In 2026, the landscape of search engine optimization (SEO) has evolved beyond traditional keyword strategies to include a new frontier: optimizing for Large Language Models (LLMs). As AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and others become central to how people search and discover information, brands and marketers must adapt their strategies to ensure visibility in this new environment. This guide delves into the best LLM SEO tools available in 2026, their features, pricing, and how they can be leveraged to improve brand presence in AI-generated results.
Optimizing for LLMs means more than just keyword stuffing. It involves understanding how AI models process and present information, identifying high-intent prompts that drive traffic, and ensuring that your brand is mentioned in the most relevant and authoritative sources used by these models. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the tools available, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they can be integrated into a broader SEO and marketing strategy.
Understanding LLM SEO
LLM SEO is a specialized subset of traditional SEO that focuses on optimizing content and brand presence to appear in the results generated by AI models like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Unlike traditional SEO, which primarily targets search engines like Google and Bing, LLM SEO targets the internal knowledge bases of AI tools. These models use vast datasets to generate answers, and visibility in these datasets can significantly impact a brand's reach and credibility.
One of the key challenges in LLM SEO is understanding how these models process information. For instance, while Google relies heavily on structured metadata and backlink profiles, AI models often pull from unstructured sources like web pages, forums, and social media. This means that SEO strategies must shift from purely technical optimizations to content and visibility strategies that align with the training data of these models.
Another critical aspect is prompt engineering. LLMs respond to prompts in specific ways, and optimizing for these prompts means identifying the types of queries that lead to your brand being mentioned in the AI's output. This requires tools that can track which prompts are most relevant and help secure placements on high-impact URLs that the AI models actually use.
Key Features of LLM SEO Tools
When evaluating LLM SEO tools, it's essential to consider several core features that determine their effectiveness. These include:
LLM Support
The best LLM SEO tools support multiple AI models, including popular ones like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude. This ensures that your brand can be tracked and optimized across a wide range of platforms. For example, Semrush AI Toolkit supports eight different models, making it a versatile choice for brands with a broad digital presence.
Dashboard and Metrics
A user-friendly dashboard is crucial for monitoring performance and making data-driven decisions. Tools like Nightwatch and Otterly AI offer detailed dashboards with metrics like keyword rankings, location data, and prompt analytics. These dashboards help users track their brand's visibility in real-time and identify areas for improvement.
Prompt and Keyword Tracking
Tracking the right prompts and keywords is fundamental to LLM SEO. Tools like Otterly AI provide AI keyword research features that convert standard keywords into prompts, allowing users to identify and track the most relevant queries. This feature is particularly useful for B2B marketers looking to optimize for high-intent prompts.
Free Trial and Pricing
Many LLM SEO tools offer free trials, which are invaluable for testing their features before committing to a paid plan. For instance, Otterly AI and Nightwatch both offer 14-day free trials, allowing users to evaluate the tool's effectiveness without financial risk.
Actionability and Execution Support
The best LLM SEO tools don't just provide data; they also offer actionable insights and execution support. For example, Chosenly provides dedicated Slack support and monthly strategy calls to help users implement their optimization strategies effectively. This level of support is especially beneficial for B2B companies that need to drive revenue through AI search channels.
Comparing LLM SEO Tools
To help you choose the right tool, we've compiled a comparison of several top LLM SEO tools based on key criteria such as LLM support, pricing, and features.
LLM SEO Tool Comparison Table
| Tool | LLMs Supported | Free Trial | Pricing (Monthly) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semrush AI Toolkit | ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Grok, DeepSeek, Claude | No | $99 (per domain) | Integrated AI visibility and traditional SEO, 130M+ prompt database |
| Otterly AI | ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude | 14 days | $29 | AI keyword research, clean dashboards, detailed reports |
| Nightwatch | ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude | 14 days | $32 | Prompt and model analytics, 50,000+ locations, unlimited white label reports |
| Search Atlas | ChatGPT, Gemini | 7 days | $99 | AI-powered automation, content creation, site audit |
| Chosenly | ChatGPT | No | $500+ | B2B focus, misinformation detection, high-intent prompt tracking |
| Ahrefs AI Toolkit | ChatGPT, Gemini | No | $199 | Advanced AI visibility tracking, competitor analysis |
| Surfer AI | ChatGPT, Gemini | 7-day guarantee | $95 | Content optimization, AI keyword research, site audit |
| Profound | ChatGPT | No | $499 | Advanced AI visibility tracking, detailed analytics |
Pricing Models
LLM SEO tools vary widely in pricing, ranging from budget-friendly options like Otterly AI ($29/month) to enterprise-level solutions like Profound ($499/month). The pricing model often depends on the number of features, the scope of LLM support, and the level of execution support provided.
For example, Semrush AI Toolkit is priced at $99/month per domain, making it a mid-range option that's ideal for teams already using Semrush for traditional SEO. On the other hand, Chosenly offers a full-service package at $12,000/quarter, which includes dedicated strategy calls and execution support.
Free Trials and Onboarding
Free trials are a crucial factor when choosing an LLM SEO tool, as they allow users to test the tool's features without financial commitment. Otterly AI and Nightwatch both offer 14-day free trials, which is longer than the 7-day trials provided by Search Atlas and Surfer AI. These trials give users ample time to explore the tool's capabilities and decide if it fits their needs.
Onboarding is another important consideration. Tools like Otterly AI may require some setup and configuration, which can be time-consuming for users unfamiliar with AI SEO. In contrast, Chosenly offers dedicated support and execution templates, making it a more hands-on option for B2B marketers.
Best LLM SEO Tools for 2026
1. Semrush AI Toolkit
Best For: Teams already using Semrush who want a unified approach to traditional and AI SEO.
Semrush AI Toolkit is a powerful solution for brands that already use Semrush for traditional SEO. It integrates AI visibility tracking with existing SEO metrics, providing a comprehensive view of a brand's online presence. The tool supports eight major LLMs, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude, ensuring that brands can track their visibility across a wide range of platforms.
One of the standout features of Semrush AI Toolkit is its access to a database of 130 million-plus prompts across eight regions. This allows users to identify which prompts are already mentioning their brand and track the ones that matter most. According to Backlinko's review, Semrush is the only platform that connects AI visibility directly to the web signals that drive it.
Pros: - Seamless integration with existing Semrush tools - 130M+ prompt database for tracking and analysis - Detailed metrics and dashboards
Cons: - $99 per domain pricing can add up for agencies - Not ideal for users starting fresh
Pricing: $99/month per domain (or $199/month for Semrush One, which includes a full SEO toolkit plus AI visibility)
2. Otterly AI
Best For: Brands looking for an affordable and user-friendly LLM SEO tool.
Otterly AI is a budget-friendly option that offers a 14-day free trial and affordable pricing starting at $29/month. It's ideal for brands that want to get started with LLM SEO without a significant financial commitment. One of the key features of Otterly AI is its AI keyword research tool, which converts standard keywords into prompts, making it easier to identify and track the most relevant queries.
The tool also provides detailed reports in CSV format, which can be shared with stakeholders for analysis. Its clean dashboards and beginner-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for users new to LLM SEO.
Pros: - Affordable pricing starting at $29/month - 14-day free trial - AI keyword research and prompt analysis
Cons: - Setup and configuration can be time-consuming - Hands-on use required for proficiency
Pricing: Starts at $29/month for LLM-focused insights, with optional add-ons from $9/month.
3. Nightwatch
Best For: Brands that want to track their visibility across multiple search engines and LLMs.
Nightwatch is a versatile LLM SEO tool that combines traditional SEO features with AI visibility tracking. It supports major LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, and allows users to track their brand's appearance in search results across Google, YouTube, and Bing. One of the standout features of Nightwatch is its ability to detect cannibalization, which helps users identify overlapping content that may be diluting their search presence.
The tool also offers location data at the city, district, and zip code levels, making it ideal for brands with a local presence. With a 14-day free trial and a base plan starting at $32/month, Nightwatch is a cost-effective option for brands looking to track their visibility in both traditional and AI-driven search environments.
Pros: - Packages AI tracking and SEO features - Detailed metrics and dashboards - 14-day free trial
Cons: - No fixed pricing, based on keywords - Limited LLMs analyzed
Pricing: Base plan starts at $32/month for 250 keywords, with a 14-day free trial.
4. Chosenly
Best For: B2B marketers aiming to drive revenue through AI search channels.
Chosenly is a specialized LLM SEO tool designed for B2B companies. It offers features like misinformation detection, high-intent prompt tracking, and placement on the sources that ChatGPT actually uses. The tool is particularly useful for B2B marketers who need to secure placements on high-impact URLs and correct false claims in AI outputs.
Chosenly provides dedicated Slack support with AISO experts and monthly strategy calls, making it a hands-on option for brands that need execution support. While it's the most expensive tool on this list, its full-service package at $12,000/quarter is ideal for B2B companies that want a comprehensive approach to LLM SEO.
Pros: - B2B focus with execution support - Misinformation detection and correction - Maps purchase-intent keywords to AI prompts
Cons: - High pricing for full-service packages - Not ideal for general B2C brands
Pricing: Starts at $500/month; full-service at $12,000/quarter.
Choosing the Right LLM SEO Tool
When selecting an LLM SEO tool, it's important to consider your specific needs and budget. For example, if you're a B2B company looking to drive revenue through AI search channels, Chosenly's full-service package may be the best option. On the other hand, if you're a small business looking for an affordable and user-friendly tool, Otterly AI or Nightwatch may be more suitable.
Another key consideration is whether you're already using a traditional SEO tool like Semrush or Ahrefs. If so, adding an AI visibility toolkit from the same platform may be a more seamless and cost-effective solution. If you're starting fresh, you may want to choose a tool that offers a free trial and a comprehensive set of features.
Key Evaluation Criteria
To help you evaluate LLM SEO tools, consider the following criteria:
- LLM Support: Does the tool support the AI models you care about?
- Dashboard and Metrics: Does it provide detailed metrics and a user-friendly dashboard?
- Prompt and Keyword Tracking: Can it track the right prompts and keywords for your brand?
- Free Trial and Pricing: Is there a free trial? Is the pricing model flexible and affordable?
- Actionability and Execution Support: Does it provide actionable insights and execution support?
The Future of LLM SEO
As AI continues to shape the search landscape, LLM SEO will become an increasingly important part of digital marketing strategies. The tools available today provide a foundation for optimizing for AI-generated results, but the field is still evolving. Marketers must stay informed about new developments in AI and adapt their strategies accordingly.
In the coming years, we can expect to see more tools that offer advanced features like real-time prompt tracking, AI-generated content optimization, and integration with other marketing platforms. The key to success in LLM SEO will be staying ahead of the curve and leveraging the right tools to maximize visibility in AI-driven search environments.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing for LLMs is no longer optional for brands that want to maintain a strong digital presence. With the right tools, marketers can track their visibility in AI-generated results, identify high-intent prompts, and secure placements on the most relevant sources. By leveraging the tools discussed in this guide, brands can position themselves for success in the new era of search.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, so too will the tools and strategies required to succeed in it. The key is to stay informed, test different tools, and adapt your strategy based on data and insights. With the right approach, LLM SEO can become a powerful tool for driving traffic, building credibility, and growing your brand in the AI age.