Reddit and LLM SEO: how to rank in AI search results
Erwin Berkouwer
More and more people search via ChatGPT and Perplexity. Learn how LLM SEO works, why Reddit is so important and what you can do now to be visible in AI answers.
Companies measuring visibility only on Google are already missing 26% of new search traffic. AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews are taking over an increasing share of search behavior — and they cite only a handful of sources per answer. Those who don't act now will soon be sidelined while competitors get recommended in every AI answer.
This article explains how LLM SEO works, why Reddit plays a key role in it, and what you as an entrepreneur can do now to be visible in AI answers.
What is LLM SEO?
Traditional SEO is about ranking in Google. LLM SEO — also called Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) or LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) — is about being cited in AI-generated answers.
If someone asks ChatGPT "What's the best accounting software for a freelancer in the Netherlands?", the AI generates an answer based on sources it trusts. The question is: are you among them?
The mechanism is fundamentally different from Google:
| Traditional SEO | LLM SEO |
|---|---|
| Ranking in search position 1-10 | Being cited in AI answer |
| Backlinks determine authority | Mention in discussions + reviews |
| Technical optimization central | Authenticity and context central |
| Results in months | 3-6 months for citations |
| Paid traffic via Google Ads | Organic AI citations without ad costs |
Expert tip: Don't focus on one AI search engine. Perplexity, ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews each use different sources and weighting. A broad presence delivers more citations than optimizing for one platform.
Why is Reddit so important?
Reddit is the most cited source in AI search results. These aren't vague claims — here are the numbers:
- 40.1% of all LLM citations come from Reddit (analysis of 150,000+ citations, 2025)
- 46.7% of Perplexity's top citations are Reddit posts
- 21% of Google AI Overviews pulls information from Reddit
- 11.3% of ChatGPT references point to Reddit
Companies with an active presence on Reddit and Quora are 4 times more likely to be cited in AI answers than companies without community presence.
This has two concrete reasons:
1. Reddit is in the training data of almost every AI model
OpenAI, Google and Anthropic have signed data licensing deals with Reddit for access to millions of discussions. Reddit content is literally baked into the major language models.
2. AI models value authentic user experiences
Marketing copy is recognized and distrusted by AI models. Reddit threads contain real experiences from real users — exactly the type of content AI considers a trustworthy source.
How does LLM SEO work in practice?
Example 1: The B2B software provider
A Dutch HR software company sees its Google traffic declining, but discovers ChatGPT mentions its name when people ask "best HR software SMB Netherlands". Why? Because HR professionals positively discussed the tool in relevant Reddit threads and industry forums — and AI models picked that up.
Example 2: The consultant
An AI consultant writes detailed answers to questions in Reddit communities about entrepreneurship and AI implementation. Those posts get cited in AI searches about AI in SMBs — bringing direct leads via their website.
Example 3: The webshop
A webshop for sustainable office supplies notices Perplexity cites them when searching for "sustainable office supplies". The reason: a customer wrote an extensive review on a consumer forum that AI models indexed.
Practical lesson: You don't have to post on Reddit yourself. Customers who spontaneously write about you on forums, review platforms and communities contribute equally to your LLM visibility. Facilitate this by proactively requesting reviews.
What can you do now?
Step 1: Be present on platforms AI trusts
Reddit, specialized forums, Wikipedia (if relevant), Quora and industry-specific communities. Create a profile and contribute to discussions — no marketing, just real answers to real questions.
Step 2: Write content that answers questions
AI models cite content that provides direct, informative answers to specific questions. Write blog articles, FAQ pages and knowledge base items that literally answer the questions your target audience asks — including "what does X cost", "how does Y work" and "what's better, X or Y".
Step 3: Gather authentic reviews
Ask customers for honest reviews on Google, Trustpilot and (where relevant) Reddit or industry-specific platforms. AI models actively index and cite reviews.
Step 4: Monitor your AI visibility
Search monthly in ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews for the questions your customers ask. Are you being cited already? Are competitors mentioned but not you? This tells you exactly where to invest.
Step 5: Deploy an AI agent
Manually tracking your AI visibility costs hours per week. An AI agent for marketing and SEO can automatically track where you're cited, which content scores well and which questions remain unanswered — and report that as structured data.
When is LLM SEO relevant for you?
LLM SEO is already relevant if:
- You're in a market where people ask extensive questions before a purchase decision
- Your organic search traffic is declining while search behavior is shifting
- You're a B2B service provider, SaaS company or consultant
- You notice competitors are being recommended in AI answers
Small local businesses (bakery, plumber) have less direct benefit — their customers search via Google Maps and local results. But for service providers and knowledge businesses, LLM SEO is already a serious acquisition channel.
Opportunity: Competition for AI citations is significantly lower in the Netherlands than in English-speaking markets. Those who start now build an advantage that's hard to catch up with.
From LLM SEO to a complete AI strategy
LLM SEO is one piece of your AI strategy. Those who also optimize internal processes with AI-agents and AI-workflows, save an average of 5-8 hours per week on manual work — time you can reinvest in content creation and community presence.
At Unify AI we help SMEs with a complete approach: from LLM SEO strategy to implementing AI agents that automate your marketing and visibility.
Want to know how visible your company is in AI search results? Request a free AI visibility check and discover in 30 minutes where the opportunities are for your sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LLM SEO and why is it different from regular SEO?
Regular SEO focuses on ranking in Google. LLM SEO focuses on being cited by AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity. The algorithms are fundamentally different: LLMs look at authenticity, frequency of mention and quality of context — not primarily at backlinks or technical optimization.
Why is Reddit cited so often by AI?
Because major AI labs (OpenAI, Google, Anthropic) have signed data licensing deals with Reddit, and because Reddit contains authentic user discussions that language models consider a trustworthy source. Reddit represents 40.1% of all LLM citations.
How do I know if my company appears in AI answers?
Search in ChatGPT or Perplexity for the questions your target audience asks. Also search for your own brand name. This gives a first impression of your AI visibility. For systematic monitoring you need a tool or AI agent.
Is LLM SEO already relevant for Dutch companies?
Yes. Perplexity, ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews are actively used for B2B searches. Competition for AI citations is lower in the Netherlands than in English-speaking markets — now is the time to build position.
How long does LLM SEO take to show results?
Faster than traditional SEO, but not overnight. Active presence on cited platforms combined with quality content delivers measurable results within 3-6 months. The beauty: unlike paid ads, you don't stop existing when your budget runs out.
