Quick summary
SEO vs GEO: Optimising for AI search while keeping SEO
Search is changing, but SEO still matters. SEO wins Google rankings and clicks; GEO (“SEO for AI”) gets your brand mentioned or cited in AI answers, even without clicks.
Difference: SEO = clicks. GEO = mentions.
Do both: keep strong SEO, and add GEO habits like up-to-date how-tos, clear Q&A headings, real data/reviews, and third-party mentions (directories, blogs, reviews).
Bottom line: SEO drives traffic; GEO drives AI visibility – you need both.
Search is changing fast. You’ve probably heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) but now there’s a new player: GEO, or Generative Engine Optimisation.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what each one means, how they’re different, and why both matter for your business.
What is SEO?
SEO is all about helping your website show up in Google searches. You write useful content, use the right keywords, and make sure your website runs smoothly so that people can find you online.
The goal: get people to click your website link and visit your site.
What is GEO?
GEO stands for Generative Engine Optimisation. It’s a new term for the way brands can make sure AI tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, or Perplexity mention them in answers.
Because AI assistants don’t always show links, GEO focuses on getting your business talked about and cited inside AI responses, not just ranked in Google.
Different people might call it by a few names, including:
- GEO – Generative Engine Optimisation
- AEO – Answer Engine Optimisation
- LLMO – Large Language Model Optimisation
- Or simply AI search optimisation
In short, GEO is like SEO for the AI era – it’s about teaching AI to recognise, trust, and quote your brand when it answers questions.
GEO is the next step. It’s about getting AI tools like ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews to mention your brand when people ask questions.
The goal: get AI to include you in its answers even if people don’t click through to your site.
Think of GEO as “SEO for AI.”
What are the main differences between SEO and GEO
| Aspect | SEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Get clicks to your website | Get your brand mentioned in AI answers |
| Where you appear | Google search results | Inside AI chat answers |
| Who mentions you | Your own website | Other websites, reviews, and articles |
| What users do | Click to read your site | Often read AI’s summary and stop there |
| Best use | Bring in web traffic | Build brand visibility and trust |
In plain English…
- SEO brings people to your website. It’s great for traffic and for showing up when people search online.
- GEO gets your brand mentioned by AI. You might not get as many clicks, but those who do visit are usually ready to buy or take action.
- SEO = clicks. GEO = mentions. Both help people discover your business in different ways.
What should you focus on: SEO or GEO?
Start with SEO – it’s still essential. Then add simple GEO-friendly habits, like:
- Keeping your content up to date
- Publishing helpful how-to guides and comparisons
- Sharing real data, reviews, and stories about your business
- Getting mentioned on local directories, blogs, and review sites
- Using clear headings and questions in your content so AI can read it easily
Ready to ditch SEO? Not so fast!
SEO is your foundation. It helps customers find you through Google. GEO is your next step. It helps AI tools recognise and recommend you.
You don’t have to pick one – you need both.
Start with great content, make your website strong, and aim to get your business talked about online. That’s how you’ll stay visible, no matter how search evolves.
