AI SEO relies heavily on subject matter expert (SME) input to create citation-worthy, authoritative content. Here's how much time you should budget.

Quick Answer

Minimum viable: 2-4 hours per month per SME

Recommended: 4-8 hours per month for meaningful impact

Ideal: 8-12 hours per month for competitive advantage

Format: Can be spread across interviews, reviews, async input—doesn't need to be continuous time blocks.

Why SME Time Matters for AI SEO

AI engines prioritize citing content that demonstrates:

• Unique insights not available elsewhere
• Expert perspective and real-world experience
• Original frameworks or structured thinking
• Practical guidance from practitioners, not just theory

Bottom line: Generic content gets ignored. Expert-driven content gets cited.

Time Breakdown by Activity

Content Interview Sessions (Primary SME Activity)

Time commitment: 45-60 minutes per session

Frequency: 2-4 sessions per month (depending on content volume)