GEO is Generative Engine Optimization, getting your brand named and cited by AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity.
It is the AI-era sibling of SEO. SEO aims to rank in search results; GEO aims to be the source an AI quotes in its answer.
Why GEO matters now
- People ask AIs. The answer names a few brands, not ten links.
- No page two. If you are not named, you are simply invisible.
- Less crowded. A newer channel where authority compounds early.
How to win at GEO
- Be quotable. Direct answers, clean structure, plain facts.
- Build authority. Earn mentions across trusted sites and communities.
- Help the machines. Add schema, stay crawlable, answer FAQs.
Note: GEO and SEO reward the same core thing: a trustworthy page that clearly answers a real question.
Frequently asked questions
Is GEO the same as SEO?
No. SEO aims to rank in search results; GEO aims to be the source an AI names in its answer. They share a foundation but optimise for different surfaces.
How do I measure GEO success?
Track whether the AIs mention your brand for your key questions, and how that changes over time, using a citation checker rather than standard analytics.
Do I need GEO if my SEO is strong?
Increasingly, yes. Buyers now ask AIs for recommendations, and being unnamed there means being invisible, even if you rank well on Google.