SEO vs GEO: Learn About What's New In The Evolution of Digital Marketing and AI
What is GEO? What is the difference between traditional SEO vs GEO? As the digital world evolves at lightning speed, the tools we’ve used to gain online visibility evolve too. Trying to grow your brand's online presence is hard. With technology rapidly advancing, I’m sure you’ve likely heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimization). But in 2025, a new player has emerged in digital marketing and it’s GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
With this rapid evolution in marketing and digital marketing strategies we’ve decided to discuss some of the new developments and game changers. With the emergence of AI, GEO has become a trending strategical pillar in digital marketing. So what’s the difference between SEO and GEO? Do you need both? How can it leverage your business’ competitiveness in this new AI-powered landscape?
What Is SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
SEO is the long-established practice of optimizing your website and content to rank higher in traditional search engines like Google and Bing. The goal is to get your pages listed prominently in the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) when someone searches a relevant term.
Key Traditional Aspects of SEO
- Keyword research: Understanding what terms people search for
- On-page optimization: Using keywords in titles, headers, URLs, and body text
- Technical SEO: Optimizing site speed, mobile-friendliness, indexing, etc.
- Link building: Earning backlinks from credible sources
- User experience (UX): Providing helpful, intuitive content that meets user intent
SEO (search engine optimization) has been foundational in digital marketing for over two decades, and it remains essential, especially with search engines like Google continuing to dominate traffic sources.
What Is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
GEO, or Generative Engine Optimization, is the emerging practice of optimizing content to appear in AI-generated search responses. These responses come from tools like ChatGPT, Google SGE (Search Generative Experience), Perplexity.ai, and others powered by large language models (LLMs). Instead of showing a list of links like traditional search engines, these generative engines and AI prompts accentuate much more. These generative engines:
- Summarize information
- Synthesize multiple sources
- May or may not include citations
- Deliver results in conversational format
GEO optimization Also Includes
- Writing clear, factual, structured content
- Answering conversational-style questions
- Providing contextual depth and topical authority
- Establishing credibility and trust (E-E-A-T)
A Side-by-Side Comparison: SEO vs GEO
| SEO | GEO | |
| Platform | Google, Bing, Yahoo | ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google SGE |
| Result Type | List of links (SERPs) | AI-generated summaries/responses |
| Optimization Focus | Keywords, backlinks, metadata | Clarity, structure, source reliability |
| Content Format | Traditional blogs, product pages, optimized titles | FAQ-style answers, concise facts, conversational tone |
| Ranking Signals | CTR, backlinks, page speed, engagement | E-E-A-T, structured data, question-answer relevance |
| Audience Intent | Transactional and informational | Mostly informational, research, quick answers |
| Tracking | Google Analytics, Search Console | Referrer traffic, AI citations, prompt testing |
Which One Matters More In The New Digital Marketing Landscape
Some marketers wonder if GEO will replace SEO. The answer is NO! Rather than a replacement, in today’s digital marketing landscape SEO and GEO are a better complimentary fit.
Why SEO Still Matters
- Google still drives a huge volume of traffic
- People still click on traditional links for deep research, products, and services
- Ranking high gives you brand authority and credibility
Why GEO Matters
- More people are asking AI tools for answers directly
- LLMs are used in customer support, search engines, and browsers
- Being cited or included in a generative answer skips the need for a click—you’re seen as the source
Ignoring GEO could mean your brand fades from relevance in AI-driven user journeys. That’s why a complimentary implementation of both SEO (search engine optimization) and GEO (generative engine optimization) will fully digitally optimize your company.
How to Optimize for Both SEO and GEO
If you're investing in content marketing or digital visibility, you'll want a hybrid strategy that addresses both SEO and GEO.
SEO
- Perform keyword research and build pages around those keywords
- Optimize metadata (titles, descriptions)
- Improve mobile performance and page load speed
- Build internal links and earn high-authority backlinks
GEO
- Create content that answers specific, conversational questions
- Use structured headings (H2s, H3s) and bullet points
- Show topical authority by covering subjects deeply
- Use natural language that mimics how people speak to AI tools
- Add author bios and source citations
Investing in SEO and GEO for Maximum Visibility
If you want your content to succeed in today’s digital landscape, optimizing for both SEO and GEO is no longer optional, it’s a necessary strategy.
- SEO will continue to be critical for traffic and conversions
- GEO ensures visibility in the AI-powered search future
The smartest marketers will blend keyword strategy with conversational content, rich in expertise and clarity.
Need help building a dual SEO-GEO strategy
If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur locally in Flagstaff, AZ or Phoenix, AZ looking to increase your website’s traffic, engagement and sales contact HN Media. Whether you’re looking to boost online presence or aiming to target and capitalize off of your niche, we offer SEO and GEO services that can help you scale your approach to achieve your marketing goals.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a GEO and SEO audit.