Field Notes

Applied research on AI search optimization and AI agent development

Agentic AI vs AI Agents: What the Distinction Actually Means

Agentic AI vs AI Agents: What the Distinction Actually Means

AI agents are discrete software entities that use large language models to plan, execute, and
AEO vs SEO: How Answer Engine Optimization Differs From Search Engine Optimization

AEO vs SEO: How Answer Engine Optimization Differs From Search Engine Optimization

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) engineers content for citation inside AI-generated answers, while Search Engine Optimization
How to Build a Knowledge Graph Presence That Gets Your Brand Cited by AI

How to Build a Knowledge Graph Presence That Gets Your Brand Cited by AI

Knowledge graph presence is the structured, machine-readable footprint a brand maintains across public knowledge graphs
How to Build an llms.txt File for Your Business

How to Build an llms.txt File for Your Business

An llms.txt file is a markdown document placed at a website's root
The Incumbent Problem: Why Market Leaders Show Up in AI Without Trying

The Incumbent Problem: Why Market Leaders Show Up in AI Without Trying

Large language models disproportionately cite market incumbents because their training data, entity graphs, and retrieval
How to Rank on ChatGPT: What Actually Works in 2026

How to Rank on ChatGPT: What Actually Works in 2026

ChatGPT does not rank pages. It retrieves, evaluates, and cites sources through a multi-stage pipeline
How to Optimize for Perplexity: Getting Cited in AI Search

How to Optimize for Perplexity: Getting Cited in AI Search

Perplexity is not a search engine. It is a citation machine powered by a retrieval-augmented
How Much Does AI Search Optimization Cost? A Transparent Breakdown

How Much Does AI Search Optimization Cost? A Transparent Breakdown

AI search optimization cost ranges from $0 (DIY with sweat equity) to $25,000+ per
Is SEO Dead in 2026? The Data-Driven Answer

Is SEO Dead in 2026? The Data-Driven Answer

SEO is not dead, but the version of SEO that most teams are still practicing
How to Do GEO: A Step-by-Step Guide for Business Owners

How to Do GEO: A Step-by-Step Guide for Business Owners

Summary: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the practice of engineering your digital presence so that
What Is AIO? Artificial Intelligence Optimization Explained

What Is AIO? Artificial Intelligence Optimization Explained

Artificial intelligence optimization (AIO) is the practice of engineering digital content so that AI-powered search
Entity Optimization: The Foundation of AI Search Visibility

Entity Optimization: The Foundation of AI Search Visibility

Entity optimization is the practice of structuring digital content around disambiguated, machine-resolvable entities rather than