What is GEO? (Generative Engine Optimization)
You know SEO—or if not, here‘s a quick guide to get you started. Now, meet its next evolution: GEO, short for Generative Engine Optimization., which some are calling the ChatGPT SEO and other AI-powered search engines.
As more users turn to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity for direct answers, instead of combing through search results, the rules of online visibility are changing. GEO is the strategy that helps your content appear inside AI-generated responses—not just on Google’s front page.
GEO focuses on earning the AI’s trust by creating content that is:
- Informative and clearly structured
- Context-aware and easy to navigate
- Supported by credible, up-to-date information
- Simple for an AI to quote, summarize, or paraphrase
Example: Instead of writing a typical article like “Best SEO Tips 2025,” a GEO-optimized piece might directly address:
“How can small businesses improve their visibility using AI-powered search?”
SEO vs. GEO – The new search revolution
The way people search is shifting. We’ve gone from typing keywords into search bars to having conversations with AI. And with that, the approach to optimization has to shift too.
Here’s how SEO and GEO stack up:
SEO |
GEO |
| Optimized for Google/Bing | Optimized for AI like ChatGPT |
| Focuses on keywords & backlinks | Focuses on intent & relevance |
| Content is indexed over time | Content is retrieved in real time |
| “Found” by crawling | “Called” by prompts |
Key Takeaways:
- SEO is about aligning with search engine algorithms.
- GEO is about delivering direct, relevant answers for AI models.
- If SEO is about visibility, GEO is a strategy relevance and instant credibility.
Why ChatGPT SEO needs a GEO approach
Many assume that if content ranks well on Google, it will naturally perform in AI tools like ChatGPT. It doesn’t work that way.
Search engines index; AI generates.
To show up in generative responses, your content must be:
- Conversational
- Specific
- Intent-driven
- Easy for AI to digest and rephrase
That means thinking like a user, not just a keyword planner. Instead of asking “What’s the best keyword for this?”, you ask:
“What’s the best way to answer this real human question?”
GEO in action: Real examples – From keywords to questions
Let’s look at a few examples to see how to transition from traditional SEO to GEO-focused content designed for AI platforms.
Example 1: Eco Skincare Brand
Scenario: You sell natural skincare products.
Traditional SEO:
“best vegan moisturizer for dry skin”
GEO approach:
“What ingredients are safest for dry skin in cold weather?”
“Are vegan moisturizers better for sensitive skin?”
Example 2: B2B SaaS (Project Management Software)
Scenario: You market a project management tool.
Traditional SEO:
“best project management tool for teams”
GEO approach:
“What features should I look for in a project management tool for hybrid teams?”
“How can I improve remote team productivity with project management software?”
Example 3: E-commerce – Sustainable Fashion
Scenario: You run an online sustainable fashion store.
Traditional SEO:
“affordable eco-friendly jeans”
GEO approach:
“What makes denim eco-friendly and sustainable?”
“Where can I find budget-friendly sustainable fashion options?”
These examples show how GEO shifts the focus from keyword matching to answering genuine, user-driven questions—the kind AI engines are built to prioritize.
Still, it’s important to recognize that Google remains a major traffic source. The smartest strategy isn’t to replace SEO with GEO—it’s to blend the two.
- Keep using SEO to stay visible in search engine rankings.
- Start using GEO to meet the growing demand for direct, AI-powered answers.
