What is GEO? How to stay visible in AI search

In short: GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) is the work of getting assistants such as ChatGPT, Gemini or Google’s AI Overviews to cite your website when they answer a question. While SEO moves your site up in search results, GEO gets you into the answer the AI gives.

Why does it matter now?

When people look for a product, service or company, they no longer ask only Google; they ask AI assistants too: "Which companies build websites in Istanbul?", "What should a small business spend on ads?" To answer, assistants gather information from sources they trust and often show those sources as links. A business that isn’t in the answer simply doesn’t exist for that customer.

The difference between SEO and GEO

• SEO aims to have your site appear high for specific searches. Success is measured in rankings and clicks.
• GEO aims to have your content understood by AI, judged trustworthy and cited as a source in the answer. Success is measured in mentions and referred visits.

They are not alternatives; they are built on the same foundation. A fast, well-structured site that answers questions clearly stands out both on Google and in assistants.

What should you do so AI cites you?

Answer questions directly

Assistants look for clear answers. Turn the questions your customers ask into headings on your pages and give a short, direct answer right below; explain the details afterwards. The "In short" section at the top of this post is an example.

Define clearly what you do

A clear definition such as "We are an Istanbul-based software company that builds websites and custom software for businesses" makes it easier for AI to match you with the right question. Vague slogans don’t help.

Use structured data

Schema markup (organisation, service, frequently asked questions, article) describes what your content is in a way machines understand. The FAQ section on service pages helps both in Google’s rich results and in assistant answers.

Be trustworthy and up to date

Dated, attributed, measured and verifiable content earns more trust. Give concrete information instead of claims like "the best in the industry".

Give the same information everywhere

Your business name, address, phone number and services should be consistent across your website, your Google Business Profile and your social media accounts. Inconsistent information makes it harder for AI to see you as a reliable source.

How do you measure GEO success?

Measuring GEO is not yet as settled as SEO. Still, you can track:

• Regularly asking assistants questions about your industry and checking whether you are mentioned in the answer.
• Watching visits from AI services in your analytics tools.
• Following the search traffic to your service pages and guides.

Where to start?

First, strengthen the foundation: a fast, technically sound site, clear service definitions, frequently asked questions and regular guide content. This foundation serves both SEO and GEO. To review where your site stands today together, see our SEO and GEO service.