How to check if ChatGPT and other AI tools cite your website - and improve your chances in 2026 (www.zdnet.com)

A recent article from ZDNET reveals that as AI search traffic surged by 66% in 2025, websites are seeing reduced organic traffic despite ranking stability. This shift underscores the need for webmasters to rethink SEO strategies, as AI platforms like ChatGPT now serve as both starting points and endpoints for user queries, often pulling information directly from websites without driving traffic to them. Websites that once focused solely on traditional SEO metrics may find that AI services prioritize content that directly answers questions over established domain authority. To enhance visibility in AI searches, ZDNET offers practical advice, including ensuring that your robots.txt file permits AI crawlers and adopting new optimization tactics. Strategies derived from a study involving Princeton, Georgia Tech, and the Allen Institute highlight that clear, credible content is key to earning AI citations. Additionally, creating a dedicated llms.txt file and fostering a brand presence across various platforms can further improve a site's citation rates in AI search results. As AI tools transform how users access information, adapting to these changes is essential for maintaining visibility in the evolving digital landscape.