
- Blog Posts
Adnan Kasem has been a key member of internetwarriors since March 2022. His focus is on the entire SEO universe. He is capable of performing technical analyses as well as creating editorial content that helps increase a website's visibility in search engine results.


- Blog Posts
Adnan Kasem has been a key member of internetwarriors since March 2022. His focus is on the entire SEO universe. He is capable of performing technical analyses as well as creating editorial content that helps increase a website's visibility in search engine results.

- Blog Posts
Adnan Kasem has been a key member of internetwarriors since March 2022. His focus is on the entire SEO universe. He is capable of performing technical analyses as well as creating editorial content that helps increase a website's visibility in search engine results.
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Funnel Fit with GA4: Your Guide to Top Conversions!
Feb 19, 2024

Adnan
Kasem
Category:
Web Analytics

Welcome to the world of digital marketing, where the funnel is crucial for success. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the secrets of GA4 and discover how to maximize the conversion rate using data analysis . Adnan Kasem, our web analytics expert, guides you through the exciting journey from traditional analyses to advanced online marketing strategies , transforming your funnel into a real growth driver. The Funnel in Focus What is a Funnel? In digital marketing, the funnel, also known as a sales funnel , is a key model depicting the customer journey from the first interaction with your brand to the final conversion – be it a purchase or another desired action. This process is not linear but a complex interplay of different phases, bringing potential customers closer to a decision. An effective funnel is vital for online marketing, helping to develop strategies tailored to the needs and behaviors of the target audience. The Structure of an Effective Funnel An effective funnel consists of several key phases, each with a specific role in the process of customer acquisition and conversion. These phases are: 1. Awareness: In this initial phase, it’s about grabbing attention. Potential customers become aware of your brand or product, often through marketing campaigns, social media, blog posts, or word of mouth. The goal is to spark interest and lay the foundation for a customer relationship. It’s important to communicate value instead of directly selling, by offering solutions to problems or answering questions that matter to the target audience. 2. Interest: Once awareness is created, the task is to capture and maintain the interest of potential customers. In this phase, users actively seek information and compare different options. Content marketing, email marketing, and targeted advertising are effective tools to provide added value during this phase and to position the brand as the preferred choice. 3. Decision: Potential customers are now ready to make a purchasing decision. They have identified your product or service as a potential solution and are seriously considering buying. In this critical phase, it’s important to build trust and allay any concerns. Product demos, customer reviews, detailed product information, and special offers or discounts can help seal the deal. 4. Action: The final phase of the funnel is action, where the decision leads to an actual conversion — be it a purchase, newsletter signup, or another desired action. Here, it’s crucial to make the process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Clear calls-to-action, an easy checkout process, and various payment options are examples of how to optimize the conversion rate in this phase. The Role of GA4 in Funnel Marketing Google Analytics 4 (GA4) is the latest evolution in Google's analytics toolset and represents a significant advancement over its predecessors. With a stronger focus on event-based data and a more flexible architecture, GA4 helps marketers gain a deep understanding of the customer journey. GA4 is specifically designed to seamlessly track user interactions across different devices and platforms, making it an indispensable tool in funnel marketing . GA4 Features That Make a Difference GA4 offers a variety of advanced features that set it apart from previous versions: Unlimited Event Tracking: Unlike its predecessor, GA4 allows tracking an unlimited number of events, enabling a detailed analysis of user behavior. User-Centric Analysis: Unlike session-based models, GA4 focuses on users and their interactions over time, fostering a deeper understanding of the customer journey. Enhanced Segmentation: GA4 allows marketers to dynamically create and analyze user segments based on their behavior and engagement. These deeper insights enable the development of tailored marketing strategies specifically crafted to meet the needs of different target audiences. Big Data Integration: GA4 integrates seamlessly with BigQuery, Google's big data platform, facilitating complex data analyses and custom reporting. This opens new opportunities for exploratory data analysis and trend prediction. Exploratory Data Analysis for Better Conversions Data That Speaks Exploratory data analysis in GA4 is a powerful tool for uncovering hidden patterns and insights within your marketing funnel. By analyzing user behavior and conversion paths , marketers can develop effective strategies to increase the conversion rate. GA4 facilitates conducting these in-depth analyses by providing access to extensive data on user interactions. GA4 as a Data Analysis Tool GA4 is not just a tool for data collection but also a platform for data analysis, enabling marketers to: Visualize user paths: Visualizing user paths in GA4 helps understand how users navigate the funnel and identifies areas for improvement. Analyze conversions: By analyzing conversions within GA4, marketers can identify which channels, content, and offers garner the highest conversion rates. Evaluate A/B tests: GA4 allows analyzing A/B test results to understand which variations improve performance. The Impact of Data on Conversion Rates Utilizing GA4 for exploratory data analysis enables marketers to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data. Adapting marketing strategies based on these analyses leads to more targeted engagement with the audience and an optimization of the customer journey , ultimately improving the conversion rate. Case Studies: GA4 in Practice Success stories from companies that have used GA4 for exploratory data analysis demonstrate its effectiveness: An online retailer used GA4 to identify products often viewed together but not bought together. By optimizing product bundling and cross-selling recommendations, the conversion rate was significantly increased. A SaaS company utilized GA4 to analyze the effectiveness of various onboarding strategies. By identifying the most successful paths that turned new users into paying customers, the strategy was adjusted accordingly, and the conversion rate was boosted. Conversion Rate Optimization Measuring is Knowing Optimizing the conversion rate begins with a deep understanding of how conversions are measured. GA4 provides a variety of metrics and reports that offer insights into the effectiveness of your marketing efforts . Key metrics include the conversion rate itself, the number of conversions, the average session duration, and the bounce rate. These data points enable you to precisely evaluate the success of your optimization efforts and understand where adjustments are needed. KPIs for Funnel Success Key performance indicators (KPIs) critical for funnel success include: Conversion Rate: The percentage of visitors completing a desired action. Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users clicking on a link or offer. Cost per Acquisition (CPA): The average cost incurred to achieve a conversion. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): The total value a customer generates over time for your business. Strategies to Increase Conversion Rate GA4 offers data-driven insights that allow for the development of targeted strategies to increase the conversion rate. Some proven approaches include: Improving User Experience (UX): An intuitive and seamless user experience on your website can significantly improve the conversion rate. Personalization: By segmenting your target groups in GA4, you can create personalized content and offers tailored to the specific needs and interests of your users. A/B Testing: GA4 allows testing different versions of your landing pages or advertisements to determine which ones achieve the highest conversion rates. Practical Tips for Your Funnel Marketing To optimize your funnel and maximize the conversion rate, consider the following practical tips: 1. Analyze the user journey path in GA4 to understand where users drop off or convert. 2. Optimize landing pages by using clear calls-to-action (CTAs) and ensuring pages load quickly. 3. Personalize communication by using data from GA4 to create targeted emails and offers based on user behavior and preferences. Conclusion The digital marketing era demands marketers constantly seek ways to optimize their funnel and increase the conversion rate. With the advanced analytics capabilities of GA4 and a solid understanding of exploratory data analysis, you are well-equipped to make data-driven decisions. Remember that the key to success lies in continuous improvement: testing, analyzing, and optimizing are crucial to achieving your marketing goals and preparing the funnel for maximum conversions . Need support in setting up and optimizing GA4 for your business? The internetwarriors are at your service. As experts in web analytics , we offer comprehensive services — from the initial setup of Google Analytics 4 to custom adjustments and ongoing analysis and support. With over 20 years of experience, we bring the necessary know-how to not only understand your digital marketing funnel but effectively optimize it for maximum conversions. Leverage our expertise to elevate the performance of your online marketing to the next level. Contact us today to take the first step towards a data-driven marketing strategy that delivers real results.
The Path to More Organic Traffic: Web Analytics as the Key to SEO Optimization
Jul 31, 2023

Adnan
Kasem
Category:
SEO

In today's fast-paced digital world, it's crucial to stay one step ahead. Web analytics plays a vital role in this regard. It's an effective tool that allows us to collect and analyze user data to gain valuable insights. These insights enable us to make targeted improvements that ultimately enhance the performance of our website. Together with effective search engine optimization (SEO), we can increase organic traffic and improve conversion rates. In this dynamic environment, understanding and utilizing web analytics is of utmost importance. Web Analytics: The Art of Reading Data Web analytics is more than just a process—it's a powerful instrument that provides deep insights into the behavior and preferences of website visitors. In an increasingly connected world, where websites are a key touchpoint between companies and customers, the importance of web analytics continues to grow. Web Analytics: The Compass in the Digital World Web analytics serves as a compass in the often overwhelming world of the internet. It provides clear and detailed information on how users interact with a website. For instance, you can see which pages are most frequently visited, how long visitors stay on these pages, and through which links or search queries they arrive at the website. The Core of Web Analytics: Data The core of web analytics is data. It records a variety of metrics, including visitor numbers, bounce rates, session durations, click paths, and much more. These metrics form the basis for analyzing and interpreting user behavior and help answer deeper questions: What content attracts visitors and keeps them on the page? Where are issues that prevent visitors from taking certain actions? Which aspects of the website lead to high user engagement? The Power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Search engine optimization, or SEO, is one of the most important strategies in digital marketing. It's about designing and structuring a website so that it can be easily found by search engines. A good SEO strategy can increase organic traffic, leading to better visibility and ultimately a higher conversion rate. Organic Traffic: A Key Indicator of Online Success Organic traffic is a central indicator in online marketing and refers to users who naturally reach your website without paid advertising. These visitors find your site through a search engine without incurring additional costs. Organic traffic is not only an important metric that reflects the quality of your search engine optimization strategy (SEO) and the relevance of your content, but also a sign of quality and sustainability. Unlike paid traffic, organic traffic generally has a higher engagement rate and stronger customer loyalty. Therefore, promoting organic traffic should be a core goal of every effective and sustainable SEO strategy. The more organic traffic you can generate, the more successful your website will be. The Symbiosis of Web Analytics and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) This leads to greater visibility in search engines and an increase in organic traffic. The combination of web analytics and SEO is a powerful alliance. It provides valuable insights into which elements of your site work well and where optimizations are needed. By improving user experience, tailoring content to your target audience's preferences, and optimizing for relevant keywords, you can significantly boost your site's organic traffic. However, it's not enough to implement these measures just once. A successful web analytics and SEO strategy requires constant monitoring, analysis, and adjustment to keep up with the ever-changing algorithms of search engines and user behaviors. In this dynamic environment, staying updated and continuously developing your strategy is essential. The Path to More Organic Traffic: Web Analytics as the Key to SEO Optimization Without solid data, you are in the dark. Web analytics provides you with the invaluable information needed to refine your search engine optimization (SEO) and boost your organic traffic. Detailed analysis of your website's data lets you discern which pages and content perform well and where there's room for improvement. By strategically adapting your content and optimizing your pages, you can enhance your SEO performance and attract more organic traffic to your site. However, data is only as useful as your ability to interpret and apply it. This is where detailed web analytics comes into play, enabling you to analyze various metrics—from bounce rate to average session duration to the most visited pages. By making targeted adjustments to page elements and content that demonstrate high user engagement, you can further strengthen your SEO and effectively promote organic traffic. The ongoing process of data analysis and optimization is key to a successful SEO strategy and an increasing number of organic website visitors. Conclusion The effective use of web analytics can significantly enhance your search engine optimization (SEO) and lead to a considerable increase in organic traffic. Understanding user data and optimizing your website and content based on it will not only increase traffic but also offer an improved user experience. In today's digital landscape, web analytics is not just optional but an essential component of any successful SEO strategy. The combination of web analytics and SEO represents a powerful tool that can help you increase your organic traffic and improve your conversion rates. With data-driven strategies and the right interpretation of the data provided by web analytics, you can effectively optimize your website and enhance your online success. It is thus the key to sustainable improvement of your online business and strengthening your digital presence. Take this opportunity and elevate your online business to the next level. Now that you have gained a deeper insight into the power of web analytics and search engine optimization (SEO), it's time to put these strategies into practice. Wondering where to start? We are here to help! Our expert teams for web analytics and SEO are ready to help you unlock the full potential of your website. Whether you're just starting out or already have experience in the digital world, we offer tailored solutions that meet your individual needs. Contact us today to learn more about how our services in the areas of web analytics and SEO can benefit your business. We look forward to working with you and strengthening your online presence.
B2B Content Marketing
Sep 30, 2022

Adnan
Kasem
Category:
Growth Marketing

What is B2B Content Marketing? Especially in the B2B sector, content marketing holds a high significance. B2B content marketing refers to the creation and marketing of content specifically aimed at reaching specific B2B target audiences. The main goal is to increase the visibility of one's own company and use created content to generate qualified leads. B2B Content Marketing and the Customer Journey While companies in the B2C sector typically interact with a very large number of customers, the B2B sector is characterized by a select clientele and long-term customer relationships. Organic B2B content marketing, therefore, involves not only defining an understanding of the needs and desires of the target audience but also providing tailored ( SEO ) content along the touchpoints of the customer journey . The consideration of the customer journey is sometimes neglected in B2B content marketing . However, only marketers who understand at which points in the customer journey the right content needs to be placed to be found by B2B prospects can reach and win over B2B customers for the long term. The organic visibility in the form of search engine optimization is a crucial factor here. Target audiences searching for B2B services often start by using search engines like Google. This means that companies performing well with unique B2B SEO content are also accessible to potential target audiences. 5 Important Steps in the B2B Content Marketing Process Consequently, B2B content marketing builds on developing a long-term content marketing strategy in close coordination with the touchpoints of the customer journey. Fundamental steps are followed - from defining B2B goals through the conception of an SEO strategy to the publication and continuous review of content. Defining B2B Goals As the basis for B2B content creation, the first step is to define the goals to be achieved with the content marketing strategy. B2B content always targets a specific audience and ideally fulfills a purpose. Only by defining goals can the success of the strategy be measured later. The overarching goals often include lead generation to acquire new customers. At the same time, B2B content marketing also reflects a company's overall language and communication strength, allowing the content to be used to position itself as a company and strengthen its brand. Additionally, an objective might be to improve relationships with existing customers and pass on expertise. Audience Analysis The second step involves conducting a professional target audience analysis. This is crucial for correctly implementing customer communication. Key questions at this point include: What problems (and questions) does my target audience have? How does my service help solve these problems? What are the characteristics of the people in my target audience? How does my target audience search for solutions to problems? A well-founded audience analysis is necessary to develop specific buyer personas in the next step. Buyer personas are abstract profiles of potential business customers that fit the target audience's mold. The more extensive the offered service is, the more complex the target audience becomes. Usually, several decision-makers, such as buyers or managers, are involved in acquiring extensive services, necessitating the simultaneous fulfillment of many different needs. In the B2B sector, the rule is: Only those who know their target audience in detail can provide ideally tailored content and choose the right content formats! Developing an SEO Strategy Content marketing is understood as a sub-discipline of a holistic SEO strategy. In addition to technical aspects like loading time , sitemap , or robots.txt , content marketing in B2B SEO must be adapted to the specific needs of the target audience. In B2B SEO, it is important to get to know customer wishes through intensive competitor analysis, keyword research, and topic research in detail. There are many peculiarities in this sector that need to be identified through SEO strategy conception and require a rethinking process. For instance, purchasing processes in B2B take significantly more time, so customer contact must be maintained through trustworthiness and expertise. As a result, long-tail keywords, i.e., long specific search terms, are often chosen in the B2B sector as they frequently reflect the complex interests of the target audience. Low search volumes should not be discouraging if the search term encompasses a specific interest. Another aspect is choosing the right content formats. Whether classic whitepapers or dynamic video content on YouTube - the possibilities in B2B SEO are almost limitless. While classic text content such as guides is often found in B2B, innovative content ideas offer particularly high potential to stand out from the digital competition. Creating an Editorial Plan Following detailed strategic planning, implementation in practice follows. From an agency perspective, there is a clear recommendation: Successful B2B content marketing focuses on quality rather than quantity. Halfheartedly created blogs and guides are rarely crowned with success. Even when initial analyses reveal a broad spectrum of questions, search terms, and potential formats, companies should initially focus on the most in-demand content. To plan publication, a structured editorial plan is advisable. The editorial plan records which topics will be published at what time. At the same time, the planning defines which content formats are used and based on which, e.g., results of prior keyword research, the content is created. Usually, a well-founded editorial plan is compiled several months in advance, taking possible trending topics into account and correctly timed overtime. Publication and Marketing The success of a content marketing strategy not only depends on what content is published but also on how visible the published content is to the addressed target audience. Consequently, it may be sensible to strategically promote content after its publication. Continuous Evaluation Based on concrete SEO KPIs, the performance of published content is evaluated. With the help of evaluations, it can be determined which content requires optimization. Poor rankings usually indicate that the created content is not relevant enough compared to the competition. Here, it is advisable to re-evaluate search terms and possibly expand or change the content. But caution! An organic content marketing strategy requires time. While initial trends may show after a few weeks, thorough results may only become visible after several months. Content Formats in the B2B Sector A wide variety of content formats is available for conveying content in B2B. Most companies choose classic formats that are often used in B2B: Blog articles Whitepapers Guides Case studies E-books Webinars Typically, these are formats primarily designed to convey expertise. To fully exploit the potentials of B2B content marketing, the B2B target audience should be fed with the right content along the touchpoints of the customer journey. B2B SEO – Stand Out with Unique Content! Blog articles, whitepapers, and guides are considered true classics in B2B SEO. To stand out and further improve access to the B2B target audience, the marketing strategy should be fundamentally expanded. In particular, social networks such as TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook prove effective in the new era of digital marketing. Reason enough for even traditional companies to broaden their horizons and explore the potential of B2B social media marketing. Maximize B2B Social Media Marketing Potential Social media is one of the initial contact points between companies and B2B target audiences. While it was once argued that specific B2B groups were not active on social networks, this argument is largely invalid today. At the latest in specialized B2B networks like LinkedIn or Xing , all B2B areas come together digitally, from working students to executives. The possibilities of B2B social media marketing are diverse. To strengthen expertise through organic marketing, it can be worthwhile to adapt traditional website content such as whitepapers, blog articles, webinars, or case studies for publication on social (B2B) networks. Naturally, social media also offers excellent conditions to spotlight your brand. However, purely organic strategies can be challenging in B2B social media marketing - a combination of organic and paid advertising measures has proven particularly effective in practice. YouTube B2B - Advantages of YouTube Channel for Companies As one of the largest search engines worldwide, YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms. On the surface, B2B marketing and YouTube may seem far apart. Yet, YouTube is also experiencing a transformation and is now a relevant touchpoint for B2B. Older user groups beyond youth age are active on the platform, making it interesting for B2B. But how can YouTube sensibly complement B2B content marketing? YouTube can be employed for various purposes, like generating organic leads . Goals and synergy effects that can be achieved with YouTube marketing and particularly YouTube SEO are diverse: from acquiring new customers to increasing brand awareness and boosting traffic: A B2B video format, for instance, is explainer videos. These can supplement existing content to illustrate complex B2B products or services and bring them closer to the target audience. Customer interviews are the social media equivalent of classic case studies: Here, it is possible to reinforce a positive image of own products or services in the context of actual use. Satisfied customers simultaneously enhance the trust in one's brand. internetwarriors – Your B2B Marketing Agency in Berlin As a 360° B2B marketing agency headquartered in the heart of the capital, we offer you both competent consulting and operational support in all areas of B2B content marketing. We understand B2B content marketing as a component of a holistic online marketing strategy. We guide you through all disciplines of online marketing and work closely with you to develop an effective marketing concept to reach your goals. Contact us now!
Local SEO - Visibility for Local Businesses
Sep 7, 2022

Adnan
Kasem
Category:
SEO

Local search engine optimization, also known as Local SEO ( SEO = Search Engine Optimization), refers to the optimization of search results in the area of local search results. Local SEO is becoming an increasingly important marketing measure. More and more people are using their mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, smartwatches) on the go and are specifically looking for local offers nearby. Therefore, businesses that offer their services or products at fixed locations should leverage the potential of Local SEO. The high number of mobile user queries already shows how important local search engine optimization is. According to statistics, about 30% of mobile search queries are directed at businesses and locations nearby. Source: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/mobile-statistics-for-location-searches/ Why is local search engine optimization so important? More and more local businesses recognize the importance of local search on Google. Google has become an important marketing tool for local businesses. The better the placement in the search results, the more potential new customers a company can generate from Google search. Local SEO holds a high significance because users nowadays rarely resort to phone books or business directories to find regional and local businesses. What used to be a listing in the business directory is now a listing in Google My Business. The better a profile is maintained, the more easily it will be found in Google search. Especially for locally operating businesses with physical stores, Local SEO offers enormous added value and should therefore be utilized. You have the opportunity to position yourself locally, reach your users directly on the go, and ideally guide them directly to your location. A consistent and well-maintained entry in Google My Business, a current business site, and an ever-increasing number of reviews and your responses to them help you improve your local ranking to attract more potential customers. Local SEO Ranking Factors Company's "Google My Business" page Mentions on external websites Signals on the company's own website Company reviews Social media signals Usage signals, including mobile usage Personalized search on Google It can be assumed that these are not the only ranking factors for local search. Since Google uses over 200 criteria to answer search queries, general measures such as link building and properly used keywords can also be beneficial. A prerequisite for local SEO is having your own website. Since many people search for nearby locations while traveling, you should ensure that you do not neglect the mobile-friendliness of the website when optimizing your Local SEO. In addition, users can directly review businesses and locations through Google. These reviews are desirable because they are already displayed to the user in the search results when the user searches for the corresponding business. It's not just about findability on Google. Instead, Local SEO should be part of a holistic marketing strategy that also includes maintaining profiles on social networks like Facebook and Instagram. By providing direct feedback based on customer reviews and direct customer contact in social networks, the customer's bond to the company is ultimately strengthened. Another ranking factor in local search engine optimization is the physical proximity to the user's location, although this is the least controllable. Local SEO as Part of the General SEO Strategy As Google's algorithm is constantly changing, local searches and related topics are becoming increasingly important. In addition to optimized entries on Google My Business, reviews, mentions, and reviews are essential. To purposefully implement local SEO optimizations, it is not enough to maintain an entry in Google My Business. Instead, local SEO optimizations are always accompanied by classic SEO measures and, if necessary, a healthy marketing mix, for example through an appropriate social media presence. Local SEO is becoming more relevant for mobile devices, as more than 60% of search queries in Germany are now made through mobile devices. In local search engine optimization, mobile devices and their characteristics must be considered to create responsive content accordingly. Local SEO from Google My Business to Bing Places for Business with internetwarriors Would you like to increase your organic visibility through local search engine optimization? Our experienced SEO team knows all the tricks and tools to be better found on Google. We analyze your business, assist you with optimization, or provide you with relevant optimized content for your business or online shop. Contact us, and we will be happy to create a non-binding, individual offer for you! Did you enjoy the blog? Share it now! Facebook Twitter Telegram Linkedin Envelope Whatsapp AUTHOR
Harnessing the Potential of LinkedIn to Build Organic Reach
Mar 28, 2022

Adnan
Kasem
Category:
Social Media

Table of Contents With 810 million registered users worldwide, including 17 million in the DACH region alone, LinkedIn has become an essential component of online marketing strategies over the past few years. For your company or as an individual, it's important to effectively harness the potential of the career network to build a significant organic reach. Key content, LinkedIn's tools, and personal relationships can be interesting options that are relevant for building reach. Learn more about the potentials of LinkedIn. Find out about LinkedIn now LinkedIn marketing as part of corporate strategy To increase the awareness of a company, website, shop, or individual, there are different marketing tools. SEO as a free channel is particularly in focus, as is SEA as part of an online marketing strategy. LinkedIn as a career portal has gained significant relevance in recent years. The numbers speak for themselves. With 810 million registered users worldwide, there is a vast portfolio of potential interested parties for companies and individuals operating internationally. Focusing on the DACH region, companies can theoretically captivate 17 million users if all possibilities of the career network are fully utilized. Even if LinkedIn's reach is initially theoretical because not all users interact with your company due to few touchpoints, awareness and impact can be significantly increased. Basics of a successful LinkedIn strategy First, it's crucial to establish the basics to succeed on LinkedIn. The following steps are necessary to start your success story on the platform: Personal account: The personal account serves as the gateway to LinkedIn, initially necessary to operate within the network. Create a company page: Using your account, you have the option to set up a company page if the focus isn't solely on yourself. There are three options: listing your company as a small, medium, or large business, setting up a showcase page, or alternatively identifying as an educational institution if applicable. Logo & Slogan: This is where the adventure of "increasing reach" begins. The logo is self-explanatory, but a fitting slogan can already spark interest. For instance, "The global leader in social media management" by Hootsuite indicates competence and authority and also specifies the company's sphere of influence. Optimization of the company page: Use the tools that LinkedIn provides effectively on the company page. With the help of translations, you can set up your company page in up to 20 different languages. Allow relevant keywords related to your company to flow into the description and assign important hashtags. An appealing banner image and the implementation of buttons like "Contact Us", "Visit Website", or "Learn More" support the contact process. What does organic reach mean on LinkedIn? This article frequently mentions "organic reach" that should be built on LinkedIn. Essentially, "organic" is synonymous with "free" reach because, similar to SEO, different strategies and measures help increase awareness without using financial resources. Just as with the search engine Google or the social media giant Facebook, LinkedIn also offers the opportunity to increase your company’s reach through paid advertisements, for example. LinkedIn strategy for your company Before starting to experiment on LinkedIn without a plan, you should familiarize yourself with appropriate strategies and develop your own, tailored approach for your company. The basis of a strategy is the formulation of goals and, deriving from that, the appropriate target audience. LinkedIn is suitable for several potential business objectives: Brand Awareness: The career network can sustainably increase brand awareness. LinkedIn is especially well-suited for building B2B connections. Expansion of organic reach: With the network, you can reach a large number of users by creating relevant content, maintaining contacts, and using tools effectively. Generation of qualified leads: Ideally, highly qualified leads can be generated via LinkedIn if your company page is oriented towards this. Improvement of communication: LinkedIn offers the possibility of open and transparent communication with potential partners, positively influencing the company's perception. Recruitment of employees: The more positive and attractive your company is perceived on the platform, the easier it is to attract competent employees. Content is King – also on LinkedIn The colloquial phrase "Content is King" has been and continues to be a foundation for a successful SEO strategy. It can be applied directly to LinkedIn, as only with high-quality content can organic reach be increased in the network. With content that offers real value, you create interest in yourself or your company. Misleading headlines that generate high click rates are not sustainable and may lead to user irritation. Use the opportunity within the content to present theses that may evoke different perspectives and are, therefore, gladly discussed. LinkedIn rewards interaction with more organic reach. The content can vary in nature. From a simple status update to images to relevant posts within groups or the LinkedIn network, you can rely on different types of content. LinkedIn's text publisher provides valuable support when it comes to publishing content. Video content holds a special place in the career network since it can positively regulate time-on-site. LinkedIn Tools: Groups, Hashtags & Mentions As in any network, it can be used as a multiplier. Utilizing hashtags supports the discovery of your posts. Hashtags categorize content, and interested parties can subscribe to them. Using three to five hashtags is advisable. Fewer reduce organic reach, and more increase the risk of being considered spam. It's worthwhile to mention other people and companies within your content to capture their attention, establish a position, or leverage their reach for your own dissemination. Groups are a helpful multiplier if they are thematically appropriate. Here, you can encourage discussions or offer support. It pays to comment with a link on existing discussions or posts. This way, you generate attention for your content. Interaction and communication with your community As reach grows, so too do attention and workload. As interest in yourself or your company increases, interaction and communication with your community require significantly more attention. If you fail to respond to comments or engage, the benefits of increased reach can be quickly lost. Use increased reach to highlight your services, offerings, or products with call-to-actions or lead buttons. Ideally, bookings or orders may result. Posting rhythm and monitoring your own activities Regularity is key to success, along with quality. Establish a posting rhythm for publishing content. Ultimately, monitoring your activities is necessary to draw the right conclusions. When is the best time for publications? Who or what serves as an excellent multiplier for my content? How many people have I reached? How many comments and likes were generated? These success KPIs support a well-founded analysis of your activities. If you have further questions about LinkedIn, you can get more information here. Internetwarriors are happy to advise you on all matters concerning LinkedIn.
Content Marketing Strategies for Lead Generation
Oct 5, 2021

Adnan
Kasem
Category:
Growth Marketing

Is your content working for you and bringing you leads, or do you feel that your efforts are not yielding the desired results? The importance of content cannot be overstated nowadays, but there are many hurdles. Maybe you lack an effective content marketing strategy. Why is a content marketing strategy important? Content creation makes up a significant portion of online marketing resources and costs for many companies. Social media posts, newsletter content, blog posts, content for other advertising materials and channels. Not only writing but also publishing and promoting take a lot of time. To leverage synergies and create content as purposefully and effectively as possible, a good content marketing strategy is essential. The foundation of the strategy: what goal are you pursuing with your content? Each channel and individual content piece can pursue different goals, but an overarching corporate strategy should define the direction. Producing content aimlessly is at worst nothing more than a waste of resources. Therefore, ask yourself the question: What is your primary goal, why are you investing budget and resources in content creation? Why are you investing in content marketing? The most important goals include Increasing revenue/conversions Increasing traffic/reach Brand building/increasing brand awareness Link building In reality, it is often several goals that a campaign should fulfill, which is why it is particularly important to define the primary goal. Why? Types of content, content itself, the target audience, and how you address them can differ significantly depending on their main goal. The content marketing strategy thus provides the framework for content campaigns and measures, preventing content from being created in an unplanned and aimless manner. The importance of user intent and target group (Buyer Persona) Behind every search query lies a need. User intent is therefore essential in search engine optimization, but also in SEA channels. However, the need is also crucial on other channels, as users only click on a link if they expect something from it, for example: The answer to a question A purchase opportunity A decision aid before making a purchase Entertainment If you create content based on keywords, the most important question is: what is the primary user intent behind the keyword? The more specific this keyword, the easier it is to answer this question. Very generic keywords usually allow for multiple interpretations. The intent behind “Buy Samsung Galaxy S20” or “Weather tomorrow” is much clearer than behind “Living Room” or “Berlin.” So when planning, ask yourself: what need should and can be fulfilled with the content? Not every type of content is equally suitable for every need. A purchase intention, for example, is better addressed via a product page or category page of an online store than through a long blog post. The intention “product comparison” is well covered with a comparison article or a test, or alternatively through a comparison function in the online store. As important as the intention: for whom are you writing your content? Which target audience do you want to reach? What does your buyer persona look like, where and how can you address them? A B2B audience differs from a B2C audience, for example. Demographic characteristics can also significantly influence how you address your audience and the content you provide. How many details and what kind of presentation does the target audience need? How important are media? The more accurately you know your target audience, their needs, and preferences, the more successful your lead generation will be. Content Strategies along the Customer Journey Have you ever thought about your target audience's customer journey? What phases do users go through until completion? The seven phases are: Pre-Awareness Awareness Consideration Preference Purchase After-Sale Loyalty With content marketing, you have the opportunity to provide relevant content at each of these phases and encourage users towards conversion. A common mistake we observe in companies is the exclusive focus on the purchase phase of the customer journey. This is understandable, as this phase is where completion occurs, and revenue is generated. However, you miss significant potential if you are not visible in the phases before (and after) this. In content planning , it is not only important who you create content for and what need you address but also in which phase users currently are and what the next phase is. Examples of user journey phases and the associated intentions and suitable content types: Pre-Awareness: unspecified intention → for example, entertaining content, company news, infographics on the topic, etc. Awareness: finding solutions for a problem → tutorials, guides, workshops, webinars, tools, etc. Consideration: decision aid for an offer/product → customer reviews, test reports, white papers, etc. Preference: finding the right product/offer → product comparisons, case studies, etc. Purchase: purchase intention → detailed information about the product, fact sheets, etc. After-Sale: using the product/offer optimally → instructions/videos for the product/offer, overview of related products/offers, etc. Loyalty: finding further useful products/offers from the company or offers → presentations on new products, insights from the company (trust-building), etc. Different types of content (such as workshops or case studies) can be relevant and helpful in different phases, so the listing is just an example to illustrate how diverse content types can be and how they can be strategically used along the customer journey. B2B and B2C Content Strategies Who is your target audience? Are you addressing end customers or business customers? Lead generation and the appropriate channels, as well as content creation itself, differ depending on whether you want to acquire B2B or B2C leads. The most important differences between B2B and B2C customers that play a role in the content strategy: B2B audience Typically smaller target audiences → targeting and distinguishing from irrelevant users (for example, B2B vs. B2C) can be more challenging. Decisions are made for the benefit of the company → generally more rational (though emotionality shouldn’t be neglected for any audience), trust, facts, and figures are more important than the entertainment factor. Multiple people often involved in decisions → content that convinces each user and provides arguments for superiors and decision-makers. Often expertise present that influences purchasing decisions → expert content is even more important than in the B2C segment. Wide range of price segments up to very high revenue per completion → particularly for high-priced products, more time and budget can be spent on each lead. Purchasing decisions can take more time → more touchpoints, longer nurturing phase, maintaining contact is particularly important. B2C audience Typically larger target audience Individual decisions based on personal needs or those of another person → emotional appeal more important, identification with a brand, a company. Often, only one person makes the decision, sometimes in consultation with a partner, rarely more people are involved → only one person needs to be convinced. Mostly lower-priced products and services → largely automated lead generation, personalized addressing usually only based on automation. Purchasing decisions are generally made faster → also usually several touchpoints, but over a shorter period. Content Marketing in the Marketing Mix As a full-service online marketing agency, we naturally recommend our clients a combination of different channels and measures. There are good reasons for this: If you do not rely solely on one source of traffic, you significantly reduce your risk. Google updates and changes in the algorithms of major social media platforms have already cost some companies substantial revenue. Loss of traffic and revenue is always annoying and should be taken seriously, but if you are not dependent on one channel, you can at least partially compensate for the losses. In content marketing, this means considering all available channels and thinking them through strategically. Which channels are important for which phase of the customer journey? Remember that depending on the industry, it takes an average of 3 to 10 touchpoints to make a purchase. These touchpoints can be involved in a purchase, for example: The display of an interesting, entertaining post in a social network (social channel, content format social media post) Google search and click on an unpaid result that answers a general question and offers a solution (SEO channel, content format blog post) Google search for the best product and click on an unpaid result leading to a test report or product comparison (SEO channel, content format blog post or PDF download) Google search for purchasing options and clicking on an advertisement for the product (SEA channel, content format product page or landing page) After purchase: opening a newsletter and clicking a link to a tutorial (E-mail channel, content format PDF tutorial or video tutorial) 10 Tips for a Good Content Marketing Strategy for Lead Generation Our SEO and content warriors have put together 10 tips for you to advance your content planning and creation. A good content marketing strategy is a complex task, so our tips are not claimed to be exhaustive, but rather to provide you with practical advice that you can implement immediately. 1. Topic and keyword selection Even if you ideally want to be visible in all phases of the user journey: your resources and budget are limited, so prioritization is always advisable. If lead generation is the focus, keywords and topics that are closer to a completion are more important. An indication of the intention behind a search query are so-called “keyword modifiers,” for example: Instructions, tutorial, guide, how can I…, why, examples, etc. Test, comparison, reviews, etc. Best, price, cheapest, etc. Buy, online shop, order, etc. Focus on topics and keywords that best match your goal. Analyze your existing content to see which phase of the customer journey and which intention it addresses: are you neglecting important phases? Where are the greatest potentials that you are not yet exploiting? 2. Content planning There are always current topics that you want to take up in your content, but the rough plan should be created in advance. For us and our clients, it has proven effective to create an editorial plan 1-3 months in advance. It is important to keep an eye on trends but also create “evergreen content” that addresses fundamental questions and topics and can continuously bring you traffic and leads. Mix current and evergreen topics in your content plan, determine which primary goal each content piece pursues, and simultaneously plan which channels you will promote your content through. 3. SEO Content marketing is part of search engine optimization, so the hint about SEO may seem superfluous. However, in our experience, it is often forgotten to consider all relevant SEO criteria: have you optimized all elements? This means, for example, optimizing Metadata (Title Tag and Meta Description) Headlines (main title and subheadings) Images Internal linking And of course, the text itself: Have you created a keyword set in advance and used it in the content? Is there already a content piece optimized for the keyword? Ensure that different pages do not compete: the content on your website or in your online shop should always be optimized for a unique set of keywords for which there are currently no content and associated pages. Of course, you can recycle content on social media and in newsletters, but all content readable by Google should be unique and not compete for the same keywords. Learn more about the basics of OnPage Search Engine Optimization in this article. 4. Landing page optimization What does the page look like on which users land when they click on a search result, an ad, or a link in a social media post? Remember that the first impression is important, especially for new visitors who visit your website for the first time. Is the page user-friendly on the most important devices? How is the user guidance? If it is a landing page aimed at a signup, for example, to download a “lead magnet,” the design should reflect this. In this context, the topic of conversion optimization is crucial for success or failure. 5. Optimization for conversion Always consider when creating content: what should the reader do next? What is the next step? What is the conversion? This could be downloading a PDF document, signing up for the newsletter, or making contact. Perhaps you want to motivate users to learn more about your company and your services and then get in touch with you. For example, if a call to action is missing at the end of a blog post, the likelihood of users bouncing and leaving the page is higher. Use the opportunity to bring your users to the next phase of the customer journey. Consider all instruments of conversion optimization: perhaps you can incorporate calls to action or sign-up forms into the content. Also, be sure to focus on one conversion and make it particularly clear. Users who are uncertain about the next step (newsletter signup, contact request, click on the next blog post) may bounce and take no action at all. 6. Building authority With each content piece you create, you have the opportunity to build trust and present yourself as an authority in your industry—both to your target audience and to Google. Show that you bring experience and know-how, but also consider for whom you are writing. In the B2C sector, technical language is rarely appropriate. However, if you create content for B2B leads addressed to experts, the corresponding language is appropriate and important. If Google recognizes you as an authority, it gives you an advantage in visibility and rankings in search results. Search engines recognize authority by the fact that you provide a lot of content around your topic, and also by your brand or company name being frequently searched. All measures that make your company more visible and bring you into the consciousness of your target audience also contribute to better search engine optimization. 7. Measuring against the competition The benchmark in content creation is the competition—especially if you want to optimize your content for search engines. What already exists on the topic? Which pages and content are found for your most important keywords? How long are the texts, how in-depth do they cover the topic? What can you do better than your competitors? Can you add new aspects (“content gaps”)? The unmodest task is to create content that is better than anything you see in the top 10 for the keyword. How can you cover all relevant aspects, answer all questions—and add something? This may require a lot of effort, but at least in search engine optimization: quality before quantity. Create fewer extensive very good content pieces rather than many superficial short ones. This way, you become an authority on your topic. 8. Using media Competitor analysis gives you an initial indication of whether Google ranks content for your topic with media well. If all competitors in the top 10 use many images or even videos, you should consider this. How can you use relevant images or videos and enhance the content with them? From a user perspective, media is also a very good idea. Also, remember to optimize these media. Images and videos appear in search results and attract a lot of attention. If image search plays an important role for your topic, image SEO is another opportunity for lead generation. The same applies to YouTube: is your topic frequently searched on YouTube? Take the opportunity to be visible on the second largest search engine. 9. Content distribution Creating content is only part of the effort. “Create and they will come” applies only to a very limited extent in times of content overflow on the internet. Well-optimized content will attract users, but the chances are much greater if you actively promote this content additionally. Which channels and measures are suitable for content dissemination depends on what types of content you create on which channels. For blog posts, for example, the following have proven effective: Social Media: Do you promote your blog posts on all your social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Xing, LinkedIn, etc.)? Newsletter: Are you sending out a newsletter? Use the opportunity to highlight your latest blog posts! Email signature: Countless emails are sent every day. Use your signature as free “advertising space” and link to important blog posts or new lead magnets. Outreach: If you want to build backlinks, outreach is an effective, albeit time-consuming, strategy. Network, make contacts with relevant people and companies, for whose target audience your content is relevant. 10. Monitoring and ongoing optimization Creating optimized content is the first part of the task; however, it is not done with publication. Observe how the created content performs to learn from it and, if necessary, optimize further. How often was the page accessed? How much traffic was generated through which channels? How much referral traffic came over guest postings? How are the rankings developing? How many signups or purchases resulted from the content? Like most online marketing measures, content marketing is not static but requires continuous observation and adjustment. Warrior Support for Your Content Marketing Would you like to develop an effective content strategy for your company? Our SEO Warriors bring a lot of experience in content marketing for various companies and industries and are happy to assist you. From topic and keyword analysis, identifying untapped potential, and creating an editorial plan to the creation and distribution of content—we support you in all phases of lead generation with the help of content! Feel free to contact us! Did you enjoy this blog? Recommend it now! Facebook Twitter Telegram Linkedin Envelope Whatsapp AUTHOR
Local SEO & AI Visibility: The most important steps for your GEO strategy
Oct 20, 2025

Julien
Moritz
Category:
SEO

The search world is changing rapidly. AI and LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode influence how businesses are found. To remain visible locally, companies must adapt their strategies and understand vital measures for local GEO and SEO. These measures are crucial for local businesses to effectively connect local SEO and GEO in a comprehensive strategy. Key Points at a Glance The combination of local SEO and GEO content is crucial today for maximum visibility. Business profiles, reviews, off-page actions, and a solid technical foundation are the basis for local discoverability. AI and LLMs are transforming the search landscape: content must be machine-readable, semantically structured, and aligned with the customer journey. Targeted link building and AI-optimized content are the most important actions. With prompt monitoring and new KPIs, sustainable success becomes measurable. Build a Prompt Database – Our Matrix A central success factor for local SEO and AI visibility is aligning content with the customer journey. Why is this relevant? Users are in different phases of decision-making and have varying content requirements. Aligning your content strategy ensures your brand is mentioned in AI-generated responses or that your website is used as a source for these answers. We have developed a matrix for creating this prompt database. Aligning content with this matrix targets users at each phase of the customer journey, sustainably increasing visibility. The process begins with the Discovery & Awareness Phase . Here, users seek general knowledge, want to understand a problem, or learn about a solution. Companies should showcase their authority, provide step-by-step guides, and present their solutions at this stage. In the Consideration Phase , users compare different offers and weigh the benefits. Here, it's important to build trust, highlight the strengths of your own offerings, and positively portray products in comparison. The Decision Phase is characterized by a clear intent to purchase. Content should contain a direct call-to-action, guiding users to the desired transaction. Finally, there are AI-specific Intents . Users give specific commands or want to initiate automated processes. It is important to position your brand within the context of such automated processes and provide solutions for specific tasks in this phase. SEO keywords can be a strong foundation for creating prompts. This ensures that the SEO and GEO strategy work hand in hand. The created prompt database should then be integrated into a monitoring tool to provide an overview of current visibility in AI and search engines. This will lead to measures to revise existing content and identify potential for new content. Local GEO and SEO: What Really Matters Today SEO and AI visibility are particularly important for local businesses today. Companies that implement the right measures for local GEO and SEO remain consistently visible to potential customers and AI systems. Structuring Content for Machine Readability A clean and structured technical implementation is indispensable for the digital visibility of local businesses. For search engines and AI models to optimally capture and display content, the website should be built with clean HTML and semantic tags like <article> and <section>. Additionally, it is advisable to use special markups like FAQ or HowTo structures to make information even more accessible for search engines and AI. The following GEO Formula has proven effective: Relevant user questions are formulated as headings (H2). Directly below, a precise and clear answer follows. Subsequently, further information is offered to delve into the topic or explore additional aspects. This clear structure helps not only users but also ensures that search engines and AI systems better interpret and display the content. Creating Locally Relevant Content City-specific case studies, customer reports, local events, and the integration of landmarks and neighborhoods are especially effective. Such content not only creates closeness to the target audience but also highlights the company's local expertise and presence. Another crucial aspect is the regular use of local keywords (service + city) in website texts. This establishes a clear link between location and services offered, enhancing SEO and LLM visibility. The content should cover various user intents along the customer journey (see Prompt Matrix). In this way, potential customers are specifically targeted and accompanied in each phase. It is important to integrate real user questions into the content. By directly answering frequently asked questions, the relevance of the website for search engines and AI models increases. Heed "Old" Foundations for Local SEO Also for Local GEO A complete business profile on Google and Bing is the foundation for a strong local presence. The more information provided, the better search engines and AI models can classify and display the business. It's equally important to actively seek customer feedback and collect reviews. Positive feedback strengthens credibility and directly impacts local visibility in AI, LLMs, and search engines. Furthermore, registering the business in relevant industry directories increases discoverability and reach. Additionally, targeted branded traffic from social media creates a healthy signal to search engines and AI systems. Active communication and interaction on social platforms create additional credibility and sustainably support local visibility. Link Building in Times of AI Language models generally do not search and compare individual services or products on their own. Instead, they often refer to comparison sites, user reports, and similar sources for recommendations. This presents a valuable opportunity for businesses: strategically building backlinks on such platforms increases the likelihood of being considered in AI-generated answers and recommendations. This boosts AI visibility in LLMs and simultaneously increases the website's relevance for search engines through quality backlinks. Platforms can be identified and prioritized through the selected tool with prompt monitoring. The rule of thumb is quality over quantity: posts that are frequently cited by LLMs are more valuable than those rarely used by AI. Optimize Existing Content for Real User Questions If your domain is already visible in organic search results, it is worthwhile optimizing content specifically for real user questions. Such questions can be identified, for example, using Google Search Console by filtering search queries containing typical question words. We use the following regex filter: ^(how|what|why|when|where|which|who|why|for what reason|how much|whereby|wherewith|by whose)\b Figure 1: Regex filter in Google Search Console Figure 2: Search queries with the regex filter in Google Search Console It is essential to clearly and helpfully answer these questions directly under an H2 heading. This makes the content more attractive to users and also easier for search engines and AI models to understand. If you already have a chatbot on the website, questions asked there can also be a good indicator that they are frequently asked to ChatGPT & Co. Thus, it is also worth answering these questions in the content to be used as a source by LLMs and expand visibility in AI. Establish New GEO KPIs Although traditional SEO metrics like increasing clicks or traffic were long central, they are no longer the sole focus. Many companies are experiencing declines in search engine traffic as AI models and LLMs increasingly provide direct answers, and users click through to websites less frequently. The traffic from LLMs can seldom fully compensate for these losses. However, the quality of this traffic often turns out to be significantly higher, increasing the conversion rate. To specifically measure the visibility of local businesses and the success of your actions, it is advisable to combine proven SEO KPIs with specific GEO KPIs. These include, for example, the Brand Mention Rate, which indicates how often your brand is mentioned in important prompts (e.g., over 40%), the AI Platform Coverage, indicating presence on several relevant LLMs (e.g., more than five), and the Brand Search Uplift, denoting the rise in brand search queries after comprehensive GEO measures (e.g., over 25%). This creates a holistic picture representing both the reach and quality of visibility in traditional search engines and AI-based systems. Conclusion: Local Visibility in LLMs and Search Engines The local visibility of businesses in LLMs and traditional search engines is now significantly determined by the intelligent combination of SEO and GEO strategies. Implementing the key measures ensures presence in both search engines and AI-based systems. The rapid development of AI and LLMs changes the demands on businesses: optimizing only for Google is no longer sufficient. It is crucial to make your brand and offerings visible in AI-generated answers and recommendations. Acting now and aligning your strategy holistically ensures a sustainable competitive advantage in local search. Here you find the appropriate checklist on the topic FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions How can I find out if my local business is already visible in AI-generated responses? To check visibility in AI responses, it is recommended to establish prompt monitoring with specialized tools. These tools show if and how often your brand or website is mentioned in responses from LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode or used as a source. What role do structured data play in AI visibility? Structured data help AI models better understand and display content. They are crucial to be considered as a source for AI responses and should therefore be used consistently. Are AI-optimized contents also relevant for traditional search engines? Yes, content optimized for AI models—through semantic structure, FAQ markup, and answering real user questions—are also better understood and displayed by traditional search engines. We recommend optimizing prompts based on significant SEO keywords. This ensures optimal combination of local SEO and GEO. How often should I update my content to remain relevant to search engines and LLMs? The search and AI landscape evolves rapidly. It is advisable to review the prompt database and key content at least quarterly and update as necessary to address new trends and user queries early. However, the timeframe can vary and depends on how dynamically the industry continues to develop. Which mistakes should I avoid in local search engine and AI optimization? Common mistakes include incomplete business profiles, missing local keywords, technical structures based on JavaScript and rendered client-side, lack of user question integration, and neglect of monitoring and KPIs.
Transparency in Google Ads: How to Properly Utilize Performance Max Channel Reporting
Oct 10, 2025

Josephine
Treuter
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Google Ads is one of the most efficient ways to increase a company's reach and achieve targeted conversions. However, in times of AI and automation, the way campaigns are managed and evaluated is also changing. With the introduction of Performance Max campaigns, Google has created a new approach: all channels, from Search to YouTube to Shopping, are bundled into a single, fully automated campaign. This promises maximum efficiency, but at the same time makes it more difficult to trace through which channels the conversions are actually generated. For a long time, it was unclear which channel contributed what to the campaign's performance. Those who needed this information had to resort to technical scripts and complex workarounds - an effort that overwhelmed many teams. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, this changes fundamentally, allowing results to be evaluated per channel. In this article, we'll show you how to make the most of the new reporting, which best practices have already proven themselves, and how to make better decisions with more transparency. As an experienced Google Ads agency, we provide you with practical tips directly from everyday life at internetwarriors. The Essentials in Brief Performance Max bundles all Google channels into one campaign. The Channel Reporting now provides the necessary transparency. You can see how Search, Display, YouTube, Discover, Maps, and Gmail perform individually. The reports can be segmented by ad format, status, or targets like CPA or ROAS. The new reporting allows you to identify optimization potentials more quickly and control them more precisely. The status section helps with technical issues and offers recommendations for action. What Exactly Is a Performance Max Campaign? The Performance Max campaign , or PMax for short, is an automated campaign format in Google Ads available since 2021. It allows ads to be played simultaneously across multiple Google channels such as Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, all in a single campaign. Unlike traditional campaigns, PMax relies on Google AI for ad delivery and optimization. Based on goals such as conversions or revenue, the system independently decides which ad to show to which user on which channel. For advertisers, this means less manual control and more focus on high-quality assets and strategic goal setting. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, it is now finally visible which channel contributes what to the overall performance, and this is an important step toward more transparency and control. Why Transparency in a PMax is so Important Performance Max campaigns offer many advantages: They bundle all Google channels into a single campaign, use AI for automated delivery, and promise maximum efficiency. However, this very automation brings a central challenge: a lack of transparency. It was long unclear through which channel a conversion actually occurred. This was a problem for anyone wanting to optimize their campaigns based on data. Without channel-specific insights, it is difficult to make informed decisions: Should more budget flow into YouTube or Search? Do video ads work better than text ads? Which audiences perform on which platforms? The answers to these questions are crucial for effective campaign management, and this is where the new Channel Performance Reporting comes in. It provides the necessary transparency to evaluate the performance of individual channels, identify optimization potentials, and strategically manage budgets. For agencies like internetwarriors, this is an important step to not only deliver results to clients but also develop transparent strategies. How to Find Channel Reporting in Your Google Ads Account The new Channel Performance Reporting for Performance Max is currently still in beta. This means that the feature is being rolled out gradually and may not be immediately available in every Google Ads account. The scope of the displayed data can also vary depending on the account, ranging from basic channel metrics to detailed conversion insights. If your account is already enabled, you can find the reporting directly in the Google Ads interface under: Campaign Overview → Select Performance Max Campaign → Insights → Channel Performance There, you will receive a detailed breakdown of important metrics such as impressions, clicks, conversions, costs, and ROAS. The view can be filtered by time period, device, or conversion goal, providing a valuable basis for data-driven optimizations. What Exactly Does the Channel Reporting Show You? The Channel Performance Reporting provides a structured overview of the performance of individual channels within a Performance Max campaign. It shows how the campaign is distributed across platforms like Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, and what each channel's share of the achieved conversions is. This transparency allows an informed evaluation of budget distribution, identifies underperforming channels, and assists in prioritizing future investments. Additionally, the reporting offers extensive segmentation and filtering options. The data can be analyzed by key metrics such as Cost per Acquisition (CPA), Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), or Click-Through Rate (CTR). This provides a comprehensive view of the campaign's performance, both cross-channel and data-driven in a strategically usable way. What Can Be Learned from the Data The Channel Performance Reporting delivers far more than just numbers. It opens up new perspectives for the strategic management of Performance Max campaigns. By breaking down key figures like impressions, clicks, conversions, and costs by channel, it becomes visible which platforms are genuinely contributing to achieving targets and how the deployed budget is distributed. This data enables an informed assessment of the used ad formats, targeting methods, and device distribution. Conclusions can also be drawn regarding the customer journey and potential optimization potentials can be identified, for example, in the design of assets or budget allocation. For agencies like internetwarriors, this transparency is a valuable foundation for not only optimizing campaigns efficiently but also communicating transparently with clients. How to Optimize Your Campaigns with the New Insights The channel-specific data from the Channel Performance Reporting provides a valuable foundation for the strategic optimization of Performance Max campaigns. By analyzing individual channels, it becomes apparent which platforms work particularly efficiently, where wastage is occurring, and which ad formats achieve the best results. Based on this, budgets can be distributed more strategically, assets can be designed more precisely, and target groups can be addressed more diversely. Furthermore, the insights enable a more precise evaluation of the customer journey: Are users addressed via YouTube but convert only via Search? Such patterns can now be comprehended and incorporated into the campaign structure. The selection of conversion goals can also be newly assessed based on the data to further align campaign orientation with actual user behavior. Limitations and Pitfalls of Channel Reporting Even though the Channel Performance Reporting represents an important step towards transparency, current limitations and pitfalls should not be neglected. Since the feature is still in the beta phase, availability is not guaranteed across the board, and the scope of displayed data can vary from account to account. In some cases, only aggregated values are displayed, without deeper insights into individual ad formats or audiences. Moreover, it should be noted that Performance Max operates cross-channel, and the individual channels do not stand alone but work collectively. A channel with seemingly weak performance can nevertheless make an important contribution to conversion, for example, through early user engagement in the funnel. Therefore, interpreting the data requires a holistic understanding of the customer journey and shouldn't rely solely on individual metrics. Technical limitations such as incomplete conversion attribution, missing asset data, or limited segmentation options can also complicate analysis. Therefore, a combination of Channel Reporting, conversion tracking, and supplementary tools such as Google Analytics or server-side tracking is recommended for a sound evaluation. Conclusion: More Control, Better Decisions With the new Channel Performance Reporting, a decisive step toward transparency within Performance Max campaigns is taken. The ability to evaluate channel-specific data directly in the Google Ads interface provides a solid basis for strategic decisions and targeted optimizations. Even though the feature is still in the beta phase and not fully available in every account, it is already clear how valuable these insights are for modern campaign management. The combination of automation and data-driven control makes it possible to distribute budgets more efficiently, use assets more targetedly, and better understand the customer journey. For agencies like internetwarriors, this means: more clarity in analysis, better arguments in customer communication, and significantly increased effectiveness in digital marketing. As an experienced Google Ads agency, we help you harness the full potential of your Performance Max campaigns. We assist you not only with setting up and optimizing your campaigns, but also with the targeted use of the new Channel Performance Reporting. This way, you'll gain clear insights into the performance of individual channels, can distribute budgets sensibly, and make data-based decisions. With our expertise in AI-supported campaign management and cross-channel analysis, we ensure that your ads not only perform but are transparent and traceable. Get in touch with us!
VKU Marketing Experts 2025 – AI in Focus
Oct 8, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Inside Internet Warriors

On September 24, 2025, Berlin was the hotspot for marketing experts from public utilities. The VKU Marketing Experts Congress provided an excellent platform to discuss the industry's most pressing issues. This year's top topic: the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence in marketing. As internetwarriors, we were there, represented by our experts Julien Moritz (SEO/GEO expert) and Axel Zawierucha (CEO), to share our knowledge and gain new insights. The transformation is now: AI as a game-changer The atmosphere at the congress was marked by a palpable sense of optimism. Numerous lectures and discussions made it clear that AI is no longer just a buzzword but a tangible tool that is revolutionizing marketing strategies. From personalized customer engagement to automated content creation and data-driven forecasts – the possibilities seem endless. However, with new opportunities come new challenges. One of the central questions that arose in many conversations was: How can companies remain visible in a digital landscape dominated by AI systems and language models (LLMs) and effectively reach their target audiences? Our workshop: Visibility in the age of AI We dedicated our interactive workshop to precisely this question. Under the title "Visibility in the AI Era: How to Position Your Business in New Systems," Julien Moritz and Axel Zawierucha provided practical insights and strategic advice. The interest was overwhelming. Intense discussions with participants made it clear that many companies are seeking guidance on how to prepare their content and data to be optimally captured and presented by AI-based search and recommendation systems. We demonstrated how a well-thought-out data strategy and content optimization for semantic searches can make a significant difference. The many exciting questions and the enthusiastic participation showed us that we struck a chord here. How we as GEO specialists can support Especially in a local context, geographic visibility is crucial. As GEO specialists, we help you strengthen your presence in local search systems and map applications – an important factor to be found even in AI-driven environments. With structured location data, local SEO, and targeted integration into semantic search systems, we ensure that your offerings appear where your target audience is searching – today and in the AI-driven future. Contact us!
DMEXCO 2025: CRM, AI and the Future of Search Engine Marketing
Sep 24, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Inside Internet Warriors

DMEXCO 2025 in Cologne was more than just a trade show for us at internetwarriors.de – it was a vibrant marketplace of ideas, a melting pot of innovations, and above all, a confirmation of the topics that move us and our customers every day. With a record attendance of over 40,000 participants and under the motto "Be Bold. Move Forward.", this year's leading trade fair for digital marketing sent a clear signal: The future belongs to the bold, the pioneers, and those who are ready to blaze new trails. In countless inspiring conversations with customers, partners, and industry colleagues, a common thread emerged for us, connecting the central challenges and opportunities of our time: the inseparable linkage of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), the revolution through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the redefinition of campaign planning in the era of generative models. The foundation of successful performance campaigns: The CRM feedback loop A theme that repeatedly came to the forefront in our conversations at DMEXCO 2025 was the immense importance of deep integration of CRM systems in performance marketing campaigns. It's a realization as simple as it is crucial: those who want to successfully generate leads must not merely scratch the surface. The mere generation of contact information is only half the battle. The true value unfolds only when a seamless feedback loop between marketing and sales is established. This is where CRM comes into play. It is the centerpiece that consolidates all relevant information about a potential customer and tells us what actually became of a generated lead. Was the contact qualified? Did it lead to a sales conversation? Was a contract concluded? This feedback is pure gold for optimizing performance campaigns. Without this feedback, we operate blindly. We see which ads and keywords generate clicks and conversions, but we don't know which truly lead to revenue. From our extensive practical experience and the intensive discussions at the fair, we can make a clear recommendation. As an official implementation partner of Teamleader in Germany, we have gained deep insights into the capabilities of modern CRM systems. We are convinced that Teamleader unites all critical features to conduct business successfully. From the central contact database, deal tracking, and project management to time tracking and invoicing, the platform offers an all-in-one solution specifically tailored to the needs of agencies and service-oriented SMEs. Seamless integration enables precisely the valuable feedback loop essential for data-driven marketing. The discussions at DMEXCO showed that companies that have successfully closed this loop deploy their marketing budgets much more efficiently. They can target their campaigns on the channels and audiences that deliver the most valuable customers. In an era where digital advertising costs are steadily rising, and competition is becoming more intense, this data-driven precision is no longer a "nice-to-have," but an absolute must for sustainable success. Google in transition: The future of search in the age of AI Of course, the future of AI and Google, along with organic search, was one of the dominant topics in the Cologne exhibition halls. The era of purely keyword-based searches is coming to an end. Generative AI models and the increasing integration of AI into search engine result pages (SERPs) signal a paradigm shift. The question everyone is asking is: How will search change, and what does it mean for our SEO and SEA strategies? The keynotes and expert lectures at DMEXCO painted a clear picture: search will become more contextual, dialogue-oriented, and personalized. Users no longer just expect a list of links, but direct answers and solutions to their concerns. Google's "Search Generative Experience" (SGE) is just the beginning. The ability to understand complex queries and answer in full sentences will fundamentally change how we search for information. For us as an agency, this means we need to adapt our content strategies. It's no longer just about optimizing individual keywords but creating comprehensive thematic worlds that holistically answer users' questions. "Topical Authority" will become the new currency in SEO. We must become the experts in our niche and create content that offers real value both for users and AI-driven algorithms. At the same time, AI also opens new possibilities for paid search. Performance-Max campaigns are a good example of how Google uses AI to automate and optimize the display of ads across the entire Google network. The challenge for us marketers is to provide the AI with the right signals – and{
Marketing in the Age of AI: Welcome to the New Reality
Sep 5, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Artificial Intelligence

A specter is haunting the marketing world – the specter of artificial intelligence. But instead of spreading fear, it brings a wave of transformation that redefines the very foundations of our industry. Gone are the days when marketing relied solely on intuition, manual segmentation, and broad campaigns. Today, in 2025, we are in the midst of a revolution driven by algorithms, machine learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs). For us at internetwarriors, it's clear: AI is not a passing trend but the new operating system for successful marketing. But what does that mean exactly? What has really changed? How do you need to adjust your strategies to not just survive but thrive? And how is perhaps the most important component of all – user behavior – changing? This article is your comprehensive guide to marketing in the age of AI. We dive deep into the changes, show you practical strategies, illuminate new user behaviors with current research insights, and look beyond to see which future trends from the USA and Asia will soon be our reality. The new playing field: What AI has fundamentally changed in marketing Artificial intelligence is more than just another tool in your toolkit. It's the invisible hand that optimizes processes, provides insights, and enables interactions at a speed and precision that were pure science fiction just a few years ago. The core changes can be observed in four key areas: 1. Real-time hyper-personalization: Previously, personalization was addressing a customer by their name in an email. Today, personalization means presenting the user with exactly the content, product, or message that matches their current need – across all channels. AI algorithms analyze massive amounts of data from user behavior, purchase history, demographic information, and even contextual data (such as weather or location) in milliseconds. The result: Dynamic web content, personalized product recommendations in online stores, and individually tailored ads perceived not as intrusions but as relevant services. 2. Predictive analytics and data-driven forecasts: Marketing has long been reactive. We analyzed past campaigns to optimize future ones. Marketing AI reverses this principle. Predictive analytics models can predict with high probability which customers are most likely to churn (Customer Churn), which leads have the highest purchase probability (Predictive Lead Scoring), or which products will sell best next season. This foresight allows you to act proactively, distribute budgets more efficiently, and focus your resources on the most promising segments. 3. Automation of content creation and distribution: Generative AI has revolutionized content creation. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and more advanced, industry-specific models can now create high-quality texts for blogs, social media posts, emails, or product descriptions. But it goes far beyond that: AI systems can also generate images, videos, and even music. For you as a marketer, this means a significant increase in efficiency. Routine tasks that used to take hours are now done in minutes. At the same time, AI enables the creation of content for A/B tests in countless variants and the automatic distribution through the right channels at the right time. 4. Efficiency through intelligent automation: Besides content creation, AI automates countless other marketing processes. From programmatic buying of ad space (Programmatic Advertising) to intelligent bidding strategies in Google Ads to automatic segmentation of target audiences – AI handles repetitive, data-intensive tasks. This not only results in massive time and cost savings but also minimizes human errors and continuously optimizes campaign performance based on data. The marketing strategy 2025: How to successfully navigate the AI era A new technological reality requires a new strategic approach. It's not enough to just introduce a few AI marketing tools. Your entire marketing strategy needs to be rethought in the context of AI. 1. From target groups to "Segment-of-One": Your radical personalization strategy Your central strategy should be hyper-personalization. The goal is no longer to reach a target group but to treat each individual customer as their own segment ("Segment-of-One"). Practical implementation: Invest in a robust Customer Data Platform (CDP) that centralizes all customer data in one place. Use AI-driven personalization engines for your website, online store, and email marketing. These systems dynamically adjust content based on each user's click behavior, dwelling time, and purchase history. 2. Conversational marketing: Dialogue as the new funnel Users no longer want to fill out forms or be stuck on hold. They expect immediate answers and a direct dialog. AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants provide the solution. Practical implementation: Implement an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchasing process. Train the bot with your corporate data to ensure accurate and brand-consistent responses. 3. Content strategy: Quality and AI optimization hand in hand In the age of AI content creation, the sheer volume of content will explode. To stand out, two things are crucial: first, exceptional, human-centered quality, and second, optimization for AI systems. Practical implementation: Use generative AI as a tool for ideation, draft creation, and text optimization for SEO. However, the final editing, strategic direction, and emotional depth must come from human experts. At the same time, structure your content (e.g., through Schema.org markup) for easy understanding and prominent placement in answers from AI search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE). 4. SEO and AI: The symbiosis for your visibility SEO and AI are inextricably linked. Google's algorithms, particularly RankBrain and BERT, are deeply rooted in machine learning. The future of search lies in answering complex queries, not just matching keywords. Practical implementation: Focus on thematic authority (Topic Clusters) rather than individual keywords. Create comprehensive content that fully answers user questions. Use AI tools to analyze SERPs, identify content gaps, and optimize your content for semantic search. Global outlook: These AI trends from the USA & Asia are defining the future While we in Europe are beginning to fully harness the potential of AI, the USA and Asia serve as "future labs." Different regulations, a higher risk appetite, and a deep-rooted "mobile-first" culture accelerate the adoption of technologies that will soon dominate our market. Trend 1 from Asia: The "Super-App" ecosystem & Social Commerce 2.0 In Asia, especially China, with apps like WeChat or Alibaba , "Super-Apps" dominate daily life. In these closed ecosystems, digital life unfolds: chatting, shopping, paying, booking services. AI is the glue that enables a seamless, hyper-personalized customer journey within a single platform . Live-stream shopping on steroids: Forget QVC. In Asia, live streams are interactive events. AI tools analyze viewer comments in real-time to suggest products to the influencer. Group-buying through AI: AI identifies potential buyers with similar interests and connects them into groups to obtain better prices through joint purchases. Trend towards conversational commerce: WhatsApp and Instagram are increasingly moving towards this direction. The trend relentlessly moves toward Conversational Commerce . Your first crucial step into this future is to deploy an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchase process. Trend 2 from the USA: The autonomous marketing manager In the USA, the trend is moving from AI assistance to AI autonomy . So-called "agent-based systems" are AI-generated virtual managers that not only assist, but autonomously manage campaigns and make strategic decisions. The Autonomous Marketing Manager: Instead of saying, "Create 10 social media posts," the AI will decide whether to write blog articles, launch Google Ads, or start an email campaign on its own. It analyzes the market, target audience, and performance to make these decisions. What does this mean for you? This trend is technologically demanding but will radically change your role as a marketer. Your task will be to centralize your data infrastructure (e.g., with a Customer Data Platform). Only with clean, accessible data can you effectively leverage AI systems to their full potential. Trend 3 from the USA & Asia: AI influencers and the era of synthetic media Virtual, AI-generated influencers with millions of followers and contracts with global luxury brands are emerging. They are precursors to a revolution in content creation. The forebears of change: AI-generated influencers like these herald new possibilities for brands to easily and inexpensively create their synthetic personas, designed to be visually and characteristically tailored to match a brand. What does this mean for you? In a world where AI anticipation of needs reduces tolerance for irrelevance, marketers should focus on transparency and creativity. Instead of replacing actual people, AI avatars can be used as fantasy figures, futuristic ambassadors, or scalable, personalized video tutorials. Transforming the marketer: The new era of AI and marketing AI is changing the expectations and behavior of consumers. They now anticipate immediate responses and direct dialogues in customer interactions. In response to this evolving technological landscape, marketers must evolve their strategies. It is not enough to merely introduce a few AI marketing tools; the entire marketing strategy must be reimagined using AI as a partner rather than a threat. Develop data competence: You don't have to become a data scientist, but you must learn to interpret data to draw valuable insights. Focus on strategic planning: Instead of manually setting up A/B tests, your task will be to set strategic directions while the AI optimizes the methodologies to achieve those strategies. Master creativity and storytelling: In a world where sheer volume of AI-generated content is set to explode, what will make a difference is outstanding, human-centered quality and content optimized for AI systems. Prompt engineering as a new skill: The quality of a generative AI's output now heavily relies on the quality and creativity of the input and command structure you provide. Lifelong learning: In the AI-driven world, continual education becomes a necessity rather than an option, as the technologies and methodologies keep evolving. Conclusion: The future of marketing is a symbiosis with AI The ubiquitous presence of AI is inevitably shaping expectations and consumer behavior. AI is freeing us from repetitive, manual tasks, giving us the capacity to focus on areas where humans are irreplaceable. Success will belong to those who understand this new technology not as a threat but as an ally. The winners will be those who combine the analytical power, speed, and scalability of AI with the irreplaceable human qualities of creativity, strategy, and storytelling. At internetwarriors, we look forward to this future full of opportunities. We see AI as a partner that frees us from repetitive, manual tasks, allowing us to dedicate our capabilities to where humans make the difference.
AI Max for Search Campaigns - How AI is Changing Google Ads
Sep 3, 2025

Markus
Brook
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Online marketing is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations. A current example is the introduction of Google's AI Max campaigns. This campaign type is specifically designed for search campaigns and utilizes artificial intelligence to control ads more efficiently. Below, we explain what AI Max for search campaigns is, the benefits it offers, and the requirements it places on advertisers. Key Points AI Max is a new campaign feature in Google Ads that uses machine learning for automated ad placements and bidding. AI Max combines existing Google Ads features such as Broad Match, DSA, and automatically generated assets. The focus is on maximizing conversions and conversion values. AI Max combines traditional search campaigns with AI-driven bidding strategies. Automation reduces management effort but requires clear goals, data, and high-quality assets. Control is achieved through goal definitions and continuous monitoring of campaign performance. Introduction: What is AI Max? Google continually develops its advertising platform, increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. With AI Max for search campaigns , a new campaign feature is introduced specifically designed for Google search. AI Max uses machine learning to automatically control ads, adjust bids in real-time, and increase the likelihood of conversions. The goal is to reduce manual effort and enhance the efficiency of search campaigns. How AI Max Works Unlike traditional search campaigns, Google AI Max heavily relies on automation. Assets, including ad titles, descriptions, sitelinks, or extensions, are provided to the system. The AI combines these components independently and dynamically creates ads that optimally match the respective search query. Additionally, the system continuously analyzes user signals like location, search history, or interaction patterns. This data is used to identify relevant target audiences and optimize ads in real-time. This makes campaign management significantly more precise and faster than manually possible. 1. Keywordless Technology: Search Ads Without Classic Keywords A central element is the so-called “keywordless matching.” Instead of relying on exact or phrase match keywords, Google analyzes landing pages, existing assets, and user behavior with AI to serve appropriate search queries. This is reminiscent of Dynamic Search Ads functionality, but in an even more automated framework. 2. Text Automation with AI The automatically created assets are another building block in AI Max. Google dynamically creates ad texts based on the website, previous ads, and other available data. 3. Final URL Expansion With final URL expansion, Google may direct users to a different target page than originally set if the AI assumes a better conversion probability exists there. This feature is also based on known DSA campaign mechanics. Benefits of AI Max in Google Ads The introduction of AI Max offers several benefits for advertisers: Time Savings Through Automation : Manual adjustments of bids and ad texts are mostly eliminated. Higher Conversion Probability : Google itself states that AI Max can generate up to 14% more conversions on average. Extended Reach : Ads are no longer only triggered by classic keywords but can also cover additional relevant search queries. Transparency : New reporting features show how AI makes decisions and what adjustments were made automatically. Despite the advantages, AI Max also carries risks. Automation can lead to unexpected and sometimes uncontrollable results. For example, AI may serve ads for search terms that do not directly align with the brand core or product, leading to irrelevant traffic and reduced efficiency. Another risk is that performance heavily depends on the quality of the provided assets and the data foundation. If these are faulty or insufficient, the AI may draw incorrect conclusions and steer the campaign in the wrong direction. In the worst case, this could result in wasted marketing budgets without achieving the desired results. Especially for clients with limited budgets and insufficient conversions, we currently do not recommend using AI Max. Challenges and Limitations Reduced Manual Control : Many decisions are taken over by the AI, meaning fewer intervention possibilities. Dependence on Data Quality : The AI can only work effectively if high-quality assets and precise conversion goals are provided. Continuous Monitoring Required : Even automated campaigns must be regularly reviewed and adjusted to be successful over the long term. First Practical Insights: What Companies Achieve with AI Max AI Max is not just a theoretical concept but already delivers real results, as proven by two early case studies from the beta phase that Google itself presents. Both L’Oréal Chile and the Australian provider MyConnect used AI Max and were able to make their search campaigns significantly more efficient. L’Oréal Chile: Higher Conversion Rates at Lower Costs The cosmetics giant used AI Max specifically to identify new keyword potentials and increase the relevance of its ads. With success: the conversion rate doubled while the cost-per-conversion decreased by a whopping 31%. An example shows the potential: The campaigns suddenly targeted search queries like “what is the best cream for facial dark spots” – terms that would likely never have been covered with classic keyword strategies. AI Max thus helped to specifically address relevant long-tail intentions without manual setup. MyConnect: More Leads Through New Search Impulses The Australian company MyConnect was already using Broad Match and tROAS. Nonetheless, activating AI Max brought clear improvements: 16% more leads 13% lower costs per conversion 30% more conversions from novel search terms Particularly intriguing: the strong increase in so-called “net-new queries” – search queries previously not covered by the existing keywords or assets. Here lies the real added value of AI Max: it recognizes opportunities that were not visible before. Best Practices for Using AI Max For AI Max to be successfully used, companies should follow some principles: Provide High-Quality Assets – Diverse ad titles and descriptions make it easier for AI to optimize. Define Conversion Goals Clearly – The more precise the goals, the better the AI can control the campaign. Conduct Regular Analysis – Despite automation, controlling metrics like ROAS, CTR, and conversion rate remains important. Review Brand Keywords – It may be wise to exclude brand terms to reach new target groups instead of just serving existing search queries. Conclusion: Opportunities and Limits of AI Max AI Max for Search Campaigns is a step towards greater automation in Google Ads. Companies can benefit from this technology if they strategically prepare their campaigns, set clear goals, and regularly monitor the results. The AI does not replace a well-founded marketing strategy but complements it. When used correctly, AI Max can help use budgets more efficiently, reduce administrative effort, and enhance performance. If you want to discover how AI Max or other innovative approaches to Google Ads with AI can help your company, we are here for you as experts in SEO , GEO, and SEA . Contact us today for a free consultation to revolutionize your online marketing strategy. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about AI Max What is the difference between Performance Max and AI Max? Performance Max covers all Google channels, while AI Max is specifically developed for search ads. Is AI Max suitable for every company? AI Max is best suited for companies with clear conversion goals that have enough budget to provide the AI with enough data for learning. For smaller budgets or very specific niche markets, a classic Google Ads campaign or a targeted SEO strategy may be more sensible. How do I maintain control when so much is automated? Control is exercised through assets, conversion goals, and regular analysis reports. These provide transparency and show how the AI is optimizing. Can I exclude keywords? Yes, excluding keywords is an important best practice. It helps ensure the campaign does not only target users already searching for your brand but also reaches new potential customers.
LLM Content Focus: What ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini Prefer
Aug 21, 2025

Nadine
Wolff
Category:
Artificial Intelligence

Standard search engine optimization was yesterday – today it's also about designing content in such a way that it can be found, understood, and integrated into responses by Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini. Being cited as a source in AI-generated results not only benefits brand awareness but often also provides valuable backlinks. However, each LLM has its own focus when it comes to selecting content. In this article, you'll learn how these three models work and how you can tailor your content to their preferences. An Overview of the Three LLMs Before we delve into specific tactics, it's worth taking a quick look at how the models function. Each LLM evaluates content according to its own criteria. ChatGPT scores highly with well-structured explanations, Perplexity prioritizes recency and sources, and Gemini uses strong signals from the Google Index and prefers structured and multimedia content. These differences determine which content you should prioritize. ChatGPT – Creative & Dialogical Content ChatGPT excels at reproducing content in a natural, human-sounding language. It favors text that is easy to read, provides clear explanations, and is organized in a logical structure. Preferred Content: Storytelling, illustrative examples, step-by-step explanations Style: dialogical, accessible, understandable to a wide audience Data Source: Mainly training data, with web access in the Pro version Success Factor: Evergreen content that is mentioned on many trustworthy sites has a better chance of being included in the model Perplexity – Research, Sources, Recency Perplexity is an LLM with integrated real-time web access. The unique aspect: It always shows sources and directly links to them. Preferred Content: Recent studies, statistics, professional articles, precise analyses Style: factual, evidence-based, concise Data Source: Live internet search + structured sources Success Factor: Clear source citations, publication date, author, imprint – and content that directly addresses the question posed Extra Tip: FAQ formats and How-To guides are particularly visible because Perplexity often presents answers in a Q&A structure Google Gemini – Multimodal & SEO-Driven Gemini is closely linked with the Google ecosystem and uses traditional search data to integrate content into AI responses. Additionally, it can combine text, image, video, and audio. Preferred Content: SEO-optimized articles, rich snippets, structured data (Schema.org) Style: informative, well-organized, with visual elements such as infographics or tables Data Source: Google Search Index + multimodal analysis Success Factor: Content that already performs well in organic Google ranking has a significantly better chance of appearing in Gemini Content Priorities in Direct Comparison There are significant differences between the models. ChatGPT prefers reader-friendly explanations, Perplexity demands recency and sources, and Gemini rewards SEO structure and media diversity. Use this matrix as a guide for your editorial plan. Criterion ChatGPT Perplexity Google Gemini Type of Content Explanatory texts, examples, storytelling Professional articles, data, primary sources SEO structured articles, media mix Recency more evergreen very high high, based on Google Index Sources indirect via training data direct, visible links Google signals, rich results, markup Format Prose, Q and A sections FAQ, How-to, tables, lists H2 H3 structure, Schema.org, Multimedia Language dialogical, accessible factual, precise informative, search-intention oriented Optimization Strategies for Each LLM Even though best practices overlap, focusing on the specific preferences of the models is worthwhile. This way, you can garner more mentions and links. Optimize for ChatGPT Begin each key section with the most important answer, followed by brief justifications and at least one example. Explain technical terms in your own words, add a concise definition, and link to additional internal pages if necessary. Structure is crucial. Use clear H2 and H3, frame frequent user questions as subheadings, and answer them directly in the first paragraph below. Add practical examples, checklists, and small sequences of steps. This increases the chance that passages will be used as complete answers. Optimize for Perplexity Build a clean source concept. Name primary sources, use quotes sparingly but precisely, and provide numbers with links and dates. Insert a brief summary with three to five key statements at the beginning of an article. Make the publication date, author, and company information clearly visible. Regularly update content. Maintain an FAQ block with real user questions and concise answers of 40 to 80 words. Include tables with important metrics. This increases the likelihood of being directly linked. Additionally, you can bundle in-depth resources and provide them in a resources section at the end. Optimize for Gemini Focus on proper on-page fundamentals. Optimize title and meta description, establish a clear heading hierarchy, and use Schema.org markup. Build internal links with descriptive anchor text to thematically related pages, such as guide articles or service pages. Create media to foster understanding, such as an infographic with process steps or a table with pros and cons. Pay attention to E-E-A-T signals. An author profile with qualifications, references, and contact information builds trust. Examples of Content Elements that LLMs Favor Short definition at the beginning, maximum two sentences, directly related to the question. Explanation section with a real-life example. Mini checklist with three to five points that makes a task doable. Table with criteria, such as comparison of methods, costs, or risks. FAQ section with three to seven real questions. These building blocks can be used in blog posts, service pages, and knowledge articles. In online shops, they can also function as supplementary guides on category pages. Common Mistakes That Prevent Mentions One of the most common mistakes is an unclear structure where users cannot find a direct answer at the beginning of a section immediately. A lack of sources or the use of outdated data also negatively impacts credibility. If a topic is too broadly covered on just a single page, relevance decreases along with the chance of being mentioned. Furthermore, the absence of publication date and author leads to less trust in the content. Likewise, a lack of internal linking can result in crucial context signals being missed, causing LLMs not to rate the content as particularly relevant. To avoid these hurdles, you should regularly review existing content, structure it carefully, and update it specifically. Conclusion Optimization for LLMs is not futuristic – it is already crucial to remain visible in the new search world. ChatGPT prefers easily understandable, creative, and well-explained content Perplexity relies on current, evidence-based, and source-supported content Gemini accesses SEO-strong, structured, and multimedia content The requirements of ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini vary – but with the right strategy, you can excel in all three models. We support you in developing content that is found, mentioned, and linked not only by search engines but also by AI systems. Get in touch now. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Content Focus How do I know if my content is mentioned in LLMs? With Perplexity, it's easy – sources are linked. With ChatGPT and Gemini, you can test this through targeted queries or monitor it with tracking tools. Do I need to optimize separately for each LLM? Yes, as the models have different focuses. However, there are overlaps, e.g., with clear structure and high source quality. How often should I update content? For Perplexity and Gemini regularly, as recency is a crucial factor. Evergreen content for ChatGPT should also be maintained.
The AIO & GEO Platforms Report 2025
Aug 13, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Artificial Intelligence

The digital marketing world is facing its biggest upheaval since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. Artificial intelligence, particularly in the form of generative answer machines, is redefining the rules of online visibility. In this comprehensive report, we analyze the landscape of AI Tools specifically developed for this new era, and provide you with a strategic compass to not only survive in the world of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) but to win. Critical Assessment and Classification of AI Tools A critical assessment was conducted when integrating the new tools. Tools like Superlines, Rankscale.ai, Kai, ALLMO.ai, Quno, Finseo, Scrunch, SEOMonitor, Ayzeo, LLM Pulse (Generative Pulse), Deepserp, AI Peekaboo, and Evertune were identified as relevant GEO monitoring, content, or hybrid platforms and were integrated into the corresponding sections of the report. Other mentioned tools were deliberately excluded after careful review, as they do not align with the core focus of AI visibility analysis: Behamics is an e-commerce revenue platform, Advanced Web Ranking is a traditional rank tracker without explicit GEO functions, and 'Am I on AI' tools are AI content detectors (which check if a text was written by AI, not what an AI writes about a brand). This differentiation ensures that the report exclusively focuses on the most relevant and direct solutions for Generative Engine Optimization. The Paradigm Shift in Digital Marketing: Generative Engine Optimization The emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) represents the most significant paradigm shift in digital marketing since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the GEO tool market, which is predicted to reach a volume of 7.3 billion USD by 2031. It outlines the bifurcation of the market into established SEO providers (SE Ranking, Semrush) and specialized startups (Profound, Otterly.ai), evaluates their capabilities, and provides a strategic framework for implementation. The key insight is that visibility in AI-generated answers is no longer optional; it is a critical, measurable, and optimizable component of modern brand strategy. Understanding the New Search Paradigm – Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) This section provides the strategic context by defining the transition from traditional SEO to optimization for AI-driven answer machines. It familiarizes readers with the new terminology, principles, and technical requirements necessary to compete in this evolving landscape. Defining the Post-SEO Landscape: From Search Engines to Answer Engines The fundamental shift in digital search behavior is transitioning from a list of links (Search Engine Results Pages, SERPs) to synthesized, conversational answers provided by generative AI models. This development fundamentally changes the customer journey and optimization goals. While traditional search engine optimization (SEO) focused on achieving clicks, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) aims to receive citations in AI answers and influence the portrayal of one's brand within these answers. The current market landscape is characterized by a myriad of overlapping terms. For the clarity of this report, the following working definitions are established: AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization): This is the broadest term, often referring to making content machine-readable. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): A more specific term that focuses on structuring content to answer direct questions. This targets featured snippets, "People Also Ask" boxes (PAA), and voice search. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): This is the most current and relevant term. It encompasses the holistic practice of optimizing content and brand signals to appear in AI-generated answers on platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. This report will use GEO as the primary overarching term. This shift is not just theoretical. The data confirms the urgency and importance of the topic. As of March 2025, 13% of all Google searches already triggered an AI Overview – a 72% increase over the previous month. Moreover, Gartner predicts that the volume of traditional search engine usage will decrease by 25% by 2026 and by 50% or more by 2028, as users increasingly switch to AI assistants. The coexistence of multiple competing acronyms for a similar concept is a classic sign of an emerging, rapidly evolving market. This indicates not a marketing failure but rather evidence that the practice of AI optimization is solidifying faster than the industry can agree on a unified name. Core Principles of GEO: A Strategic Framework for AI Visibility The formalization of GEO as a concept in academic research provides a rigorous theoretical foundation. One of the key insights is that incorporating citations, quotations, and statistics can increase the visibility of a source in AI answers by more than 40%. The E-E-A-T principles of Google (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) are of paramount importance for GEO. AI models are explicitly designed to prioritize credible sources. GEO also requires a shift from isolated keywords to building thematic authority around entities (people, products, concepts). A critical tactic is obtaining unlinked brand mentions (co-citations) in authoritative content. Metric Traditional SEO Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Primary Objective Ranking on the SERP Being cited in the AI answer Core Unit of Optimization Website Brand/Entity Key Tactics Keyword optimization, Backlinking Semantic Structuring, E-E-A-T signals, Co-citations Primary KPIs Organic Traffic, Keyword Rankings Share of Voice, Mention Frequency, Sentiment Content Focus Long-form Articles Snippet-ready, Structured Answers Authority Signals Domain Authority, Backlinks Expert Citations, Data Quotes, Reviews The Technical Foundation: The Critical Role of AI-Friendly Schema and llms.txt Schema markup is the essential infrastructure that makes content readable for AI systems. It provides explicit context and helps AI differentiate facts from filler. Best Practices for AI-visible Schema: Using JSON-LD: The format preferred by Google. Prioritizing Key Schema Types: Organization, Product, FAQPage, HowTo, and Article are particularly effective. Mapping Visible, Real Content: Do not add schema for invisible content. Completeness and Accuracy: Fewer, but complete properties are better than many incomplete ones. The llms.txt file is emerging as the new standard – similar to the robots.txt – to provide clear guidelines to LLMs on using website content. It can be easily created with free online tools or WordPress plugins like AIOSEO . The robots.txt file, on the other hand, should be set up by experienced SEOs, as even small errors could, in the worst case, result in LLMs being completely excluded from access. Market Analysis and Future Outlook This section offers a macro perspective on the GEO market, analyzing its size, growth drivers, and future development. Market Landscape: Sizing the GEO Opportunity and Growth Forecasts The global market for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services was valued at 886 million USD in 2024 and is expected to grow to 7.318 billion USD by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.0%. This growth is driven by the rapid adoption of AI-powered search by users. The discrepancy between the growth rates of the GEO market (34.0% CAGR) and the traditional AI SEO Tools market (12.6% CAGR) signals market disruption. Budgets will likely be reallocated from traditional channels. Those not investing in GEO risk the erosion of their existing search visibility. Investments & Innovation: A Look at the GEO Startup Ecosystem The high growth potential has attracted significant venture capital and led to the emergence of specialized startups like Profound, Otterly.ai, and BrandBeacon. These companies are designed from the ground up for GEO and are driving innovations in areas critical for AI Search Monitoring and AI search tracking , such as real-time brand monitoring in LLMs and sentiment analysis of AI answers. The Future of Digital Discovery: Expert Perspectives Experts agree: The change is irreversible. One of the main challenges is measuring GEO successes. Traditional metrics are losing relevance. New KPIs like AI Search Visibility , Share of Voice, and citation frequency are becoming established. LLMs provide "opinions, not lists". If a brand is not among the first mentions, it is practically invisible. Comparative Analysis of AIO/GEO Visibility Platforms This is the core of the report: a detailed, feature-based comparison of the key AI Tools on the market. Evaluation Framework: Key Metrics and Capabilities To fairly evaluate the tools, we defined a framework with the following criteria: LLM & Platform Coverage: Which AI engines are monitored? Core Visibility Metrics: What is measured? (e.g., Share of Voice, Sentiment) Competitive Analysis: How well are competitors tracked? Data & Analytics Capabilities: How is the data processed? Action Orientation & Workflow: Does the tool assist in execution? User-Friendliness & Target Audience: Who is it designed for? Pricing & Value: What is the cost structure? The Established: How SEO Suites Adapt to the AI Era These players leverage their existing infrastructure to enter the GEO market. SE Ranking AI Visibility Tracker: An all-in-one platform that combines traditional SEO and GEO. Ideal for SEO professionals and agencies looking for an integrated solution. Semrush AIO: An enterprise solution focused on large-scale benchmarking and unmatched data depth. SEOMonitor: Specifically developed for agencies to optimize workflows with AI-powered tools. The Challengers: A Deep Dive into Dedicated GEO Monitoring Startups This category represents the "pure" GEO platforms, which are often more innovative and agile. Profound: A premium solution for businesses with real-time insights and advanced features like the "Conversation Explorer." Otterly.ai: An Austrian startup with a strong focus on brand safety and risk management. Peec AI: A specialized platform for global businesses with multilingual and cross-country support. Rankscale.ai: Offers an intuitive user interface and AI-generated suggestions for content optimization at the URL level. Scrunch: Focuses on optimizing the AI customer journey, including journey mapping and persona-based prompting. ... and many more, detailed in the comparison table. The Big Comparison Table of GEO Tools Tool Strategic Focus Covered LLMs Key Metrics Pricing Model Ideal User Profile SE Ranking Integrated SEO + GEO Google AIO, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini Mentions, Links, SoV Subscription (part of SEO plans) SEO Professionals, Agencies, SMEs Semrush AIO Enterprise Monitoring Google AIO, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini Mentions, Sentiment Subscription (Enterprise focus) Large Enterprises, E-commerce Brands SEOMonitor Agency Workflow Automation Google AIO, ChatGPT, Gemini AIO Visibility, GEO Tracking Subscription (from €99/month) SEO and Digital Marketing Agencies Profound Enterprise GEO Intelligence ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, Claude Mentions, Citations, SoV, Sentiment Premium Subscription ($499+) Enterprise Brands, Data-Driven Agencies Otterly.ai SME Brand Safety ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AIO Rankings, Citations, Brand Safety Warnings Tiered Subscription ($29+) PR Teams, Brands in Sensitive Industries Peec AI Global GEO Analysis ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, Grok Position Score, Sentiment Tiered Subscription (€90+) International Corporations, Global Agencies Rankscale.ai Actionable GEO Analysis ChatGPT, AIOs, Perplexity, etc. Rankings, Citations, Sentiment Affordable Subscription (from €20/month) SEOs seeking quick insights Scrunch AI Customer Journey Optimization Leading LLMs (incl. Grok, Claude) Sentiment, Competitive Position Unknown Agencies, Enterprise Brands Deepserp Technical GEO Audit ChatGPT, Gemini, etc. AI Crawl Behavior, Citations Subscription (from $99/month) Large Websites, Technical SEO Teams LLMrefs Freemium Visibility Key LLMs LLMrefs Score, Mentions Freemium ($0 / $79) Freelancers, Small Businesses The Specialists: Niche, Integrated, and Hybrid Platforms This category includes tools that have integrated GEO/AEO functionalities into their core offerings. Wix AI Visibility Overview: The first major CMS with an integrated tool for tracking AI visibility, an extremely convenient solution for millions of Wix users. Content & On-Page Optimization Platforms (Rankability, Surfer SEO, etc.): This group focuses on creating content that is structured and semantically rich enough to be cited by AI. PR-Focused Platforms (LLM Pulse): These solutions highlight which media and sources influence a brand's representation in LLMs. Strategic Implementation and Recommendations This final section translates the analysis into an actionable strategy. Choosing the Right GEO Platform: A Needs-Based Decision Matrix Selecting the right tool depends on your specific goals. User Profile Primary Goal Top Recommendation(s) Alternatives Enterprise Brand Manager Comprehensive Brand Monitoring Profound Semrush AIO, Peec AI SEO Agency Scalable Client Management SE Ranking SEOMonitor, Semrush SME/Startup Owner Cost-Effective Visibility Tracking Otterly.ai Rankscale.ai, LLMrefs Content Marketer/Strategist Creating AI-Optimized Content Rankability Surfer SEO, Finseo Technical SEO Monitoring AI Crawling Capabilities Deepserp ALLMO.ai Building a GEO-Centered Content Strategy: From Audit to Execution Step 1: Define Requirements & Test Tools: Set your goals and test a shortlist of tools. Step 2: Conduct Baseline Audit: Use a tool to measure your current AI visibility and identify gaps. Step 3: Integrate Analytics: Connect GEO data with web analytics (e.g., GA4) to measure ROI. Step 4: Implement Technical Foundations: Create AI-friendly schema and an llms.txt file. Step 5: Execute Content Strategy: Create structured, authoritative content that directly answers user queries. Step 6: Monitor, Iterate, and Report: Continuously track performance and refine your strategy. Concluding Analysis: Mastering Visibility on the AI Search Front The synthesis of the findings shows: The GEO tool market is dynamic and bifurcated, yet the underlying principles focus on E-E-A-T and structured data . The shift from search to answer engines is irreversible, making investments in this area a strategic necessity. The most successful approach will be a hybrid: combining in-depth monitoring features of specialized AI Tools with the optimization features of AEO-focused platforms. The winners in the next era of digital marketing will be those who master the art and science of being the most credible, citable, and machine-readable source of information in their field. Ready for the New Search Reality? Take advantage of the first-mover advantage in Generative Engine Optimization. We support you in making your brand visible in AI answers – with a well-founded GEO strategy, tool setup, and content optimization. Talk to our experts and secure your AI visibility of tomorrow!
Find SEO Keywords and Develop a Keyword Strategy
Jul 30, 2025

Julien
Moritz
Category:
SEO

Keywords have been an important foundation of search engine optimization from the beginning. But their role has changed, just as the way we use them has, not least due to the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI). We are convinced that keywords are still very important, so this guide will teach you how to find keywords, what to look for when choosing keywords, which tools you can use, and how to optimally use keywords in SEO. What are keywords? In search engine optimization, we refer to keywords or key phrases as the terms or phrases that users enter into search engines in order to find answers, information, content, or products. We use these terms on websites in certain elements to increase the probability of achieving good positions in search results. In SEA (e.g., Google Paid as opposed to SEO = Google Organic), we bid on keywords to display ads for those terms in search results. To make the topic more illustrative, we explain all the points in this blog post using a specific example: a fictional bicycle online shop or bicycle store with a website, namely the topic "bicycle" or "buying a bicycle". The graphic shows a small selection of different relevant related keywords for this topic: Types of keywords We differentiate between different types of keywords. This distinction plays a role in the strategic direction of our content and the priority we give to those keywords. By length: Short Head & Long Tail Keywords In general, there are two different types of keywords that are defined by their length: Short Head Keywords are short, very general terms that generally have a very high search volume but also correspondingly high competition. The intention behind these keywords is not clear. For example: "bicycle" is a Short Head keyword, which can imply a search for information, such as (what types of bicycles are there?), as well as a purchase intention or even a search for images. Long Tail Keywords , on the other hand, are longer, specific phrases or questions. Depending on the topic, the search volume and competition behind them are significantly lower, and the intention is generally clearer. For example: "best e-bikes 2025" or "buy cheap used kids’ bicycle" or "how to patch a bicycle tire?" In addition, you can define " Mid Tail Keywords " that lie between these two types of keywords. By intention: Information, Navigation, or Transaction? Another important classification of keywords is the intention behind the search query: Informational keywords indicate a search for information. These can be the beginning of the user journey, the first step on the way to a purchase. For example: "trekking bike vs. city bike" or "what to consider when buying a bicycle?" Navigation Keywords point to the search for a specific brand, website, or product. For example: "Decathlon bicycles" or "Cube E-bikes". Transactional keywords show a purchase intention. Users are looking for an online shop or a local buying opportunity. For example: "buy trekking bike" or "order gravel bikes". In addition to these classifications, there are other characteristics of keywords, such as search volume (how often is the term searched per month?) or the "Keyword Difficulty" calculated by many SEO tools (the difficulty of ranking in top positions for this keyword in search results). Why are keywords important in search engine optimization? Keywords reveal which terms (and topics) are searched frequently. To improve visibility in search results for relevant keywords, we use these terms on the respective pages. This way, we show search engines that a page (URL) is relevant for a specific topic and the associated terms. Therefore, we research and analyze keywords as the basis of content optimization - to know how and what to optimize. What is the significance of keywords in the age of AI? Are keywords still important in the age of AI? Let’s take a look back and take a short journey through SEO history. The role and significance of keywords have constantly evolved over the last few decades: While about 20 years ago keywords had to be used in their exact form to rank well, Google's language understanding developed over the following years. Various grammatical forms, singular and plural, were recognized as identical terms. Similarly, the connection between synonyms and related terms was recognized - it became about semantics instead of exact keyword matching. We have not been thinking in pure keywords in search engine optimization for many years. Instead, we optimize on topic clusters, naturally supported by keywords. Keywords are still used as the basis, but the context behind them has become significantly more important. A sign of this is that Google often displays websites optimized for a synonym for search queries - Google recognizes that terms mean the same thing. In addition to the clusters, another term has become important: the entity. An entity is a uniquely identifiable object or concept, such as a person, a place, a process. An indication of what Google identifies as an entity includes, among other things, the Knowledge Graph in search results or suggestions for topics or concepts. This can be seen in the example "pedelec": These connections between topics or terms also play a role in AI SEO . Keywords are far from dead; they still serve an important purpose even in the AI age: Keyword analysis helps you understand the terms your (potential) customers use - and to speak the same language as your target audience. Keywords, especially “long tail keywords” like questions, help you better understand the intentions and problems of your target audience and offer corresponding content. Keywords still underpin entities and topic clusters, only they are not used as strictly as they were years ago. It is more important to cover the topic comprehensively and satisfyingly for customers, to meet the intent, and to present yourself as an authority to users and search engines. Keyword analysis - Finding keywords in 3 steps How do we find keywords for our keyword and content strategy? Depending on resources and available time as well as the topic, a keyword analysis can be a complex task. The more general the topic, the more extensive the analysis and the more subtopics and keyword clusters are found. It is easier to research keywords for a single page and a very specific topic. 1. Brainstorming Ideally, you are well-versed in your topic for which you want to find keywords. The first step is always a rough brainstorming session where you jot down all subtopics, terms, and questions related to your topic. With this, you have the first foundation for your analysis on which you can build. If you want to research keywords for an entire website, think of these terms, for example: Your brand name (depending on its popularity, there may be a relevant search volume behind a brand name) Your industry (e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. e-bikes, city bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, bikes for seniors, accessories, etc.) Brands (e.g. Cube Ebike, Bergamont Bicycle) Products or services (specific product names of bestsellers, e.g. cube kathmandu hybrid pro 750) Frequently asked questions about products or categories (e.g. which bike for commuting) 2. Analyzing keywords on the website If you already have a website or an online shop, you should establish a status quo: for which terms are you already (well) found, and through which terms do you get clicks and impressions? To do this, analyze the terms you find in the performance report in Google Search Console, and for which you get many impressions or clicks and add them to your brainstorming list. If you have access to a professional SEO tool, you will find all keywords for which your domain has a position in the top 100 here. You can filter these keywords by search volume or positions and export this list. This way, you find out where there is already potential on which you can build optimization. Particularly interesting here are the so-called "threshold keywords" - keywords that are "on the verge" of a certain area. Usually, this refers to - depending on the definition - keywords between 11 and 20, which are just before the top 10, or keywords starting from position 4 or 6, which are on the verge of the top 5 or top 3. 3. Keyword research After you probably already have a long list of keywords, it's time to research additional terms. A wide variety of sources and tools are available for this. If you want to conduct particularly comprehensive research, you can use all tools, but you can also focus on just a few if you have identified a sufficient number of keywords through these. Tools for keyword research The bad news first: Good keyword tools that you can work with effectively are always chargeable. Free versions generally limit the number of results or queries per day. You have to enter each keyword individually, instead of analyzing a list of terms, and the filter and export options are mostly restricted or unavailable. Professional SEO tools usually come with a keyword tool where you get important information for your entered terms, such as monthly search volume, as well as related terms that you can cluster and further analyze. Some of the most well-known tools include: Semrush, Ahrefs, Sistrix, Surfer SEO, or the KWfinder from Mangools. Free, limited options are available, for example, through Ubersuggest or Answerthepublic. Both tools offer a paid version as well as free research options. A unique feature of answerthepublic is the focus on long tail keywords. If you run ads on Google Ads, you can use the Google Keyword Planner, which gives you search volume, CPC, and competition for each keyword. Further sources to find keywords Besides the classic keyword tools, there are a whole series of other sources available to find keywords. These include: Google Suggest: Terms suggested by Google when entering terms in the search box Google related terms under search results Google Trends: Development of interest over time, but only for frequently searched terms Questions in Google search results Social Media Hashtags on relevant platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. YouTube Autosuggest: Suggested terms when entering a word in the search Topics on platforms with user-generated content such as Reddit Thesaurus like Woxikon All these screenshots are included, check if you want to use all of them or just a few and how you want to present them: Google Suggest: Google Trends: YouTube Suggest: Woxikon: Google Questions: People also search for in Google: Keyword Gaps A very valuable analysis is the so-called "Keyword Gap Analysis", where you compare your website or online shop with one or more relevant competitors. Here, not only direct competitors are relevant (in our example other bicycle online shops), but all websites that are present for your topic in the search results (for example, an online magazine about bicycles). Using a professional keyword tool, the domains can be compared, and you receive a list of keywords for which your competitors are already ranking in the search results, but your domain is not yet. From this, opportunities arise to expand the website or shop, for example, to include new subcategories or new blog posts. Create a keyword strategy What do you do now with the many keywords you have found through the various sources? The first step is always to cluster these keywords thematically to get a better overview. These clusters can, for example, be oriented along the structure in your online shop and the type of page: Homepage Keywords (most general terms and brand, e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, etc.) Subcategories (e.g. 16-inch bikes, dirt bikes, folding bikes, etc.) Product keywords (e.g. Cube Agree c62, Bergamot Sponsor Tour S, etc.) Guide keywords (e.g. what to consider when buying a bike, what is a trekking bike, adjusting hub gears, etc.) FAQ -Keywords (e.g. what frame size for a bike, how long does an e-bike battery last, etc.) What makes a good keyword? Out of the large number of keywords you have researched and clustered, you will not be able to use all of them. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and prioritize these keywords. Various criteria are important for this, and prioritization also depends on your strategic goals and your industry: Relevance: all keywords must be relevant to your business (if you don’t sell road bikes, the keyword "buy road bike" is irrelevant) Search Volume: a higher search volume means a higher probability of generating traffic. However, for niche industries, search volume is not the decisive factor. A more suitable keyword with a lower search volume can be more valuable than a more general one with high search volume. The goal is to find the optimal balance. The intention behind the keyword: The intent behind the search query must always match what users find on the page. Keywords indicating purchase intent (e.g., "buy mountain bike") are less important for a pure online magazine than informational keywords. Conversion probability: For an online shop, keywords with a relation to purchases are particularly valuable, as they are more likely to lead to a conversion than informational keywords. The more specific the term (for example, a product name), the higher the chance that someone will buy. Keywords for blog posts usually do not detract from this point. The competitive situation: Keywords with high competition (for which many large domains rank that have been on the market for a long time and have built up trust and authority) can be too big a challenge for new domains or smaller websites at first. It can take years to rank well for highly competitive keywords. Instead, keywords with less competition can achieve quicker results. Possible existing rankings: It is generally easier to improve keywords for which there is already a ranking, than to be found for brand new keywords. This is particularly true for keywords in threshold positions. Summary: a good keyword Has high relevance for your business Has relevant search volume Covers the appropriate intention Has a high conversion probability Has low to medium competition May already have existing rankings that can be improved. There is no blueprint for assessing and prioritizing keywords and creating a keyword strategy that can be applied to every industry and company. It requires both experience and a general company and marketing strategy to which the keyword strategy is adapted. We can therefore only give you suggestions at this point but are happy to support you in creating a professional keyword strategy! Keyword Mapping The most important step in the keyword strategy is creating a so-called keyword mapping. This involves assigning keywords to target pages (either existing pages or newly planned pages). It’s important: For each important keyword, exactly one page is defined that should rank for it Each important page is assigned a keyword set of 1-2 main keywords and several secondary keywords This setup prevents multiple pages from competing for the same keyword (the result can be that neither page ranks if Google is unsure which is the more relevant page - the so-called “cannibalization”). You can also identify which important keywords still lack a suitable target page. Based on this keyword mapping, you can then plan and optimize your content. Content Strategy Once we have assigned the keywords to the appropriate, existing, or new pages, we can create an editorial plan from them, in which all topics are included, for which we need to optimize pages or create new texts. For example, with bicycles, this could include these texts and pages: Children’s bicycles : the category page for children is supplemented with a guide, a product comparison, and buying advice. Buy bicycle under 500 dollars : either a category page or a filter page with the appropriate criteria or a blog post with a product comparison Best bike for beginners : blog post with a product comparison and buying advice Buy a bike with hub gears : the appropriate category page is supplemented with relevant content (comparison of hub gears and derailleur gears, advantages of hub gears, most popular bikes with hub gears, etc.) What to consider when buying a bicycle : guide article for the blog with an overview of different types of bicycles, criteria for purchase (usage, size, features, etc.), online purchase vs. local purchase, etc. Buy bicycle in #city : landing page of the own local shop with an overview of the assortment, address, maps, opening hours, etc. Using keywords The use of keywords could fill another long article, so we would like to give you an overview of the most important elements on a website or in an online shop where you should use keywords: In the metadata (page title/title tag and meta description/page description) In the headlines In the text In filenames of images and image descriptions In internal links Caution: Avoid keyword stuffing! One of the biggest mistakes in using your researched keywords is repeating the same keywords too often. If your text sounds unnatural because you've stuffed it with too many identical or similar terms, no one will want to read it, and search engines will likely evaluate it as "keyword stuffing." Make sure you always write content for users. Use synonyms and related terms and avoid pure lists of keywords or even grammatically incorrect use of terms just to cover a keyword exactly. The focus is on providing relevant, helpful content for your target audience, using relevant keywords naturally! SEO vs. SEA Keywords Effective SEO keyword strategies also benefit paid channels. Many synergies can be created between SEO and SEA (especially Google Ads), for example, by using the same keywords for organic optimization and paid ads and occupying two positions in search results with your website: one paid and one unpaid. A keyword and content strategy for search engine optimization can also be used in the SEA area SEA can also be used nicely for A/B testing ad texts and CTAs (call-to-actions) that can be used in the metadata (page title and meta description). Also, optimizing page content and using the most searched keywords helps for SEA - for example, to improve the quality score and pay low click prices. To gain the greatest benefit, the insights of both channels can be combined - which is why a company greatly benefits when SEO and SEA are in one hand. Incidentally, at internetwarriors, we have both long-standing SEO and SEA expertise in the team! A tailor-made keyword & content strategy for you Finding the right keywords and deriving an effective strategy that matches your business goals can be a challenge. The SEO experts at internetwarriors are happy to assist you. We analyze your website, your industry, and your potentials, research the appropriate keywords, and create an individual content strategy for you. We are also happy to help you optimize the content or create new content or train you and your team on how to use keywords effectively - even in the age of AI.
Server-Side Tracking - An Overview
Jul 16, 2025

Halid
Osmaev
Category:
Web Analytics

Server Side Tracking is the new standard. A significant advantage is the control provided over the data flow, especially user data. In this article, we discuss Server Side Tracking using Google Tag Manager as an example and review its benefits and which user data is sent. But first, the important question: What is Server Side Tracking? In short: Server Side Tracking is a data collection method where the tracking information is processed not in the browser but directly through the server of the website operator and forwarded to analysis or marketing tools afterward. The traditional tracking method is Client Side Tracking (CTS) , where a code snippet is embedded in the page, for example, via the Google Tag Manager. This sends event data directly to third-party services like Google Analytics 4, Meta Ads, etc. However, control over the sent user data (IP address, demographic data, etc.) is limited to the adjustments offered by the tool. Additionally, a third-party cookie is usually set, resulting in loss of data amount and quality. Figure 1: Comparison of Client-side and Server-side tagging With Server Side Tracking (SST) , all data is first sent to a private server, where, for example, the Server Side Google Tag Manager is running. This ensures that there is no undesired data transfer occurring on the website with the users. This transfer happens only in the Google Tag Manager Server Side. However, this can then be adapted to a data protection-compliant standard by clear insight into the data and further configuration options like transformers . Server Side Tracking vs. Client Side Tracking The traditional Client Side Tracking (CST) is still widespread but increasingly reaching its limits. In CST, tracking scripts are executed directly in the user’s browser, sending data like page views, clicks, or conversions to third-party tools. However, this approach is very susceptible to modern tracking protection measures such as ad blockers, VPNs, intelligent tracking prevention (ITP) in iOS/Safari, and various data protection regulations. In contrast, Server Side Tracking (SST) uses a different approach: Tracking data is no longer sent directly from the browser to external tools but first to the server. This acts as a proxy or central data hub through which all tracking requests run. The server request is treated similarly to an API request and is thus less vulnerable to blocking . Additionally, all data processing takes place within one's infrastructure , significantly reducing the risk when dealing with data protection authorities. Another difference lies in the use of cookies: While Client Side Tracking relies on third-party cookies – which are increasingly blocked by browsers – Server Side Tracking prefers first-party cookies , considered more trustworthy and stable. Why is Server Side Tracking now standard? While Client Side Tracking is increasingly losing its effectiveness due to growing restrictions, Server Side Tracking offers a future-proof, high-performance, and privacy-friendly alternative – with significantly higher data quality and control for companies. Overview of the benefits of Server Side Tracking: More data control : Unlike the specifications of external tracking tags, companies with SST retain full control over the collected data. Higher data quality : SST can often bypass ad blockers and tracking protection measures, typically leading to at least 12% more data. Performance advantages : Instead of addressing many individual tracking tools directly from the browser, only one server is contacted – conserving resources and improving website load time. Data protection compliance : By processing exclusively within their server structure, companies can better respond to legal requirements. Server Side Tracking and Data Protection Regulations Server Side Tracking offers not only technical advantages but also a significantly better basis concerning data protection laws. The main legal regulations in the European area are the GDPR, the TTDSG, and the EU-USA Data Privacy Framework. An overview: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) mandates that personal data – which can be traced back to a real person, such as name, email address, or IP address – may only be collected and processed with the explicit consent of the users (e.g., through a cookie banner). It has been applicable in all EU member states since May 25, 2018, forming the central legal framework for handling personal data in the European area. The GDPR requires companies to inform transparently which data is collected for what purpose and how long it will be stored. Additionally, users must be able to object to processing or revoke consent at any time. For tracking, this means: No data may be collected or shared with third parties without clear and voluntary consent – even if the technology allows it. Violations of the GDPR can result in hefty fines. Server Side Tracking offers the advantage that data collection, storage, and sharing can be centrally controlled and better documented – facilitating GDPR-compliant implementation. Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) The TTDSG (Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act) supplements the GDPR specifically for online services and stipulates that no arbitrary user data , especially through cookies or similar technologies, may be stored or read without prior consent . The law came into force on December 1, 2021, merging central data protection requirements from the GDPR and the German Telemedia Act (TMG) as well as the Telecommunications Act (TKG). For online tracking, this means: Even setting a cookie that is not purely technically necessary requires active, informed consent from users, for example, through a consent banner. Tracking methods attempting to create user profiles without consent – even through technologies like fingerprinting – are prohibited under the TTDSG. This tightens the requirements for data-driven online marketing measures and underscores the necessity to make tracking privacy-compliant and transparent – something that is much better controlled with Server Side Tracking. EU-USA Data Privacy Framework Particularly relevant for international companies is the new EU-USA Data Privacy Framework , which facilitates transatlantic data transfer and has been in effect since summer 2023. Previously, it was problematic to send personal data to US services because US authorities had extensive access to it by law. The new agreement creates more legal certainty when US services like Google or Meta are used – but only if the services are certified under the new framework. These are just a few of the laws affecting tracking. Therefore, an understanding of user data is important. Conclusion: Why does Server Side Tracking offer more data protection compliance? Server Side Tracking allows the entire data processing to initially run through one's server infrastructure. This means: Tracking occurs not directly with the users but only after explicit consent and under full control of data processing on one's server. This allows the requirements of data protection laws to be better implemented, such as targeted anonymization , pseudonymization , or restriction of data sharing with third parties . Overall, Server Side Tracking enables a more data protection-compliant handling of user data, allowing companies to maintain oversight and control – which is essential under the current regulatory framework. What user data is sent with Server Side Tracking? The good news: Only the absolute minimum. What does this mean? Using Google Tag Manager as an example: When an event on the page, like a click, is triggered, an HTTP request is sent to the Server Side Google Tag Manager . Naturally, HTTP header information is sent along. This includes, among others: Time IP address Page URL Approximate location (by IP address) Operating system Browser Resolution Device Additionally, there are other parameters specifically related to configuration. Detailed information can be found in the documentation at [ https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Headers ]. There are also parameters automatically captured by Google Tag for campaign optimization, which include: utm_source utm_medium utm_campaign utm_content utm_term and the Click ID It should also be ensured which data is user-defined sent with the Google Tag Manager configuration. In the Server Side Google Tag Manager, users can configure precisely through the use of transformers, which specific data should be forwarded in what form and which should be withheld. However, for a data-secure implementation, the conclusion should be: “ Track only as much data as needed .” The challenge is to limit tracking to what is necessary without incurring disadvantages. We set up correct Server Side Tracking for you The Internetwarriors are a team of experts in various fields of online marketing. One of our main focuses is web analytics and Server-Side Tracking (SST). With extensive expertise and a profound understanding of the latest trends and technologies in digital analytics, we offer tailored solutions to optimize our clients' online presence. We are thus a valuable partner for you when you want to set up professional tracking that provides all the data you need for strategic decisions and monitoring your online marketing activities. Contact us now without obligation !
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Local SEO & AI Visibility: The most important steps for your GEO strategy
Oct 20, 2025

Julien
Moritz
Category:
SEO

The search world is changing rapidly. AI and LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode influence how businesses are found. To remain visible locally, companies must adapt their strategies and understand vital measures for local GEO and SEO. These measures are crucial for local businesses to effectively connect local SEO and GEO in a comprehensive strategy. Key Points at a Glance The combination of local SEO and GEO content is crucial today for maximum visibility. Business profiles, reviews, off-page actions, and a solid technical foundation are the basis for local discoverability. AI and LLMs are transforming the search landscape: content must be machine-readable, semantically structured, and aligned with the customer journey. Targeted link building and AI-optimized content are the most important actions. With prompt monitoring and new KPIs, sustainable success becomes measurable. Build a Prompt Database – Our Matrix A central success factor for local SEO and AI visibility is aligning content with the customer journey. Why is this relevant? Users are in different phases of decision-making and have varying content requirements. Aligning your content strategy ensures your brand is mentioned in AI-generated responses or that your website is used as a source for these answers. We have developed a matrix for creating this prompt database. Aligning content with this matrix targets users at each phase of the customer journey, sustainably increasing visibility. The process begins with the Discovery & Awareness Phase . Here, users seek general knowledge, want to understand a problem, or learn about a solution. Companies should showcase their authority, provide step-by-step guides, and present their solutions at this stage. In the Consideration Phase , users compare different offers and weigh the benefits. Here, it's important to build trust, highlight the strengths of your own offerings, and positively portray products in comparison. The Decision Phase is characterized by a clear intent to purchase. Content should contain a direct call-to-action, guiding users to the desired transaction. Finally, there are AI-specific Intents . Users give specific commands or want to initiate automated processes. It is important to position your brand within the context of such automated processes and provide solutions for specific tasks in this phase. SEO keywords can be a strong foundation for creating prompts. This ensures that the SEO and GEO strategy work hand in hand. The created prompt database should then be integrated into a monitoring tool to provide an overview of current visibility in AI and search engines. This will lead to measures to revise existing content and identify potential for new content. Local GEO and SEO: What Really Matters Today SEO and AI visibility are particularly important for local businesses today. Companies that implement the right measures for local GEO and SEO remain consistently visible to potential customers and AI systems. Structuring Content for Machine Readability A clean and structured technical implementation is indispensable for the digital visibility of local businesses. For search engines and AI models to optimally capture and display content, the website should be built with clean HTML and semantic tags like <article> and <section>. Additionally, it is advisable to use special markups like FAQ or HowTo structures to make information even more accessible for search engines and AI. The following GEO Formula has proven effective: Relevant user questions are formulated as headings (H2). Directly below, a precise and clear answer follows. Subsequently, further information is offered to delve into the topic or explore additional aspects. This clear structure helps not only users but also ensures that search engines and AI systems better interpret and display the content. Creating Locally Relevant Content City-specific case studies, customer reports, local events, and the integration of landmarks and neighborhoods are especially effective. Such content not only creates closeness to the target audience but also highlights the company's local expertise and presence. Another crucial aspect is the regular use of local keywords (service + city) in website texts. This establishes a clear link between location and services offered, enhancing SEO and LLM visibility. The content should cover various user intents along the customer journey (see Prompt Matrix). In this way, potential customers are specifically targeted and accompanied in each phase. It is important to integrate real user questions into the content. By directly answering frequently asked questions, the relevance of the website for search engines and AI models increases. Heed "Old" Foundations for Local SEO Also for Local GEO A complete business profile on Google and Bing is the foundation for a strong local presence. The more information provided, the better search engines and AI models can classify and display the business. It's equally important to actively seek customer feedback and collect reviews. Positive feedback strengthens credibility and directly impacts local visibility in AI, LLMs, and search engines. Furthermore, registering the business in relevant industry directories increases discoverability and reach. Additionally, targeted branded traffic from social media creates a healthy signal to search engines and AI systems. Active communication and interaction on social platforms create additional credibility and sustainably support local visibility. Link Building in Times of AI Language models generally do not search and compare individual services or products on their own. Instead, they often refer to comparison sites, user reports, and similar sources for recommendations. This presents a valuable opportunity for businesses: strategically building backlinks on such platforms increases the likelihood of being considered in AI-generated answers and recommendations. This boosts AI visibility in LLMs and simultaneously increases the website's relevance for search engines through quality backlinks. Platforms can be identified and prioritized through the selected tool with prompt monitoring. The rule of thumb is quality over quantity: posts that are frequently cited by LLMs are more valuable than those rarely used by AI. Optimize Existing Content for Real User Questions If your domain is already visible in organic search results, it is worthwhile optimizing content specifically for real user questions. Such questions can be identified, for example, using Google Search Console by filtering search queries containing typical question words. We use the following regex filter: ^(how|what|why|when|where|which|who|why|for what reason|how much|whereby|wherewith|by whose)\b Figure 1: Regex filter in Google Search Console Figure 2: Search queries with the regex filter in Google Search Console It is essential to clearly and helpfully answer these questions directly under an H2 heading. This makes the content more attractive to users and also easier for search engines and AI models to understand. If you already have a chatbot on the website, questions asked there can also be a good indicator that they are frequently asked to ChatGPT & Co. Thus, it is also worth answering these questions in the content to be used as a source by LLMs and expand visibility in AI. Establish New GEO KPIs Although traditional SEO metrics like increasing clicks or traffic were long central, they are no longer the sole focus. Many companies are experiencing declines in search engine traffic as AI models and LLMs increasingly provide direct answers, and users click through to websites less frequently. The traffic from LLMs can seldom fully compensate for these losses. However, the quality of this traffic often turns out to be significantly higher, increasing the conversion rate. To specifically measure the visibility of local businesses and the success of your actions, it is advisable to combine proven SEO KPIs with specific GEO KPIs. These include, for example, the Brand Mention Rate, which indicates how often your brand is mentioned in important prompts (e.g., over 40%), the AI Platform Coverage, indicating presence on several relevant LLMs (e.g., more than five), and the Brand Search Uplift, denoting the rise in brand search queries after comprehensive GEO measures (e.g., over 25%). This creates a holistic picture representing both the reach and quality of visibility in traditional search engines and AI-based systems. Conclusion: Local Visibility in LLMs and Search Engines The local visibility of businesses in LLMs and traditional search engines is now significantly determined by the intelligent combination of SEO and GEO strategies. Implementing the key measures ensures presence in both search engines and AI-based systems. The rapid development of AI and LLMs changes the demands on businesses: optimizing only for Google is no longer sufficient. It is crucial to make your brand and offerings visible in AI-generated answers and recommendations. Acting now and aligning your strategy holistically ensures a sustainable competitive advantage in local search. Here you find the appropriate checklist on the topic FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions How can I find out if my local business is already visible in AI-generated responses? To check visibility in AI responses, it is recommended to establish prompt monitoring with specialized tools. These tools show if and how often your brand or website is mentioned in responses from LLMs like ChatGPT or Google AI Mode or used as a source. What role do structured data play in AI visibility? Structured data help AI models better understand and display content. They are crucial to be considered as a source for AI responses and should therefore be used consistently. Are AI-optimized contents also relevant for traditional search engines? Yes, content optimized for AI models—through semantic structure, FAQ markup, and answering real user questions—are also better understood and displayed by traditional search engines. We recommend optimizing prompts based on significant SEO keywords. This ensures optimal combination of local SEO and GEO. How often should I update my content to remain relevant to search engines and LLMs? The search and AI landscape evolves rapidly. It is advisable to review the prompt database and key content at least quarterly and update as necessary to address new trends and user queries early. However, the timeframe can vary and depends on how dynamically the industry continues to develop. Which mistakes should I avoid in local search engine and AI optimization? Common mistakes include incomplete business profiles, missing local keywords, technical structures based on JavaScript and rendered client-side, lack of user question integration, and neglect of monitoring and KPIs.
Transparency in Google Ads: How to Properly Utilize Performance Max Channel Reporting
Oct 10, 2025

Josephine
Treuter
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Google Ads is one of the most efficient ways to increase a company's reach and achieve targeted conversions. However, in times of AI and automation, the way campaigns are managed and evaluated is also changing. With the introduction of Performance Max campaigns, Google has created a new approach: all channels, from Search to YouTube to Shopping, are bundled into a single, fully automated campaign. This promises maximum efficiency, but at the same time makes it more difficult to trace through which channels the conversions are actually generated. For a long time, it was unclear which channel contributed what to the campaign's performance. Those who needed this information had to resort to technical scripts and complex workarounds - an effort that overwhelmed many teams. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, this changes fundamentally, allowing results to be evaluated per channel. In this article, we'll show you how to make the most of the new reporting, which best practices have already proven themselves, and how to make better decisions with more transparency. As an experienced Google Ads agency, we provide you with practical tips directly from everyday life at internetwarriors. The Essentials in Brief Performance Max bundles all Google channels into one campaign. The Channel Reporting now provides the necessary transparency. You can see how Search, Display, YouTube, Discover, Maps, and Gmail perform individually. The reports can be segmented by ad format, status, or targets like CPA or ROAS. The new reporting allows you to identify optimization potentials more quickly and control them more precisely. The status section helps with technical issues and offers recommendations for action. What Exactly Is a Performance Max Campaign? The Performance Max campaign , or PMax for short, is an automated campaign format in Google Ads available since 2021. It allows ads to be played simultaneously across multiple Google channels such as Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, all in a single campaign. Unlike traditional campaigns, PMax relies on Google AI for ad delivery and optimization. Based on goals such as conversions or revenue, the system independently decides which ad to show to which user on which channel. For advertisers, this means less manual control and more focus on high-quality assets and strategic goal setting. With the new Channel Performance Reporting, it is now finally visible which channel contributes what to the overall performance, and this is an important step toward more transparency and control. Why Transparency in a PMax is so Important Performance Max campaigns offer many advantages: They bundle all Google channels into a single campaign, use AI for automated delivery, and promise maximum efficiency. However, this very automation brings a central challenge: a lack of transparency. It was long unclear through which channel a conversion actually occurred. This was a problem for anyone wanting to optimize their campaigns based on data. Without channel-specific insights, it is difficult to make informed decisions: Should more budget flow into YouTube or Search? Do video ads work better than text ads? Which audiences perform on which platforms? The answers to these questions are crucial for effective campaign management, and this is where the new Channel Performance Reporting comes in. It provides the necessary transparency to evaluate the performance of individual channels, identify optimization potentials, and strategically manage budgets. For agencies like internetwarriors, this is an important step to not only deliver results to clients but also develop transparent strategies. How to Find Channel Reporting in Your Google Ads Account The new Channel Performance Reporting for Performance Max is currently still in beta. This means that the feature is being rolled out gradually and may not be immediately available in every Google Ads account. The scope of the displayed data can also vary depending on the account, ranging from basic channel metrics to detailed conversion insights. If your account is already enabled, you can find the reporting directly in the Google Ads interface under: Campaign Overview → Select Performance Max Campaign → Insights → Channel Performance There, you will receive a detailed breakdown of important metrics such as impressions, clicks, conversions, costs, and ROAS. The view can be filtered by time period, device, or conversion goal, providing a valuable basis for data-driven optimizations. What Exactly Does the Channel Reporting Show You? The Channel Performance Reporting provides a structured overview of the performance of individual channels within a Performance Max campaign. It shows how the campaign is distributed across platforms like Search, Display, YouTube, Gmail, Discover, and Shopping, and what each channel's share of the achieved conversions is. This transparency allows an informed evaluation of budget distribution, identifies underperforming channels, and assists in prioritizing future investments. Additionally, the reporting offers extensive segmentation and filtering options. The data can be analyzed by key metrics such as Cost per Acquisition (CPA), Return on Ad Spend (ROAS), or Click-Through Rate (CTR). This provides a comprehensive view of the campaign's performance, both cross-channel and data-driven in a strategically usable way. What Can Be Learned from the Data The Channel Performance Reporting delivers far more than just numbers. It opens up new perspectives for the strategic management of Performance Max campaigns. By breaking down key figures like impressions, clicks, conversions, and costs by channel, it becomes visible which platforms are genuinely contributing to achieving targets and how the deployed budget is distributed. This data enables an informed assessment of the used ad formats, targeting methods, and device distribution. Conclusions can also be drawn regarding the customer journey and potential optimization potentials can be identified, for example, in the design of assets or budget allocation. For agencies like internetwarriors, this transparency is a valuable foundation for not only optimizing campaigns efficiently but also communicating transparently with clients. How to Optimize Your Campaigns with the New Insights The channel-specific data from the Channel Performance Reporting provides a valuable foundation for the strategic optimization of Performance Max campaigns. By analyzing individual channels, it becomes apparent which platforms work particularly efficiently, where wastage is occurring, and which ad formats achieve the best results. Based on this, budgets can be distributed more strategically, assets can be designed more precisely, and target groups can be addressed more diversely. Furthermore, the insights enable a more precise evaluation of the customer journey: Are users addressed via YouTube but convert only via Search? Such patterns can now be comprehended and incorporated into the campaign structure. The selection of conversion goals can also be newly assessed based on the data to further align campaign orientation with actual user behavior. Limitations and Pitfalls of Channel Reporting Even though the Channel Performance Reporting represents an important step towards transparency, current limitations and pitfalls should not be neglected. Since the feature is still in the beta phase, availability is not guaranteed across the board, and the scope of displayed data can vary from account to account. In some cases, only aggregated values are displayed, without deeper insights into individual ad formats or audiences. Moreover, it should be noted that Performance Max operates cross-channel, and the individual channels do not stand alone but work collectively. A channel with seemingly weak performance can nevertheless make an important contribution to conversion, for example, through early user engagement in the funnel. Therefore, interpreting the data requires a holistic understanding of the customer journey and shouldn't rely solely on individual metrics. Technical limitations such as incomplete conversion attribution, missing asset data, or limited segmentation options can also complicate analysis. Therefore, a combination of Channel Reporting, conversion tracking, and supplementary tools such as Google Analytics or server-side tracking is recommended for a sound evaluation. Conclusion: More Control, Better Decisions With the new Channel Performance Reporting, a decisive step toward transparency within Performance Max campaigns is taken. The ability to evaluate channel-specific data directly in the Google Ads interface provides a solid basis for strategic decisions and targeted optimizations. Even though the feature is still in the beta phase and not fully available in every account, it is already clear how valuable these insights are for modern campaign management. The combination of automation and data-driven control makes it possible to distribute budgets more efficiently, use assets more targetedly, and better understand the customer journey. For agencies like internetwarriors, this means: more clarity in analysis, better arguments in customer communication, and significantly increased effectiveness in digital marketing. As an experienced Google Ads agency, we help you harness the full potential of your Performance Max campaigns. We assist you not only with setting up and optimizing your campaigns, but also with the targeted use of the new Channel Performance Reporting. This way, you'll gain clear insights into the performance of individual channels, can distribute budgets sensibly, and make data-based decisions. With our expertise in AI-supported campaign management and cross-channel analysis, we ensure that your ads not only perform but are transparent and traceable. Get in touch with us!
VKU Marketing Experts 2025 – AI in Focus
Oct 8, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Inside Internet Warriors

On September 24, 2025, Berlin was the hotspot for marketing experts from public utilities. The VKU Marketing Experts Congress provided an excellent platform to discuss the industry's most pressing issues. This year's top topic: the unstoppable rise of artificial intelligence in marketing. As internetwarriors, we were there, represented by our experts Julien Moritz (SEO/GEO expert) and Axel Zawierucha (CEO), to share our knowledge and gain new insights. The transformation is now: AI as a game-changer The atmosphere at the congress was marked by a palpable sense of optimism. Numerous lectures and discussions made it clear that AI is no longer just a buzzword but a tangible tool that is revolutionizing marketing strategies. From personalized customer engagement to automated content creation and data-driven forecasts – the possibilities seem endless. However, with new opportunities come new challenges. One of the central questions that arose in many conversations was: How can companies remain visible in a digital landscape dominated by AI systems and language models (LLMs) and effectively reach their target audiences? Our workshop: Visibility in the age of AI We dedicated our interactive workshop to precisely this question. Under the title "Visibility in the AI Era: How to Position Your Business in New Systems," Julien Moritz and Axel Zawierucha provided practical insights and strategic advice. The interest was overwhelming. Intense discussions with participants made it clear that many companies are seeking guidance on how to prepare their content and data to be optimally captured and presented by AI-based search and recommendation systems. We demonstrated how a well-thought-out data strategy and content optimization for semantic searches can make a significant difference. The many exciting questions and the enthusiastic participation showed us that we struck a chord here. How we as GEO specialists can support Especially in a local context, geographic visibility is crucial. As GEO specialists, we help you strengthen your presence in local search systems and map applications – an important factor to be found even in AI-driven environments. With structured location data, local SEO, and targeted integration into semantic search systems, we ensure that your offerings appear where your target audience is searching – today and in the AI-driven future. Contact us!
DMEXCO 2025: CRM, AI and the Future of Search Engine Marketing
Sep 24, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Inside Internet Warriors

DMEXCO 2025 in Cologne was more than just a trade show for us at internetwarriors.de – it was a vibrant marketplace of ideas, a melting pot of innovations, and above all, a confirmation of the topics that move us and our customers every day. With a record attendance of over 40,000 participants and under the motto "Be Bold. Move Forward.", this year's leading trade fair for digital marketing sent a clear signal: The future belongs to the bold, the pioneers, and those who are ready to blaze new trails. In countless inspiring conversations with customers, partners, and industry colleagues, a common thread emerged for us, connecting the central challenges and opportunities of our time: the inseparable linkage of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), the revolution through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the redefinition of campaign planning in the era of generative models. The foundation of successful performance campaigns: The CRM feedback loop A theme that repeatedly came to the forefront in our conversations at DMEXCO 2025 was the immense importance of deep integration of CRM systems in performance marketing campaigns. It's a realization as simple as it is crucial: those who want to successfully generate leads must not merely scratch the surface. The mere generation of contact information is only half the battle. The true value unfolds only when a seamless feedback loop between marketing and sales is established. This is where CRM comes into play. It is the centerpiece that consolidates all relevant information about a potential customer and tells us what actually became of a generated lead. Was the contact qualified? Did it lead to a sales conversation? Was a contract concluded? This feedback is pure gold for optimizing performance campaigns. Without this feedback, we operate blindly. We see which ads and keywords generate clicks and conversions, but we don't know which truly lead to revenue. From our extensive practical experience and the intensive discussions at the fair, we can make a clear recommendation. As an official implementation partner of Teamleader in Germany, we have gained deep insights into the capabilities of modern CRM systems. We are convinced that Teamleader unites all critical features to conduct business successfully. From the central contact database, deal tracking, and project management to time tracking and invoicing, the platform offers an all-in-one solution specifically tailored to the needs of agencies and service-oriented SMEs. Seamless integration enables precisely the valuable feedback loop essential for data-driven marketing. The discussions at DMEXCO showed that companies that have successfully closed this loop deploy their marketing budgets much more efficiently. They can target their campaigns on the channels and audiences that deliver the most valuable customers. In an era where digital advertising costs are steadily rising, and competition is becoming more intense, this data-driven precision is no longer a "nice-to-have," but an absolute must for sustainable success. Google in transition: The future of search in the age of AI Of course, the future of AI and Google, along with organic search, was one of the dominant topics in the Cologne exhibition halls. The era of purely keyword-based searches is coming to an end. Generative AI models and the increasing integration of AI into search engine result pages (SERPs) signal a paradigm shift. The question everyone is asking is: How will search change, and what does it mean for our SEO and SEA strategies? The keynotes and expert lectures at DMEXCO painted a clear picture: search will become more contextual, dialogue-oriented, and personalized. Users no longer just expect a list of links, but direct answers and solutions to their concerns. Google's "Search Generative Experience" (SGE) is just the beginning. The ability to understand complex queries and answer in full sentences will fundamentally change how we search for information. For us as an agency, this means we need to adapt our content strategies. It's no longer just about optimizing individual keywords but creating comprehensive thematic worlds that holistically answer users' questions. "Topical Authority" will become the new currency in SEO. We must become the experts in our niche and create content that offers real value both for users and AI-driven algorithms. At the same time, AI also opens new possibilities for paid search. Performance-Max campaigns are a good example of how Google uses AI to automate and optimize the display of ads across the entire Google network. The challenge for us marketers is to provide the AI with the right signals – and{
Marketing in the Age of AI: Welcome to the New Reality
Sep 5, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Artificial Intelligence

A specter is haunting the marketing world – the specter of artificial intelligence. But instead of spreading fear, it brings a wave of transformation that redefines the very foundations of our industry. Gone are the days when marketing relied solely on intuition, manual segmentation, and broad campaigns. Today, in 2025, we are in the midst of a revolution driven by algorithms, machine learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs). For us at internetwarriors, it's clear: AI is not a passing trend but the new operating system for successful marketing. But what does that mean exactly? What has really changed? How do you need to adjust your strategies to not just survive but thrive? And how is perhaps the most important component of all – user behavior – changing? This article is your comprehensive guide to marketing in the age of AI. We dive deep into the changes, show you practical strategies, illuminate new user behaviors with current research insights, and look beyond to see which future trends from the USA and Asia will soon be our reality. The new playing field: What AI has fundamentally changed in marketing Artificial intelligence is more than just another tool in your toolkit. It's the invisible hand that optimizes processes, provides insights, and enables interactions at a speed and precision that were pure science fiction just a few years ago. The core changes can be observed in four key areas: 1. Real-time hyper-personalization: Previously, personalization was addressing a customer by their name in an email. Today, personalization means presenting the user with exactly the content, product, or message that matches their current need – across all channels. AI algorithms analyze massive amounts of data from user behavior, purchase history, demographic information, and even contextual data (such as weather or location) in milliseconds. The result: Dynamic web content, personalized product recommendations in online stores, and individually tailored ads perceived not as intrusions but as relevant services. 2. Predictive analytics and data-driven forecasts: Marketing has long been reactive. We analyzed past campaigns to optimize future ones. Marketing AI reverses this principle. Predictive analytics models can predict with high probability which customers are most likely to churn (Customer Churn), which leads have the highest purchase probability (Predictive Lead Scoring), or which products will sell best next season. This foresight allows you to act proactively, distribute budgets more efficiently, and focus your resources on the most promising segments. 3. Automation of content creation and distribution: Generative AI has revolutionized content creation. Tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and more advanced, industry-specific models can now create high-quality texts for blogs, social media posts, emails, or product descriptions. But it goes far beyond that: AI systems can also generate images, videos, and even music. For you as a marketer, this means a significant increase in efficiency. Routine tasks that used to take hours are now done in minutes. At the same time, AI enables the creation of content for A/B tests in countless variants and the automatic distribution through the right channels at the right time. 4. Efficiency through intelligent automation: Besides content creation, AI automates countless other marketing processes. From programmatic buying of ad space (Programmatic Advertising) to intelligent bidding strategies in Google Ads to automatic segmentation of target audiences – AI handles repetitive, data-intensive tasks. This not only results in massive time and cost savings but also minimizes human errors and continuously optimizes campaign performance based on data. The marketing strategy 2025: How to successfully navigate the AI era A new technological reality requires a new strategic approach. It's not enough to just introduce a few AI marketing tools. Your entire marketing strategy needs to be rethought in the context of AI. 1. From target groups to "Segment-of-One": Your radical personalization strategy Your central strategy should be hyper-personalization. The goal is no longer to reach a target group but to treat each individual customer as their own segment ("Segment-of-One"). Practical implementation: Invest in a robust Customer Data Platform (CDP) that centralizes all customer data in one place. Use AI-driven personalization engines for your website, online store, and email marketing. These systems dynamically adjust content based on each user's click behavior, dwelling time, and purchase history. 2. Conversational marketing: Dialogue as the new funnel Users no longer want to fill out forms or be stuck on hold. They expect immediate answers and a direct dialog. AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants provide the solution. Practical implementation: Implement an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchasing process. Train the bot with your corporate data to ensure accurate and brand-consistent responses. 3. Content strategy: Quality and AI optimization hand in hand In the age of AI content creation, the sheer volume of content will explode. To stand out, two things are crucial: first, exceptional, human-centered quality, and second, optimization for AI systems. Practical implementation: Use generative AI as a tool for ideation, draft creation, and text optimization for SEO. However, the final editing, strategic direction, and emotional depth must come from human experts. At the same time, structure your content (e.g., through Schema.org markup) for easy understanding and prominent placement in answers from AI search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE). 4. SEO and AI: The symbiosis for your visibility SEO and AI are inextricably linked. Google's algorithms, particularly RankBrain and BERT, are deeply rooted in machine learning. The future of search lies in answering complex queries, not just matching keywords. Practical implementation: Focus on thematic authority (Topic Clusters) rather than individual keywords. Create comprehensive content that fully answers user questions. Use AI tools to analyze SERPs, identify content gaps, and optimize your content for semantic search. Global outlook: These AI trends from the USA & Asia are defining the future While we in Europe are beginning to fully harness the potential of AI, the USA and Asia serve as "future labs." Different regulations, a higher risk appetite, and a deep-rooted "mobile-first" culture accelerate the adoption of technologies that will soon dominate our market. Trend 1 from Asia: The "Super-App" ecosystem & Social Commerce 2.0 In Asia, especially China, with apps like WeChat or Alibaba , "Super-Apps" dominate daily life. In these closed ecosystems, digital life unfolds: chatting, shopping, paying, booking services. AI is the glue that enables a seamless, hyper-personalized customer journey within a single platform . Live-stream shopping on steroids: Forget QVC. In Asia, live streams are interactive events. AI tools analyze viewer comments in real-time to suggest products to the influencer. Group-buying through AI: AI identifies potential buyers with similar interests and connects them into groups to obtain better prices through joint purchases. Trend towards conversational commerce: WhatsApp and Instagram are increasingly moving towards this direction. The trend relentlessly moves toward Conversational Commerce . Your first crucial step into this future is to deploy an intelligent chatbot on your website that not only answers standard questions but also qualifies leads, books appointments, and guides users through the purchase process. Trend 2 from the USA: The autonomous marketing manager In the USA, the trend is moving from AI assistance to AI autonomy . So-called "agent-based systems" are AI-generated virtual managers that not only assist, but autonomously manage campaigns and make strategic decisions. The Autonomous Marketing Manager: Instead of saying, "Create 10 social media posts," the AI will decide whether to write blog articles, launch Google Ads, or start an email campaign on its own. It analyzes the market, target audience, and performance to make these decisions. What does this mean for you? This trend is technologically demanding but will radically change your role as a marketer. Your task will be to centralize your data infrastructure (e.g., with a Customer Data Platform). Only with clean, accessible data can you effectively leverage AI systems to their full potential. Trend 3 from the USA & Asia: AI influencers and the era of synthetic media Virtual, AI-generated influencers with millions of followers and contracts with global luxury brands are emerging. They are precursors to a revolution in content creation. The forebears of change: AI-generated influencers like these herald new possibilities for brands to easily and inexpensively create their synthetic personas, designed to be visually and characteristically tailored to match a brand. What does this mean for you? In a world where AI anticipation of needs reduces tolerance for irrelevance, marketers should focus on transparency and creativity. Instead of replacing actual people, AI avatars can be used as fantasy figures, futuristic ambassadors, or scalable, personalized video tutorials. Transforming the marketer: The new era of AI and marketing AI is changing the expectations and behavior of consumers. They now anticipate immediate responses and direct dialogues in customer interactions. In response to this evolving technological landscape, marketers must evolve their strategies. It is not enough to merely introduce a few AI marketing tools; the entire marketing strategy must be reimagined using AI as a partner rather than a threat. Develop data competence: You don't have to become a data scientist, but you must learn to interpret data to draw valuable insights. Focus on strategic planning: Instead of manually setting up A/B tests, your task will be to set strategic directions while the AI optimizes the methodologies to achieve those strategies. Master creativity and storytelling: In a world where sheer volume of AI-generated content is set to explode, what will make a difference is outstanding, human-centered quality and content optimized for AI systems. Prompt engineering as a new skill: The quality of a generative AI's output now heavily relies on the quality and creativity of the input and command structure you provide. Lifelong learning: In the AI-driven world, continual education becomes a necessity rather than an option, as the technologies and methodologies keep evolving. Conclusion: The future of marketing is a symbiosis with AI The ubiquitous presence of AI is inevitably shaping expectations and consumer behavior. AI is freeing us from repetitive, manual tasks, giving us the capacity to focus on areas where humans are irreplaceable. Success will belong to those who understand this new technology not as a threat but as an ally. The winners will be those who combine the analytical power, speed, and scalability of AI with the irreplaceable human qualities of creativity, strategy, and storytelling. At internetwarriors, we look forward to this future full of opportunities. We see AI as a partner that frees us from repetitive, manual tasks, allowing us to dedicate our capabilities to where humans make the difference.
AI Max for Search Campaigns - How AI is Changing Google Ads
Sep 3, 2025

Markus
Brook
Category:
Search Engine Advertising

Online marketing is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations. A current example is the introduction of Google's AI Max campaigns. This campaign type is specifically designed for search campaigns and utilizes artificial intelligence to control ads more efficiently. Below, we explain what AI Max for search campaigns is, the benefits it offers, and the requirements it places on advertisers. Key Points AI Max is a new campaign feature in Google Ads that uses machine learning for automated ad placements and bidding. AI Max combines existing Google Ads features such as Broad Match, DSA, and automatically generated assets. The focus is on maximizing conversions and conversion values. AI Max combines traditional search campaigns with AI-driven bidding strategies. Automation reduces management effort but requires clear goals, data, and high-quality assets. Control is achieved through goal definitions and continuous monitoring of campaign performance. Introduction: What is AI Max? Google continually develops its advertising platform, increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. With AI Max for search campaigns , a new campaign feature is introduced specifically designed for Google search. AI Max uses machine learning to automatically control ads, adjust bids in real-time, and increase the likelihood of conversions. The goal is to reduce manual effort and enhance the efficiency of search campaigns. How AI Max Works Unlike traditional search campaigns, Google AI Max heavily relies on automation. Assets, including ad titles, descriptions, sitelinks, or extensions, are provided to the system. The AI combines these components independently and dynamically creates ads that optimally match the respective search query. Additionally, the system continuously analyzes user signals like location, search history, or interaction patterns. This data is used to identify relevant target audiences and optimize ads in real-time. This makes campaign management significantly more precise and faster than manually possible. 1. Keywordless Technology: Search Ads Without Classic Keywords A central element is the so-called “keywordless matching.” Instead of relying on exact or phrase match keywords, Google analyzes landing pages, existing assets, and user behavior with AI to serve appropriate search queries. This is reminiscent of Dynamic Search Ads functionality, but in an even more automated framework. 2. Text Automation with AI The automatically created assets are another building block in AI Max. Google dynamically creates ad texts based on the website, previous ads, and other available data. 3. Final URL Expansion With final URL expansion, Google may direct users to a different target page than originally set if the AI assumes a better conversion probability exists there. This feature is also based on known DSA campaign mechanics. Benefits of AI Max in Google Ads The introduction of AI Max offers several benefits for advertisers: Time Savings Through Automation : Manual adjustments of bids and ad texts are mostly eliminated. Higher Conversion Probability : Google itself states that AI Max can generate up to 14% more conversions on average. Extended Reach : Ads are no longer only triggered by classic keywords but can also cover additional relevant search queries. Transparency : New reporting features show how AI makes decisions and what adjustments were made automatically. Despite the advantages, AI Max also carries risks. Automation can lead to unexpected and sometimes uncontrollable results. For example, AI may serve ads for search terms that do not directly align with the brand core or product, leading to irrelevant traffic and reduced efficiency. Another risk is that performance heavily depends on the quality of the provided assets and the data foundation. If these are faulty or insufficient, the AI may draw incorrect conclusions and steer the campaign in the wrong direction. In the worst case, this could result in wasted marketing budgets without achieving the desired results. Especially for clients with limited budgets and insufficient conversions, we currently do not recommend using AI Max. Challenges and Limitations Reduced Manual Control : Many decisions are taken over by the AI, meaning fewer intervention possibilities. Dependence on Data Quality : The AI can only work effectively if high-quality assets and precise conversion goals are provided. Continuous Monitoring Required : Even automated campaigns must be regularly reviewed and adjusted to be successful over the long term. First Practical Insights: What Companies Achieve with AI Max AI Max is not just a theoretical concept but already delivers real results, as proven by two early case studies from the beta phase that Google itself presents. Both L’Oréal Chile and the Australian provider MyConnect used AI Max and were able to make their search campaigns significantly more efficient. L’Oréal Chile: Higher Conversion Rates at Lower Costs The cosmetics giant used AI Max specifically to identify new keyword potentials and increase the relevance of its ads. With success: the conversion rate doubled while the cost-per-conversion decreased by a whopping 31%. An example shows the potential: The campaigns suddenly targeted search queries like “what is the best cream for facial dark spots” – terms that would likely never have been covered with classic keyword strategies. AI Max thus helped to specifically address relevant long-tail intentions without manual setup. MyConnect: More Leads Through New Search Impulses The Australian company MyConnect was already using Broad Match and tROAS. Nonetheless, activating AI Max brought clear improvements: 16% more leads 13% lower costs per conversion 30% more conversions from novel search terms Particularly intriguing: the strong increase in so-called “net-new queries” – search queries previously not covered by the existing keywords or assets. Here lies the real added value of AI Max: it recognizes opportunities that were not visible before. Best Practices for Using AI Max For AI Max to be successfully used, companies should follow some principles: Provide High-Quality Assets – Diverse ad titles and descriptions make it easier for AI to optimize. Define Conversion Goals Clearly – The more precise the goals, the better the AI can control the campaign. Conduct Regular Analysis – Despite automation, controlling metrics like ROAS, CTR, and conversion rate remains important. Review Brand Keywords – It may be wise to exclude brand terms to reach new target groups instead of just serving existing search queries. Conclusion: Opportunities and Limits of AI Max AI Max for Search Campaigns is a step towards greater automation in Google Ads. Companies can benefit from this technology if they strategically prepare their campaigns, set clear goals, and regularly monitor the results. The AI does not replace a well-founded marketing strategy but complements it. When used correctly, AI Max can help use budgets more efficiently, reduce administrative effort, and enhance performance. If you want to discover how AI Max or other innovative approaches to Google Ads with AI can help your company, we are here for you as experts in SEO , GEO, and SEA . Contact us today for a free consultation to revolutionize your online marketing strategy. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about AI Max What is the difference between Performance Max and AI Max? Performance Max covers all Google channels, while AI Max is specifically developed for search ads. Is AI Max suitable for every company? AI Max is best suited for companies with clear conversion goals that have enough budget to provide the AI with enough data for learning. For smaller budgets or very specific niche markets, a classic Google Ads campaign or a targeted SEO strategy may be more sensible. How do I maintain control when so much is automated? Control is exercised through assets, conversion goals, and regular analysis reports. These provide transparency and show how the AI is optimizing. Can I exclude keywords? Yes, excluding keywords is an important best practice. It helps ensure the campaign does not only target users already searching for your brand but also reaches new potential customers.
LLM Content Focus: What ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini Prefer
Aug 21, 2025

Nadine
Wolff
Category:
Artificial Intelligence

Standard search engine optimization was yesterday – today it's also about designing content in such a way that it can be found, understood, and integrated into responses by Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini. Being cited as a source in AI-generated results not only benefits brand awareness but often also provides valuable backlinks. However, each LLM has its own focus when it comes to selecting content. In this article, you'll learn how these three models work and how you can tailor your content to their preferences. An Overview of the Three LLMs Before we delve into specific tactics, it's worth taking a quick look at how the models function. Each LLM evaluates content according to its own criteria. ChatGPT scores highly with well-structured explanations, Perplexity prioritizes recency and sources, and Gemini uses strong signals from the Google Index and prefers structured and multimedia content. These differences determine which content you should prioritize. ChatGPT – Creative & Dialogical Content ChatGPT excels at reproducing content in a natural, human-sounding language. It favors text that is easy to read, provides clear explanations, and is organized in a logical structure. Preferred Content: Storytelling, illustrative examples, step-by-step explanations Style: dialogical, accessible, understandable to a wide audience Data Source: Mainly training data, with web access in the Pro version Success Factor: Evergreen content that is mentioned on many trustworthy sites has a better chance of being included in the model Perplexity – Research, Sources, Recency Perplexity is an LLM with integrated real-time web access. The unique aspect: It always shows sources and directly links to them. Preferred Content: Recent studies, statistics, professional articles, precise analyses Style: factual, evidence-based, concise Data Source: Live internet search + structured sources Success Factor: Clear source citations, publication date, author, imprint – and content that directly addresses the question posed Extra Tip: FAQ formats and How-To guides are particularly visible because Perplexity often presents answers in a Q&A structure Google Gemini – Multimodal & SEO-Driven Gemini is closely linked with the Google ecosystem and uses traditional search data to integrate content into AI responses. Additionally, it can combine text, image, video, and audio. Preferred Content: SEO-optimized articles, rich snippets, structured data (Schema.org) Style: informative, well-organized, with visual elements such as infographics or tables Data Source: Google Search Index + multimodal analysis Success Factor: Content that already performs well in organic Google ranking has a significantly better chance of appearing in Gemini Content Priorities in Direct Comparison There are significant differences between the models. ChatGPT prefers reader-friendly explanations, Perplexity demands recency and sources, and Gemini rewards SEO structure and media diversity. Use this matrix as a guide for your editorial plan. Criterion ChatGPT Perplexity Google Gemini Type of Content Explanatory texts, examples, storytelling Professional articles, data, primary sources SEO structured articles, media mix Recency more evergreen very high high, based on Google Index Sources indirect via training data direct, visible links Google signals, rich results, markup Format Prose, Q and A sections FAQ, How-to, tables, lists H2 H3 structure, Schema.org, Multimedia Language dialogical, accessible factual, precise informative, search-intention oriented Optimization Strategies for Each LLM Even though best practices overlap, focusing on the specific preferences of the models is worthwhile. This way, you can garner more mentions and links. Optimize for ChatGPT Begin each key section with the most important answer, followed by brief justifications and at least one example. Explain technical terms in your own words, add a concise definition, and link to additional internal pages if necessary. Structure is crucial. Use clear H2 and H3, frame frequent user questions as subheadings, and answer them directly in the first paragraph below. Add practical examples, checklists, and small sequences of steps. This increases the chance that passages will be used as complete answers. Optimize for Perplexity Build a clean source concept. Name primary sources, use quotes sparingly but precisely, and provide numbers with links and dates. Insert a brief summary with three to five key statements at the beginning of an article. Make the publication date, author, and company information clearly visible. Regularly update content. Maintain an FAQ block with real user questions and concise answers of 40 to 80 words. Include tables with important metrics. This increases the likelihood of being directly linked. Additionally, you can bundle in-depth resources and provide them in a resources section at the end. Optimize for Gemini Focus on proper on-page fundamentals. Optimize title and meta description, establish a clear heading hierarchy, and use Schema.org markup. Build internal links with descriptive anchor text to thematically related pages, such as guide articles or service pages. Create media to foster understanding, such as an infographic with process steps or a table with pros and cons. Pay attention to E-E-A-T signals. An author profile with qualifications, references, and contact information builds trust. Examples of Content Elements that LLMs Favor Short definition at the beginning, maximum two sentences, directly related to the question. Explanation section with a real-life example. Mini checklist with three to five points that makes a task doable. Table with criteria, such as comparison of methods, costs, or risks. FAQ section with three to seven real questions. These building blocks can be used in blog posts, service pages, and knowledge articles. In online shops, they can also function as supplementary guides on category pages. Common Mistakes That Prevent Mentions One of the most common mistakes is an unclear structure where users cannot find a direct answer at the beginning of a section immediately. A lack of sources or the use of outdated data also negatively impacts credibility. If a topic is too broadly covered on just a single page, relevance decreases along with the chance of being mentioned. Furthermore, the absence of publication date and author leads to less trust in the content. Likewise, a lack of internal linking can result in crucial context signals being missed, causing LLMs not to rate the content as particularly relevant. To avoid these hurdles, you should regularly review existing content, structure it carefully, and update it specifically. Conclusion Optimization for LLMs is not futuristic – it is already crucial to remain visible in the new search world. ChatGPT prefers easily understandable, creative, and well-explained content Perplexity relies on current, evidence-based, and source-supported content Gemini accesses SEO-strong, structured, and multimedia content The requirements of ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini vary – but with the right strategy, you can excel in all three models. We support you in developing content that is found, mentioned, and linked not only by search engines but also by AI systems. Get in touch now. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Content Focus How do I know if my content is mentioned in LLMs? With Perplexity, it's easy – sources are linked. With ChatGPT and Gemini, you can test this through targeted queries or monitor it with tracking tools. Do I need to optimize separately for each LLM? Yes, as the models have different focuses. However, there are overlaps, e.g., with clear structure and high source quality. How often should I update content? For Perplexity and Gemini regularly, as recency is a crucial factor. Evergreen content for ChatGPT should also be maintained.
The AIO & GEO Platforms Report 2025
Aug 13, 2025

Axel
Zawierucha
Category:
Artificial Intelligence

The digital marketing world is facing its biggest upheaval since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. Artificial intelligence, particularly in the form of generative answer machines, is redefining the rules of online visibility. In this comprehensive report, we analyze the landscape of AI Tools specifically developed for this new era, and provide you with a strategic compass to not only survive in the world of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) but to win. Critical Assessment and Classification of AI Tools A critical assessment was conducted when integrating the new tools. Tools like Superlines, Rankscale.ai, Kai, ALLMO.ai, Quno, Finseo, Scrunch, SEOMonitor, Ayzeo, LLM Pulse (Generative Pulse), Deepserp, AI Peekaboo, and Evertune were identified as relevant GEO monitoring, content, or hybrid platforms and were integrated into the corresponding sections of the report. Other mentioned tools were deliberately excluded after careful review, as they do not align with the core focus of AI visibility analysis: Behamics is an e-commerce revenue platform, Advanced Web Ranking is a traditional rank tracker without explicit GEO functions, and 'Am I on AI' tools are AI content detectors (which check if a text was written by AI, not what an AI writes about a brand). This differentiation ensures that the report exclusively focuses on the most relevant and direct solutions for Generative Engine Optimization. The Paradigm Shift in Digital Marketing: Generative Engine Optimization The emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) represents the most significant paradigm shift in digital marketing since the introduction of mobile-first indexing. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the GEO tool market, which is predicted to reach a volume of 7.3 billion USD by 2031. It outlines the bifurcation of the market into established SEO providers (SE Ranking, Semrush) and specialized startups (Profound, Otterly.ai), evaluates their capabilities, and provides a strategic framework for implementation. The key insight is that visibility in AI-generated answers is no longer optional; it is a critical, measurable, and optimizable component of modern brand strategy. Understanding the New Search Paradigm – Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) This section provides the strategic context by defining the transition from traditional SEO to optimization for AI-driven answer machines. It familiarizes readers with the new terminology, principles, and technical requirements necessary to compete in this evolving landscape. Defining the Post-SEO Landscape: From Search Engines to Answer Engines The fundamental shift in digital search behavior is transitioning from a list of links (Search Engine Results Pages, SERPs) to synthesized, conversational answers provided by generative AI models. This development fundamentally changes the customer journey and optimization goals. While traditional search engine optimization (SEO) focused on achieving clicks, Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) aims to receive citations in AI answers and influence the portrayal of one's brand within these answers. The current market landscape is characterized by a myriad of overlapping terms. For the clarity of this report, the following working definitions are established: AIO (Artificial Intelligence Optimization): This is the broadest term, often referring to making content machine-readable. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization): A more specific term that focuses on structuring content to answer direct questions. This targets featured snippets, "People Also Ask" boxes (PAA), and voice search. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): This is the most current and relevant term. It encompasses the holistic practice of optimizing content and brand signals to appear in AI-generated answers on platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. This report will use GEO as the primary overarching term. This shift is not just theoretical. The data confirms the urgency and importance of the topic. As of March 2025, 13% of all Google searches already triggered an AI Overview – a 72% increase over the previous month. Moreover, Gartner predicts that the volume of traditional search engine usage will decrease by 25% by 2026 and by 50% or more by 2028, as users increasingly switch to AI assistants. The coexistence of multiple competing acronyms for a similar concept is a classic sign of an emerging, rapidly evolving market. This indicates not a marketing failure but rather evidence that the practice of AI optimization is solidifying faster than the industry can agree on a unified name. Core Principles of GEO: A Strategic Framework for AI Visibility The formalization of GEO as a concept in academic research provides a rigorous theoretical foundation. One of the key insights is that incorporating citations, quotations, and statistics can increase the visibility of a source in AI answers by more than 40%. The E-E-A-T principles of Google (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) are of paramount importance for GEO. AI models are explicitly designed to prioritize credible sources. GEO also requires a shift from isolated keywords to building thematic authority around entities (people, products, concepts). A critical tactic is obtaining unlinked brand mentions (co-citations) in authoritative content. Metric Traditional SEO Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Primary Objective Ranking on the SERP Being cited in the AI answer Core Unit of Optimization Website Brand/Entity Key Tactics Keyword optimization, Backlinking Semantic Structuring, E-E-A-T signals, Co-citations Primary KPIs Organic Traffic, Keyword Rankings Share of Voice, Mention Frequency, Sentiment Content Focus Long-form Articles Snippet-ready, Structured Answers Authority Signals Domain Authority, Backlinks Expert Citations, Data Quotes, Reviews The Technical Foundation: The Critical Role of AI-Friendly Schema and llms.txt Schema markup is the essential infrastructure that makes content readable for AI systems. It provides explicit context and helps AI differentiate facts from filler. Best Practices for AI-visible Schema: Using JSON-LD: The format preferred by Google. Prioritizing Key Schema Types: Organization, Product, FAQPage, HowTo, and Article are particularly effective. Mapping Visible, Real Content: Do not add schema for invisible content. Completeness and Accuracy: Fewer, but complete properties are better than many incomplete ones. The llms.txt file is emerging as the new standard – similar to the robots.txt – to provide clear guidelines to LLMs on using website content. It can be easily created with free online tools or WordPress plugins like AIOSEO . The robots.txt file, on the other hand, should be set up by experienced SEOs, as even small errors could, in the worst case, result in LLMs being completely excluded from access. Market Analysis and Future Outlook This section offers a macro perspective on the GEO market, analyzing its size, growth drivers, and future development. Market Landscape: Sizing the GEO Opportunity and Growth Forecasts The global market for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services was valued at 886 million USD in 2024 and is expected to grow to 7.318 billion USD by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.0%. This growth is driven by the rapid adoption of AI-powered search by users. The discrepancy between the growth rates of the GEO market (34.0% CAGR) and the traditional AI SEO Tools market (12.6% CAGR) signals market disruption. Budgets will likely be reallocated from traditional channels. Those not investing in GEO risk the erosion of their existing search visibility. Investments & Innovation: A Look at the GEO Startup Ecosystem The high growth potential has attracted significant venture capital and led to the emergence of specialized startups like Profound, Otterly.ai, and BrandBeacon. These companies are designed from the ground up for GEO and are driving innovations in areas critical for AI Search Monitoring and AI search tracking , such as real-time brand monitoring in LLMs and sentiment analysis of AI answers. The Future of Digital Discovery: Expert Perspectives Experts agree: The change is irreversible. One of the main challenges is measuring GEO successes. Traditional metrics are losing relevance. New KPIs like AI Search Visibility , Share of Voice, and citation frequency are becoming established. LLMs provide "opinions, not lists". If a brand is not among the first mentions, it is practically invisible. Comparative Analysis of AIO/GEO Visibility Platforms This is the core of the report: a detailed, feature-based comparison of the key AI Tools on the market. Evaluation Framework: Key Metrics and Capabilities To fairly evaluate the tools, we defined a framework with the following criteria: LLM & Platform Coverage: Which AI engines are monitored? Core Visibility Metrics: What is measured? (e.g., Share of Voice, Sentiment) Competitive Analysis: How well are competitors tracked? Data & Analytics Capabilities: How is the data processed? Action Orientation & Workflow: Does the tool assist in execution? User-Friendliness & Target Audience: Who is it designed for? Pricing & Value: What is the cost structure? The Established: How SEO Suites Adapt to the AI Era These players leverage their existing infrastructure to enter the GEO market. SE Ranking AI Visibility Tracker: An all-in-one platform that combines traditional SEO and GEO. Ideal for SEO professionals and agencies looking for an integrated solution. Semrush AIO: An enterprise solution focused on large-scale benchmarking and unmatched data depth. SEOMonitor: Specifically developed for agencies to optimize workflows with AI-powered tools. The Challengers: A Deep Dive into Dedicated GEO Monitoring Startups This category represents the "pure" GEO platforms, which are often more innovative and agile. Profound: A premium solution for businesses with real-time insights and advanced features like the "Conversation Explorer." Otterly.ai: An Austrian startup with a strong focus on brand safety and risk management. Peec AI: A specialized platform for global businesses with multilingual and cross-country support. Rankscale.ai: Offers an intuitive user interface and AI-generated suggestions for content optimization at the URL level. Scrunch: Focuses on optimizing the AI customer journey, including journey mapping and persona-based prompting. ... and many more, detailed in the comparison table. The Big Comparison Table of GEO Tools Tool Strategic Focus Covered LLMs Key Metrics Pricing Model Ideal User Profile SE Ranking Integrated SEO + GEO Google AIO, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini Mentions, Links, SoV Subscription (part of SEO plans) SEO Professionals, Agencies, SMEs Semrush AIO Enterprise Monitoring Google AIO, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini Mentions, Sentiment Subscription (Enterprise focus) Large Enterprises, E-commerce Brands SEOMonitor Agency Workflow Automation Google AIO, ChatGPT, Gemini AIO Visibility, GEO Tracking Subscription (from €99/month) SEO and Digital Marketing Agencies Profound Enterprise GEO Intelligence ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Copilot, Claude Mentions, Citations, SoV, Sentiment Premium Subscription ($499+) Enterprise Brands, Data-Driven Agencies Otterly.ai SME Brand Safety ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AIO Rankings, Citations, Brand Safety Warnings Tiered Subscription ($29+) PR Teams, Brands in Sensitive Industries Peec AI Global GEO Analysis ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Claude, Grok Position Score, Sentiment Tiered Subscription (€90+) International Corporations, Global Agencies Rankscale.ai Actionable GEO Analysis ChatGPT, AIOs, Perplexity, etc. Rankings, Citations, Sentiment Affordable Subscription (from €20/month) SEOs seeking quick insights Scrunch AI Customer Journey Optimization Leading LLMs (incl. Grok, Claude) Sentiment, Competitive Position Unknown Agencies, Enterprise Brands Deepserp Technical GEO Audit ChatGPT, Gemini, etc. AI Crawl Behavior, Citations Subscription (from $99/month) Large Websites, Technical SEO Teams LLMrefs Freemium Visibility Key LLMs LLMrefs Score, Mentions Freemium ($0 / $79) Freelancers, Small Businesses The Specialists: Niche, Integrated, and Hybrid Platforms This category includes tools that have integrated GEO/AEO functionalities into their core offerings. Wix AI Visibility Overview: The first major CMS with an integrated tool for tracking AI visibility, an extremely convenient solution for millions of Wix users. Content & On-Page Optimization Platforms (Rankability, Surfer SEO, etc.): This group focuses on creating content that is structured and semantically rich enough to be cited by AI. PR-Focused Platforms (LLM Pulse): These solutions highlight which media and sources influence a brand's representation in LLMs. Strategic Implementation and Recommendations This final section translates the analysis into an actionable strategy. Choosing the Right GEO Platform: A Needs-Based Decision Matrix Selecting the right tool depends on your specific goals. User Profile Primary Goal Top Recommendation(s) Alternatives Enterprise Brand Manager Comprehensive Brand Monitoring Profound Semrush AIO, Peec AI SEO Agency Scalable Client Management SE Ranking SEOMonitor, Semrush SME/Startup Owner Cost-Effective Visibility Tracking Otterly.ai Rankscale.ai, LLMrefs Content Marketer/Strategist Creating AI-Optimized Content Rankability Surfer SEO, Finseo Technical SEO Monitoring AI Crawling Capabilities Deepserp ALLMO.ai Building a GEO-Centered Content Strategy: From Audit to Execution Step 1: Define Requirements & Test Tools: Set your goals and test a shortlist of tools. Step 2: Conduct Baseline Audit: Use a tool to measure your current AI visibility and identify gaps. Step 3: Integrate Analytics: Connect GEO data with web analytics (e.g., GA4) to measure ROI. Step 4: Implement Technical Foundations: Create AI-friendly schema and an llms.txt file. Step 5: Execute Content Strategy: Create structured, authoritative content that directly answers user queries. Step 6: Monitor, Iterate, and Report: Continuously track performance and refine your strategy. Concluding Analysis: Mastering Visibility on the AI Search Front The synthesis of the findings shows: The GEO tool market is dynamic and bifurcated, yet the underlying principles focus on E-E-A-T and structured data . The shift from search to answer engines is irreversible, making investments in this area a strategic necessity. The most successful approach will be a hybrid: combining in-depth monitoring features of specialized AI Tools with the optimization features of AEO-focused platforms. The winners in the next era of digital marketing will be those who master the art and science of being the most credible, citable, and machine-readable source of information in their field. Ready for the New Search Reality? Take advantage of the first-mover advantage in Generative Engine Optimization. We support you in making your brand visible in AI answers – with a well-founded GEO strategy, tool setup, and content optimization. Talk to our experts and secure your AI visibility of tomorrow!
Find SEO Keywords and Develop a Keyword Strategy
Jul 30, 2025

Julien
Moritz
Category:
SEO

Keywords have been an important foundation of search engine optimization from the beginning. But their role has changed, just as the way we use them has, not least due to the increasing dominance of artificial intelligence (AI). We are convinced that keywords are still very important, so this guide will teach you how to find keywords, what to look for when choosing keywords, which tools you can use, and how to optimally use keywords in SEO. What are keywords? In search engine optimization, we refer to keywords or key phrases as the terms or phrases that users enter into search engines in order to find answers, information, content, or products. We use these terms on websites in certain elements to increase the probability of achieving good positions in search results. In SEA (e.g., Google Paid as opposed to SEO = Google Organic), we bid on keywords to display ads for those terms in search results. To make the topic more illustrative, we explain all the points in this blog post using a specific example: a fictional bicycle online shop or bicycle store with a website, namely the topic "bicycle" or "buying a bicycle". The graphic shows a small selection of different relevant related keywords for this topic: Types of keywords We differentiate between different types of keywords. This distinction plays a role in the strategic direction of our content and the priority we give to those keywords. By length: Short Head & Long Tail Keywords In general, there are two different types of keywords that are defined by their length: Short Head Keywords are short, very general terms that generally have a very high search volume but also correspondingly high competition. The intention behind these keywords is not clear. For example: "bicycle" is a Short Head keyword, which can imply a search for information, such as (what types of bicycles are there?), as well as a purchase intention or even a search for images. Long Tail Keywords , on the other hand, are longer, specific phrases or questions. Depending on the topic, the search volume and competition behind them are significantly lower, and the intention is generally clearer. For example: "best e-bikes 2025" or "buy cheap used kids’ bicycle" or "how to patch a bicycle tire?" In addition, you can define " Mid Tail Keywords " that lie between these two types of keywords. By intention: Information, Navigation, or Transaction? Another important classification of keywords is the intention behind the search query: Informational keywords indicate a search for information. These can be the beginning of the user journey, the first step on the way to a purchase. For example: "trekking bike vs. city bike" or "what to consider when buying a bicycle?" Navigation Keywords point to the search for a specific brand, website, or product. For example: "Decathlon bicycles" or "Cube E-bikes". Transactional keywords show a purchase intention. Users are looking for an online shop or a local buying opportunity. For example: "buy trekking bike" or "order gravel bikes". In addition to these classifications, there are other characteristics of keywords, such as search volume (how often is the term searched per month?) or the "Keyword Difficulty" calculated by many SEO tools (the difficulty of ranking in top positions for this keyword in search results). Why are keywords important in search engine optimization? Keywords reveal which terms (and topics) are searched frequently. To improve visibility in search results for relevant keywords, we use these terms on the respective pages. This way, we show search engines that a page (URL) is relevant for a specific topic and the associated terms. Therefore, we research and analyze keywords as the basis of content optimization - to know how and what to optimize. What is the significance of keywords in the age of AI? Are keywords still important in the age of AI? Let’s take a look back and take a short journey through SEO history. The role and significance of keywords have constantly evolved over the last few decades: While about 20 years ago keywords had to be used in their exact form to rank well, Google's language understanding developed over the following years. Various grammatical forms, singular and plural, were recognized as identical terms. Similarly, the connection between synonyms and related terms was recognized - it became about semantics instead of exact keyword matching. We have not been thinking in pure keywords in search engine optimization for many years. Instead, we optimize on topic clusters, naturally supported by keywords. Keywords are still used as the basis, but the context behind them has become significantly more important. A sign of this is that Google often displays websites optimized for a synonym for search queries - Google recognizes that terms mean the same thing. In addition to the clusters, another term has become important: the entity. An entity is a uniquely identifiable object or concept, such as a person, a place, a process. An indication of what Google identifies as an entity includes, among other things, the Knowledge Graph in search results or suggestions for topics or concepts. This can be seen in the example "pedelec": These connections between topics or terms also play a role in AI SEO . Keywords are far from dead; they still serve an important purpose even in the AI age: Keyword analysis helps you understand the terms your (potential) customers use - and to speak the same language as your target audience. Keywords, especially “long tail keywords” like questions, help you better understand the intentions and problems of your target audience and offer corresponding content. Keywords still underpin entities and topic clusters, only they are not used as strictly as they were years ago. It is more important to cover the topic comprehensively and satisfyingly for customers, to meet the intent, and to present yourself as an authority to users and search engines. Keyword analysis - Finding keywords in 3 steps How do we find keywords for our keyword and content strategy? Depending on resources and available time as well as the topic, a keyword analysis can be a complex task. The more general the topic, the more extensive the analysis and the more subtopics and keyword clusters are found. It is easier to research keywords for a single page and a very specific topic. 1. Brainstorming Ideally, you are well-versed in your topic for which you want to find keywords. The first step is always a rough brainstorming session where you jot down all subtopics, terms, and questions related to your topic. With this, you have the first foundation for your analysis on which you can build. If you want to research keywords for an entire website, think of these terms, for example: Your brand name (depending on its popularity, there may be a relevant search volume behind a brand name) Your industry (e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. e-bikes, city bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, bikes for seniors, accessories, etc.) Brands (e.g. Cube Ebike, Bergamont Bicycle) Products or services (specific product names of bestsellers, e.g. cube kathmandu hybrid pro 750) Frequently asked questions about products or categories (e.g. which bike for commuting) 2. Analyzing keywords on the website If you already have a website or an online shop, you should establish a status quo: for which terms are you already (well) found, and through which terms do you get clicks and impressions? To do this, analyze the terms you find in the performance report in Google Search Console, and for which you get many impressions or clicks and add them to your brainstorming list. If you have access to a professional SEO tool, you will find all keywords for which your domain has a position in the top 100 here. You can filter these keywords by search volume or positions and export this list. This way, you find out where there is already potential on which you can build optimization. Particularly interesting here are the so-called "threshold keywords" - keywords that are "on the verge" of a certain area. Usually, this refers to - depending on the definition - keywords between 11 and 20, which are just before the top 10, or keywords starting from position 4 or 6, which are on the verge of the top 5 or top 3. 3. Keyword research After you probably already have a long list of keywords, it's time to research additional terms. A wide variety of sources and tools are available for this. If you want to conduct particularly comprehensive research, you can use all tools, but you can also focus on just a few if you have identified a sufficient number of keywords through these. Tools for keyword research The bad news first: Good keyword tools that you can work with effectively are always chargeable. Free versions generally limit the number of results or queries per day. You have to enter each keyword individually, instead of analyzing a list of terms, and the filter and export options are mostly restricted or unavailable. Professional SEO tools usually come with a keyword tool where you get important information for your entered terms, such as monthly search volume, as well as related terms that you can cluster and further analyze. Some of the most well-known tools include: Semrush, Ahrefs, Sistrix, Surfer SEO, or the KWfinder from Mangools. Free, limited options are available, for example, through Ubersuggest or Answerthepublic. Both tools offer a paid version as well as free research options. A unique feature of answerthepublic is the focus on long tail keywords. If you run ads on Google Ads, you can use the Google Keyword Planner, which gives you search volume, CPC, and competition for each keyword. Further sources to find keywords Besides the classic keyword tools, there are a whole series of other sources available to find keywords. These include: Google Suggest: Terms suggested by Google when entering terms in the search box Google related terms under search results Google Trends: Development of interest over time, but only for frequently searched terms Questions in Google search results Social Media Hashtags on relevant platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. YouTube Autosuggest: Suggested terms when entering a word in the search Topics on platforms with user-generated content such as Reddit Thesaurus like Woxikon All these screenshots are included, check if you want to use all of them or just a few and how you want to present them: Google Suggest: Google Trends: YouTube Suggest: Woxikon: Google Questions: People also search for in Google: Keyword Gaps A very valuable analysis is the so-called "Keyword Gap Analysis", where you compare your website or online shop with one or more relevant competitors. Here, not only direct competitors are relevant (in our example other bicycle online shops), but all websites that are present for your topic in the search results (for example, an online magazine about bicycles). Using a professional keyword tool, the domains can be compared, and you receive a list of keywords for which your competitors are already ranking in the search results, but your domain is not yet. From this, opportunities arise to expand the website or shop, for example, to include new subcategories or new blog posts. Create a keyword strategy What do you do now with the many keywords you have found through the various sources? The first step is always to cluster these keywords thematically to get a better overview. These clusters can, for example, be oriented along the structure in your online shop and the type of page: Homepage Keywords (most general terms and brand, e.g. bicycle online shop) Categories (e.g. mountain bikes, road bikes, kids' bikes, etc.) Subcategories (e.g. 16-inch bikes, dirt bikes, folding bikes, etc.) Product keywords (e.g. Cube Agree c62, Bergamot Sponsor Tour S, etc.) Guide keywords (e.g. what to consider when buying a bike, what is a trekking bike, adjusting hub gears, etc.) FAQ -Keywords (e.g. what frame size for a bike, how long does an e-bike battery last, etc.) What makes a good keyword? Out of the large number of keywords you have researched and clustered, you will not be able to use all of them. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and prioritize these keywords. Various criteria are important for this, and prioritization also depends on your strategic goals and your industry: Relevance: all keywords must be relevant to your business (if you don’t sell road bikes, the keyword "buy road bike" is irrelevant) Search Volume: a higher search volume means a higher probability of generating traffic. However, for niche industries, search volume is not the decisive factor. A more suitable keyword with a lower search volume can be more valuable than a more general one with high search volume. The goal is to find the optimal balance. The intention behind the keyword: The intent behind the search query must always match what users find on the page. Keywords indicating purchase intent (e.g., "buy mountain bike") are less important for a pure online magazine than informational keywords. Conversion probability: For an online shop, keywords with a relation to purchases are particularly valuable, as they are more likely to lead to a conversion than informational keywords. The more specific the term (for example, a product name), the higher the chance that someone will buy. Keywords for blog posts usually do not detract from this point. The competitive situation: Keywords with high competition (for which many large domains rank that have been on the market for a long time and have built up trust and authority) can be too big a challenge for new domains or smaller websites at first. It can take years to rank well for highly competitive keywords. Instead, keywords with less competition can achieve quicker results. Possible existing rankings: It is generally easier to improve keywords for which there is already a ranking, than to be found for brand new keywords. This is particularly true for keywords in threshold positions. Summary: a good keyword Has high relevance for your business Has relevant search volume Covers the appropriate intention Has a high conversion probability Has low to medium competition May already have existing rankings that can be improved. There is no blueprint for assessing and prioritizing keywords and creating a keyword strategy that can be applied to every industry and company. It requires both experience and a general company and marketing strategy to which the keyword strategy is adapted. We can therefore only give you suggestions at this point but are happy to support you in creating a professional keyword strategy! Keyword Mapping The most important step in the keyword strategy is creating a so-called keyword mapping. This involves assigning keywords to target pages (either existing pages or newly planned pages). It’s important: For each important keyword, exactly one page is defined that should rank for it Each important page is assigned a keyword set of 1-2 main keywords and several secondary keywords This setup prevents multiple pages from competing for the same keyword (the result can be that neither page ranks if Google is unsure which is the more relevant page - the so-called “cannibalization”). You can also identify which important keywords still lack a suitable target page. Based on this keyword mapping, you can then plan and optimize your content. Content Strategy Once we have assigned the keywords to the appropriate, existing, or new pages, we can create an editorial plan from them, in which all topics are included, for which we need to optimize pages or create new texts. For example, with bicycles, this could include these texts and pages: Children’s bicycles : the category page for children is supplemented with a guide, a product comparison, and buying advice. Buy bicycle under 500 dollars : either a category page or a filter page with the appropriate criteria or a blog post with a product comparison Best bike for beginners : blog post with a product comparison and buying advice Buy a bike with hub gears : the appropriate category page is supplemented with relevant content (comparison of hub gears and derailleur gears, advantages of hub gears, most popular bikes with hub gears, etc.) What to consider when buying a bicycle : guide article for the blog with an overview of different types of bicycles, criteria for purchase (usage, size, features, etc.), online purchase vs. local purchase, etc. Buy bicycle in #city : landing page of the own local shop with an overview of the assortment, address, maps, opening hours, etc. Using keywords The use of keywords could fill another long article, so we would like to give you an overview of the most important elements on a website or in an online shop where you should use keywords: In the metadata (page title/title tag and meta description/page description) In the headlines In the text In filenames of images and image descriptions In internal links Caution: Avoid keyword stuffing! One of the biggest mistakes in using your researched keywords is repeating the same keywords too often. If your text sounds unnatural because you've stuffed it with too many identical or similar terms, no one will want to read it, and search engines will likely evaluate it as "keyword stuffing." Make sure you always write content for users. Use synonyms and related terms and avoid pure lists of keywords or even grammatically incorrect use of terms just to cover a keyword exactly. The focus is on providing relevant, helpful content for your target audience, using relevant keywords naturally! SEO vs. SEA Keywords Effective SEO keyword strategies also benefit paid channels. Many synergies can be created between SEO and SEA (especially Google Ads), for example, by using the same keywords for organic optimization and paid ads and occupying two positions in search results with your website: one paid and one unpaid. A keyword and content strategy for search engine optimization can also be used in the SEA area SEA can also be used nicely for A/B testing ad texts and CTAs (call-to-actions) that can be used in the metadata (page title and meta description). Also, optimizing page content and using the most searched keywords helps for SEA - for example, to improve the quality score and pay low click prices. To gain the greatest benefit, the insights of both channels can be combined - which is why a company greatly benefits when SEO and SEA are in one hand. Incidentally, at internetwarriors, we have both long-standing SEO and SEA expertise in the team! A tailor-made keyword & content strategy for you Finding the right keywords and deriving an effective strategy that matches your business goals can be a challenge. The SEO experts at internetwarriors are happy to assist you. We analyze your website, your industry, and your potentials, research the appropriate keywords, and create an individual content strategy for you. We are also happy to help you optimize the content or create new content or train you and your team on how to use keywords effectively - even in the age of AI.
Server-Side Tracking - An Overview
Jul 16, 2025

Halid
Osmaev
Category:
Web Analytics

Server Side Tracking is the new standard. A significant advantage is the control provided over the data flow, especially user data. In this article, we discuss Server Side Tracking using Google Tag Manager as an example and review its benefits and which user data is sent. But first, the important question: What is Server Side Tracking? In short: Server Side Tracking is a data collection method where the tracking information is processed not in the browser but directly through the server of the website operator and forwarded to analysis or marketing tools afterward. The traditional tracking method is Client Side Tracking (CTS) , where a code snippet is embedded in the page, for example, via the Google Tag Manager. This sends event data directly to third-party services like Google Analytics 4, Meta Ads, etc. However, control over the sent user data (IP address, demographic data, etc.) is limited to the adjustments offered by the tool. Additionally, a third-party cookie is usually set, resulting in loss of data amount and quality. Figure 1: Comparison of Client-side and Server-side tagging With Server Side Tracking (SST) , all data is first sent to a private server, where, for example, the Server Side Google Tag Manager is running. This ensures that there is no undesired data transfer occurring on the website with the users. This transfer happens only in the Google Tag Manager Server Side. However, this can then be adapted to a data protection-compliant standard by clear insight into the data and further configuration options like transformers . Server Side Tracking vs. Client Side Tracking The traditional Client Side Tracking (CST) is still widespread but increasingly reaching its limits. In CST, tracking scripts are executed directly in the user’s browser, sending data like page views, clicks, or conversions to third-party tools. However, this approach is very susceptible to modern tracking protection measures such as ad blockers, VPNs, intelligent tracking prevention (ITP) in iOS/Safari, and various data protection regulations. In contrast, Server Side Tracking (SST) uses a different approach: Tracking data is no longer sent directly from the browser to external tools but first to the server. This acts as a proxy or central data hub through which all tracking requests run. The server request is treated similarly to an API request and is thus less vulnerable to blocking . Additionally, all data processing takes place within one's infrastructure , significantly reducing the risk when dealing with data protection authorities. Another difference lies in the use of cookies: While Client Side Tracking relies on third-party cookies – which are increasingly blocked by browsers – Server Side Tracking prefers first-party cookies , considered more trustworthy and stable. Why is Server Side Tracking now standard? While Client Side Tracking is increasingly losing its effectiveness due to growing restrictions, Server Side Tracking offers a future-proof, high-performance, and privacy-friendly alternative – with significantly higher data quality and control for companies. Overview of the benefits of Server Side Tracking: More data control : Unlike the specifications of external tracking tags, companies with SST retain full control over the collected data. Higher data quality : SST can often bypass ad blockers and tracking protection measures, typically leading to at least 12% more data. Performance advantages : Instead of addressing many individual tracking tools directly from the browser, only one server is contacted – conserving resources and improving website load time. Data protection compliance : By processing exclusively within their server structure, companies can better respond to legal requirements. Server Side Tracking and Data Protection Regulations Server Side Tracking offers not only technical advantages but also a significantly better basis concerning data protection laws. The main legal regulations in the European area are the GDPR, the TTDSG, and the EU-USA Data Privacy Framework. An overview: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) The General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) mandates that personal data – which can be traced back to a real person, such as name, email address, or IP address – may only be collected and processed with the explicit consent of the users (e.g., through a cookie banner). It has been applicable in all EU member states since May 25, 2018, forming the central legal framework for handling personal data in the European area. The GDPR requires companies to inform transparently which data is collected for what purpose and how long it will be stored. Additionally, users must be able to object to processing or revoke consent at any time. For tracking, this means: No data may be collected or shared with third parties without clear and voluntary consent – even if the technology allows it. Violations of the GDPR can result in hefty fines. Server Side Tracking offers the advantage that data collection, storage, and sharing can be centrally controlled and better documented – facilitating GDPR-compliant implementation. Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG) The TTDSG (Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act) supplements the GDPR specifically for online services and stipulates that no arbitrary user data , especially through cookies or similar technologies, may be stored or read without prior consent . The law came into force on December 1, 2021, merging central data protection requirements from the GDPR and the German Telemedia Act (TMG) as well as the Telecommunications Act (TKG). For online tracking, this means: Even setting a cookie that is not purely technically necessary requires active, informed consent from users, for example, through a consent banner. Tracking methods attempting to create user profiles without consent – even through technologies like fingerprinting – are prohibited under the TTDSG. This tightens the requirements for data-driven online marketing measures and underscores the necessity to make tracking privacy-compliant and transparent – something that is much better controlled with Server Side Tracking. EU-USA Data Privacy Framework Particularly relevant for international companies is the new EU-USA Data Privacy Framework , which facilitates transatlantic data transfer and has been in effect since summer 2023. Previously, it was problematic to send personal data to US services because US authorities had extensive access to it by law. The new agreement creates more legal certainty when US services like Google or Meta are used – but only if the services are certified under the new framework. These are just a few of the laws affecting tracking. Therefore, an understanding of user data is important. Conclusion: Why does Server Side Tracking offer more data protection compliance? Server Side Tracking allows the entire data processing to initially run through one's server infrastructure. This means: Tracking occurs not directly with the users but only after explicit consent and under full control of data processing on one's server. This allows the requirements of data protection laws to be better implemented, such as targeted anonymization , pseudonymization , or restriction of data sharing with third parties . Overall, Server Side Tracking enables a more data protection-compliant handling of user data, allowing companies to maintain oversight and control – which is essential under the current regulatory framework. What user data is sent with Server Side Tracking? The good news: Only the absolute minimum. What does this mean? Using Google Tag Manager as an example: When an event on the page, like a click, is triggered, an HTTP request is sent to the Server Side Google Tag Manager . Naturally, HTTP header information is sent along. This includes, among others: Time IP address Page URL Approximate location (by IP address) Operating system Browser Resolution Device Additionally, there are other parameters specifically related to configuration. Detailed information can be found in the documentation at [ https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/Headers ]. There are also parameters automatically captured by Google Tag for campaign optimization, which include: utm_source utm_medium utm_campaign utm_content utm_term and the Click ID It should also be ensured which data is user-defined sent with the Google Tag Manager configuration. In the Server Side Google Tag Manager, users can configure precisely through the use of transformers, which specific data should be forwarded in what form and which should be withheld. However, for a data-secure implementation, the conclusion should be: “ Track only as much data as needed .” The challenge is to limit tracking to what is necessary without incurring disadvantages. We set up correct Server Side Tracking for you The Internetwarriors are a team of experts in various fields of online marketing. One of our main focuses is web analytics and Server-Side Tracking (SST). With extensive expertise and a profound understanding of the latest trends and technologies in digital analytics, we offer tailored solutions to optimize our clients' online presence. We are thus a valuable partner for you when you want to set up professional tracking that provides all the data you need for strategic decisions and monitoring your online marketing activities. Contact us now without obligation !
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