⚡ Key takeaways
- GEO = optimisation for AI search (ChatGPT, SGE, Perplexity), SEO = for Google organic
- Both complement rather than compete with each other
- AI search share is growing — GEO investment now creates advantage in 1–2 years
- E-E-A-T, Schema.org and structured content are the shared foundation for both
What is GEO optimisation
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimising your site so AI search systems cite it as an authoritative source in their generated answers. When a user asks ChatGPT, Google SGE or Perplexity something, these systems synthesise answers from multiple sources. GEO solves the question: how do you make your site one of those sources?
SEO vs GEO: key differences
| Parameter | Traditional SEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Google ranking | Citation in AI answers |
| Metrics | Rankings, CTR, traffic | Brand mentions in AI, Share of Voice |
| Content | Keywords + structure | Authority + comprehensiveness + facts |
| Technical | Core Web Vitals, crawlability | Schema.org, structured data |
| Links | Backlinks for PageRank | Brand mentions, PR citations |
What SEO and GEO share
- E-E-A-T — Google and AI systems equally value author experience, expertise and authority
- Schema.org — structured markup helps both Google and AI understand page content
- Quality content — comprehensive answers to audience questions rank and get cited
- Site speed — technical quality matters for both
Who needs GEO now
GEO is especially important for: B2B SaaS and technology companies (their audiences actively use ChatGPT), healthcare and legal sites (YMYL queries increasingly go to AI), educational and informational projects.
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Want to explore GEO for your business?
Learn about GEO →We'll assess AI search potential in your niche and build a strategy.
Getting started: practical plan
- Audit current E-E-A-T: author pages, About page, professional profile links
- Full Schema.org: Organization, Person, Article, FAQPage everywhere
- Structured answers to audience questions in Q&A format
- Monitor brand mentions in AI answers via Perplexity and ChatGPT
- Build PR citations in authoritative industry publications (AI "sees" them)
