In short
SEO (search engine optimisation) makes sure your website ranks high in the classic search results – the user sees a list of links and clicks.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) makes sure AI-powered answer systems such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini or Google AI Overviews know your business and mention it in their answer or link to it as a source. The user gets a finished answer instead of a list of links.
Why GEO is becoming more important
Many people now ask their questions directly to an AI: “Which agency in Reutlingen helps with Google advertising?” or “Which tool connects WooCommerce with my accounting?” The answer usually names only a few providers. If you are not among them, you are not even considered for that question.
Google itself also shows an AI summary above the classic results for many searches. This shifts part of the attention from the list of links to the answer.
The key differences
| SEO | GEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | A good position in the search results | A mention in the AI answer |
| Result for the user | List of links | Summarised answer with sources |
| Key factors | Technology, content, backlinks, user signals | Clear facts, structured data, mentions across the web, citable content |
| Measurement | Rankings, clicks (Search Console) | Regularly asking typical customer questions |
Why GEO builds on SEO
AI systems do not invent their knowledge – they rely on content from the web, often including search indexes. A technically clean, well-structured website with clear answers is therefore the foundation for both. If you neglect SEO, GEO will be hard too.
What you can do right now
- Make your business data consistent: name, address and services the same everywhere – on your website, in your Google Business Profile and in directories.
- Use structured data: Schema.org markup for your business, services and FAQs helps machines understand your site.
- Answer questions directly: a clear, short answer on your website for every important customer question.
- Service pages instead of one page for everything: every service gets its own page with a clear description.
- Test it yourself: ask ChatGPT or Perplexity what they know about your business – and note who gets mentioned instead.