GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) means optimising content so AI search engines cite your pages when answering questions Source 2 . AI engines cite sources rather than rank them—being cited is the new visibility goal.
What you get
- Answer-first structure: direct answers at the top, clear hierarchy.
- Authoritative citations and references that AI engines trust Source 2 .
- Statistics and data points where they add weight.
- FAQ schema that supports AI visibility Source 3 .
- Content that matches what people ask and what search engines reward Source 1 .
How GEO works
Research shows which changes improve AI citation rates Source 2 :
- Cite sources: Authoritative references boost visibility.
- Add statistics: Specific numbers and data points help.
- Use quotations: Expert quotes with attribution.
- Authoritative tone: Confident, expert language.
- Easy to understand: Clear structure, short paragraphs.
Keyword stuffing hurts. Helpful, well-structured content wins.
How existing work supports GEO
The same principles that work for traditional SEO support GEO. Evidence-based content, citations, structured data, and helpful content guidelines Source 1 all align. If your site already follows good SEO practice, much of the groundwork is done.
For more on AI and content, see AI-generated content and SEO: what actually matters.
FAQs
What is GEO?
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is optimising content so AI search engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity cite your pages when answering questions. AI engines cite sources rather than rank them—being cited is the visibility goal.
How does GEO differ from SEO?
SEO targets traditional search rankings. GEO targets citations in AI-generated answers. Both benefit from helpful, well-structured content. GEO adds emphasis on authoritative citations, statistics, and answer-first structure.
Why does AI search visibility matter?
More people ask AI tools for answers. When your content is cited, you reach users who never see traditional search results. It also supports trust and authority.
What do you need from me?
Access to your site, analytics, and Search Console. Clear goals on which topics or queries matter most. Existing content or a content plan to build on.
Will this improve traditional search rankings too?
Yes. GEO-friendly content (citations, statistics, clear structure, FAQ schema) aligns with what Google rewards. The work supports both.
Sources
- [1] Google Search Central. Create helpful, reliable, people-first content. Back to article
- [2] arXiv. GEO: Generative Engine Optimization. Back to article
- [3] Google Search Central. Introduction to structured data markup in Google Search. Back to article