Most marketers are focused on optimizing for ChatGPT—but many overlook the smaller, emerging LLMs that still drive traffic.

Essential Statistics

• 68% of companies are trying to rank on ChatGPT.
• 31% are focused on Gemini (Google’s LLM).
• 24% are optimizing for Perplexity.
• 13% are targeting Copilot.
• Just 4% are working to rank on Claude.
• The AI SEO landscape is highly concentrated.
• Smaller LLMs are still underutilized by marketers.

Key Takeaways

• Most marketers are doubling down on ChatGPT—but that space is saturated.
• Gemini and Perplexity offer viable but less crowded alternatives.
• Claude, despite being a known name, is still rarely targeted.
• There’s untapped opportunity in second-tier LLMs.
• The LLM landscape is fragmenting fast—strategy must evolve with it.
• AI SEO is no longer just one platform—it’s multi-channel.
• Marketers need to audit where their content actually shows up.

Actionable Insights

• Don’t just chase ChatGPT. With 68% of companies optimizing there, explore less saturated LLMs for better ROI.
• Create unique content versions for each platform. LLMs reward native relevance.
• Build presence on Gemini and Perplexity early. Early movers often get durable traffic advantages.
• Run brand queries across different LLMs monthly. Monitor where you’re visible—and where you’re not.
• Test how your content performs in each LLM. Engagement and ranking algorithms differ.
• Use analytics to trace LLM-originated sessions on your site. Attribution starts here.
• Prioritize discoverability across LLMs the way you do for search engines. This is the new SEO frontier.

Just because everyone’s on ChatGPT doesn’t mean you should be too. Early movers win—especially when the crowd’s looking elsewhere. – Neil Patel