GEO vs SEO: what's the difference?
SEO optimises to rank a page among the links on a search results page. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) optimises to get your brand named inside the AI-generated answer. SEO wins the click; GEO wins the recommendation. They overlap but are not the same.
Side by side
| SEO | GEO | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Rank a page in search results | Be cited in the AI answer |
| Surface | Google/Bing results page | ChatGPT, Perplexity, AI Overviews, Gemini |
| Unit of success | Position & clicks | Share of Voice & citations |
| Key levers | Keywords, backlinks, technical SEO | Answer content, third-party citations, entity consistency |
Do you need both?
Yes. Many sources AI cites also rank in search, so good SEO supports GEO. But ranking #1 doesn't guarantee the AI names you — GEO is the additional layer. See the full GEO guide.
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- Is GEO replacing SEO?
- No — GEO complements SEO. As AI answers capture more queries, GEO becomes increasingly important alongside traditional SEO.
- Can my SEO agency do GEO?
- Some can, but GEO requires specific tactics (AI-answer testing, citation building) that many traditional SEO shops don't yet offer.
- Which matters more, GEO or SEO?
- It depends on where your buyers research. As more start with AI assistants, GEO's share of influence grows.