SEO vs GEO – Organic or LLM AI visibility?
What should you choose: traditional SEO or the newer GEO approach? This is a question that often comes up… but where exactly? On Google? In ChatGPT? Reddit threads? Interestingly, the question itself already points to the answer. What’s the best strategy? The answer is simple: combine both approaches wisely to reach the right target audiences and meet their needs.
SEO vs GEO customer differences
Before you hit the panic button, let’s take a closer look at where your customers are searching, what they’re really looking for, and why visibility in both Google and AI-powered tools is now essential.
Google = ready-to-buy customers
When someone searches for your business, checks your address, reads reviews, or compares prices, they’re close to making a purchase. Google is still the main tool for these users. It’s not about what, it’s about who.
AI chatbots = solution-seekers
In ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, or Gemini, users ask things like “best web development agency for eCommerce” or “how to fix a problem.” If your website clearly explains what you do and who you help, there’s a high chance AI will notice and recommend you.
It’s already clear that both SEO and GEO are necessary because user intent can differ, but the purchase goal is often the same.
What is GEO?
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a strategic approach to optimizing your content not just for search engines (like traditional SEO) but for generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, or AI Overviews.
Unlike classic SEO, which focuses on ranking web pages in search results, GEO is about creating content that AI models will use, reference, or quote when responding to user questions. These AI engines select answers based on context to provide the most accurate and helpful response. They still search digital resources, so your content strategy and distribution matter more than ever.
GEO = Visibility in MLL
Creating content with GEO in mind helps with visibility in MLL systems, traditional search results, and Google’s AI-powered Search Generative Experience (SGE). GEO forces us to think contextually and write content that directly answers real user questions.
To be selected as a source by AI engines, it’s not enough to just write clearly. Your website should be cited by high-authority sites, mentioned in industry rankings, and earn positive user reviews. This pushes content creators to produce truly valuable material while naturally building internal and external link structures.
GEO content best practices
- Write for user intent, not just keywords
Unlike SEO, GEO focuses on the entire message, not just keyword density. Your content should clearly answer user questions and anticipate follow-up questions.
- Use clear content structure
AI loves order. Use headings, bullet points, and comparison tables. Tools like Schema Markup can help AI understand the structure and meaning of your content.
- Speak your audience’s language
Your content should be expert but easy to understand. Clearly state your products or services. Catchy slogans without real value won’t get noticed by AI.
- Build authority and trust
Your content strategy should also include building your expert image. The more external connections your brand has with trusted sources – such as podcasts, interviews, rankings – the more AI will trust and recommend you.
- Use Q&A formats
Q&A sections are especially useful for GEO. AI often pulls answers from these because they offer direct solutions to user problems.
- Talk to AI
If you’re unsure how you show up, ask AI. Pretend you’re your ideal customer and search for solutions. See what the AI recommends, where your competition appears, and what they’re doing better.
Why GEO is gaining importance
GEO is no longer just a tech buzzword. It’s a real response to how AI is changing digital marketing. User behavior has shifted permanently. Just like we now have Digital Nomads, in the future we’ll see AI Nomads – users who rely on AI as their primary decision-making tool.
Businesses that optimize for GEO will be more likely to appear in AI-generated answers – increasing brand visibility and traffic, even without users clicking traditional search links. Check out our Generative Engine Optimization agency services.
Key elements of a GEO Strategy
To make GEO work and drive ROI, your actions must be strategic and include a few key elements:
- Content that matches user intent
Provide valuable, direct answers – definitions, FAQs, especially long-tail queries. AI tools generate overviews mostly from informational searches.
- E-E-A-T and brand authority
AI algorithms prefer trusted sources. Expertise, freshness, and domain reputation all matter.
- Structured data (schema.org)
Schema types like FAQPage, HowTo, or Article help AI understand your content and use it effectively in generated responses.
- AI accessibility
Make sure your site is open to AI crawlers. Check if your sitemap is readable and if your site structure is easy to navigate.
- User experience
Fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and content clarity all influence whether AI sees your site as user-friendly.
GEO vs SEO: It’s not a battle – It’s a partnership
Many GEO principles are built on SEO foundations. GEO doesn’t replace SEO – it extends it by improving how your content is understood and chosen by AI systems. Traditional SEO remains important as a technical base for indexing and structure. GEO is the glue connecting content quality, brand authority, structured data, and your digital reputation.
The goal is not just to be visible, but to be selected by AI as the best possible answer.
SEO vs GEO – Key differences
| Aspect | Traditional SEO | GEO |
| Goal | Ranking in SERPs | Being quoted in AI-generated answers |
| Content Formats | Links, snippets | Contextual answers, FAQs, multimedia |
| Optimization Focus | Keywords, backlinks | E-E-A-T, brand, structured data |
| Reach | SERPs, organic traffic | AI Overviews, generative results |
