GEO · AEO · AI visibility
Generative engine optimization (GEO), explained for local businesses
A plain-English guide to getting your business named inside AI answers, and how that work fits with the SEO you already know.
What is GEO?
Generative engine optimization is the work of getting your business named and cited inside AI-generated answers from tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Gemini and Perplexity. It's also called answer engine optimization (AEO) or AI visibility.
How is GEO different from SEO?
SEO ranks a page in a list of links. GEO gets your business named inside the answer itself. SEO still matters, because AI reads many of the same sources, but GEO adds third-party mentions, consistent facts and answer-first content.
| Compare | SEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Rank a page in a list of links. | Get your business named and cited inside the answer. |
| Where you show up | Search engine results pages. | AI-generated answers in ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Gemini and Perplexity. |
| What matters most | Relevant pages, technical health, links and local signals. | Those foundations plus third-party mentions, consistent facts and answer-first content. |
| How it's measured | Rankings, organic traffic and conversions. | How often you're named for real customer questions, versus competitors. |
Do I still need SEO?
Yes. Good SEO is the foundation. GEO builds on it.
What does GEO involve for a local business?
Test what AI says, fix the facts and sources it reads, then earn genuine third-party mentions. See the full Test, Fix, Mention method.
How do you measure GEO?
By asking the questions your customers ask, across platforms, every month, and tracking how often you're named versus competitors.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is GEO just a buzzword?
It's a new name for real work: making your business easy for AI to find, trust and quote.
Can I do GEO myself?
Yes. The $47 AI Visibility Kit walks you through it.
How long does GEO take?
Weeks for profile fixes, one to three months for pages and mentions.