For 20 years, SEO has been about keywords and backlinks. In 2026, it’s about entities and context. The introduction of AI into search engines—primarily Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE)—has changed the fundamental question of SEO from “How do I rank #1?” to “How do I become the answer?”

When a user in Kathmandu asks Google, “What is the best digital marketing strategy for a hotel?” they no longer just see a list of links. They see an AI-generated snapshot that summarizes the answer, pulling from multiple sources.

If your content isn’t one of the sources powering that snapshot, you are invisible.

How AI Search Works

Traditional search matched keywords. AI search understands intent.

  1. Understanding Nuance: AI knows that “affordable hotel” means different things in Thamel vs. Durbar Marg.
  2. Connecting Dots: It understands that if you search for “trekking boots,” you might next need “acclimatization tips.”
  3. Entity Recognition: It sees “Arjan KC” not just as text, but as an entity associated with “Digital Marketing” and “Nepal.”

Optimizing for the AI Snapshot (GEO: Generative Engine Optimization)

To rank in this new world, you need a new strategy:

1. Zero-Click Content is King

Users want answers fast. Structure your content to be “snippable.”

  • Action: Use clear H2s and H3s. Start sections with direct definitions.
  • Example: Instead of a long intro, start with: “The best digital marketing strategy for Nepali hotels is focusing on direct bookings through Local SEO and Instagram storytelling.”

2. Experience-First Content (E-E-A-T)

AI can write generic info. It cannot write about your experience dining at a specific restaurant in Jhamsikhel.

  • The “Experience” Factor: Include personal anecdotes, original photos, and specific local details that an AI trained on 2023 data wouldn’t know.
  • Why it matters: Google privileges content that demonstrates first-hand experience to combat AI-generated sludge.

3. The “People Also Ask” Strategy

AI answers are often built from common questions.

  • Strategy: Use tools like AnswerThePublic to find questions Nepali users are asking.
  • Implementation: Add an FAQ schema to every page.

The Role of Technical SEO in an AI World

While content is king, technical SEO is the castle walls. AI bots need to crawl your site efficiently.

  • Schema Markup: This is non-negotiable. You must tell Google explicitly: “This is a Review,” “This is a Course,” “This is a Person.” (Check the source code of this page to see how I use standard schema).
  • Page Speed: AI users demand instant answers. If your site takes 5 seconds to load on Ncell 4G, you’re out.

Action Plan for Nepali Businesses

  1. Audit your top pages: Do they answer the user’s question immediately, or is the answer buried?
  2. Add original media: Replace stock photos with real photos of your office, team, and products.
  3. Build your brand entity: Get mentioned in other reputable Nepali publications (OnlineKhabar, TechLekh) to build your Knowledge Graph presence.

SEO is evolving, but the core principle remains: Be the most useful answer.