Voices of Search Podcast Summary
Episode: Optimizing Product Content Specifically for AI Summarization?
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: AJ Grgich (CEO, Botify)

Overview

In this episode, Tyson Stockton discusses with AJ Grgich whether optimizing product content specifically for AI summarization is a trend or a trash tactic. The conversation delves into the implications and best practices for tailoring digital content for AI consumption, drawing parallels with historical shifts in SEO strategies, and balancing immediate versus long-term gains.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI as the New “Customer” in SEO

• AJ Grgich (00:52): AJ frames the central question: is optimizing product content for AI summarization a valuable trend or a disposable tactic?
• He emphasizes that as AI systems increasingly act as intermediaries to users, AI effectively becomes a primary “customer” for content.
  • Quote (AJ, 00:52): “If AI is your customer, then yes, you should [optimize for AI summarization].”
• The mindset should shift from purely human-centered optimization to considering how AI ingests and interprets content.

2. Avoiding Manipulation and Repeating Past SEO Mistakes

• AJ cautions against trying to game AI systems with manipulative tactics, drawing a parallel to early SEO manipulations:
  • Quote (AJ, 01:13): “Let’s not repeat the sin of the past. Let’s not manipulate the AI with some, like, content mix... Just solve the intent, solve the intent.”
• The lesson from past SEO strategies: focusing on search engine loopholes can yield short-term wins but eventually backfires.

3. Solving for Intent and Accessibility

• Content optimization should focus on truly solving user intent, treated now as the intent of both human and AI audiences.
• AJ suggests thinking about AI accessibility the way you would for real users facing accessibility barriers:
  • Quote (AJ, 01:44): “What if you had a user with accessibility issues? Would you relook at your colors? Would you relook at your font size?... Think about AI from that perspective. What can it see? What can it not see? How does it like to consume information?”
• Understanding AI’s content consumption preferences (structured data, information order, clarity) can provide an actionable optimization lens.

4. Trend vs. Long-Term Strategy

• Tyson Stockton sums up the discussion by highlighting the distinction between pursuing fleeting, manipulative "short-term games" and value-driven, sustainable strategies.
  • Quote (Tyson, 02:35): “It’s like short term games versus long term strategy... it is a trend. That is now your customer, like a primary customer because it's then feeding everything to that end consumer.”
• Both participants agree: optimizing for AI summarization is a current trend worth following, as it aligns with consumer behavior and future-proofs content strategy, so long as the approach is ethical and intent-focused.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• AJ Grgich (00:52): “If AI is your customer, then yes, you should [optimize for AI summarization].”
• AJ Grgich (01:13): “Let’s not repeat the sin of the past. Let’s not manipulate the AI... Just solve the intent, solve the intent.”
• AJ Grgich (01:44): “Think about AI from that perspective. What can it see? What can it not see? How does it like to consume information?”
• Tyson Stockton (02:35): “It’s like short term games versus long term strategy... it is a trend. That is now your customer, like a primary customer.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:43 – Main question posed: “Optimizing product content for AI summarization: trend or trash?”
• 00:52–02:25 – AJ Grgich discusses strategy, ethical concerns, user intent, and parallels with accessibility.
• 02:35 – Tyson Stockton summarizes the discussion, emphasizing long-term strategy.

Takeaways for Listeners

• Optimizing for AI summarization is a rising trend, given AI’s role as a proxy for user queries and content delivery.
• Ethical content optimization—focusing on intent, structure, and accessibility—is both future-proof and aligns with best practices.
• Avoid shortcuts or manipulative approaches; learn from SEO history and treat AI as a bona fide audience, much like real users with specific needs.

For More:

• AJ Grgich’s LinkedIn and Botify’s website are available in the show notes for deeper dives.
• Subscribe to Voices of Search for ongoing SEO insights.