SEO VS GEO Search
8 min read
SEO vs GEO (AI Search): how I’m optimizing for rankings and AI answers
The search game changed when AI answers started showing up above (and sometimes instead of) the classic “10 blue links.”
I still care about SEO—but I’ve added GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) so my content is easier for AI systems to understand, trust, and cite.
What changed when AI answers entered the chat
I used to think the goal was straightforward: rank a page, earn the click, convert the visitor. That’s still true—
but now there’s an extra layer: many users get an answer without clicking.
- Classic SEO outcome: my page ranks and wins clicks.
- AI search outcome: my content becomes “answer material” (and ideally gets attributed).
Definitions: SEO vs GEO
SEO
Search Engine Optimization is about improving visibility in traditional search results: technical health, content quality, intent match, and authority.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
GEO means optimizing content so generative AI systems can extract facts, verify claims, and present answers accurately with attribution.
SEO vs GEO: key differences
| Dimension | SEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|
| Main goal | Rank in SERPs + earn clicks | Be cited/used in AI answers |
| Judge | Algorithms + user behavior | Retrieval + model generation |
| Content style | Intent-focused, skimmable | Explicit definitions, standalone hooks |
| Signals | Backlinks, brand | Sources, dates, stable URLs |
The practice should you know
1) Definition-first sections
Lead with a one-sentence definition, clarify “what it is / isn’t,” then add an example.
2) Clean, scannable structure
One idea per H2/H3. Explicit steps & constraints help both humans and AI.
3) Citation hooks
Write standalone paragraphs designed for quoting/paraphrasing.
4) Trust signals
Always cite reputable sources, include dates, and keep URLs stable.
5) Core SEO fundamentals
- Fast, mobile-friendly pages
- Descriptive titles & metas
- Clean internal linking
- Appropriate schema (Article, FAQ, HowTo…)
Metrics I track
SEO
- Impressions, clicks, CTR
- Rank distribution
- Index coverage
- Organic conversions
GEO/AI
- Share of answers (mentions/citations)
- Referral traffic from AI surfaces
- Engagement on “citation-ready” pages
Common mistakes
1) Writing for the model, not the human
Fix: keep language natural and examples practical.
2) Big claims, zero receipts
Fix: cite, date, separate fact vs opinion.
3) Ignoring core SEO
Fix: don’t sacrifice speed, crawlability or internal links.
Best AI Tools.
FAQ
Is GEO replacing SEO?
No. SEO still drives discoverability—GEO expands reach into AI “zero-click” experiences.
What pages work best for GEO?
Definitions, comparisons, “best of” lists, troubleshooting guides, step-by-steps.
Do I need schema for GEO?
It helps label content (Article, FAQ, HowTo…), but it’s not a silver bullet.
Fast first step?
Refresh your top 5-10 pages: add definition-first sections, tighten headings, cite sources/dates, improve linking.
My takeaway
Think of it as a two-lane highway: be findable (SEO), then be quotable (GEO). Do both well and you serve humans and AI alike.
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