In this episode of SEO Leadership, Chirag Kulkarni, Founder of Taco, shared his unfiltered insights on scaling companies, building a founder-led brand, adapting SEO for AI-driven search, and focusing on the metrics that actually matter.
Whether you’re a founder, CMO, or SEO lead, these takeaways give you a roadmap for growth in 2025.
Founder Visibility Is a Growth Engine
Chirag emphasized that in a crowded digital landscape, founder visibility is a multiplier.
People buy from people, not faceless brands.
By openly sharing what you’re learning, seeing, and testing, whether that’s SEO strategies, AI experiments, or industry commentary, you can humanize your brand and expand your reach far beyond what traditional marketing can achieve.
“Ninety-nine percent of people who see your content may never buy from you, and that’s okay.
The goal is to position your brand as trusted, relatable, and knowledgeable.”
Overcome the Fear of Putting Yourself Out There
Many founders hesitate to post because they don’t want the attention on themselves.
Chirag’s advice: reframe it. It’s not about you, it’s about helping prospective customers and building trust.
Start with what feels authentic: text posts, videos, or even behind-the-scenes snapshots, and build from there.
Pro Tip:
Share both your wins and your failures. Audiences respect honesty and transparency, and it makes your brand more approachable.
SEO Must Evolve for the Age of LLMs
Large Language Models like ChatGPT are changing how search works.
The traditional model of ranking your owned content on Google is no longer enough. Chirag recommends adopting an Omni-SEO approach, securing visibility across multiple platforms, publications, and third-party citations.
Tactical example:
If LLMs frequently cite Reddit threads or industry listicles, create content in those spaces to become part of the AI’s source pool.
Build Demand Generation by Giving Away Value
Chirag’s most effective demand gen funnels aren’t complicated, they’re rooted in generosity. Whether it’s SOPs, custom GPTs, or short Loom walkthroughs, providing immediate value builds goodwill and keeps your brand top-of-mind.
Three high-impact tactics he uses:
Share free, high-utility tools or processes
Offer exclusive resources in exchange for light engagement (e.g., comment to receive)
Be transparent about what’s not working, not just successes
Focus on the Metrics That Matter
Too many SEOs focus solely on traffic.
Chirag advises measuring progress indicators that align with long-term revenue, not vanity metrics. This means combining SEO data with broader marketing insights and considering new attribution realities in the AI search era.
Examples of valuable metrics:
Branded search growth
Inclusion in RFPs or vendor shortlists
Consideration mentions in AI tools and LLM search results
Conversion progression patterns (not just final sales)
Final Thoughts
Chirag’s session reinforces that in 2025, SEO leadership isn’t just about technical expertise, it’s about visibility, adaptability, and authenticity.
Founders who lean into personal branding, SEOs who adapt to AI-driven search, and marketers who focus on genuine value creation will be the ones who thrive.
