Key facts
- Political candidates are developing strategies to influence AI chatbot recommendations.
- Generative engine optimization (GEO) is emerging as the AI-era successor to search engine optimization (SEO).
- Fees for AI strategy services can reach $50,000 per month, with potential success fees of $200,000 for a 'category win'.
- Some platforms charge campaigns between $9 and $250 per month for AI monitoring and influence tips.
US political candidates are increasingly tailoring their campaign messages to influence the output of AI chatbots, which are becoming a significant source of information for voters. Strategies involve creating AI-friendly content, optimizing for generative engine optimization (GEO), and purchasing placements on high-authority websites that AI models frequently cite. This approach aims to ensure that candidates are recommended by chatbots when voters ask questions on key issues.
Firms specializing in AI strategy are offering services to monitor chatbot responses and help campaigns shape their online presence. These services can range from basic AI monitoring to comprehensive consulting and media buying, with fees varying significantly based on the scope of work. Experts express concerns about the potential for misinformation and the growing difficulty for the public to distinguish between AI-generated and human-originated content.