The explosion of artificial intelligence is completely redefining how users access information in the digital space. No longer limited to typing short keywords, users are now shifting toward more conversational and complex questions. This poses a major challenge but also a golden opportunity for businesses that can grasp the trend of AI search optimization starting right now.

In a context where Google and Microsoft are constantly updating their algorithms, understanding how Large Language Models (LLMs) crawl and respond to data is extremely urgent. These changes affect not only rankings but also directly impact click-through rates (CTR) and the ability to reach potential customers. According to experts at DPS.MEDIA, preparing a content foundation compatible with AI will help businesses maintain a sustainable competitive advantage in the digital age.

The latest statistics for 2025 show the clear impact of AI on search behavior. According to research from BrightEdge in 2025, impressions from AI Overviews have surged by 49% within just the past year. However, a notable reality is that the average click-through rate has decreased by about 30% because users receive direct answers right on the results page. This forces content creators to shift their mindset from “click-baiting” to becoming a reputable citation source for AI.

This article will dive deep into the latest guidance from Microsoft on keyword strategy and how AI search engines operate. We will help you decode complex concepts and provide a specific roadmap so your website isn't left behind. Let’s explore the secrets behind AI algorithms and how to optimize content for maximum effectiveness in 2026.

AI Search Optimization: A Strategic Vision from Microsoft 2026

The Shift from Keywords to User Intent

Microsoft emphasizes that in the AI era, search engines no longer rely solely on simple string matching. Instead, they attempt to deeply understand the true intent behind each user query. This means your content must answer the question “Why is the user searching for this?” rather than just focusing on stuffing traditional SEO keywords.

Focusing on user intent requires a change in the approach to content creation right from the planning stage. You need to analyze the stages of the customer journey to provide the information most relevant to their actual needs. According to experts at DPS.MEDIA, building content that thoroughly solves a specific problem will be valued more highly by AI than generic articles.

According to a report from Search Engine Journal at the end of 2024, tools like ChatGPT Search and Bing Generative Search are prioritizing websites that structure content in a Q&A format. When a website provides practical and focused information, the likelihood of being cited by AI as a primary data source increases significantly. This is the key factor in maintaining brand presence in the era of zero-click searches.

For example, instead of writing a short post about “coffee makers,” create a detailed guide on “how to choose an energy-efficient coffee maker for a small office.” This level of detail and niche focus helps AI identify you as an expert in that field. Another example is e-commerce sites integrating detailed comparison reviews, making it easier for AI to synthesize information for users when they are weighing their options.

• Identify the search purpose (informational, navigational, transactional) for each page.
• Use question-based headings to match how users ask AI.
• Provide direct, concise answers at the beginning of each content section.
• Use natural language, avoiding overly academic jargon that causes confusion.
• Integrate case studies to increase the persuasiveness of the content.
• Update content frequently to ensure the highest level of freshness and accuracy.

Expert advice: Don't just write what you have; write what users actually need to find answers for from AI.

New Keyword Strategies for the AI Search Optimization Era

Prioritizing Long-Tail Keywords and Conversational Phrases

In modern AI search optimization strategies, long-tail keywords play a more important role than ever. Users tend to ask long and detailed questions when using AI chatbots. These keywords often yield higher conversion rates because they target the specific needs of customers at the moment of search.

Furthermore, using conversational phrases makes your content more friendly to Natural Language Processing (NLP) models. AIs like GPT-4 or Bing’s models are trained on massive volumes of human communication text. Therefore, writing the way we speak daily will help AI easily understand and extract information from your articles.

Microsoft also recommends integrating semantic keywords to cover the entire topic comprehensively. Instead of just repeating a main keyword, use related terms and synonyms to create a rich information network. According to research by DPS.MEDIA, articles with depth and good topical coverage are 3 times more likely to fall into the “sights” of AI search engines.

For instance, a travel blog could optimize for the phrase “3 days 2 nights self-sufficient Da Lat itinerary for families with small children” instead of just “Da Lat travel.” This specificity helps AI filter accurate information for users with similar needs. Another example in the finance industry is optimizing for the question “how to open an online savings account for beginners,” helping to attract the right target audience.

• Use keyword research tools to find frequently asked questions from users.
• Naturally incorporate long-tail keywords into H2 and H3 headings.
• Ensure the content provides practical solutions to the questions posed.
• Optimize short snippets (under 50 words) so AI can easily use them as answers.
• Distribute main keywords steadily without creating a negative experience for the reader.
• Monitor the performance of new keywords through Google Search Console monthly.

Implementing the right keyword strategy not only helps articles become SEO-friendly but also builds trust with users. When they find accurate answers to their inquiries, the brand's reputation is enhanced. This is a vital part of building a sustainable content ecosystem that every business should aim for.

The Role of NLP and Content Structure in AI Search Optimization

Natural Language Processing (NLP) – The Bridge Between Content and AI

Natural Language Processing is the core technology that helps AI search engines understand the true meaning of text. To be AI search optimization effective, your content needs to be written in a way that NLP algorithms can easily analyze. This includes maintaining consistency in tone, using clear sentence structures, and avoiding overly complex metaphors.

Modern search engines value coherence and logic in the presentation of information. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and be linked together using appropriate transition words. According to research by DPS.MEDIA experts, structuring articles using the “inverted pyramid” model—putting the most important information at the top—is extremely effective for AI systems.

Additionally, applying a “chunking” strategy (breaking down content) helps AI easily extract individual pieces of information to answer various queries. Instead of writing long, rambling paragraphs, break them into short segments of 50-80 words. This method not only helps machine learning but also significantly improves the reading experience for users on mobile devices.

A practical example is using header tags (H2, H3) containing main keywords to create a clear content map for bots. Another example is using bullet points to summarize the steps of a process. AI loves these formats because they make data classification much faster and more accurate than plain text.

• Always start a paragraph with a clear and concise topic sentence.
• Use transition words like “however,” “therefore,” and “besides” to create flow.
• Ensure at least 60% of sentences in the article are under 15 words long.
• Review content to eliminate awkward sentences or useless repetition.
• Leverage data tables to compare information visually.
• Use bold formatting (strong) for key concepts within the article.

By optimizing the article structure, you are directly assisting AI search engines in working more efficiently. As a result, your website will have a higher chance of appearing in AI-generated answers. This is an indispensable step in any comprehensive Digital Marketing campaign implemented by DPS.MEDIA for its clients.

Building E-E-A-T Authority to Dominate AI Search Optimization Results

The Importance of Real-World Experience and Expertise

E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is the most important set of standards AI uses to evaluate source quality. In an AI search optimization, strategy, proving you are an expert with practical experience in your field is essential. AI tends to prioritize content with exclusive information, real-world data, and in-depth insights from real people.

Search engines now have the ability to distinguish between mass-produced machine content and high-value human content. Integrating real-life stories, implemented projects, and lessons learned from personal experience will make a difference. At DPS.MEDIA, we always encourage clients to build transparent author profiles with full certifications and relevant experience to increase trust.

Trustworthiness also comes from citing reputable sources and providing accurate, verifiable information. Linking to government (.gov), educational (.edu) sites, or leading industry reports is a positive signal for AI. This proves your article is built on a solid foundation of knowledge and serious research investment.

For example, in a health article, citing studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) will be much more valuable than unsubstantiated advice. Another example in the marketing industry is sharing actual results from an advertising campaign, including budget figures and ROI. This real-world data is excellent “food” that helps AI recognize your content as a high-quality information source.

• Update author bios with specific achievements and expertise.
• Use the latest statistics from reputable sources for 2024-2025.
• Write about topics where you have direct experience to create a point of difference.
• Ensure the accuracy of all information before publishing content.
• Integrate real reviews and feedback from customers into the article.
• Build a tight internal link network to demonstrate topical depth.

Investing in E-E-A-T is not a one-time task but a long-term accumulation process. However, the reward is ranking stability and favoritism from the most modern AI search systems. This is the North Star for professional Content Marketing services in Vietnam today.

Maintaining Freshness and the IndexNow Protocol in AI Search Optimization

Regularly Updating Content to Feed the AI

In the constantly moving world of AI, outdated information will quickly be discarded from top answers. For effective AI search optimization , maintaining “Freshness” for content is mandatory. Microsoft encourages website owners not to adopt a "post and forget" mindset but to constantly refresh data to meet users' current information needs.

Updating is not just about correcting a few numbers or changing the publication date. You need to add new perspectives, emerging trends, or the latest technologies related to the topic. According to research from DPS.MEDIA, websites that update content periodically every 3-6 months have a 40% higher citation rate by AI compared to long-neglected sites.

In addition to refreshing content, using technical protocols like IndexNow is an important step forward. IndexNow helps you immediately notify search engines like Bing when there is a change on the website. This allows AI to access and index your latest data faster, thereby improving the chances of appearing in real-time search results.

For example, a guide on 2024 tax laws needs to be updated as soon as new circulars are issued in 2025. Another example is tech review articles, which need to be supplemented with information on the latest software versions to avoid confusing users. This keeps your website as the most reliable source of information in the eyes of both users and AI.

• Set up notification systems to track industry changes.
• Dedicate periodic time to review the most important articles on the site.
• Use support tools to automate IndexNow notifications.
• Ensure that even the smallest changes bring real value to the reader.
• Leverage AI tools to analyze which content is becoming obsolete.
• Always clearly state the last updated date so users feel more at ease.

In summary, AI search optimization is a journey that requires persistence and sensitivity to technological changes. By correctly applying keyword strategies, content structure, and focusing on brand reputation, you will easily occupy a leading position. Don't hesitate to contact DPS.MEDIA for in-depth advice from our team of experienced experts.

Applying these optimization techniques not only makes your website friendlier to AI search engines but also brings real value to the end-user. In a fiercely competitive market, the difference lies in the depth of information and the ability to meet customer needs as quickly as possible. Start your digital transformation journey today to reap success in the future.

Thus, we have gone through the most important aspects of Microsoft’s guide on search engine optimization in the AI era. From changing the mindset about keywords to leveraging the power of NLP and building E-E-A-T credibility, every step contributes to a perfect SEO strategy. DPS.MEDIA is proud to be a reliable partner, helping you realize your business goals through comprehensive Digital Marketing solutions.

Below are some key points you should remember to implement for your website immediately:

• Always put user intent first when creating any content.
• Structure articles coherently and clearly with short, easy-to-understand paragraphs.
• Maximize the use of conversational phrases and long-tail keywords.
• Demonstrate expertise and practical experience through every article.
• Regularly update content and use IndexNow so AI always sees you as fresh.
• Build a system of tables and lists to increase data extraction capabilities.
• Always support claims with data and highly reliable sources.

The future of search is here, and it is powered by AI. Proactively adapt not just to survive, but to break through strongly. Good luck on your path to conquering the peak of AI search!