What Is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
Generative engine optimization helps your content get found and cited by AI search and chat systems. It focuses on the formats and signals large language models trust, so your brand shows up when people ask questions.
What is generative engine optimization?
</text><rect x='220' y='30' rx='10' ry='10' width='160' height='80' fill='%23f8fafc' stroke='%23e5e7eb'/><text class='t' x='250' y='70'>LLM reasoning</text><text class='t' x='250' y='92'>(AI overview)</text><rect x='420' y='30' rx='10' ry='10' width='160' height='80' fill='%23f8fafc' stroke='%23e5e7eb'/><text class='t' x='440' y='62'>Evidence</text><text class='t' x='440' y='84'>facts, schema,</text><text class='t' x='440' y='104'>clear answers</text><rect x='620' y='30' rx='10' ry='10' width='120' height='80' fill='%23f8fafc' stroke='%23e5e7eb'/><text class='t' x='640' y='75'>Citations</text><polygon class='b' points='180,70 220,70 220,74 180,74'/><polygon class='b' points='380,70 420,70 420,74 380,74'/><polygon class='b' points='580,70 620,70 620,74 580,74'/><rect x='20' y='170' rx='10' ry='10' width='240' height='80' fill='%23f1f5f9' stroke='%23e5e7eb'/><text class='t' x='40' y='205'>GEO inputs: intent, entities,</text><text class='t' x='40' y='225'>structured data, proofs</text><rect x='300' y='170' rx='10' ry='10' width='200' height='80' fill='%23f1f5f9' stroke='%23e5e7eb'/><text class='t' x='320' y='205'>Outputs: AI visibility,</text><text class='t' x='320' y='225'>citations, assisted clicks</text><rect x='540' y='170' rx='10' ry='10' width='200' height='80' fill='%23ecfeff' stroke='%230ea5e9'/><text class='t' x='560' y='195'>Measurement:</text><text class='t' x='560' y='215'>LLM cites, bot logs,</text><text class='t' x='560' y='235'>referrals</text></svg>)
How engines choose sources
AI features in search still rely on classic quality signals. Google notes that the best SEO practices remain useful for AI Overviews and AI Mode, and clear, verified answers help inclusion and linking back to sites. See Google’s guidance. Google also shared the scale and intent of AI Overviews, which reach a large audience, so earning citations can matter. Rollout details.
You control training access too. OpenAI documents how to allow or block GPTBot with robots.txt. GPTBot instructions. Cloudflare also outlines tools to manage AI bots at the edge, which can help protect content if needed. Cloudflare post.
GEO vs SEO vs AEO
| Discipline | Goal | Key tactics | Primary outputs |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEO | Citations in AI answers | Concise answers, evidence, schema, entity clarity | AI links, brand mentions, assisted clicks |
| SEO | Rank on SERPs | Technical health, search intent, content depth, links | Organic sessions, rankings, CTR |
| AEO | Answer engines understand you | FAQs, How-tos, structured data, snippets | Featured snippets, knowledge panels |
What to optimize
Page basics that help AI
- Answer first. Start pages with a plain answer to the core question.
- Back claims with proof. Cite primary sources. Use stats sparingly and link to originals.
- Make entities obvious. State product names, people, locations, and categories in simple language.
- Use schema. Add Article, FAQPage, Product, and HowTo where relevant.
Formats and blocks that AI can use
- Definition blocks for clear short answers.
- Ordered lists for steps and checklists.
- Compact tables for comparisons and specs.
- FAQs that mirror real questions.
Technical settings for AI access
- Allow standard search bots. Keep normal indexing open to stay eligible for AI features.
- Decide on AI training access. To block OpenAI training, add
User-agent: GPTBotandDisallow: /to robots.txt per docs. To manage other bots, review edge controls. Links above.
Measurement and tools
Track what you can observe today:
- LLM citations: Watch for links from AI Overviews, Copilot, Perplexity, and Gemini.
- Referrals: Tag visits from chat subdomains and AI features. Note branded mentions that drive assisted clicks.
- Bot logs: Monitor hits from AI crawlers and normal bots to confirm eligibility and policy matches.
- Content diagnostics: Review whether answers, lists, and schema exist for top questions.
Quick start checklist
- Pick 10 questions your customers ask. Write a 2 to 3 sentence answer for each.
- Add one list, one table, and an FAQ section to each page where it fits.
- Implement Article and FAQPage schema on key guides.
- Link to one primary external source for any strong claim.
- Decide your bot policy for AI training and set robots.txt if needed.
FAQs
Does blocking GPTBot hurt my Google rankings?
Google states that classic SEO best practices still apply to AI features. Blocking AI training crawlers is separate from normal indexing. Use care, test, and review official guidance. Google AI features • OpenAI GPTBot
How do I get cited in AI Overviews?
Give a short, accurate answer near the top. Support it with sources. Use schema for clarity. Google notes that helpful content and standard SEO practices are still useful for inclusion. Guidance
Is GEO replacing SEO?
No. GEO builds on SEO. You still need a crawlable, fast, helpful site. GEO adds answer-first structure and evidence to earn citations in AI results.
What counts as proof?
Original data, clear citations, named experts, and transparent methods. If a claim is strong, link to a primary source such as an official doc or study.