Search is changing fast. For years, search engine optimization (SEO) was the main way to get your site noticed. Now, AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews are changing how people find answers. This is where generative engine optimization (GEO) comes in.
Both SEO and GEO help people find your content, but they work in different ways.
Key Takeaways
- SEO helps your site rank higher in search engine results for more clicks.
- GEO focuses on being cited as a source in AI-generated answers.
- SEO uses keywords, backlinks, and fast-loading pages.
- GEO uses clear answers, structured data, and information that AI tools can cite.
- Using both SEO and GEO helps keep your brand visible in both search results and AI responses.
What is SEO?
SEO is the process of ranking higher in search results. The goal is to get more people to click on your site when they search on Google or Bing.
Key parts of SEO include:
- Using keywords that match what people type into search bars
- Earning backlinks from other trusted websites
- Writing clear and useful content
- Making sure your site loads fast and works on mobile
When SEO works, your site shows up higher in search results and earns more clicks.
What is GEO?
GEO is about being cited inside AI answers. Instead of ranking in a list of links, your content is pulled into the actual response from an AI.
Key parts of GEO include:
- Writing clear and direct answers that AI can lift easily
- Using headings, lists, and structured sections
- Adding data and examples that make your content trustworthy
- Making sure AI crawlers can access your site
When GEO works, your brand is referenced directly in AI answers, even if a user never clicks through to a search result page.
If you want a deeper guide, see our post on Generative Engine Optimization.
SEO vs GEO: Quick Comparison
| SEO | GEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Rank in search results | Be cited in AI answers |
| Main platforms | Google, Bing | ChatGPT, Google AI, Perplexity |
| Traffic type | Clicks from results pages | Mentions in AI responses |
| Optimization focus | Keywords, backlinks, technical SEO | Clarity, structure, citations, schema |
| Measure of success | Rankings, impressions, CTR | Citation frequency, AI visibility |
Why You Need Both
SEO and GEO work best together. SEO makes sure search engines can find and index your content. GEO makes your content more likely to appear in AI-powered answers. A strong strategy today should use both approaches.
Final Takeaway
SEO gets you ranked. GEO gets you cited. If you want your brand to stay visible as AI search grows, start adding GEO tactics to your SEO playbook.
Leave a Reply