How To Build Category Authority In AI Search

Getting your brand cited by ChatGPT, Gemini, or other AI platforms is one thing. Getting those platforms to actually recommend your business is another. Matthew Bertram sits down with Andrew, CEO of Skyword, to explore how enterprise brands can build category authority in an increasingly AI-driven search environment. They discuss why traditional SEO strategies aren't always enough, how outdated content can influence AI-generated recommendations, and why businesses need to rethink what makes their content valuable. Andrew introduces Skyword's Category Authority Index and six-step Category Authority Ladder, frameworks designed to help brands understand their current visibility and build stronger authority within the categories that matter most. Rather than focusing entirely on individual prompts or citations, the conversation explores how original research, expert perspectives, customer evidence, and proprietary insights can help brands stand out. They also break down Skyword's ROC framework: Retire, Optimize, Create. Andrew explains why auditing existing content should come before producing more, how brands can strengthen their most valuable assets, and why publishing generic AI-generated articles is unlikely to create meaningful differentiation. The conversation ultimately comes back to a question every marketer should be asking: Is your content simply helping AI answer questions, or is it giving potential customers a compelling reason to choose your brand? Guest Contact Information: Website: skyword.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/andrewwheeler Rate the show in your podcast app. Apple ratings are how new listeners decide whether to press play, an honest one takes about thirty seconds. Steps for iPhone, Mac and Spotify: www.bestseopodcast.com/review Is AI search citing your business? Find out free with an AI visibility audit: www.ewrdigital.com/ai-visibility-audit Support the show The Best SEO Podcast is a weekly show on how search and AI decide which businesses get found, trusted and chosen. Hosted by Matthew Bertram ( www.matthewbertram.com ), powered by EWR Digital ( www.ewrdigital.com ). Every episode: www.bestseopodcast.com Support the show The Best SEO Podcast is a weekly show on how search and AI decide which businesses get found, trusted and chosen. Hosted by Matthew Bertram ( www.matthewbertram.com ), powered by EWR Digital ( www.ewrdigital.com ). Every episode: www.bestseopodcast.com