Behind the Work

I'm Shari Walker. I write it. I optimize it. AI cites it.

The rules changed. Search isn't just keywords anymore—it's conversations. AI tools are answering questions directly. Your content either shows up in those answers or it doesn't exist. I architect content to be the answer. I write for people. I structure for machines. I build systems that do both.

I offer the combination the next era of search requires: compelling human narratives structured for machine discovery.

My background isn't just content creation—it's high-stakes environments. I've executed content strategy at Fortune 500 companies with compliance, legal, and brand oversight. I've collaborated cross-functionally with product, design, and executive teams.

Two master's degrees taught me how people think. Years of hands-on AI research taught me how machines do. I don't just optimize for algorithms. I protect your brand while positioning it to lead.

I started as a copywriter. Blogs, emails, executive ghostwriting, internal campaigns. Content for people. That was the job.

Then I learned SEO (Search Engine Optimization) at Fortune 500 companies. Not just keywords—how to structure content so Google actually finds it. How to build pages that rank.

I learned E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)—Google's way of deciding if your content is worth showing. I figured out how to build credibility into every piece. Not tricks. Real signals.

That was the foundation. For a while, it was enough.

Then AI changed everything.

ChatGPT launched. Perplexity started answering questions directly—no links, just answers. Google rolled out AI Overviews. The rules changed fast.

Most people panicked. Some ignored it. I got curious.

I started studying how answer engines actually work. What makes them pull from one source over another? What makes them trust content enough to cite it? There wasn't a course. There wasn't a playbook. So I tested. I paid attention. I figured it out.

That's how I learned AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)—structuring content so AI tools find it and use it. Your words. Your expertise. Their answer.

Then I went deeper. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)—engineering content so AI doesn't just use it, but cites it. Names you. Gives you credit.

Copywriter became content strategist. Content strategist became AI content engineer. I didn't wait for permission. I built the knowledge myself.

Now I help brands navigate this shift—so their content doesn't get left behind.

The Foundation

USC MSW (Social Change & Innovation) | Pepperdine MDR (Dispute Resolution) | Fortune 500 Content Strategist | Snap Storytelling Academy (15 selected from 120+)