The Testing Psychologist Podcast 541. A Primer on Optimizing Your Website for AI Search
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In this episode, I break down how AI search is rapidly reshaping the way clients discover psychologists and neuropsychologists online. I explain why traditional SEO is no longer enough, what AI models prioritize when generating answers, and the practical steps you can take to make your website more conversational, trustworthy, and “quotable” by tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity. You’ll walk away with concrete tactics to improve clarity, structure, E-E-A-T signals, and local relevance, plus advanced optimization strategies like schema markup and transcript integration.
Main Topics Covered
- 00:01 What AI search optimization is and why it matters
- 01:30 The rise of zero-click AI results and their impact on private practices
- 02:23 Why conversational question-answering is replacing keyword-based SEO
- 03:55 How AI search engines “read” your site: structure, clarity, E-E-A-T
- 06:40 Practical AIO steps: conversational language, FAQs, clear service structure
- 09:17 Strengthening credibility signals using credentials and verifiable links
- 10:55 Location clarity and why hyperlocal cues matter
- 11:39 Advanced AIO: schema markup, transcripts, freshness updates
- 12:58 Mindset shift: from keywords to solving user problems
- 14:30 What to avoid: keyword stuffing, generic bios, AI-generated filler
- 15:17 Quick 10-minute AIO website audit checklist
- 16:40 What’s coming: 70% of web traffic flowing through AI intermediaries
- 18:57 Before/after examples of an AI-optimized professional bio
Cool Things Mentioned
- Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists
- Google E-E-A-T quality framework: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/creating-helpful-content
- Schema.org markup documentation: https://schema.org
- Local Business Schema guide (Google): https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/local-business
- FAQPage Schema reference: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/faqpage
- Google Search Central blog on AI Overviews and SEO implications: https://developers.google.com/search/blog
- Perplexity (AI search engine): https://www.perplexity.ai
- ChatGPT search capabilities: https://chat.openai.com
- The Testing Psychologist Craft Membership (referenced in episode): https://www.testingpsychologist.com/craft
Featured Resources
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About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
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