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Why Some Websites Win—and Others Don’t!

Have you ever wondered why certain websites consistently show up in recommendations—whether from search engines, AI tools like me, or even friends—while others barely get noticed? It’s not just luck or flashy design. The truth is the websites that rise to the top follow specific principles that make them more useful, relevant, and trustworthy than the competition.

With over 1.13 billion websites live on the internet today, it’s easy for your content to get lost in the shuffle. But here’s the good news: by optimizing your site in the right ways, you can significantly improve its chances of being recommended. This doesn’t just help search engines or AI tools like me notice you—it makes your site a destination for real users looking for answers, solutions, and value.

So, what does it take to create a website that stands out? Let’s dive deep into the key elements I look for when recommending links, how you can optimize your content, and actionable strategies to make your site impossible to ignore.

The Truth About Websites: Why Speed, Trust, and Good Content Matter

There are a TON of websites on the internet. Seriously—1.1 billion websites exist today! But here’s the crazy part: only 18% of them are active. That means most websites just sit there, doing nothing. And guess what? 252,000 new websites are created every single day!

So, if you want people to notice YOUR site, it needs to be better, faster, and easier to use than the rest. Let’s break this down with some numbers that prove exactly why this matters.

What These Numbers Really Mean

Let’s talk about what these stats mean for YOU and your website:

• Speed is Everything: People are impatient. Over 53% of users will leave a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. That’s why the top sites on Google load in just 1.65 seconds on average. Slow websites aren’t just annoying—they cost businesses $2.6 billion every year because customers give up and leave.
• First Impressions Matter: If someone has a bad experience on your website—like confusing menus, too many pop-ups, or broken links—88% of users will not come back. And when you lose those visitors, they’re likely gone for good.
• People Use Their Phones More Than Computers: Did you know 59% of all web traffic comes from mobile phones? If your website doesn’t look good or load fast on a phone, more than half of your visitors are going to click away.
• Content is King (and Affordable): Businesses that use blogs as part of their marketing strategy see big results—90% of marketers already know this. On top of that, content marketing costs 62% less than traditional marketing. Blogs and good content don’t just bring in visitors—they save you money, too!
• Fast Websites Make More Money: If your website loads in 1 second instead of 5, you could see 2.5 to 3 times more conversions (a fancy word for getting people to buy or take action). Faster = better results.
• AI is Changing the Game: Around 64% of marketers are using AI tools to create content. If you’re not tapping into this, you might fall behind. AI tools help you write better, faster, and more helpful content for your audience.

What You Should Do Now

Here’s what these numbers tell us: if your website is slow, hard to use, or doesn’t have great content, people will leave. But the good news is you can fix it.

1. Make Your Website Faster: Test your site’s speed and fix any issues slowing it down. A fast website keeps visitors happy and increases sales.
2. Optimize for Mobile: Make sure your site works perfectly on phones. Most of your visitors will come from mobile devices.
3. Create Great Content: Start a blog, share helpful tips, and answer your audience’s questions. This builds trust, brings in traffic, and costs way less than other types of marketing.
4. Use AI to Stay Ahead: AI tools can help you write better content, find what your audience wants, and save time. Don’t ignore this trend.

The Bottom Line

The internet is packed with websites, and competition is only getting tougher. But with a fast site, great content, and a focus on mobile users, your website can stand out. These numbers prove it: people want speed, trust, and value. If you give it to them, they’ll stay, return, and take action.

Don’t let your website get ignored. Start making these changes today and watch your traffic—and success—take off!

Now let’s get into the secrets part of this article on what large language model looks for when they recommend websites like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Bard, and all the other leaders in the AI space.

I asked CHATGPT: The 6 Secrets AI Looks for When Recommending Websites (That No One Talks About)

1. Authority and Relevance: The Foundations of Recommendations

When I recommend a website, the first thing I evaluate is its authority in the topic and how relevant its content is to the user’s specific question or problem. These two factors are the foundation of any good recommendation.

Authority is all about credibility. If your site demonstrates expertise in a subject—whether through well-researched articles, unique insights, or thoughtful analysis—it builds trust. This doesn’t mean you need to be a giant brand or have millions of visitors. Niche sites often excel here because they provide in-depth, targeted knowledge that’s hard to find elsewhere.

You can further establish authority by leveraging evidence-based content. Studies show that 47% of readers trust articles more if they include verified data or credible references. Citing reliable sources, sharing case studies, and linking to high-quality external content can make your site a trusted resource in your field.

Relevance is equally critical. It’s not enough to have great content if it doesn’t match what users are searching for. Content that directly answers specific questions or solves a pressing problem will always outperform generic, surface-level articles. The key is understanding user intent. For instance, a person searching for “how to start a budget with no income” needs actionable, step-by-step guidance—not a vague overview of financial planning.

To maximize relevance, focus on creating content for long-tail keywords. These are specific phrases or questions users type into search engines, like “best recipes for gluten-free beginners” or “how to save money on groceries with a family of five.” These queries might not bring in huge traffic volumes, but they attract highly targeted audiences who are more likely to engage with and trust your content.

2. Clarity, Simplicity, and Scannability: Making Content User-Friendly

When users (or AI tools like me) land on your site, the first impression matters. If the content feels overwhelming or cluttered, it’s a turn-off. 70% of readers skim content instead of reading it in full, so creating scannable, easy-to-digest content is essential.

Start by focusing on readability. Keep your paragraphs short—no more than 2-3 sentences—and break up the text with headings, subheadings, and bullet points. This makes it easier for readers to find exactly what they’re looking for. Clear formatting also signals to AI that your content is well-organized, which increases its chances of being recommended.

Use straightforward language. Even if your topic is complex, avoid unnecessary jargon or overly technical explanations. Writing in a conversational, approachable tone helps users connect with your content. Visual aids like charts, infographics, and images can further enhance understanding. Studies show that articles with visuals get 94% more views than those without.

Headings are another critical element. Use descriptive headings that guide readers through your content logically. For example, instead of a vague title like “Tips for Saving Money,” try something more specific, such as “5 Practical Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half.”

3. Freshness and Accuracy: Why Staying Up-to-Date Matters

One of the easiest ways to stand out is by keeping your content fresh and accurate. Users—and AI—prioritize recent, relevant information. In fact, 75% of readers say they trust content with updated timestamps more than older posts.

Refreshing your content regularly is a simple but effective strategy. Revisit older articles to update outdated stats, replace broken links, and incorporate any new developments in your field. Highlight these updates with a timestamp, such as “Last updated: December 2024,” to show users that your content is current.

Tapping into trending topics is another way to stay relevant. Whether it’s a new law affecting your niche or a sudden surge in interest for a specific product, being the first to cover these trends can position your site as a timely, reliable resource.

Accuracy is non-negotiable. Double-check your facts, cite credible sources, and avoid making broad claims without evidence. If your content appears untrustworthy or misinformed, it’s less likely to be recommended.

4. User Experience (UX): A Seamless Journey for Your Visitors

Even the best content won’t save a site with a poor user experience. Did you know that 88% of users are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience? From slow load times to intrusive ads, bad UX drives visitors—and AI recommendations—away.

Start by ensuring your site loads quickly. Studies show that 53% of users abandon a page that takes longer than 3 seconds to load. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix can help identify and fix performance issues.

Mobile optimization is another critical factor. With 59% of all web traffic coming from mobile devices, your site must look and function flawlessly on smaller screens. Responsive design, easy-to-tap buttons, and fast-loading mobile pages are essential.

Avoid intrusive elements like excessive pop-ups, autoplay videos, or cluttered layouts. These distractions not only frustrate users but also lower your credibility. A clean, visually appealing design with clear navigation ensures visitors can easily find what they need.

5. Originality and Depth: Creating Content That Stands Out

In a sea of cookie-cutter content, originality is your secret weapon. AI tools like me—and users—are drawn to unique insights, personal stories, and comprehensive coverage that goes beyond the basics.

Adding depth to your content is one way to stand out. Long-form articles that explore a topic from multiple angles tend to perform better. Research shows that blog posts over 2,000 words receive 77% more shares than shorter ones. This doesn’t mean you should write long content for the sake of it, but thorough, well-researched articles that answer every possible question about a topic are more likely to be recommended.

Storytelling is another powerful tool. Sharing personal anecdotes or case studies makes your content relatable and memorable. For example, if you’re writing about paying off debt, include your own journey or highlight a real-life success story. This builds an emotional connection with your audience while showcasing your expertise.

Finally, avoid regurgitating information from other sites. Bring your own perspective, analysis, or voice to the table. Originality is key to building a loyal audience and increasing recommendations.

6. Trust Signals: Building Credibility and Confidence

Trust is the backbone of any recommendation. If your site appears shady or unreliable, it won’t matter how good your content is—it won’t get recommended. Adding trust signals can make all the difference.

Start by ensuring your site uses HTTPS. Non-secure sites are flagged as risky, and users (and AI) will avoid them. Include clear contact information, an “About Us” page, and author bios that outline your credentials. This reassures visitors that there’s a real person or team behind the content.

Social proof, such as user reviews, testimonials, or media mentions, can further enhance your credibility. If you sell products or services, badges like “Trusted by 10,000+ customers” or “Featured in Forbes” build confidence.

Finally, include legal pages like privacy policies and disclaimers. These not only improve trust but also comply with regulations like GDPR, adding another layer of professionalism.

Taking Action: How to Put These Strategies to Work

Now that you know the essential ingredients for creating a website that stands out, it’s time to turn theory into action. Every section we’ve covered offers actionable steps you can take right now to start transforming your site into a powerhouse of authority, relevance, and usability.

1. Audit Your Content for Authority and Relevance
Go through your existing content and ask yourself: Does this piece establish my expertise? Does it directly address a specific problem my audience has? If not, it’s time to update or rewrite. Add credible sources, link to well-researched studies, and sprinkle in personal insights or experiences to make the content feel authentic and valuable.

2. Simplify and Organize
Revisit the structure of your posts. Are they easy to skim? Are your headings clear and descriptive? Could your readers find what they’re looking for in under 10 seconds? If not, break up long blocks of text, add bulleted lists, and make your content flow logically with headings that guide the reader.

3. Keep It Fresh
Set a schedule for regular updates to your content. Prioritize your top-performing posts and ensure they reflect the latest data and trends in your field. Adding something as simple as a “2024 update” to your title can signal freshness to both AI and users.

4. Improve the User Experience
Test your site’s speed and mobile usability today. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, GTmetrix, or mobile responsiveness checkers can help you pinpoint what’s slowing your site down or causing problems on smaller screens. The faster and cleaner your site, the more users—and AI recommendations—you’ll attract.

5. Add Originality to Your Content
Look for opportunities to inject personal stories, unique takes, or deeper insights into your content. If you’re competing against dozens of “10 Tips to Save Money” articles, ask yourself: What can I say that others aren’t? What unique perspective or experience can I bring to the table?

6. Showcase Trust and Credibility
Make your trust signals impossible to miss. Add author bios that establish your expertise, use badges or certifications if applicable, and make your contact information easy to find. Remember, users and AI alike look for signs that your site is legitimate and run by real people.

The Payoff of Doing It Right

Investing in these strategies doesn’t just help you get recommended more often by AI tools like me. It also builds the kind of website that people genuinely want to visit, share, and return to. In the long run, this builds your audience, strengthens your brand, and drives more conversions—whether that means sales, leads, or simply building trust with your readers.

The effort you put in today to make your website more authoritative, relevant, and user-friendly will pay dividends for years to come. As search engines, AI tools, and audiences continue to prioritize quality and usability, your site will be perfectly positioned to shine.

A Final Thought

Think of your website as your digital storefront. Every piece of content, every design choice, and every interaction is a chance to make an impression. By focusing on authority, clarity, freshness, usability, originality, and trust, you’re not just optimizing for AI recommendations—you’re building something that truly serves your audience.

Success isn’t about gaming the system or finding shortcuts. It’s about creating something that genuinely solves problems, answers questions, and builds trust. When you do that consistently, you don’t just become a website that gets recommended—you become the website people trust and rely on.

The internet is vast, but there’s plenty of room for excellence. Take these steps, implement them with care, and watch your site rise above the noise to become a go-to destination in your niche. The journey starts now—are you ready to take the first step?