01
Sep 2025
0
The thumbnail for the blog for HN Media's blog titled SEO vs GEO the evolution of digital marketing.

SEO vs GEO: The Evolution of Digital Marketing

SEO vs GEO: Learn About What's New In The Evolution of Digital Marketing and AI What is GEO?

SEO vs GEO: The Evolution of Digital Marketing

GEO , , , , , , b.locketjr

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.

19
Aug 2025
0
The thumbnail for the blog for HN Media's blog titled Choosing between In House SEO vs an SEO agency.

Choosing Between In-House SEO vs an SEO Agency in Arizona

Here's A Few Tips on What to Think About When Choosing Between In-House SEO vs an SEO Agency

Choosing Between In-House SEO vs an SEO Agency in Arizona

SEO , , , , b.locketjr

Here's A Few Tips on What to Think About When Choosing Between In-House SEO vs an SEO Agency in Arizona

In the competitive digital landscape of businesses and entrepreneurs in Arizona, whether you’re running a thriving local business in Phoenix or a growing company, search engine optimization (SEO) is one of the most powerful tools for building visibility and attracting customers. But when you decide that it’s time to take your SEO strategy to the next level, one big question arises. Should you hire an in-house SEO specialist or partner with an SEO agency?

This is a huge decision that can significantly impact your business. SEO will directly impact your budget, marketing results, and long-term growth. To help you make the best choice, we’ll break down some of the pros and cons of both options. We’ll give you tips on what to uniquely consider in regards to SEO and your business. We will also give you insight on what to expect when working with an SEO agency or what to look for when hiring in-house SEO.

Why SEO Matters for Your Business

Before comparing options, it’s important to understand why SEO is vital:

  • Over 90% of online experiences start with a search engine.
  • Local businesses rely on Google visibility to drive foot traffic and calls.
  • Organic SEO yields long-term ROI compared to short-term paid ads.
  • SEO supports all other marketing efforts—social media, content, email, and PR.

In Arizona, whether you're in a dense, competitive metro like Phoenix or a tight-knit local community market like Flagstaff, appearing on the first page of Google can be the difference between being found or forgotten.

What Does Search Engine Optimization Really Involve?

Modern SEO includes far more than just keywords and backlinks. It encompasses:

  • Technical SEO: Website speed, mobile-friendliness, crawlability
  • On-page SEO: Meta titles, content optimization, headings
  • Local SEO: Google Business Profile, local citations, maps visibility
  • Content strategy: Blogs, landing pages, FAQs
  • Link building: Earning reputable backlinks from quality sources
  • Analytics: Keyword tracking, ranking reports, goal conversions

This level of expertise is rarely achieved with a single generalist employee. That’s where the comparison between in-house SEO and working with an SEO agency in Flagstaff AZ or Phoenix becomes crucial.

Having An In-House SEO Team

Pros of Hiring In-House SEO Talent

  • Dedicated Focus: Your in-house SEO works exclusively for your company.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: They're readily available for internal meetings.
  • Long-Term Strategy: In-house professionals can deeply invest in your brand.

Cons of Hiring In-House SEO Staff

  • Higher Costs: Annual salaries, benefits, and tools can be costly.
  • Limited Expertise: One person may not cover all SEO disciplines.
  • Turnover Risk: Losing your SEO specialist can stall your momentum.

Having in-house SEO can be the best option for various entrepreneurs, businesses and scaling companies. We feel that it can be especially beneficial for small to midsized companies with robust marketing budgets.

Hiring an SEO Agency

Pros of Investing in an SEO Agency

  • Team of Experts: Access to specialists in technical, local, and content SEO.
  • Tools & Resources: Agencies use premium software for analysis and strategy.
  • Scalable Solutions: Services can expand with your business.
  • Local Insight: Agencies familiar with Arizona markets understand search intent and competition.

Cons of Investing in SEO Agencies

  • Less Day-to-Day Access: Requires structured communication.
  • Shared Time: Agencies manage multiple clients.
  • Quality Varies: Choose your agency carefully to ensure quality service.

Mdid-sized to large businesses, as well as entrepreneurs can benefit from investing into an SEO agency. The benefit of having an SEO agency on your team will help with delivering needed results and expertise without full-time costs.

In-House vs SEO Services Average Cost Comparisons

SEO Investment Type Estimated Monthly Cost Includes
In-House SEO Hire $4,500–$7,500+ Salary, benefits, tools
Freelance SEO $800–$2,500 Project-based or hourly support
Local SEO Agency (AZ) $1,200–$5,000 Full-service SEO, content, technical audits

 

When to Choose an SEO Agency

Consider hiring an agency if:

  • You need to hit the ground running
  • You want access to a full team of specialists
  • You don’t want to invest in training or expensive tools
  • You're targeting local markets with local and regional intent

 

When choosing the Right Arizona SEO Agency for your business look for these key traits:

  • Transparent reporting and analytics
  • Proven local success in geo targeting
  • Custom strategies, not cookie-cutter solutions
  • Positive reviews and client testimonials

Which SEO Option Is Right for You?

Should you hire in-house SEO staff? It depends on where the state of your business is and how you plan on scaling your company. Depending on your goals and objectives hiring your own in-house SEO staff can definitely be beneficial for your business. Although training and development could be a financial hurdle to finding that perfect SEO in-house employee, this could be the best option for your company! 

An SEO agency can be beneficial for small to large and established businesses, as well as companies looking to hit the ground running. Making an investment into an SEO agency will help your company establish a partnership that develops a relationship with your company and a trusted local SEO agency. This investment into your business will give you the best balance of results and ROI.

Whether you feel your the best decision for your business to hire an in-house SEO employee or make an investment into your company by partnering with a SEO agency, SEO will definitely be an intricate piece to the growth of your company.

Need Help With SEO in Arizona?

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner 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 services that can help you scale your approach to achieve your marketing goals.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and SEO audit.

06
Jun 2025
0
The thumbnail for the blog for HN Media's blog titled website performance on sales and traffic.

Website Performance on Sales and Traffic

Accelerating Success Traffic, Performance, Sales and Engagement On Your Website Quick Summary In today’s digital world, website speed

Website Performance on Sales and Traffic

Digital Marketing , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , b.locketjr

Accelerating Success Traffic, Performance, Sales and Engagement On Your Website

Quick Summary

In today’s digital world, website speed and performance play a crucial role in driving traffic, boosting sales, and keeping users engaged. A fast-loading, mobile-friendly site improves user experience, increases conversion rates, lowers bounce rates, and helps your business rank higher on search engines like Google. On the other hand, slow websites frustrate users, hurt your SEO rankings, reduce engagement, and lead to missed sales opportunities. To stay competitive and build trust with your audience, it’s essential to optimize your site by compressing images, minimizing code, using browser caching, leveraging content delivery networks, and investing in reliable hosting.

The Impact of Website Performance on Sales and Traffic

In the fast-paced digital landscape, where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, the performance and speed of your website play a pivotal role in shaping the user experience and, consequently, influencing sales and website traffic. In this blog, we’ll explore the direct correlation between website performance and success, examining how a speedy and efficient website can positively impact sales and traffic, while a sluggish one may lead to detrimental consequences.

The Need for Speed in the Digital Era

1. Instant Gratification:

  • In an era of instant gratification, users expect websites to load quickly and provide seamless navigation. A slow-loading website can lead to frustration, causing users to abandon the site in search of faster alternatives.

2. User Experience:

  • Website performance is integral to the overall user experience. A smooth, responsive, and fast-loading website enhances user satisfaction and encourages prolonged engagement, positively impacting both sales and traffic.

3. Mobile Responsiveness:

  • With the increasing use of mobile devices, a website’s performance on smartphones and tablets is critical. Mobile-friendly, fast-loading sites cater to a broader audience and contribute to enhanced traffic and sales.

Positive Impacts of Website Performance on Sales and Traffic

1. Higher Conversion Rates:

  • Fast-loading websites are more likely to convert visitors into customers. A streamlined user experience encourages users to explore products or services and complete transactions, positively impacting sales.

2. Improved Search Engine Rankings:

  • Search engines, such as Google, consider website speed as a ranking factor. A faster website is more likely to appear higher in search results, leading to increased visibility and organic traffic.

3. Enhanced User Engagement:

  • A responsive and speedy website facilitates seamless navigation and encourages users to explore multiple pages. Engaged users are more likely to spend time on the site, increasing the chances of conversion.

4. Positive Brand Perception:

  • A fast website contributes to a positive perception of your brand. Users associate website speed with professionalism and efficiency, creating a favorable impression that can impact both sales and brand loyalty.

5. Reduced Bounce Rates:

  • Websites with faster loading times experience lower bounce rates. Users are more likely to stay on a site that loads quickly, leading to increased time spent browsing and a higher likelihood of making a purchase.

6. Mobile Accessibility:

  • Mobile users expect quick and efficient experiences. A fast-loading mobile website contributes to increased accessibility, attracting and retaining a substantial mobile audience.

Negative Impacts of Poor Website Performance

1. Increased Bounce Rates:

  • Slow-loading websites often experience higher bounce rates. Users are quick to abandon a site that takes too long to load, resulting in missed opportunities for engagement, sales, and sustained traffic.

2. Lost Revenue Opportunities:

  • Every second of delay in website loading can lead to lost revenue opportunities. Users may abandon their carts or leave the site altogether, negatively impacting sales and potential conversions.

3. Negative SEO Impact:

  • Search engines penalize slow-loading websites by assigning lower rankings. A poor SEO ranking reduces visibility, limiting organic traffic and potential new customer acquisition.

4. User Frustration and Dissatisfaction:

  • Slow-loading websites frustrate users, leading to dissatisfaction. Negative experiences can tarnish the perception of your brand, resulting in a loss of trust and potential long-term customers.

Competitive Disadvantage:

  • In a competitive market, users have numerous alternatives. A slow website puts your business at a disadvantage, as users are likely to choose faster-loading alternatives for a better user experience.

Strategies for Improving Website Performance

Optimize Images:

  • Compress and optimize images to reduce file sizes without compromising quality. Large image files contribute to slow page loading.

Use Browser Caching:

  • Implement browser caching to store static files on users’ devices. This reduces load times for returning visitors.

Minimize HTTP Requests:

  • Reduce the number of elements on a page that require separate server requests. Fewer HTTP requests contribute to faster load times.

Utilize Content Delivery Networks (CDNs):

  • CDNs distribute website content across multiple servers worldwide, reducing latency and speeding up content delivery for users.

Prioritize Critical Rendering Path:

  • Prioritize the loading of essential elements (critical rendering path) to ensure that users see the most important content quickly.

Optimize Code:

  • Clean and optimize your website’s code to eliminate unnecessary elements and reduce file sizes. Efficient code contributes to faster loading times.

Invest in Quality Hosting:

  • Choose a reliable and high-performance hosting provider. A robust hosting infrastructure is fundamental to a website’s speed and reliability.

Regularly Monitor and Test:

  • Use tools to monitor website performance regularly. Conduct performance tests to identify and address any issues affecting speed.

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or influencer looking to increase your website’s traffic, engagement and sales contact us. Whether you’re a small business looking to boost online presence or a larger enterprise aiming to target and capitalize of off your core audience, we offer services that can help you scale your approach to achieving your marketing goals.

08
Jan 2025
0
The thumbnail for the blog titled "The Power of Digital Marketing" for HN Media

The Power of Digital Marketing

The Power of Digital Marketing Unveiling the Power of Digital Marketing: Techniques to Amplify Brand Awareness and Engagement

The Power of Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing , , , , b.locketjr

The Power of Digital Marketing

Unveiling the Power of Digital Marketing: Techniques to Amplify Brand Awareness and Engagement

The power of digital marketing.. Is it an overpaid concept? Or is it a necessary benefit? Today’s fast-paced, small attention spanned digital era consumers are constantly connected to their devices. That being said, the significance of digital marketing cannot be overstated. It has become the cornerstone for businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive landscape. Establishing a brand presence, fostering engagement, and driving conversions are the essence of harnessing success as an entrepreneur. The importance of digital marketing and exploration of various techniques is what we want to effectively explore. Learn how the power of digital marketing can enhance brand awareness and engagement.

The Importance of Digital Marketing

Global Reach

With the internet transcending geographical boundaries, digital marketing offers unparalleled access to a global audience. Businesses can target specific demographics or reach out to a broad spectrum of potential customers, regardless of their location.

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to traditional marketing channels like print or television advertising, digital marketing offers a cost-effective solution. It allows businesses to allocate their marketing budget more efficiently by targeting specific audience segments and measuring the effectiveness of their campaigns in real-time.

Data-Driven Insights

One of the most significant advantages of digital marketing is the ability to gather and analyze vast amounts of data. From website traffic to social media interactions, businesses can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, enabling them to refine their marketing strategies for better results.

Personalization

Digital marketing enables personalized communication with consumers based on their interests, browsing history, and demographics. This personalized approach not only enhances the customer experience but also increases the likelihood of conversion by delivering relevant content and offers.

Improved Conversion Rates

By leveraging various digital marketing techniques such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and email marketing, businesses can effectively guide prospects through the sales funnel and convert them into loyal customers.

Digital Marketing Techniques for Brand Awareness and Engagement

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO plays a crucial role in improving a brand’s visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs). By optimizing website content, meta tags, and backlink profiles, businesses can rank higher for relevant keywords, driving organic traffic and brand awareness.

Content Marketing

High-quality, relevant content is the cornerstone of any successful digital marketing strategy. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, infographics, or social media posts, engaging content helps businesses connect with their target audience, build credibility, and establish thought leadership in their industry.

Social Media Marketing

With billions of active users across various platforms, social media presents a goldmine of opportunities for brand promotion and engagement. By creating compelling social media posts, running targeted ads, and fostering meaningful interactions with followers, businesses can amplify their brand presence and drive customer engagement.

Email Marketing

Despite the rise of newer marketing channels, email remains a highly effective tool for nurturing leads and fostering customer relationships. By sending personalized, relevant emails to subscribers, businesses can keep their audience engaged, promote new products or services, and drive conversions.

Influencer Marketing

Collaborating with influencers who have a strong following and credibility in their niche can significantly boost brand visibility and engagement. By leveraging the influencer’s reach and influence, businesses can tap into new audiences and build trust with potential customers.

Video Marketing

With the rise of platforms like YouTube and TikTok, video content has become increasingly popular among consumers. By creating engaging videos that showcase their products, tell a story, or provide valuable insights, businesses can captivate their audience and leave a lasting impression.

Digital marketing is not just an option but a necessity for businesses looking to thrive in today’s digital landscape. By leveraging various techniques such as SEO, content marketing, social media, email, influencer marketing, and video marketing, businesses can effectively enhance brand awareness, foster engagement, and drive meaningful interactions with their target audience. Embracing the power of digital marketing is not only essential for staying competitive but also for building lasting relationships with customers in an increasingly digital world.