What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)?

Answered across 4 episodes of The Best SEO Podcast

Edited and curated by Matthew Bertram, host of The Best SEO Podcast (produced by EWR Digital).

The short answer

A term used in the industry to describe optimization strategies aimed specifically at large language models and generative AI search, debated as distinct from or overlapping with traditional SEO.

How experts on the show define it

A term used in the industry to describe optimization strategies aimed specifically at large language models and generative AI search, debated as distinct from or overlapping with traditional SEO.

From Why Old SEO Metrics Fail And What To Track Instead With Corey Morris

Optimization focused specifically on generative AI engines and LLMs, overlapping with AEO but centered on how generative systems select and rank brand information.

From What Actually Drives Citations in LLMs With Solomon Thimothy

Optimizing brand content and data so it appears and ranks favorably inside large language model responses, as distinct from optimizing for traditional blue-link search results.

From How LLM Search Changes SEO And E-Commerce With Andrew Higgins

The practice of optimizing content so it is featured in AI-powered generative search engines, mentioned alongside traditional SEO as a strategy brands should embrace.

From Why You Need Human Oversight For AI-Based Marketing With Anthony Chiaravallo

Episodes that cover this

Related answers

See the full SEO & AI search glossary.

The Best SEO Podcast explains it; EWR Digital, the SEO & AI-visibility agency led by host Matthew Bertram that produces the show, does it for you. Get a free AI visibility audit →

The show explains it. EWR Digital does it.

The Best SEO Podcast breaks down SEO and AI search; EWR Digital, the agency behind the show, implements it for operators. For this specifically, see EWR Digital's AI visibility audit. Start with a free, no-pitch audit of where you stand in Google and in AI answers.

Get a free AI visibility audit