For Sarah Chen, owner of “Baked Bliss,” a popular bakery in Atlanta’s vibrant Little Five Points neighborhood, 2025 was a year of sweet success. Her sourdough was legendary, her custom cakes Instagram-worthy, and her shop a haven for pastry lovers. But 2026 brought a new challenge: brand visibility across search and LLMs. While her traditional marketing efforts (word-of-mouth and local ads) still drew crowds, Sarah noticed a dip in new customers. Was her online presence fading, and could Large Language Models be a part of the problem? How could she ensure Baked Bliss remained top-of-mind in a world increasingly shaped by AI-powered search?
Key Takeaways
- Monitor your brand mentions across various platforms, including search engines and LLM-powered applications, using tools like Semrush or Ahrefs, to understand how your brand is being perceived.
- Create high-quality, informative content that directly answers customer questions and addresses their needs to improve your ranking in both traditional search and LLM-driven results.
- Actively manage your online reputation by responding to reviews and addressing customer concerns on platforms like Yelp and Google Business Profile to ensure positive brand perception.
The problem wasn’t just search engine rankings. Sarah realized that potential customers were now using LLMs like Bard and Perplexity AI to find bakeries. If Baked Bliss wasn’t prominently featured in the LLM’s responses, it was as good as invisible. This was a totally different ballgame than just chasing Google’s algorithm.
The Rise of LLMs and the Challenge to Brand Visibility
LLMs are changing how people discover information. Instead of sifting through pages of search results, users are getting direct answers generated by AI. This means traditional SEO strategies are no longer enough to guarantee brand visibility across search and LLMs. A report by eMarketer projects that AI-powered search will handle over 40% of all online queries by 2028 emarketer.com. That’s a huge shift.
Sarah’s predicament is a common one. Businesses that rely on local search are particularly vulnerable. They need to adapt their marketing strategies to account for this new AI-driven landscape.
I had a client last year, a law firm near the Perimeter, experiencing a similar issue. They were ranking well for traditional search terms like “personal injury lawyer Atlanta,” but their name rarely came up in LLM responses. The fix? A multi-pronged approach focused on content, reputation, and strategic partnerships.
Content is Still King (But Needs a New Crown)
High-quality content remains essential. But the type of content that resonates with LLMs is different. It needs to be informative, authoritative, and directly answer user questions. Think “What are the best vegan cake options in Atlanta?” or “Where can I find gluten-free bread near me?”
Here’s what nobody tells you: LLMs favor content that’s structured and easy to understand. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language. Avoid jargon and fluff. Focus on providing value to the reader.
Sarah started by creating a series of blog posts answering common customer questions. “The Ultimate Guide to Sourdough Bread,” “Vegan Cakes That Actually Taste Good,” and “Gluten-Free Options at Baked Bliss” were all hits. She also updated her website with detailed information about her products and services, using schema markup to help search engines understand the content. She even included a FAQ section answering questions like “Do you deliver to Inman Park?” and “What kind of flour do you use?”
Reputation Management: More Important Than Ever
LLMs rely on online reviews and ratings to assess the credibility of a business. A negative review can have a disproportionate impact on your brand visibility across search and LLMs. It’s vital to actively manage your online reputation.
Sarah made it a priority to respond to every review, both positive and negative, on platforms like Yelp and Google Business Profile. She addressed customer concerns promptly and professionally, and she encouraged satisfied customers to leave reviews. We also implemented a system for monitoring online mentions of Baked Bliss, so she could quickly address any negative feedback.
We had to convince her that responding to every review was worth the time. It is. Think of it as free advertising and a chance to show you care.
Strategic Partnerships and Local SEO
Building relationships with other local businesses and organizations can also boost your brand visibility across search and LLMs. Sarah partnered with a nearby coffee shop, Java Junction, to offer a “pastry and coffee” combo. She also sponsored a local farmers market, providing free samples of her baked goods.
These partnerships not only increased brand awareness but also generated valuable backlinks to her website. Backlinks are still a ranking factor, even in the age of LLMs.
Don’t forget the basics of local SEO. Ensure your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate. Use relevant keywords in your business description and post regularly about your products and services. Claim your business listings on other local directories.
According to a Nielsen study nielsen.com, 84% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. That statistic alone should be enough to convince you to prioritize reputation management.
The Results: A Sweet Comeback
Within a few months, Sarah saw a significant improvement in her brand visibility across search and LLMs. Baked Bliss was now consistently appearing in LLM responses for relevant queries. Website traffic increased, and she started attracting new customers from all over Atlanta. Her revenue rebounded, and she was once again baking up a storm.
The key was adapting to the new reality of AI-powered search. By focusing on high-quality content, reputation management, and strategic partnerships, Sarah was able to ensure that Baked Bliss remained a beloved destination for pastry lovers in Atlanta.
I remember when she called me after seeing Baked Bliss mentioned in a Bard response about the best bakeries in Little Five Points. “We’re back on the map!” she exclaimed. That’s the power of adapting to change.
The Future of Marketing: It’s All About Relevance
The rise of LLMs is forcing marketers to rethink their strategies. It’s no longer enough to simply rank high in search results. You need to be relevant, authoritative, and trustworthy. You need to provide value to your audience.
The IAB’s 2026 State of Marketing report iab.com/insights highlights the growing importance of AI-powered marketing tools. While these tools can help you automate tasks and personalize your messaging, they can’t replace the need for human creativity and strategic thinking. LLMs might generate the answers, but you need to provide the ingredients.
The shift toward AI-driven search isn’t a threat, but an opportunity. An opportunity to connect with customers in new and meaningful ways. An opportunity to build a stronger brand. An opportunity to bake up some serious success.
The lesson from Sarah’s story? Don’t ignore the rise of AI. Embrace it. Adapt to it. Use it to your advantage. Your brand’s visibility depends on it.
How can I track my brand mentions in LLMs?
While there isn’t a single tool specifically designed to track brand mentions in all LLMs, you can use brand monitoring tools like Brandwatch to track mentions across various online platforms, including forums, social media, and news sites. Also, experiment with different LLMs by asking them questions related to your industry and see if your brand is mentioned. This can give you a sense of your brand’s visibility in the LLM space.
What type of content works best for LLMs?
LLMs favor content that is informative, authoritative, and directly answers user questions. Focus on creating detailed guides, FAQs, and blog posts that address common customer needs and concerns. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make your content easy to understand.
How important is local SEO in the age of LLMs?
Local SEO remains crucial. Ensure your Google Business Profile is complete and accurate. Use relevant keywords in your business description, post regularly, and claim your business listings on other local directories. This helps LLMs understand your business and its relevance to local search queries.
What if I get a negative review?
Respond to negative reviews promptly and professionally. Acknowledge the customer’s concerns, apologize for any inconvenience, and offer a solution. This shows that you care about your customers and are willing to address their issues. Don’t get defensive; focus on resolving the problem.
Are backlinks still important?
Yes, backlinks are still a ranking factor, even in the age of LLMs. Focus on earning high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites in your industry. Guest blogging, strategic partnerships, and creating valuable content are all effective ways to build backlinks.
So, how can you adapt your marketing strategy to thrive in this new AI-powered world? Start by auditing your online presence and identifying areas for improvement. Then, focus on creating content that answers customer questions, managing your online reputation, and building strategic partnerships. The future of marketing is here, and it’s time to embrace it.
