In 2025, search engine optimization (SEO) is being reshaped by AI. From ChatGPT to Gemini to AI-powered search engines, the rules of keyword research are evolving rapidly. If you still rely solely on traditional Google keyword tools, you’re missing out on the massive shift driven by AI language models, zero-click results, and semantic search.
In this post, we explain:
- The differences between AI keywords and Google keywords
- How AI-driven search changes keyword strategy
- Which tools and methods work best in 2025
- How to future-proof your SEO with more innovative keyword research
Whether you’re a business owner in New Mexico or a global marketer, understanding AI keywords is essential for staying visible online.
What Is Traditional Google Keyword Research?
Google keyword research has historically relied on tools like Google Keyword Planner and third-party platforms like SEMrush and Ahrefs. These tools provide data such as:
- Search volume (how often a keyword is searched)
- Cost-per-click (CPC) for paid search
- Competition (how hard it is to rank)
Marketers used these metrics to:
- Target high-volume, low-competition keywords
- Group keywords by intent (informational, navigational, transactional)
- Structure content with a primary keyword and supporting terms
This approach is still relevant but misses a critical new layer: how people search using AI tools.
What Are AI Keywords?
AI keywords are the natural language queries people use when interacting with generative AI tools or AI-powered search results. These keywords are more conversational, longer, and context-aware. Examples include:
- “What are the best SEO strategies for 2025?”
- “Compare AI keyword tools vs. Google Keyword Planner”
- “Give me a content plan for a landscaping business in Albuquerque”
These are not typical search engine queries. They’re prompts, and they reflect how people talk. AI tools understand the intent behind the words, not just the literal keywords.
Key Differences: AI Keywords vs. Google Keywords
| Feature | Google Keywords | AI Keywords |
| Format | Short phrases (“SEO tools”) | Long prompts/questions (“What are the best AI SEO tools?”) |
| Search Style | Typed into Google | Spoken or typed into AI tools or assistants |
| Intent Detection | Based on algorithmic signals | Based on context and conversation |
| Output | List of search results | Direct answers, summaries, or conversations |
| Ranking Focus | SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) | Featured snippets, zero-click answers, AI summaries |
Example:
- Google keyword: “keyword research”
- AI keyword: “How do I do keyword research for a plumbing business using AI tools?”
AI keywords signal richer intent. They often reveal the user’s goal or pain point. So, optimizing them requires more contextual and structured content.
Why AI Keywords Matter in 2025
AI is now a primary traffic source.
According to recent research from Statista, over 30% of all online searches in 2025 involve some form of AI assistance. Platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity.ai are replacing traditional search engines for a growing segment of users.
That means your content must:
- Be easy to parse by AI crawlers
- Contains semantically rich language.
- Answer full questions, not just match phrases.
This shift is especially relevant for businesses targeting local markets. For example, if you offer SEO services in Albuquerque, your customers may now ask AI tools:
“Who are the best SEO companies in Albuquerque for small business websites?”
If your content doesn’t answer this clearly, you may get skipped over in AI summaries or voice search results.
How to Optimize for AI Keywords in 2025
Here’s a future-proof process to optimize for both AI and traditional search:
1. Start with Human Intent
Ask: What questions is my audience trying to answer? Use tools like:
- Google People Also Ask
- ChatGPT prompt simulations
- Reddit/Quora question threads
2. Use AI Tools to Discover Prompts
Tools like:
- ChatGPT: Generate long-form queries and compare phrasing
- Perplexity.ai: See how AI ranks or summarizes info
- AnswerThePublic: Visualize human-style questions
3. Map Content to Prompts
Use natural language subheadings like:
- “What is AI keyword research, and how is it different from Google keyword tools?”
- “Best practices for keyword targeting in 2025”
4. Include AI-Friendly Elements
- FAQ sections answering full questions
- Schema markup (FAQPage, Article)
- Structured lists and bullet points
5. Link Contextually
Use meaningful internal links like:
- Learn more about our AI consulting services
- Get insights from our digital marketing strategy consultants.
6. Target Long-Tail and Conversational Terms
For example:
- Instead of just “landscape lighting SEO,” use:
- “How to rank a landscape lighting company in Albuquerque using AI keyword tools”
From Keywords to Entities: The Semantic Shift
AI search doesn’t just match keywords. It understands entities (people, companies, services) and relationships.
So instead of just optimizing for “SEO,” we recommend:
- Mentioning specific services, like “technical SEO audits” or “local SEO for Albuquerque”
- Naming relevant tools, e.g., “Google Search Console, Jasper, Surfer SEO”
- Connecting related ideas: keyword research, voice search, featured snippets
Google’s Natural Language API and AI assistants are trained on knowledge graphs. Speak their language.
Outdated Keyword Strategies to Avoid
❌ Exact-match stuffing:
- Still, using “cheap SEO Albuquerque” repeatedly? That won’t work.
❌ Thin content:
- 300-word posts optimized for one term won’t satisfy AI or humans.
❌ Ignoring search intent:
- Don’t just rank. Answer the why behind a search.
Instead, focus on topic clusters and pillar content that provide deep, structured value.
Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Keyword Strategy
Keyword research is not dead — it has evolved. If you want your business to show up in both traditional search engines and AI assistants, you need to:
- Understand how AI interprets language
- Optimize content for prompts, not just phrases.
- Structure content to match questions and semantic queries
As a full-service digital marketing agency, WSI Web Enhancers is here to help New Mexico businesses thrive in the age of AI.
Contact our team today to explore how we can enhance your AI SEO strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is AI keyword research?
AI keyword research involves discovering conversational prompts and natural language queries users ask AI tools, not just search engines.
How does AI keyword research differ from traditional Google keyword research?
AI keywords are longer, contextual, and intent-based. Google keywords are shorter and volume-driven.
Why is AI important in SEO?
AI is embedded in modern search, voice assistants, and summarization tools, shaping how users find content.
Should I stop using traditional keyword tools?
No. Use traditional tools (like SEMrush) and AI insights to cover all search behaviors.
Jukka founded WSI Web Enhancers in 2012. His progressive and pioneering SEO approaches help businesses increase traffic while improving conversion rates. As an accomplished digital marketing authority, he spins effective web design, SEO, and social media engagement into winning strategies for local and national companies.
