A content strategy can help you get found online, win more customers, and stay visible as search changes with AI and Answer Engine Optimization.
Search is changing fast. With AI Overviews showing up in Google results and AI tools pulling answers directly from websites, having a strong content strategy has never been more important. It’s no longer just about stuffing keywords on a page (which we don't recommend). Today, you need content that clearly answers questions, earns trust, and positions your site to be chosen for both traditional search results and AI-driven answers.
A content strategy is your plan for creating blog posts, service pages, guides, and other resources that attract the right people to your site and turn them into customers. Here’s how to build one that works for your type of business, and keeps you visible as search and AI evolve.
1. Know Your Audience and Their Questions
The goal of your content is to solve problems and answer questions your customers are asking online. Think about:
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Who they are
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What they’re searching for
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How they might phrase their questions (especially conversational, AI-style searches)
Example:
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A local plumber’s audience might search “fastest emergency plumber near me”
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An ecommerce store selling candles might want to show up for “Are non-toxic candles better for kids?”
Clear, question-focused content improves your chances of being pulled into AI Overviews and voice search results.
2. Research Keywords and Topics
Keywords are still the foundation of your strategy, but now search intent matters even more. Use your diib dashboard to see:
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Which keywords you already rank for
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What competitors are showing up for
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New Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) opportunities as AI search features change
Target a mix of:
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Short-tail keywords: Broad phrases like “plumber” or “running shoes.”
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Long-tail keywords: Detailed, natural questions like “best running shoes for bad knees” or “how fast can a plumber get to me tonight?”
The more your content matches real user questions, the better chance it has to appear in AI summaries.
3. Choose the Right Content Types for Your Business
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Local businesses: Service pages for each offering, location pages, FAQs, and blogs answering local questions (“How much does roof repair cost in Dallas?”).
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Service-based businesses: Detailed service pages, how-to articles, client case studies, and topical blogs that show expertise.
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Ecommerce: In-depth product descriptions, buyer’s guides, category content, comparison posts, and blogs showing how to use your products.
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Blogs or informational sites: Guides, list posts, unique insights, and thought leadership pieces that position you as an expert.
4. Plan Your Content Calendar
Create a list of priority topics based on:
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What your audience searches for most
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Where you have keyword gaps compared to competitors
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Trends you see in diib’s AI search alerts and AEO recommendations
Example:
A landscaping business might write “How to prep your lawn for spring” before the season, while also publishing a “Lawn Fertilization Services in Denver” page to capture local search.
5. Write Content That’s Clear and Useful
For both Google and AI results, the winners are pages that:
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Answer the main question right away
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Use natural, conversational language (like how someone would ask a voice assistant)
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Include keywords in headings and subheadings
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Provide trustworthy, complete information
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Include a call-to-action like “Book a free consultation” or “Shop now”
Example of a strong heading:
“Emergency Plumbing Services in Miami – Available 24/7”
6. Keep It Updated
AI and search results favor content that’s current. Refresh older posts, update outdated stats or pricing, and add new sections if needed. This helps keep your site competitive and visible in both standard results and AI-powered summaries.
7. Track Your Results and Adjust
Your diib dashboard shows you:
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Keyword changes over time
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Competitor rankings
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Which pages bring in the most traffic or leads
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New AEO opportunities as Google and other AI tools evolve
Use this data to double down on what’s working and fill gaps where you’re missing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
A strong content strategy helps you stay visible as search engines evolve and AI reshapes how people find answers. Whether you’re running an ecommerce store, a local service, or a blog, the goal is the same: create helpful, question-focused content that builds trust, attracts visitors, and positions you for AI Overviews and traditional rankings alike.