Big mistake brands are making with AI visibility

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Voices of Search // Big mistake brands are making with AI visibility
Host: Jordan Cooney
Guest: Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z
Date: May 30, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into a critical error that many brands are making in their quest for AI visibility and improved SEO performance. Host Jordan Cooney welcomes Whitney Hart to discuss how brands are mishandling the integration of AI, specifically as it relates to search engine optimization. The conversation focuses on why treating AI-empowered experiences (AEO) as just another SEO add-on is a strategic misstep, and what brands should do instead to drive real impact in the evolving search landscape.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Misconception: Treating AEO as SEO with "Bells and Whistles"

• [00:54] Whitney Hart observes that brands are gravitating toward a superficial approach to AI visibility:

  "Brands are treating AEO as their SEO strategy with a few extra extra bells and whistles tacked on."

2. Need for Deeper Integration and Rethinking

• [02:29] Whitney elaborates that the mistake is failing to go deeper—brands should not simply bolt on AI components to their existing SEO strategies, but rather fundamentally reconsider their approach:

  "Instead of really digging in, understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by large language models and then crafting new strategies, data paradigms and measurement frameworks, as well as collaboration frameworks to move the needle."

3. Data-Driven Answers

• [02:44] Jordan Cooney closes the episode with a guiding principle for marketers:

  "Remember the answers are always in the data."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Whitney Hart on superficial AI attempts

  “[Brands are] treating AEO as their SEO strategy with a few extra extra bells and whistles tacked on.”
  (00:54)

• Whitney Hart on rethinking strategy

  “Instead of really digging in, understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by large language models and then crafting new strategies, data paradigms and measurement frameworks, as well as collaboration frameworks to move the needle.”
  (02:29)

• Jordan Cooney's sign-off reminder

  “Remember the answers are always in the data.”
  (02:44)

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Segment Timestamps

• 00:42 – Episode introduction: Jordan Cooney welcomes Whitney Hart
• 00:54 – Whitney Hart identifies the main mistake brands are making
• 02:29 – Whitney expands on what brands should be doing instead
• 02:44 – Jordan’s closing advice

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Summary Takeaways

• Brands must move beyond surface-level AI integrations and reimagine their entire approach to SEO in the context of rapidly evolving AI technologies.
• Deep engagement with the underlying technology (large language models) is necessary: this includes new measurement, collaboration, and data analysis frameworks.
• Greatest opportunities lie in data-driven strategies, not just adding AI tools to traditional tactics.

The episode offers a succinct, actionable reminder: if you want your brand to stand out in the era of AI, start overhauling your fundamentals instead of relying on old tricks with a shiny new twist.

Transcript

[Jordan Cooney]

The Voices of Search Podcast is a proud member of the I Hear Everything Podcast Network. Looking to launch or scale your podcast, I Hear Everything delivers podcast production, growth and monetization solutions that transform your words into profit. Ready to give your brand a voice? Then visit iheareverything.com welcome to the Voices of Search Podcast. A member of the I Hear Everything Podcast Network, ready to expedite your company's organic growth efforts. Sit back, relax and get ready for your daily dose of search engine optimization wisdom. Here's today's host of the Voices of Search Podcast, Jordan Cooney.

I'm Jordan Cooney and joining me today is Whitney Hart, Chief Strategy Officer at Avenue Z. Give me one mistake Brands Are making with AI Visibility Right now, brands are

[Whitney Hart]

treating AEO as their SEO strategy with a few extra extra bells and whistles tacked on.

[Sponsor/Pre Visible Representative]

Time for a one minute break to hear from our sponsor, Pre Visible. So you're looking for SEO help and you got a couple of options. You could start replying to spam from agencies that claim they can get you to rank number one on Google. You can pay an hourly rate for a consultant who will inevitably nickel and dime you with hourly charges, or you can work with a cookie cutter agency to quickly launch a strategy less project with low success rate. None of those sound very good now do they? Well, that's where Pre Visible's integrated consulting model comes in. Pre Visible draws From a collective 40 years of SEO and digital marketing experience to unlock your organic growth opportunities. They build custom solutions that combine strategy, technical expertise, content and reporting to effectively operationalize SEO for your business. Pre Visible's four stage approach ensures that your SEO programs thrive by starting off with a strategy first approach. Then they support you in your efforts to create quality content, help you identify technical issues, and most importantly, they'll work with your cross functional teams to integrate your SEO strategies to make sure that your SEO budget actually drives results, not just your agency's bottom line. So join brands like Yelp, eBay, Canva, Atlassian Square, all who rely on the SEO consultants at Pre Visible. For more information go to Previsible IO that's Previsible P R E V I S I B L E I O

[Whitney Hart]

instead of really digging in, understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by large language models and then crafting new strategies, data paradigms and measurement frameworks, as well as collaboration frameworks to move the needle.

[Jordan Cooney]

Okay, that's all for today, but until next time. Remember the answers are always in the data.