You launched your site. You paid for SEO. You waited. And still—nothing. No rankings. No traffic. No calls.
If your website isn’t ranking, you’re not alone.
In 2025, the search landscape has changed, and most business websites are still stuck using strategies from 2015. Google is shifting to AI-driven results, and platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are now answering customer questions directly—often without ever showing traditional websites.
If your site doesn’t rank, it’s not an accident. It’s fixable. And we’ll show you how.
The 5 Reasons Your Website Isn’t Ranking
1. It’s Built for Looks—Not Search
That fancy homepage animation? Doesn’t help your SEO.
Most small business websites are built by designers, not marketers. They focus on appearance, not performance. If your site is heavy on visuals and light on structure, search engines have nothing to work with.
Search engines—and AI engines—prioritize content, structure, and clarity over creative fluff.
2. Your Content Doesn’t Answer Questions
SEO used to be about keywords. Now, it’s about intent. People don’t search “roofing San Diego” anymore. They ask:
- “What’s the best roofing company near me?”
- “How long does a roof replacement take?”
- “Is a metal roof better than shingles?”
If your site doesn’t answer real questions clearly and directly, you’ll get passed over by AI search tools and Google’s newer ranking systems.
3. You’re Ignoring AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
Ranking in Google is only half the battle now. The future of visibility is AEO—Answer Engine Optimization.
ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity don’t display 10 links. They give one answer. If your business isn’t structured to be that answer, you don’t exist in those searches.
If you’re only optimizing for SEO and ignoring AEO, you’re invisible to an entire layer of high-intent traffic.
4. Your Website Has No Clear Location or Service Structure
Search engines and AI need context: Who are you? What do you do? Where do you do it?
If your site is missing:
- Service pages for each offering
- City/location pages for your local area
- Schema markup for business type, hours, and contact info
- Embedded Google Map and consistent NAP info
…then you’re making it harder for Google or ChatGPT to include your business in results.
5. Your Site Is Slow, Unsecure, or Unoptimized
Core web vitals matter. Even if you have great content, Google and AI tools will deprioritize your site if it:
- Loads slowly (especially on mobile)
- Isn’t mobile responsive
- Lacks SSL security (https)
- Doesn’t use proper title tags, headers, or alt text
Ranking isn’t just about content—it’s about experience.
How to Fix It with SEO and AEO
Fix #1: Rebuild Your Pages with Structured, Searchable Content
Every service you offer should have its own dedicated page.
Each page should include:
- A keyword-targeted headline (H1)
- A short intro paragraph with the keyphrase
- 2–3 common customer questions in H2/H3 format
- A strong call-to-action at the bottom
- Location-specific references (cities, zip codes, regions)
Bonus: Add FAQs, checklists, pricing estimates, and how-to sections. AI engines love this format.
Fix #2: Implement Schema Markup and Structured Data
Use schema to help search engines understand your site better. You don’t have to be technical to do this—just install the right plugins or use a builder like LionBear.ai.
Add schema for:
- LocalBusiness
- Product or Service
- FAQPage
- Reviews
- Location
This is a must for AEO visibility.
Fix #3: Build Content That Feeds AI Search
Want to rank in ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity?
Create blog content and service pages that answer exact customer queries. Use natural language. Write like you’re answering a client directly.
Examples:
- “How much does it cost to replace a water heater in Los Angeles?”
- “Is it worth switching to solar in San Diego in 2025?”
- “What’s better: trenchless or traditional sewer repair?”
Structure it so AI can easily pull your answer.
Fix #4: Speed Up and Secure Your Site
Run your website through Google PageSpeed Insights. If it’s slow, fix it.
Compress images. Use fast hosting. Install SSL if you haven’t already. Remove unnecessary plugins. A fast site doesn’t just rank better—it converts better.
Fix #5: Use Internal Links to Show Authority
Google and AI search engines both analyze your internal link structure. Don’t let pages sit in isolation. Link from blog posts to service pages. Crosslink related topics. Add a clear site hierarchy.
If your site isn’t organized, it won’t rank.
The Future of Search Is Answer-Based
Your website needs to do more than look good or say what you do. It needs to answer real questions, fast—and in a way that both Google and AI tools can understand.
That means combining SEO best practices with AEO structure, fast performance, clear copy, and smart formatting.
The good news? Most businesses haven’t figured this out yet. If you fix it now, you get ahead.
Want Us to Fix It for You?
At Lion Bear Media, we rebuild and optimize websites so they show up, convert better, and rank across Google and AI platforms.
If your website isn’t ranking—and you’re not sure where to start—we’ll audit it, fix the issues, and rebuild it for the way search works now.
Book your free strategy call at https://lionbearmedia.com/book and let’s make your site work like it should.