What is GEO — Generative Engine Optimization
GEO builds expert-level authority for informational queries so AI systems (and Google SGE) cite and recommend your content.
While AEO wins where people buy, GEO wins where people learn.
How GEO Works
- Expertise Content: topic clusters, evidence-backed articles, clear claim/citation structure.
- Author Signals: real experts, bios, credentials, and first-party data.
- Citations & Entities: fact-level markup and entity links that AI systems can verify.
- SGE Alignment: content formatted for Google’s AI summaries and follow-ups.
Why it matters
GEO ensures Google’s AI and other systems reference your content as the expert source — turning information seekers into tomorrow’s customers.
How GEO Differs From SEO & AEO
| SEO | AEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in search engines | Be the direct answer in answer engines for local/commercial queries | Be referenced in Google’s AI-generated responses for informational queries |
| Click through to website | Conversational queries via AI assistants | AI directly cites or recommends content in Google results |
| Keyword-based, structured pages | FAQ/Q&A content for transactional, commercial, and location intent | Deep, authoritative content for informational keywords without location dependency |
| Google/Bing traditional search | ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Pi | Google SGE responses |
| SEO-optimized pages | Concise question–answer formats (best with location signals) | Direct, expert-level blog/resources that AI trusts and cites |
| All query types with ranking focus | Commercial, transactional, local queries | Pure informational queries where expertise matters most |
| Increases web traffic | Increases brand authority in AI conversations for location/commercial topics | Increases brand credibility as a trusted information source in AI responses |
GEO vs. AEO vs. SEO: A Holistic Strategy For Maximum Visibility
GEO doesn’t replace SEO or AEO — it amplifies them. The future of digital visibility lies in an integrated approach.
SEO
Drives traffic and conversions through traditional rankings, map packs, and intent-matched results.
AEO
Positions your brand as the trusted answer in standalone answer engines like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity.
GEO
Embeds your brand in Google’s AI-powered informational responses within search results.
The Strategic Reality: You need visibility across multiple discovery channels. This comprehensive approach ensures maximum visibility whether prospects search on Google (SEO/GEO) or ask questions directly in AI assistants (AEO).