Why Human-Written Content Still Wins in AI Search
Google's own guidance draws a clear line for AI search visibility: original expertise, not human versus AI. Here's what that means for your content.
Read articleTHE VIKING SEARCH BLOG
Insights from the work.
Useful perspectives, practical checklists, and real examples to help you make clearer decisions about search and your website.
Google Removed FAQ Rich Results in 2026: What Actually Changed (and What Still Matters)
Google quietly discontinued FAQ rich results in Search in 2026. Here's what officially changed, why your FAQ content still matters for AEO and AI search, and where to focus structured data effort instead.
Read article
Meet Dane Gustafson: Why I Treat Every Website Like a Puzzle
From graphic design to FDA-regulated quality assurance to SEO at scale, here’s the winding path behind Viking Search Marketing, and why I treat every website like a puzzle.
Read article
How to Get Cited by AI Overviews and ChatGPT: A Practical GEO Checklist
GEO isn't a black box. Here's a practical, checklist-driven look at what actually improves your odds of being cited by Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity, grounded in what Google and OpenAI themselves say matters.
Read article
SEO and AEO for Small Businesses: How They Work Together
SEO and AEO aren't rival strategies, one builds on the other. Here's how they work together, what Google's own 2026 guidance says actually matters, and a practical checklist for small businesses.
Read article
What Actually Moves the Needle in 2026: Local SEO vs. AI Search Visibility
A new industry survey asked 47 local SEO experts to score 187 ranking factors twice: once for Google Maps, once for AI search visibility. Here's where the two lists agree, and where they quietly diverge.
Read article
Ask Maps and Your Google Business Profile: What Local Businesses Should Know
What Google’s Ask Maps launch means for local customers, and how to keep your business profile accurate without chasing unsupported posting or ranking rules.
Read article
Google Search Console Is Finally Showing AI Search Visibility—Here’s What It Means
Google Search Console now reports generative AI impressions from AI Overviews and AI Mode. Here is what the new data reveals—and what it still leaves out.
Read article
What Does an SEO Audit Include, and Does Your Small Business Need One?
Learn what a professional SEO audit should review, which findings matter most, what the final roadmap should include, and when a small business needs one.
Read article
Search Marketing Services for Small Businesses: What You Actually Need
Which search marketing services does a small business actually need? See how SEO, local search, AI visibility, websites, content, and analytics work together.
Read article
Google's AI Search Guidance for 2026: What Small Businesses Should Do and What They Can Ignore
Google's latest AI search guidance confirms that strong SEO still matters. Here's what small businesses should prioritize and which shortcuts to ignore.
Read article
Do Google Reviews Help You Rank on Google Maps? What Local Businesses Need to Know
Google reviews can support Google Maps visibility, but they work best with a complete Google Business Profile, strong local SEO, and consistent trust signals.
Read article
Google Maps vs. AI Search: How Local Customers Find Businesses in 2026
Local customers now discover businesses through Google Maps, organic search, AI answers, and websites. Learn how Google Business Profile optimization, local SEO, and AI search readiness work together.
Read article
Why Your Business Isn't Showing Up on Google Maps: 7 Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Not showing up on Google Maps? Learn 7 common Google Business Profile problems that hurt local visibility and how to fix them.
Read article
How a Google Business Profile Helps Customers Find You Online
Learn how a complete Google Business Profile helps local customers find your business in Search and Maps, plus the updates and metrics that drive meaningful action.
Read article
Why FAQ Content Matters for AI Search
Search is becoming more conversational. Instead of typing short phrases into Google, people are asking full questions. They want quick answers, clear explanations, and helpful recommendations. That shift is one reason FAQ content has become so important for SEO, AEO, and AI search visibility.
Read article
SEO vs. AEO vs. GEO: What’s the Difference?
Search marketing used to feel a little simpler. For years, most businesses focused on SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. The goal was clear: help your website show up in Google when people search for your products, services, or business.
Read article
What Is GEO? A Guide to Generative Engine Optimization
Generative Engine Optimization helps your business become easier for AI search tools to understand, summarize, and reference. Learn how GEO works with SEO and AEO.
Read article
Why Does Every AI Button Use a Sparkle Icon?
Artificial intelligence is everywhere now. It shows up in search results, writing tools, design apps, website builders, email platforms, photo editors, spreadsheets, and customer service tools. And if you look closely, many of these AI features share a similar visual language. A sparkle. A star. A little “magic” icon.
Read article
Case Study: How an AI-Friendly Landing Page Helped Launch Battle Balm
A look at the Battle Balm landing-page structure, product information and customer FAQs built with Bloom. This example documents the work rather than measured search or AI visibility gains.
Read article
Is Your Business Ready for AI Search?
AI-powered search is changing how customers find businesses online. Tools like Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, ChatGPT, and Perplexity provide answers directly, making it easier for people to get quick information. For small business owners, local businesses, service providers, ecommerce brands, and entrepreneurs, understanding AI search readiness is essential to stay visible and competitive.
Read article
You May Be Against AI, But You Are Already Using It
AI-powered search is already shaping how customers find answers, compare options, and discover businesses. Learn what that means for small-business visibility and how to prepare.
Read article
What Is AEO and Why Does It Matter for Your Business?
People are not only typing short keyword phrases into Google anymore. They are asking full questions. They are using voice search. They are reading AI-generated summaries. They are using tools like Google AI search experiences, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and other answer-based platforms to get quick recommendations.
Read article
Why Your Local Business Needs an Optimized Google Business Profile Now
When customers look for local services or products, many start with a quick Google search. Before visiting a website or calling a business, they often check the map results, reviews, photos, and hours of operation. This is where a Google Business Profile becomes essential for local businesses.
Read article
Maximize Local Search: Strategies for Business Growth
Learn practical local search optimization strategies for improving Google Maps visibility, strengthening your Google Business Profile, earning reviews, and helping nearby customers find your business.
Read articleYOUR NEXT STEP
Start with a clearer picture.
Tell us about your business and what you would like to improve. We’ll help identify the next useful step.
Get Your Free Snapshot