SEO optimises your content to rank on search engines like Google; GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) optimises it to be cited by AI answer engines like ChatGPT, Google's AI overviews and Perplexity. In 2026, getting found means doing both — and the good news is they reinforce each other.
What's changed
More people now ask an AI assistant a question and get a synthesised answer, instead of clicking through ten blue links. If your business isn't part of what the AI cites, you're invisible to that growing audience — even if you rank well on traditional search.
How AI engines choose sources
Answer engines favour content that is clear, factual, well-structured and authoritative. They reward pages that answer a question directly, use clean headings and structured data, and come from a source they can trust.
Practical steps for both SEO and GEO
- Answer questions directly — lead with a clear, quotable answer, then expand.
- Structure content — descriptive headings, short paragraphs, lists and tables.
- Add structured data — schema markup (Article, FAQ, LocalBusiness) helps both Google and AI understand your content.
- Build authority — accurate, expert, regularly updated content earns trust and citations.
- Publish an llms.txt — a simple file that tells AI systems who you are and what you offer.
- Keep it fresh — current information is more likely to be surfaced.
Get found everywhere
SEO and GEO aren't competing strategies — they're one modern visibility strategy. See our media & marketing services — we help GCC brands rank on Google and get cited in AI search.