119: Answers are the New Currency of Discovery with Ivan Slobodin

Sometimes search results aren't enough; answers are the new currency of discovery.

Ivan Slobodin is the Product Manager at Searcheable, where he is pioneering Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). A seasoned expert in AI SaaS, Ivan helps brands maintain visibility as traditional search evolves into AI-driven discovery. His work focuses on building the measurement tools necessary for companies to thrive in a world where AI agents, not just humans, are the primary audience.

Ivan’s path is a unique blend of creative marketing and tech. After being told he took "too many marketing courses" in university, he spent years in product analytics and management consulting within the banking and telecom sectors. This data-heavy background became his competitive edge when he returned to marketing, allowing him to build a framework specifically for optimizing content for large language models.

In this episode, we explore why traditional search rules are changing and how to adapt to the AI "arms race." Ivan breaks down the shift from SEO to AEO and explains how to measure success in a world without traditional clicks. Listeners will learn how to turn search data into actionable solutions and what it takes to launch a market-leading AI product in record time.

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on Actionable Solutions. Prioritize providing direct answers and solutions over simply collecting or presenting raw data.
• Prioritize Speed Over Perfection. In fast-moving markets, the ability to iterate quickly is more valuable than a flawless initial launch.
• Leverage Non-Linear Experience. Technical skills gained in unrelated fields often provide a unique competitive edge when applied to your primary passion.
• Maintain a Lean Team. Small, specialized teams navigate complex product cycles with significantly less friction than large, hierarchical organizations.
• Solve Gaps Left by Giants. Sustainable success often comes from intentionally fixing the specific shortcomings and repeated mistakes of established industry leaders.
• Design for Universal Scalability. Building platforms that serve both solo creators and global enterprises ensures broad relevance across the entire market.
• Optimize for Machine Discovery. As search evolves, businesses must ensure their content is discoverable by AI agents, not just human users.

Listen to the full conversation here:

• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@umbrellamicroenterprises
• Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-marketing-umbrella-podcast/id1564111428
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4CoiR10nazd9zVIStLkcjk

Connect with Ivan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slobodinivan/ 
• Searchable Website: https://www.searchable.com/ 

 

Closing thought: In the world of AI, every delay is like you becoming obsolete. You have to move as quickly as possible to stay current in this brand-new world.

To learn more about our sponsor, please contact CEO Itamar Sharir at umbrellaus.com