How to Build Consensus Online and Boost Your Visibility in AI Search

Staying ahead of the curve is crucial. The emergence of Generative AI tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Grok has changed the game in how we think about search engine optimization. Just as SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) used to rule the digital marketing landscape, now we have a new frontier: AI search. But, just like SEO, AI search also needs a strategy—one that doesn’t rely on quick hacks or shortcuts but instead focuses on something much more sustainable: consensus.

So, how do you build consensus online to gain visibility in AI search? Let’s dive in.

The Problem with Short-Term Hacks

It’s tempting to look for shortcuts when trying to climb the rankings, especially in the fast-paced world of AI search. Short-term hacks might seem like a quick fix, but the truth is, they are often short-lived. When new tactics emerge, they quickly become obsolete as AI systems adapt and learn to identify such tricks.

Take, for example, the “Rank Or Go Home Challenge,” where a website ranked number one for a highly competitive keyword, despite most of its content being filled with placeholder text. Google caught wind of this hack, and within 24 hours, the site was de-indexed. The same concept applies to AI search. What works today may not work tomorrow, as AI tools continue to evolve.

What is Consensus in AI Search?

In the realm of AI search, consensus refers to the alignment of multiple credible, high-quality sources on a specific topic. For instance, if a significant number of reputable sources agree on a particular fact—such as the Earth being round—AI will align with that consensus when providing search results.

This is precisely how AI search engines like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, or Grok work. They crawl the web, gather information, and use consensus to determine which sources are most relevant to user queries. In simple terms, AI seeks out topics that have widespread, credible agreement.

Think of it like this: if everyone in a room agrees that a certain topic is important, the AI system will rank those sources higher when someone searches for related information.

Why Building Consensus Matters for AI Search

To successfully gain visibility in AI search, your content needs to be part of the consensus. If your website, article, or research aligns with widely accepted ideas or findings, the AI search engines are more likely to surface your content in response to relevant queries.

But how do you go about building consensus in the first place?

The Role of Experts in Building Consensus

One of the most effective ways to build consensus is by leveraging the authority of experts. When experts in a particular field share their insights, research, or opinions, they often become part of a broader conversation. Over time, these expert insights get cited and shared by other authoritative sources, helping to establish a common understanding—or consensus—around a topic.

Let’s consider an example to illustrate this process.

Example: Mark Cuban and the Florida Housing Crisis

Mark Cuban, a well-known financial expert, recently made a statement on Bluesky about the housing crisis in Florida, attributing it to the skyrocketing costs of homeowners’ insurance. His comment was quickly cited by various financial websites like GoBankingRates, which in turn led to other media outlets picking up the story. Over time, a consensus started to form that Florida’s housing crisis was partly due to the high costs of insurance.

If you were to search for “What factors contribute to Florida’s housing crisis?” on an AI search platform today, you’d likely see results that cite Cuban’s insights. This is the power of consensus-building. By positioning yourself as an expert and contributing valuable insights, you can establish a topic’s consensus and, in turn, boost your visibility in AI search.

How to Establish Your Expertise

Building consensus requires genuine authority. To get your opinions or research to be part of a widely accepted conversation, you need to establish your credibility. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Create Original Research: Publishing studies or research that offer new insights or valuable data is one of the best ways to establish yourself as an expert. When your research is cited by other experts or platforms, you contribute to the consensus around a topic.
2. Share High-Quality Content: Articles, blogs, or videos that provide well-researched, valuable content can set you apart as an authority. The more people engage with and share your content, the stronger your position in the consensus becomes.
3. Engage in Conversations: Don’t wait for consensus to form on its own. Participate in conversations on social media, blogs, and forums where experts in your field are discussing key issues. By contributing meaningful insights and joining well-established discussions, you increase your visibility and credibility.
4. Collaborate with Other Experts: Collaboration is a powerful tool for building consensus. When you partner with other recognized experts, you can share audiences and enhance your authority. Collaboration not only boosts your credibility but also increases the likelihood of your ideas being cited, helping to create consensus.

Example: The Case of Blue Light and Sleep

Let’s look at how consensus was built around the topic of blue light’s effect on sleep. In 2015, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published a study showing that blue light exposure negatively affects sleep by suppressing melatonin production. This research, backed by reputable experts, was cited by other sources, shared on social media, and discussed in blogs.

Over time, this research formed the consensus that blue light does indeed affect sleep. So, when you search “Does blue light affect sleep?” in AI search engines today, the results are likely to point you towards that original study, as well as related sources that confirm the same idea.

The Power of Collaboration in Consensus-Building

Collaborating with other thought leaders in your field can speed up the process of building consensus. Instead of publishing a study or writing an article by yourself, consider teaming up with another expert who already has an established audience.

By working together, you gain access to their network, and your ideas are more likely to be taken seriously by a broader group of people. Collaboration also helps to add credibility to your work, as it signals to the AI search engines that your research is backed by others in the field.

Patience is Key: Building Consensus Takes Time

It’s important to remember that building consensus is a process, not an overnight achievement. Even if you follow all the right strategies—creating high-quality content, engaging with experts, and collaborating—your research might go unnoticed initially.

But persistence pays off. As you continue contributing to the conversation, publishing your studies, and collaborating with other experts, your influence will grow. Eventually, your work will become a part of the consensus, and AI search engines will start to surface your content as a trusted source.

Long-Term Success in AI Search: Establishing Authority

While hacks and quick fixes may offer short-term benefits, the most sustainable and effective way to gain visibility in AI search is through long-term authority building. Here’s a recap of what you need to do:

1. Create Credible Content: Invest time in producing original research, high-quality articles, and insightful content that can contribute to the broader conversation.
2. Collaborate with Experts: Partner with established professionals in your field to amplify your reach and increase the chances of your ideas gaining traction.
3. Engage with Your Audience: Actively participate in discussions, both online and offline, to further build your credibility and establish your presence in the field.
4. Be Patient: Remember that building consensus takes time, and your efforts will pay off in the long run.

Conclusion

The world of AI search is rapidly evolving, but the best way to ensure visibility in this space is through building consensus. By positioning yourself as an expert, collaborating with others, and consistently contributing valuable insights, you can establish a long-term presence in AI search results. Forget the quick hacks—focus on creating meaningful content and fostering discussions that lead to a widely accepted consensus. That’s the true path to lasting success in the world of AI-driven search.