Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Optimizing content to appear in AI-generated search results and summaries from tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
Definition
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of optimizing digital content to be discovered, cited, and featured by AI-powered search engines and large language models. Unlike traditional SEO which focuses on ranking in search engine results pages, GEO aims to make content more likely to be included in AI-generated responses.
GEO involves creating authoritative, well-structured content with clear citations and expertise signals. It requires understanding how AI models retrieve and synthesize information, including factors like citability, factual accuracy, and topical authority.
Why It Matters
As more users turn to AI assistants like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews for answers, traditional search traffic patterns are shifting. Brands that don't optimize for generative engines risk becoming invisible in this new search paradigm.
GEO represents a fundamental shift in content strategy—from competing for clicks to competing for citations in AI-generated responses.
Examples in Practice
A B2B software company restructures their knowledge base with clear definitions, statistics with sources, and expert attributions to increase their citation rate in AI search results.
A marketing agency adds structured data, author expertise signals, and comprehensive FAQ sections to help AI models better understand and cite their content.