#Japan #Tokyo #AI Search #SEO Consulting #Im and Company

Overview of Im and Company's Transition to AI Search Strategies

Recently, Im and Company, a creative agency established in 1999, has achieved remarkable success in leveraging AI-driven search strategies. With over 3,000 client engagements, the company specializes in brochure and website production. As user information gathering evolves due to the rise of generative AI, traditional SEO strategies have begun to falter. In this context, Im and Company sought assistance from Willgate, a Tokyo-based firm specializing in SEO and AIO consulting. The results have been impressive, with AI-generated inquiries rising monthly.

Transition in User Behavior

The advent of generative AI has transformed the landscape of information retrieval. Users are increasingly relying on AI to answer their queries, bypassing traditional search engine comparisons. Consequently, companies that have historically relied on SEO are facing challenges in maintaining visibility. Im and Company recognized this shift, particularly when their primary site, Pamphlet Senka, experienced a significant drop in traffic due to a server issue in August 2025.

The company, lacking in-house engineering support, struggled to diagnose or rectify the situation. As a result, they turned to Willgate for strategic consulting.

Implementing Solutions and Strategies

1. Technical Optimization
Under Willgate's guidance, Im and Company proceeded with several technical improvements to restore their search rankings. The focus was on enhancing page loading speeds, implementing structured data (Organization and WebSite), and developing topic clusters to make the sites more attractive to search engines.

2. Creation of Area-Specific Pages
The team worked diligently to create and update target area pages for both Pamphlet Senka and its sister site, Homepage Production Senka. This allowed them to capture specific regional keywords, such as "[Prefecture Name] + pamphlet production," which augmented visibility in these markets.

3. Introduction of Author Information Pages
Recognizing their previously limited media exposure, the company implemented author information pages to clarify who was providing the content. This move was crucial in ensuring proper recognition of their brand by AI-enhanced search processes.

Results of the Initiatives

The initiatives implemented yielded quantifiable results. By March 2026, Pamphlet Senka began receiving 1-2 inquiries monthly from AI searches, and the site's estimated traffic has increased by approximately 2.5 times. Additionally, organic sessions from Homepage Production Senka surged from 320 to around 1,150—a staggering 3.5 times increase.

Within the organic search category, Pamphlet Senka managed to rank consistently in the top three for crucial keywords, such as "pamphlet production" and "pamphlet design," demonstrating the efficacy of the optimized strategies.

Long-term Vision and Future Prospects

Im and Company's leadership has expressed a commitment to continue refining Pamphlet Senka as the core site. By the end of 2026, they plan to categorize listings into core areas such as corporate profiles, catalogs, and pamphlets while leveraging the insights gained from their AI strategies to further support clients.

CEO Akihide Murata emphasized the importance of transcending traditional SEO practices, advocating for a shift in perspective regarding AI's role in the current landscape. Their collaborative journey with Willgate has not only revitalized their operations but also fortified the agency's approach to contemporary marketing challenges.

As Im and Company embarks on this AI-driven transformation, they stand as a testament to the advantages of embracing technological changes in the marketing realm, paving the way for others to follow.

For more insights on their journey or for anyone looking to enhance their approach to digital marketing, exploring the case studies provided by Willgate could be an excellent first step.

Conclusion

Im and Company’s experience illustrates not just a successful pivot to AI and optimized search strategies but also serves as a valuable lesson for businesses undergoing similar challenges. The synergy between traditional expertise and modern technological advancements heralds a new dawn in the world of marketing and digital presence.