Semrush Launches AI Visibility Index, Introducing Generative Engine Optimization for SEO Strategies – Monday, November 17, 2025

Semrush has unveiled its AI Visibility Index, offering new insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of search engine optimization shaped by artificial intelligence. Central to this development is the introduction of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), signaling a transformative shift in SEO strategies.

Who should care: CMOs, marketing directors, SEO leads, content operations managers, demand generation teams, and marketing automation specialists.

What happened?

Semrush Enterprise has published results from a detailed three-month study called the AI Visibility Index, which evaluates how artificial intelligence is influencing search engine optimization. This research spotlights the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), a new methodology that blends generative AI capabilities with traditional SEO practices. The study indicates that GEO is poised to fundamentally change how businesses approach search strategies, emphasizing the importance of adopting flexible and innovative techniques to sustain visibility in AI-driven search environments.

Alongside this, Google Search Console has rolled out custom annotations for its performance reports. This new feature enables marketers to add contextual notes directly to their data, clarifying how specific initiatives affect search outcomes. By tracking these annotations, SEO professionals can gain deeper insights into the impact of their actions, allowing for more precise strategy adjustments that align with the shifting digital ecosystem.

Together, the AI Visibility Index and the emergence of GEO highlight the critical need for businesses to stay ahead of technological progress. As AI continues to reshape search algorithms, the capacity to adapt and implement forward-thinking strategies will be essential for maintaining a competitive edge in search rankings.

Why now?

The launch of the AI Visibility Index and the focus on Generative Engine Optimization come at a pivotal moment when AI’s influence on digital marketing is accelerating rapidly. Over the last 18 months, AI technologies have become deeply embedded in search engines, altering how content is evaluated and surfaced. This evolution demands a reassessment of conventional SEO approaches, urging marketers to integrate AI-driven techniques. The addition of custom annotations in Google Search Console further facilitates this transition by providing tools that help marketers better interpret and leverage AI’s growing impact on search performance.

So what?

The advent of GEO and enhanced capabilities like Google Search Console’s custom annotations represent a fundamental shift in SEO strategy. Marketers must now recognize how AI is transforming search behaviors and adapt their tactics accordingly. Success in this new landscape requires a proactive mindset focused on continuous learning and agile execution.

What this means for you:

• For SEO leads: Adopt GEO strategies to stay aligned with emerging AI-driven search trends and maintain visibility.
• For content operations managers: Leverage custom annotations to gain actionable insights and refine content strategies based on real performance data.
• For demand generation teams: Use AI-powered insights to enhance search visibility and effectively drive qualified traffic.

Quick Hits

• Impact / Risk: Neglecting to adapt to AI-driven SEO changes risks diminished search visibility and loss of competitive positioning.
• Operational Implication: Teams must integrate new AI-focused tools and strategies to navigate increasingly complex search environments.
• Action This Week: Evaluate current SEO tactics for alignment with AI trends and begin using Google Search Console annotations to monitor performance shifts.