How Long Does It Take to Rank SEO Webpages on Google & AI Search Engines? (SEO Masterclass with Favour Obasi-ike)

How Long Does It Take to Rank SEO Webpages on Google & AI? with SEO Expert, ⁠Favour Obasi-ike, MBA, MS⁠⁠⁠

The We Don't PLAY podcast host discusses how long it takes for SEO web pages to rank on Google and AI search engines, emphasizing that there's no single answer, ranging from days to months or even years depending on website history and consistent updates.

I highlight the importance of submitting websites to Google Search Console, understanding domain and hosting, and strategically creating content that answers questions. They differentiate between Google's organic impressions and AI's "earned SEO"or earned impressions, underscoring that being visible on Google is a prerequisite for AI search visibility.

The discussion also touches on content velocity, the value of a consistent online presence, and how to use tools and strategies to improve search engine optimization for both traditional and AI-driven searches.

FAQs about this episode

1. How long does it typically take for a new webpage to rank on Google and AI search engines?

For a brand new website or webpage, it generally takes around 3 to 6 months to start ranking significantly on Google and AI search engines. For an existing website or webpage, it can take days to weeks to significantly show up on Google and AI search engines. However, the speaker highlights a case where an article ranked in just two days. This rapid ranking is attributed to the website's existing credibility, similar to having a good credit score with a bank. Google and AI prioritize established entities. For entirely new content, especially if it's the first time a link has surfaced on the internet, it can even rank within 24 hours. The key takeaway is that it's a marathon, not a sprint, and consistent effort is crucial for long-term gains.

2. What are the foundational steps to ensure a website can even appear on Google and AI search results?

Before any SEO efforts can be effective, your website needs to be visible to search engines. The first crucial step is to have a website that Google can "see." This involves submitting your website to Google Search Console, which acts as Google's internet service provider for your site. Without this submission, your website isn't connected to Google's internet, making it invisible to their indexing systems. Think of it like a book not being in a library's inventory; it can't be found. Additionally, your website needs proper hosting (e.g., WordPress, Hostinger, GoDaddy), as a domain alone isn't enough to make it a functional, searchable website.

3. How do traditional SEO and AI search results differ, and what does "earned SEO" mean in this context?

The speaker distinguishes between traditional SEO and AI searches by introducing the concept of "earned SEO." Traditional SEO focuses on organic impressions, where your content naturally ranks based on relevance and quality. AI searches, on the other hand, are described as "earned impressions." This means that AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Grok look for the top results already showing up on Google. Therefore, if your website isn't ranking organically on Google in the first place, it's impossible for it to show up in AI search results. "Earned SEO" suggests that your presence and visibility on AI platforms are a consequence of having already "earned" strong organic rankings on traditional search engines. AI searches also have a shorter, often 24-hour, countdown timer for relevance, emphasizing rapid content updates and a broad presence across different platforms.

4. Why is consistent content updating and strategy crucial for long-term SEO success?

SEO is not a one-time fix; it requires continuous effort. Google (and now AI) periodically "deletes" or de-prioritizes old, irrelevant content from its servers if it's not updated. The concept of "tokenization" refers to the duplicate copy of your webpage that Google remembers, and if this isn't refreshed, your content will lose visibility. Therefore, consistently updating existing articles (even minor edits) and publishing new content with a clear strategy and plan are vital. This continuous effort creates a "spiderweb" of interconnected content, signaling to search engines that your website is active, relevant, and authoritative.

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