SEO is Dying. AIO is Here.

Ted Wlazlowski
Jul 29
3 min read

Updated: Aug 28

Is Your Content Getting Sorted? Or Scrapped?

TL;DR

AI search tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews are quickly becoming how people discover where to give, who to trust, and what to support. If your ministry’s content isn’t structured for these new systems, you may be getting left behind — even if you’re doing incredible work. Here are the steps you need to take to update your digital presence and be visible.

More and more people are asking AI tools where to give, who to trust, and what ministries make the biggest difference.

"Who helps the homeless in DFW?"
"What are the best Christian nonprofits to fight sex trafficking?"
"Where can I give to make a real difference?"

Who helps the homeless in DFW? What are the best Christian nonprofits fighting sex trafficking? Where can I give to make a real difference?

These aren’t Google-style keyword searches. These are questions. And AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews are answering them — often without showing your website at all.

If your online presence isn’t AI optimized, you're not going to be discovered. To be clear, we're not talking about you writing content; we're talking about your organization showing up in the answer to other people's questions.

AI Optimization Belongs in the Awareness Stage

At TedWaz Consulting, we use the Donor Acquisition Flywheel™ to help ministries grow in a sustainable, repeatable way. The first phase of that flywheel, Awareness, is where AIO belongs. That’s where people first encounter your ministry. That’s where curiosity sparks. And that’s where AI is now a gatekeeper.

AI is now a gatekeeper.

Let’s walk through what that really means.

What AI Looks For (And What Most Ministries Miss)

Most ministries write for people, which is great. But they often write in vague, generic, internal shorthand:

“We help people in need.”
“We’re passionate about transformation.”
“We serve locally and globally.”

That kind of language won’t get picked up or promoted by AI systems. Because of their big hearts, many organizations shy away from specificity to seem as broad as possible with the services they offer. In an attempt to appeal to everyone, they appeal to no one.

Instead, ministries that show up in AI answers:

Use clear, specific language
Structure content in predictable ways (with headings, summaries, FAQs)
Provide content that answers questions directly

Examples of AIO-Friendly Awareness Content

Here’s the kind of top-of-funnel content that appeals to both AI tools and curious humans:

A blog post titled: “What’s the Most Effective Way to Help the Homeless in Fort Worth?”
A section on your homepage that says: “We provide trauma-informed, gospel-centered recovery for women rescued from trafficking.”
A podcast or YouTube interview where someone says: “When people search for Christian addiction recovery in Texas, we want to be the first name they find.”

That’s all Awareness-stage content. It answers real questions. It uses real language. And it helps you get discovered by both algorithms and donors.

The Importance of Clarity in Your Message

Clarity is key. When your message is clear, it resonates. It draws people in. They feel connected to your mission. This connection is vital for building trust. Trust leads to support. Support leads to impact.

Crafting Your Message

To craft a message that resonates:

Be Specific: Avoid vague terms. Instead of saying, “We help people,” say, “We provide meals to homeless families in our community.”
Use Real Language: Speak as if you’re talking to a friend. Use words that your audience understands and relates to.
Answer Questions: Think about what your audience wants to know. Then, provide those answers clearly and directly.

Bottom Line: You Can’t Skip Awareness, and You Can’t Fake Visibility

AI optimization is not really about technology; it's about clarity. Anything that helps you focus your message and get disciplined about content structure is a win. It's also the best thing you can do to get found now.

Want Help Showing Up in Search — and in People’s Lives?

Let’s make your ministry visible, memorable, and fundable. Sign up for an introduction call and see if we can help you stay ahead of the curve!

Conclusion: Embrace the Change

The digital landscape is changing rapidly. Embracing AI optimization is not just a trend; it's a necessity. By adapting your content strategy, you can ensure that your ministry remains relevant and impactful.

Let’s work together to ensure your message is heard loud and clear. Your mission deserves to be seen and supported. Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. Embrace AI, optimize your content, and watch your ministry thrive!