Being number 1 on Google is pointless if the AI ignores you
The end of the Google number 1 ranking myth
For years, every marketer’s dream was simple: to be first on Google.
But in 2025, this title of glory no longer has the same value. Why not? Because while you’re fighting your way up the SERPs, AI engines like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity are already capturing your potential customers.
The modern user is no longer just looking for links: he wants an immediate, clear, contextualized answer – and often gets it directly from an AI interface, without ever having to go through Google.
As a result, even with a #1 ranking, you can lose the battle for qualified traffic.
At Koanthic, we help companies understand – and above all exploit – this major shift: how to get cited, recommended and referenced by artificial intelligence.
Because, let’s face it, traditional SEO isn’t enough anymore.
The illusion of Google ranking in 2025 | number 1 on Google
Let’s face it: Google rankings are an illusion of control.
You can invest thousands of dollars in optimization, achieve top position, and still… see your clicks melt away by 30 to 40%.
Why?
Because Google itself is now integrating its own “AI Overviews”, synthetic answers generated by AI that appear before the classic results.
According to a study by Proof3, the presence of an “AI Overview” can reduce the click-through rate on organic links by 34.5%.
And while your link sits at #1, the AI is already providing the answer for you.
As a result, SEO becomes a game of appearances – you’re visible on paper, but invisible in reality.
This is exactly what Koanthic calls “phantom ranking syndrome”: being first, but ignored.
AI answers capture much hotter purchase traffic | number 1 on Google
So why are the most agile companies turning to AI optimization?
Because traffic from AI responses converts 10 to 23 times better than organic traffic, according to studies by Ahrefs, Forbes and SEMrush.
👉 Clearly, a user who consults an AI answer is often further along in his purchasing journey.
He has already compared, researched and validated his needs. AI doesn’t show him ten options: it recommends the most relevant ones.
This is what we call high-intent traffic – and it’s precisely the kind you want to attract.
At Koanthic, we’ve observed that these AI visitors spend 72.5% more time on the pages they consult, and are more likely to click on action buttons.
In short: less volume, but much more value.
Understanding the “AI SEO” era: from position to citation | number 1 on Google
AI SEO (or “AI Search Optimization”) is the new frontier of SEO.
Forget the myth of the magic keyword. The real challenge today is to be cited, recognized and integrated into the answers provided by AIs.
The fundamental difference is simple:
- Classic SEO ranks your pages in a search engine.
- AI SEO ensures that AIs cite you as a source of authority.
AIs like ChatGPT or Perplexity read your content, summarize it and integrate it into their responses.
If your site isn’t structured, clear or credible, you’ll be ignored by the language models, no matter what your position on Google.
That’s why Koanthic now refers to this as the AI citation strategy:
How do you get AI to mention your brand when a user asks a question related to your sector?
This is where the next great battle for digital visibility is being fought.
How to be quoted in the IA Answers | number 1 on Google
Here’s what we recommend at Koanthic to make your content AI-Friendly:
1. Structure your content for machine comprehension
AIs love clear, hierarchical and logical content.
Use explicit headings (H2, H3), bulleted lists, tables and concise definitions.
Example: a well-structured article on “How to choose your invoicing software” is 7 times more likely to be cited by ChatGPT than a 1000-word blurred text.
2. Reinforce your authority signals
AIs value perceived reliability: mentions on other sites, backlinks, “About” pages, customer reviews, certifications.
Content supported by recognized sources is much more likely to be picked up by Perplexity or Gemini.
3. Write for humans… but with machines in mind
Avoid vague turns of phrase and hollow superlatives.
Use factual, explanatory and informative sentences.
AIs rely on semantic density: every word counts.
4. Optimize your FAQs
AIs love Q&A formats – it’s literally their language.
Every well-formulated question on your site is a potential gateway to a generated answer.
Supporting studies: why AI traffic converts better | number 1 on Google
The figures speak for themselves:
- Ahrefs (2025): AI visitors convert 23x better than organic SEO visitors.
- Forbes (2025): AI traffic shows 9x higher conversion rates on average.
- ReturnOnNow: AI interactions boost engagement rates 11% to 23% higher.
Why?
Because AI filters out noise.
It returns only the most relevant options, often presented as recommendations – and human psychology does the rest.
When an AI “recommends” your brand, it acts as a trusted third party.
That’s why the companies that appear in these responses capture better-qualified prospects, less hesitant, more inclined to convert.
What you need to measure now | number 1 on Google
The problem?
No Google Analytics tool yet clearly distinguishes AI traffic.
But there are also indirect indicators:
Sudden surges in traffic from AI domains (Perplexity.ai, Bing Chat, etc.).
Visitors without referrers (often from AI interfaces)
Mentions in server logs or unusual backlinks from generative tools.
Koanthic implements customized tracking tools to detect these invisible flows – so-called Dark AI Traffic.
Because what you don’t measure… your competitors do.
How Koanthic can help you dominate IA search engine optimization | number 1 on Google
At Koanthic, we’ve made AI SEO our specialty.
Our experts combine semantic analysis, generative AI and content strategy to maximize your chances of appearing in artificial intelligence responses.
Our services include:
- AI SEO & Conversational AI optimization: make your content readable and quotable with ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity.
- Creation of structured content: integration of factual data, Q&A formats and authority signals.
- AI citation tracking: detection of mentions of your brand in language models.
- AI performance audit: measure invisible traffic and identify opportunities for amplification.
With Koanthic Semantic, you don’t just need to be first on Google – you need to be first.
you become a reference for artificial intelligence.
Conclusion: The future of SEO is conversational | number 1 on Google
Traditional SEO is reaching its limit.
The rules of the game are changing: visibility is no longer won by keywords alone, but by the contextual relevance recognized by AIs.
Companies that continue to swear by Google will see their traffic stagnate, while others will capture AI visitors – those who buy, not just search.
👉 The future of SEO is optimization for AI responses.
👉 The time to act is now.
Don’t let your brand disappear in AI-generated results.
Contact Koanthic today to find out how to turn your SEO strategy into an AI conversion engine.
📧 info@koanthic.com | 📞 418-455-2259
FAQ – Search Engine Optimization and Artificial Intelligence | number 1 on Google
1. What is AI SEO?
Optimizing your content so that it is recognized, quoted and recommended by generative AIs (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity).
2. Are AI answers replacing Google?
No, but they complement it – and capture a growing share of high-intent traffic.
3. How do I know if my site is cited by an AI?
By analyzing logs, referrers, and using Koanthic tracking tools to detect invisible AI mentions.
4. Does it work for all companies?
Yes, but with different approaches: e-commerce, B2B and local services require adapted semantic structures.
5. How long before I see the results?
In general, 3 to 6 months depending on site size and competition – but conversion gains can be immediate on certain AI queries.
