vs. organic content investment?
Reality check: Most businesses have:
A website they update rarely
Social media accounts they post to inconsistently
Abandoned blog sections
No video content
Heavy reliance on paid advertising
No clear content strategy
Phase 2: Competitive Analysis
What I investigate:
Where is your competition actually showing up?
What content are they producing?
Which platforms are they ignoring?
What's their engagement level?
Are they being cited by AI systems?
What's their local versus broader market presence?
Opportunities emerge: Often I find competitors making the same mistakes - ignoring platforms, abandoning organic content, focusing too narrowly.
Phase 3: Gap Identification
Where you can win:
Platforms your competition isn't using
Content formats they're not producing
Local angles they're missing
AI optimization they're ignorant of
Long-form content they've abandoned
Example: Real estate agents in Santa Clarita largely ignore TikTok. One agent who commits to consistent TikTok content about buying homes in SCV can own that space quickly.
Phase 4: Strategy Development
The framework:
Core Content Production: Commit to regular long-form content (weekly or biweekly)
Platform Selection: Choose 2-3 platforms to dominate based on audience and competition gaps
Content Repurposing: Create systems to transform core content into platform-specific formats
AI Optimization: Implement AEO and AIEO strategies across all content
Measurement and Adjustment: Track where traffic and leads actually come from, adjust strategy accordingly
Resource Allocation:
60% organic content creation
30% paid amplification
10% experimentation with new platforms
Phase 5: Implementation
Reality check: This requires commitment. You can't:
Post once and expect results
Half-ass multiple platforms
Ignore platforms where your audience actually is
Abandon organic for paid only
Skip the technical optimization
What works:
Consistent execution over time
Quality content that provides actual value
Platform-specific optimization
Regular measurement and adjustment
Long-term commitment to the strategy
The TikTok Reality: Your Customers Are Searching There (And You're Nowhere)
Let me specifically address TikTok because it's the most underestimated search platform for businesses.
Here's what's actually happening:
When younger demographics need recommendations - for products, services, restaurants, entertainment, solutions to problems - they're searching on TikTok FIRST, not Google.
They ask: "best restaurant in Santa Clarita" They search: #santaclaritafood They watch: Reviews from actual users, not professional critics
Why TikTok search is powerful:
Authenticity: Content feels more genuine than polished advertising
Visual Demonstration: Can see products/services in action
Real User Experiences: Reviews from actual customers, not paid reviewers
Algorithm-Driven Discovery: TikTok's algorithm serves relevant content even without explicit search
Community Recommendations: Comments and stitches create conversation around recommendations
For Santa Clarita Businesses:
If you're a restaurant, retail store, service provider, or any business targeting consumers under 40, TikTok should be a core part of your strategy.
What this looks like:
Behind-the-scenes content showing your process
Product demonstrations and use cases
Customer testimonials (with permission)
Educational content related to your industry
Local Santa Clarita culture and community
Trending sound usage with your business angle
Consistent posting (at least 3-4 times per week)
The search optimization:
Use relevant hashtags (#santaclarita #scv #valencia etc.)
Include location tags
Hook viewers in first 3 seconds
Provide value (entertainment, education, or both)
Encourage engagement (comments, shares, saves)
Post during high-traffic times
Example:
A Santa Clarita coffee shop could create:
"How we make our signature drinks" videos
"Behind the scenes at 5am opening" content
"Best study spots in SCV" featuring their location
"Coffee hacks you didn't know" educational content
"Meet our baristas" personality content
Each of these surfaces when people search TikTok for coffee, Santa Clarita, study spots, etc.
Instagram: The Visual Search Engine Your Competition Probably Isn't Optimizing
Instagram functions as a visual search engine, but most businesses treat it like a social network.
The difference:
Social Network Approach:
Post and hope followers see it
Focus on likes and comments
Inconsistent posting
No strategic hashtag use
Ignore search functionality
Search Engine Approach:
Optimize for discovery by non-followers
Strategic hashtag research and usage
Consistent posting schedule
Location tagging
Alt text on images
Reels for algorithm amplification
Strategic bio optimization
How people actually search Instagram:
Hashtag Search: Looking for #santaclaritaeats or #scvrealestate or #valenciacalifornia
Location Search: Searching "Santa Clarita" to see what's happening locally
Explore Page Discovery: Algorithm serves content based on interests and behaviors
Account Discovery: Finding accounts through suggestions, tags, and shares
Saved Collections: Users save posts for later reference
Optimization strategy:
Profile:
Clear, keyword-rich bio
Link to main website
Business category selected
Location listed
Contact information complete
Content:
High-quality visuals (this platform is visual-first)
3-5 relevant hashtags (Instagram penalizes hashtag stuffing now)
Location tags on every post
Alt text describing images (helps with accessibility AND search)
Captions with context and keywords
Calls to action
Reels:
Short-form video (15-90 seconds)
Hook in first 3 seconds
Trending audio usage
Text overlays for context
Clear value proposition
Hashtags and location tags
Stories:
Behind-the-scenes content
Daily engagement
Location stickers
Hashtag stickers
Question stickers for engagement
Poll stickers for interaction
For Santa Clarita businesses, Instagram provides massive local discovery opportunity. Someone searching #santaclarita or the location tag should find your business if you're optimizing properly.
YouTube: The Search Engine Everyone Forgets Is Owned By Google
YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world. It's owned by Google. And most businesses completely ignore it.
Why this is insane:
Massive Search Volume: Billions of searches happen on YouTube monthly
Google Integration: YouTube videos appear in Google search results
Long-Form Content: Unlike TikTok/Instagram, YouTube favors longer, more comprehensive content
Evergreen Value: Videos continue driving traffic for years
Monetization Potential: Ad revenue possible once channel grows
Authority Building: Video content builds trust and authority
How people search YouTube:
Explicit searches for "how to [solve problem]"
Product reviews and comparisons
Educational content and tutorials
Local business discovery
Entertainment and infotainment
What Santa Clarita businesses should create:
Service Providers (plumbers, electricians, HVAC, etc.):
How-to videos for common problems
"Should you DIY or hire a pro?" content
Common mistakes homeowners make
Seasonal maintenance tips
"A day in the life" content
Retailers:
Product demonstrations
Buying guides
Unboxing and reviews
Comparison videos
"Top 10" style content
Restaurants:
Behind-the-scenes kitchen content
Signature dish preparation
Chef interviews
Customer testimonials
Food challenge videos
Real Estate Agents:
Neighborhood tours
Home buying process explanations
Market updates
Property walkthroughs
First-time buyer guides
Professional Services:
Educational content about your industry
Common mistakes to avoid
Process explanations
Client success stories
Industry trend analysis
SEO for YouTube:
Keyword-optimized titles
Comprehensive descriptions with keywords and links
Relevant tags
Custom thumbnails
Cards and end screens
Playlists for topic organization
Transcripts and closed captions
Consistent upload schedule
LinkedIn: The B2B Search Engine Nobody Optimizes Correctly
If you're in B2B, professional services, or targeting business decision-makers, LinkedIn is a search engine you can't ignore.
How LinkedIn search actually works:
People search for:
Solutions to business problems
Professional service providers
Industry experts and thought leaders
Potential vendors and partners
Job candidates and opportunities
LinkedIn's algorithm surfaces:
Relevant content from connections and followed accounts
Posts with high engagement
Articles from company pages
Profile updates from relevant professionals
Sponsored content (but organic can outperform paid)
The LinkedIn SEO strategy:
Profile Optimization:
Keyword-rich headline beyond just your title
Comprehensive "About" section with keywords
Skills section completed
Recommendations from clients
Activity showing expertise
Content Strategy:
Thought leadership posts (personal insights, not sales pitches)
Industry analysis and trends
Case studies and success stories
Behind-the-scenes at your company
Employee spotlights
Company updates and wins
Engagement Strategy:
Comment thoughtfully on others' posts
Share relevant industry content with your perspective
Engage in industry group discussions
Respond to comments on your posts
Connection requests with personalized messages
For Santa Clarita B2B businesses:
Local angle matters. Post about:
Santa Clarita business community
Local partnerships and collaborations
SCV economic development
Local hiring and team growth
Community involvement
When Santa Clarita business owners search LinkedIn for solutions, they're more likely to work with someone they perceive as locally connected and community-involved.
Reddit: The Search Platform That Influences All Other Search
Here's something fascinating happening:
People are adding "reddit" to their Google searches.
They search: "best AI consultant reddit" instead of just "best AI consultant"
Why?
They want authentic discussions from real people, not:
SEO-optimized content farms
Paid reviews
Corporate marketing speak
Affiliate link-driven recommendations
Reddit provides:
Real user opinions
Honest product/service discussions
Pros and cons from actual experience
Community consensus on quality
Warnings about scams or poor providers
How this affects your business:
Passive Presence: Discussions about your industry or business happen whether you participate or not. Monitor relevant subreddits.
Active Participation: Contribute authentically to relevant subreddits. Provide value without overt self-promotion.
Reputation Management: Address negative discussions honestly. Don't delete criticism - engage with it constructively.
Market Research: Understand what customers actually think and say when businesses aren't listening.
Local Subreddits: r/SantaClarita is active. Participate as a community member, not advertiser.
Reddit Rules:
Authenticity is required. Redditors can spot corporate speak instantly.
Value before promotion. Provide helpful information first. Mention your business only when directly relevant.
Disclose affiliations. If you own a business, say so. Transparency builds trust.
Respect community norms. Each subreddit has its own culture. Lurk before posting.
Don't spam. Posting the same link across multiple subreddits is an instant ban.
Example of doing it right:
Someone posts in r/SantaClarita: "Looking for a good HVAC company, my system died"
Good response: "I run an HVAC company in SCV, but I'd recommend calling [competitor] if you need emergency service - they're fastest for after-hours. If you want to schedule a non-emergency replacement consultation, happy to help. DM me."
This builds trust by: prioritizing customer need over sales, recommending competitors when appropriate, being transparent about your business, offering help without pressure.
The Content Repurposing System That Makes This All Manageable
You're probably thinking: "This sounds like a massive amount of work. How do I create content for all these platforms?"
The answer: Create once, repurpose everywhere.
Here's the system:
Core Content Creation (Weekly)
Step 1: Create one comprehensive long-form piece (blog post, video, podcast episode)
2,000-5,000 words if written
15-30 minutes if video
Full SEO/AEO/AIEO optimization
Published on your website/channel
Step 2: Extract key points and quotes
Pull out 10-15 standalone insights
Create quotable one-liners
Identify visual moments (if video)
Note specific statistics or data points
Platform-Specific Repurposing
From long-form blog post:
→ TikTok/Instagram Reels: 3-5 short videos highlighting key points (15-60 seconds each)
→ Instagram Posts: Quote graphics with key insights (5-7 posts)
→ LinkedIn Posts: Professional insights and analysis (2-3 posts)
→ Twitter/X: Thread breaking down main points (10-15 tweets)
→ Facebook Post: Summary with link back to full article
→ Email Newsletter: Excerpt with CTA to read full post
→ YouTube Short: Quick tip or insight (under 60 seconds)
From long-form video:
→ Blog Post: Transcript edited into article format
→ Podcast Episode: Audio extracted
→ Short-form Video: Clips of best moments
→ Social Graphics: Key quotes overlaid on video stills
→ Email: Embedded video with summary
The tools:
Loom: Record videos easily
Descript: Edit video and automatically generate transcripts
Canva: Create graphics for social media
OpusClip/Clippah: AI-powered short clip creation from long videos
ChatGPT/Claude: Help rewrite content for different platforms
Scheduling Tools: Buffer, Hootsuite, or Later for consistent posting
The time investment:
4-6 hours creating core content (weekly)
2-3 hours repurposing for platforms (weekly)
1-2 hours engagement and community management (daily)
Total: 10-15 hours per week for comprehensive multi-platform presence
This is manageable for a committed business owner or a small marketing team.
The Paid Advertising Integration (Don't Abandon It, Just Don't Rely On It Exclusively)
Let me be clear: Paid advertising still has a place in your strategy.
The mistake is making it your ONLY strategy.
When to use paid advertising:
Quick Wins: While building organic presence (which takes time), paid ads provide immediate traffic and leads.
Promotion: Amplify your best organic content to reach wider audiences.
Testing: Test messaging, offers, and audience targeting before investing in organic content production.
Retargeting: Re-engage people who've interacted with your organic content.
Specific Campaigns: Time-sensitive offers, events, or promotions.
Competitive Positioning: Appear alongside competitors in paid placements.
The integrated approach:
Create organic content for long-term positioning
Identify which content performs best organically
Amplify top-performing content with paid promotion
Use paid ads to drive traffic to organic content
Retarget engaged audiences with conversion-focused ads
Continuously invest in both organic and paid
Budget allocation guidance:
For most Santa Clarita businesses:
60-70% organic content creation and positioning
30-40% paid advertising amplification
For businesses with high-value customers or competitive markets:
50% organic
50% paid
Never:
100% paid with no organic presence
100% organic with no amplification budget
The platforms where you need paid-organic integration:
Google: Organic SEO + Google Ads for comprehensive search presence
Facebook/Instagram: Organic content + boosted posts and ads
LinkedIn: Organic thought leadership + sponsored content
YouTube: Organic videos + TrueView ads
TikTok: Organic content + TikTok ads (once you understand the platform)
The Local Santa Clarita Advantage (And How To Leverage It)
Being a local business in Santa Clarita Valley provides specific advantages in this new search landscape:
Local Search Intent
When people search "AI consultant Santa Clarita" or "best restaurants in Valencia" or "real estate agent Stevenson Ranch," they have high intent. They're looking for LOCAL solutions.
Your advantage:
Less competition than national markets
Geographic specificity in content
Local knowledge and expertise
Community connections and references
Local review and reputation weight
Community-Focused Content
Content that's specific to Santa Clarita Valley performs better locally than generic national content:
"Best hiking trails in Santa Clarita Valley" beats "best hiking trails in California"
"Stevenson Ranch vs Valencia: Where to buy a home" beats generic home-buying content
"Santa Clarita business networking events" beats generic networking advice
Local Platform Optimization
Google Business Profile:
Essential for "near me" searches
Complete profile with photos, posts, Q&A
Respond to all reviews
Post updates regularly
Local Social Media Groups:
Active participation in Santa Clarita Facebook groups
Local Instagram location tags and hashtags
r/SantaClarita Reddit engagement
Local Citations:
Santa Clarita business directories
Chamber of Commerce listing
Industry-specific local directories
Local news features and press
Geographic Keywords in AI Positioning
When creating content for AI retrieval, include specific geographic context:
Instead of: "We help businesses implement AI solutions"
Write: "We help Santa Clarita Valley businesses implement AI solutions, with specific expertise in real estate automation for the SCV market, AI voice agents for local service providers, and workflow optimization for small businesses in Valencia, Newhall, Canyon Country, and Stevenson Ranch"
The geographic specificity makes it more likely AI systems will recommend you for local queries.
The Measurement Framework: What Actually Matters
You can't improve what you don't measure. Here's what to track:
Traffic Sources
Where are people actually finding you?
Google organic search
Direct traffic (typed URL or bookmark)
Social media referrals (which platforms?)
YouTube
Referral traffic (other websites)
Paid advertising
What this tells you: Which channels are working and deserve more investment.
Search Queries
What are people actually searching to find you?
Google Search Console shows search queries
YouTube Analytics shows search terms
Social media insights show discovery methods
What this tells you: What content resonates and what gaps exist.
Engagement Metrics
Are people actually consuming your content?
Time on page
Bounce rate
Pages per session
Video watch time
Social media engagement rate
Comments and shares
What this tells you: Whether your content provides value or just attracts clicks.
Conversion Metrics
Are visitors becoming customers?
Contact form submissions
Phone calls
Email signups
Purchase/booking/appointment completions
Download of resources
What this tells you: Which content and channels drive actual business results.
AI Mention Tracking
Are you being recommended by AI systems?
Manually query LLMs about your industry + Santa Clarita
Use tools like Browse AI or similar to track mentions
Monitor when Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity mention your business
Track traffic from AI-powered answer engines
What this tells you: Whether your AEO/AIEO efforts are working.
Platform-Specific Metrics
Each platform has unique metrics that matter:
TikTok: Watch time, completion rate, shares Instagram: Reach, saves, shares (more valuable than likes) YouTube: Watch time, click-through rate, subscribers LinkedIn: Engagement rate, follower growth, profile views
The adjustment process:
Measure monthly
Identify what's working and what isn't
Double down on what works
Adjust or abandon what doesn't
Test new approaches in low-performing areas
Continuously refine strategy
The 90-Day Implementation Roadmap
Here's how to actually implement Search Everywhere Optimization:
Month 1: Foundation and Audit
Week 1-2: Audit
Document where you're currently positioned
Analyze where competition is positioned
Identify platform gaps and opportunities
Set baseline metrics
Week 3-4: Foundation
Website technical SEO audit and fixes
Implement structured data markup (AIEO)
Set up Google Business Profile completely
Establish analytics and tracking
Create content calendar framework
Month 2: Content Production and Platform Setup
Week 5-6: Core Content
Publish first comprehensive long-form blog post (3,000+ words)
Create first long-form video (if applicable)
Implement full SEO/AEO/AIEO optimization
Set up repurposing workflow
Week 7-8: Platform Launch
Launch first platform (TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn based on strategy)
Post repurposed content consistently
Engage authentically with target audience
Monitor early performance metrics
Month 3: Expansion and Optimization
Week 9-10: Multi-Platform Expansion
Launch second platform
Continue consistent posting on first platform
Maintain blog publishing schedule
Build content library
Week 11-12: Optimization and Paid Integration
Analyze performance across all channels
Identify top-performing content
Launch paid amplification for best content
Refine strategy based on data
Ongoing: Consistent Execution
Weekly long-form content
Daily social media presence
Monthly performance review
Quarterly strategy adjustment
Continuous testing and refinement
The Hard Truth: Most Businesses Won't Do This
Let me be brutally honest:
Most businesses won't implement this strategy.
Why?
It requires commitment. You can't post once and expect results. This is a long-term game.
It requires resources. Time, money, or both. Content creation isn't free.
It requires consistency. You can't disappear for months and maintain presence.
It requires expertise. Doing this well requires understanding multiple platforms and optimization techniques.
It requires patience. Results compound over time. Month 1 looks different than Month 12.
But here's the opportunity:
Because most businesses won't do this, those who do have massive competitive advantages.
If your competitors aren't optimizing for LLMs, you can own AI recommendations in your industry.
If they're ignoring TikTok, you can dominate that platform locally.
If they've abandoned long-form content, you can own organic search.
If they're 100% paid advertising, you can build sustainable organic presence while they burn cash.
The businesses winning in 2025 and beyond are those who:
Recognize search has fragmented across platforms
Commit to positioning everywhere, not just Google
Invest in organic content creation, not just paid ads
Optimize for AI retrieval systems
Execute consistently over time
Measure and refine continuously
That's the game. Most won't play it. Will you?
Why I'm Telling You This (And How HonorElevate Can Help)
Full disclosure: This is what I do.
As an AI Growth Architect and founder of HonorElevate, I help Santa Clarita Valley businesses implement exactly these strategies:
AI integration and automation
Search Everywhere Optimization
Content strategy and production
Multi-platform positioning
AEO and AIEO implementation
I'm not trying to hide that I offer these services. But I'm also not gatekeeping the information.
Everything in this post is actionable right now. You could implement it yourself with enough time and commitment.
But here's the reality:
Most business owners don't have time to:
Learn all these platforms
Understand technical optimization
Create consistent content
Manage multiple channels
Measure and refine continuously
That's where agencies like HonorElevate come in. We handle the implementation so you can focus on running your business.
Whether you work with me or someone else or do it yourself, the strategy remains the same:
You need to be positioned everywhere your customers are searching, not just where you used to be found.
Google-only SEO is dead. Search Everywhere Optimization is the future.
The question is: Will you adapt or get left behind?
FAQ: Search Everywhere Optimization
Q: Is traditional Google SEO dead?
A: No, but it's no longer sufficient on its own. Google is still a massive traffic source, particularly for certain demographics and industries. You should absolutely optimize for Google. But you can't ONLY optimize for Google anymore. Search behavior has fragmented across LLMs, social platforms, and other channels. Your strategy needs to reflect that reality.
Q: How is AEO different from SEO?
A: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focuses on ranking in traditional search engine results where users click through to your site. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) focuses on having your content directly surface as the answer in AI-powered systems, often without requiring a click-through. AEO emphasizes comprehensive content depth, clear structure, authoritative tone, and direct answers to queries.
Q: What is AIEO and why does it matter?
A: AIEO (Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization) is the technical structure and organization of content specifically for AI retrieval systems. This includes structured data markup (schema), semantic HTML, specific organizational patterns (problem-solution, Q&A format), metadata optimization, and content interconnection. It matters because AI systems can more easily parse, understand, and retrieve properly structured content.
Q: Should small businesses really be on TikTok?
A: It depends on your target demographic. If you're targeting consumers under 40, absolutely yes. TikTok has become a primary search platform for younger demographics who search there before Google. If your customers are on TikTok (and for most consumer-facing businesses in Santa Clarita, they are), you need to be there too. Start with 3-4 posts per week and see what resonates.
Q: How long does it take to see results from Search Everywhere Optimization?
A: It varies by platform and strategy. Paid advertising provides immediate results. Social media organic content might show traction in 30-60 days with consistent posting. Traditional SEO typically takes 3-6 months. AI positioning can be faster if you're in a less competitive niche. The key is consistent execution over time - results compound.
Q: Can I just hire someone to do all this for me?
A: Yes, that's exactly what agencies like HonorElevate do. However, business owner involvement in content creation (providing expertise, reviewing drafts, being the face of video content) typically produces better results than completely outsourcing. The best approach is often a partnership: agency handles strategy, technical implementation, and execution while business owner provides expertise and occasional content.
Q: What's the minimum content production schedule that actually works?
A: For meaningful results: one comprehensive long-form piece per week (blog post or video), repurposed across 2-3 social platforms with daily posting. Less than this and you're unlikely to gain traction. More is better, but consistency matters more than volume. Better to post 3x per week consistently than 10x one week and nothing for two months.
Q: How do I know if AI systems are actually recommending my business?
A: Test it manually. Query ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and other LLMs with variations of "[your industry] in Santa Clarita" or "[problem you solve] in SCV" and see what appears. Use tools like Browse AI to track mentions over time. Monitor referral traffic from AI-powered platforms. The metric to watch is whether your business appears when people ask AI for recommendations in your industry and location.
Q: Should I abandon paid advertising if I focus on organic?
A: Absolutely not. The strategy is integrated, not either/or. Use organic content for long-term positioning and sustainable traffic. Use paid advertising for immediate results, amplifying top-performing organic content, testing messaging, and reaching specific audiences. Budget allocation should be roughly 60-70% organic, 30-40% paid for most businesses.
Q: What platforms should I prioritize if I can only handle 2-3?
A: It depends on your business type and target customer. For B2B professional services: LinkedIn + website blog. For consumer-facing local businesses: Website blog + Instagram or TikTok + Google Business Profile. For e-commerce: Website + TikTok + Instagram. For service providers: Website blog + YouTube + Google Business Profile. The key is choosing platforms where your actual customers spend time.
Q: Is long-form content really necessary or can I just do short-form social?
A: Long-form content is essential for AI positioning, traditional SEO, authority building, and comprehensive topic coverage. Short-form social is essential for discovery, engagement, and reaching platforms where people search. You need both. Create long-form content as your source of truth, then repurpose it into short-form for distribution.
Q: How do I measure ROI on content creation versus paid advertising?
A: Track traffic sources in Google Analytics or similar tools. Attribute leads and sales to specific sources. For organic content, track: organic search traffic, social referral traffic, time on site, conversion rates. For paid ads: direct attribution through platform tracking. Over time, calculate customer acquisition cost (CAC) for each channel. Organic content has higher upfront costs but lower ongoing costs. Paid has immediate results but continuous expense.
Q: What's the biggest mistake businesses make with Search Everywhere Optimization?
A: Inconsistency. They post for a few weeks, see limited immediate results, and abandon the strategy. SEO compounds over time. A blog post published today might drive traffic for years. Social media presence requires consistent engagement over months. The businesses that win are those that commit to 6-12 months of consistent execution before judging results.
Q: Can AI-generated content work for Search Everywhere Optimization?
A: AI can assist with content creation (ideation, outlines, drafts, repurposing) but shouldn't completely replace human expertise. AI-generated content often lacks: unique insights, local knowledge, authentic voice, genuine expertise. Use AI to speed up production, but always have human review, editing, and expert contribution. Purely AI-generated content performs poorly for authority building and AI system recommendation.
Q: How important are reviews for Search Everywhere Optimization?
A: Extremely important. Reviews appear in traditional search results, influence AI recommendations (LLMs often cite reviews when making suggestions), and drive direct platform traffic (Google Maps, Yelp, etc.). Actively encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, industry-specific platforms, and social media. Respond to all reviews, positive and negative.
Q: Should Santa Clarita businesses focus more on local or broader market positioning?
A: For most Santa Clarita businesses (service providers, retail, restaurants, professional services), local positioning should be primary focus. The competition is less intense, search intent is higher, and customers are more likely to convert. Create content with specific Santa Clarita Valley angles. Once you dominate locally, expand to broader market if it makes sense for your business model.
Q: What's the difference between being on a platform and optimizing for that platform's search?
A: Many businesses "are on" platforms - they have accounts and occasionally post. Few actually optimize for platform search. Optimization means: researching what people search for on that platform, understanding that platform's algorithm, using platform-specific features (hashtags, location tags, trending sounds), posting consistently, engaging with community, analyzing performance data, and refining strategy. Simply having an account does nothing.
Q: How do I compete with businesses that have been doing this longer?
A: Find the gaps. Established businesses often get complacent. They're on old platforms but not new ones. They abandoned content creation for paid ads. They're not optimizing for AI systems. They're ignoring video. Identify where your competition ISN'T, and own that space. In 6-12 months of consistent execution, you can outposition businesses that have been around longer but aren't actively optimizing.
Summary: The Search Everywhere Optimization Framework
Search has fundamentally changed. Google is no longer the only place (or even the primary place) people search for businesses, products, and solutions.
Search now happens:
On large language models (ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Grok, Perplexity)
On social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook)
On traditional search engines (Google, Bing)
On review platforms (Google Business Profile, Yelp, industry-specific sites)
On community platforms (Reddit, local forums)
Your strategy must reflect this reality:
Core Content Hub: Comprehensive, authoritative content on your website optimized for traditional SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and AIEO (Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization).
Multi-Platform Positioning: Strategic presence on 2-4 platforms where your actual customers search, with platform-specific optimization.
Content Repurposing System: Create once (long-form), repurpose everywhere (short-form for each platform).
Integrated Paid Strategy: Use paid advertising to amplify organic content, not replace it. Budget allocation: 60-70% organic, 30-40% paid.
Consistent Execution: Results compound over time. Commit to 6-12 months of consistent content creation and engagement.
Measurement and Refinement: Track what works, double down on winners, adjust or abandon losers.
Local Advantage: Santa Clarita businesses should leverage local specificity for less competitive, higher-intent positioning.
The businesses that win: Recognize fragmented search behavior, commit resources to comprehensive positioning, execute consistently over time, and measure/refine continuously.
The businesses that lose: Rely exclusively on Google SEO, abandon organic for paid-only strategies, post inconsistently, ignore AI optimization, and fail to adapt to changing search behavior.
The choice is yours: Adapt to Search Everywhere Optimization or watch competitors own the platforms where your customers are actually searching.
The era of Google-only SEO is over. The era of Search Everywhere Optimization has begun.
Position yourself accordingly.
Related Resources from Santa Clarita Artificial Intelligence
About Connor MacIvor
Connor MacIvor is an AI Growth Architect and founder of HonorElevate, providing AI automation and Search Everywhere Optimization services to businesses in Santa Clarita Valley. With 25+ years of real estate experience and 20+ years of law enforcement background with LAPD, Connor brings unique perspectives on positioning, credibility building, and systematic strategy execution to the AI integration and digital marketing space. He conducts weekly Monday 10am AI training webinars and creates educational content about both AI opportunities and practical business implementation.
For AI automation and SEO services: HonorElevate.com
For AI voice agent solutions: BusinessAIvoice.com
For real estate referrals: SantaClaritaOpenHouses.com
For AI education and training: SantaClaritaArtificialIntelligence.com
