Why Words are Important in this AI Era

Last Updated: 3/20/2026

Why are words important in this AI era?

Words are important in this AI era because Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-powered search systems are actively reading and interpreting the words on websites to gather information.

The words you use to compose your website content tell these systems who you are, what you do, who you serve, and where you serve.

LLMs rely on clear signals from your content to understand and summarize your expertise, which makes choosing the right words, and using them in the right order and in the right places more important than ever.

While traditional crawlers still gather pages, these AI systems interpret and “process” your content to decide how, when, and whether your site is included in AI-generated answers.

AI gets its information from our websites.

The information is reviewed and evaluated by the LLMs.

When a search is requested at Google, the response is generated at the moment of the search and presented in the AI Overviews.

How are AI Overviews Generated?

AI Overviews are composed in real time. Upon each new search, the system reorganizes, filters, and condenses live website content. Large Language Models (LLMs) then apply their reasoning abilities to align that information directly with the searcher’s intent.

LLMs are the engine doing the interpretation and synthesis.

Since the LLMs are evaluating your website in real time, it’s important that the “right” words be available.

What are the right words for you?

It is not enough to declare that you are a Website Developer, Carpenter, Business Lawyer, or Business Coach. You need to be more specific.

Examples of phrases that bring you closer to being mentioned in the AI Overviews are:

• Remote WordPress Website Developer instead of Website Developer
• Furniture Maker or Finish Carpenter instead of Carpenter
• International Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer instead of Business Lawyer
• Executive Coaching for Women in Male-Dominated Industries instead of Business Coach

What is next level use of your words?

Now that you have defined the phrases that describe your business, target audience, product & services, and, geography served, it’s important to use the same phrases and their semantic equivalents*, throughout your website content, on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and all the other social media platforms.

Socializing your right words = Consistency is key!

As you post on social media platforms, remember to include YOUR phrases in the description. Avoid creating a (beautiful) graphic announcement and then writing a description that reads, “Hope to see you there” or “Only three days left to register”, or “See link in bio”. Those words are not words your audience is searching for and, you’ve past up an opportunity to help yourself get into the AI Overview by not leaving another breadcrumb for the AI SEO bots. Use the phrases above after you’ve explained what the graphic is about – using your chosen ‘identifying’ phrases.

* Semantic equivalents: Words, phrases, or concepts that share a similar meaning or context with your primary keyword phrases, even though they are not exact, word-for-word synonyms.

Related Reading:

How to Optimize Your Articles for AI Citations – Learn how to optimize your blog posts for AI citations.

For a list of pages whose content you don’t need to add AI-attractive content, read Tips for summertime SEOing.

When you’re ready for help
determining your best words,
contact me by email or phone.

I’m happy to chat
to discuss how we can work together
to get you shining in your best light
so the LLMs and AI-powered search systems
are lovin’ on you!