1. Why SEO Is No Longer Enough
In the past, user search behavior was:
Enter a keyword ➝ Click a website ➝ Read the content ➝ Take action.
But now, more people choose:
Ask an AI directly (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) ➝ Instantly get a summarized answer ➝ No need to click a website.
According to data, Google’s AIO (AI Overviews) already accounts for around 13% of search results and is rising. This means that if brands stick only to traditional SEO, they risk being “skipped by AI.”
This is why GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is becoming the most crucial content strategy over the next two years.
2. What is GEO? How Is It Different from SEO?
GEO stands for Generative Engine Optimization — the practice of optimizing for generative AI engines. Simply put, it’s about making your content easier for AI to understand and cite as a trusted source.
| Category | SEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|
| Optimization Target | Search Engines (e.g., Google) | AI Models (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini) |
| Methods | Keyword placement, meta data, backlinks | Structured data, tables, authoritative expression |
| Goal | Improve website ranking and clicks | Get AI to cite your content in answers |
In other words: SEO is about “getting people to click,” while GEO is about “getting AI to speak for you.”
3. Practical Techniques for GEO: Tech & Content
If you want your site to be cited and summarized by AI search engines, here are some actionable practices:
Technical Aspects:
- ✅ Use structured data (schema for FAQ, products, reviews, etc.)
- ✅ Ensure server-side rendering (SSR) so AI can read your content without JavaScript issues
- ❌ Avoid using
llms.txtfor now — it’s still experimental, not standardized, and may interfere with SEO - ✅ Implement canonical tags, meta tags, Open Graph, and Twitter Cards properly
Content Aspects:
- ✅ Clear titles, summarized sections, and logical semantic flow
- ✅ Use bullet points and tables to present key knowledge
- ✅ Provide authoritative, trustworthy content supported by data, sources, and examples
- ✅ Publish across platforms: blogs, videos, social media, PDFs
4. Why Not Use llms.txt Yet?
llms.txt is a proposed format similar to robots.txt to tell AI what it can and cannot crawl. However, there are major concerns:
- Not standardized yet: AI platforms don’t all support or follow it
- Risk of blocking valuable content unintentionally
- Possible conflicts with SEO settings (robots.txt, meta tags)
⚠️ Recommendation: Unless you have deep technical knowledge and experience with AI crawling behavior, focus on content and structural optimization first. Don’t rush to adopt llms.txt.
5. How Can Businesses Start Adopting GEO?
- Review content formats: Identify which assets are AI-friendly (FAQ pages, whitepapers, checklists)
- Build a brand knowledge base: Continuously publish authoritative content, FAQs, and guides
- Expand brand presence: Distribute content across LinkedIn, YouTube, Dcard, and other platforms
- Combine SEO + GEO: Use SEO for visibility, GEO for trusted citations
Conclusion: Seizing the AI Search Exposure Advantage
GEO doesn’t replace SEO — it enhances it. In an AI-driven search environment, the earlier you adopt GEO, the better chance you have to:
- Become the “trusted source” in AI-generated answers
- Gain free exposure and conversions
- Build a content moat around your brand
If you want your brand to be seen, cited, and trusted in the future of search, GEO is the next step to focus on now.
