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We need a new definition of a “keyword” in the age of AI. Here it is.

Jason Barnard and Kalicube® define a “keyword” like this:

  • a niche topic
  • a defined cohort
  • clear intent to do business.

That changes everything.


What this new definition of “keyword” really means in business:

Old school SEO keyword:


“Leadership coaching” = short, generic, high volume, low value.

Kalicube AI-era keyword:

“Leadership coach for venture-backed tech founders in Series A who need help scaling teams” = solution-focused, persona-specific, context-rich, purchase intent baked in.


In the AI-dominated world, keywords aren’t just search terms.

They’re micro-moments of commercial intent.
An AI keyword combines:

  • a niche topic
  • a defined cohort
  • and a clear signal they’re ready to buy.

That’s the kind of query ChatGPT and Perplexity are trained to answer.
And if your brand isn’t the one they recommend - you don’t exist.

So instead of aiming for the top of search with high-volume, vague terms, at Kalicube we engineer your brand to appear when your ideal customer is having a conversation with AI that signals:

  • Their business context
  • Their problem or pain point
  • Their readiness to act

That’s the moment of commercial intent - and where Kalicube puts you.


Real-world application:

When someone asks ChatGPT:

“What’s the best fractional CFO for startups under $10M with cash flow issues?”
That’s a Kalicube-style keyword.

If your brand isn’t optimized for that niche + cohort + intent combination, you’re invisible.
But when it is – you’re the one AI recommends, and you make the sale.


What this means for your strategy:

  • No more chasing high-volume vanity keywords.
  • Focus on engineered visibility in AI conversations that convert.
  • Build content, digital assets, and brand signals that answer real buying questions - not just keywords.

Want to own your niche in AI and search?
We’ll show you how to define, optimize, and dominate YOUR brand-trigger phrases with Kalicube®’s services to rank on ChatGPT and AI >>

Kalicube can help you

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