Search has changed a lot in the past year. More and more people are skipping search engine links and turning to AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews to get fast, direct answers. This shift is introducing something new to marketers and content creators: GEO
What is GEO?
GEO stands for Generative Engine Optimization. It’s about writing and structuring your content so AI tools can easily understand it and use it to answer questions. You’re not just trying to rank on Google anymore, you’re trying to be the helpful answer that shows up when someone asks a question in search engines or asks AI tools.
Let’s say you’re a B2B marketer and you write an article titled, “How SaaS Companies Can Use LinkedIn to Generate Leads in 2025.” Inside, you offer specific strategies like, “Use employee advocacy to expand reach,” or “Run LinkedIn Ads targeting decision-makers at mid-size tech firms.” Now, imagine someone asks ChatGPT, “What are the best LinkedIn strategies for B2B SaaS?” If your content is clear and credible, your tips could be pulled into the answer, even if the person never visits your site. That’s the impact of GEO.
How GEO Is Changing SEO
GEO is changing the way we think about SEO completely. Traditional SEO was all about getting to the top of Google search results with the right keywords and links. Now, AI is doing the reading for us, summarizing and quoting content directly. That means your writing needs to be easy to understand, accurate, and structured in a way that helps AI grab the key points fast. Short paragraphs, clear headlines, and simple explanations are your new best friends.
How is GEO similar to SEO?
At their core, SEO and GEO share the same goal: getting your content in front of the right people. Both rely on smart keyword strategies, quality content, and a strong user experience to make that happen. Whether you’re trying to rank in Google or appear in an AI-generated answer, you still need to focus on clarity, credibility, and relevance. Both approaches also lean on analytics, technical best practices, and continuous learning to stay effective as technology evolves. In many ways, GEO isn’t replacing SEO, it’s building on it, adding new layers for a new kind of search
How is GEO Different from SEO?
Think of SEO as helping your content show up in a list of links on Google. GEO, on the other hand, is about helping your content actually show up in the answers people get from tools like ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews. It’s not just about rankings anymore, it’s about being the helpful voice that AI pulls into the conversation. Instead of just writing for algorithms, you’re writing so your content is clear, useful, and easy for AI to understand and share. It’s a shift from driving traffic to being part of the answer.
Here is an example of SEO vs. GEO:
- SEO approach: You write a blog titled “10 LinkedIn Tips for More Engagement” and optimize it with keywords like “LinkedIn tips” or “how to increase LinkedIn engagement.” Your goal is to rank high on Google so people click the link.
- GEO approach: You write that same blog, but you also make sure each tip is clearly explained in plain language (e.g., “Post thought leadership content on Tuesdays and Thursdays”) so that AI tools can pull those points into an answer when someone asks, “How do I get more engagement on LinkedIn?”
How to Get Started with GEO
You don’t need to be technical to start using GEO. Begin by writing with clarity and purpose. Focus on answering specific questions that your audience might be asking. Use headers to organize your content, keep your sentences short, and be sure to explain things simply. The clearer and more helpful your content is, the more likely it is that AI tools will pull from it when generating answers.
Why This Matters
Generative Engine Optimization isn’t just a trend; it’s a natural next step in making sure your message (and website) stays visible in an AI-powered world. GEO gives you a way to stay visible in this new kind of search. By focusing on helpful, human-friendly content, you increase your chances of being quoted, shared, or summarized by AI. It’s not just about clicks anymore; it’s about being part of the conversation, even when there’s no link.
