Is SEO Still Enough in the Age of AI Search? Here’s How to Do GEO Right
The way we search online is changing fast. With tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and Bing Copilot taking center stage, the old-school SEO playbook is no longer enough. If you want your brand to show up in AI-generated answers, it’s time to look beyond SEO and dive into GEO — Generative Engine Optimization.
In this blog, we’ll break down how you can make your content more visible in AI search results, based on real-world tests from SEO expert Matt Diggity. Plus, we’ll give you tips you can start using today to get ahead in this new era.
Why GEO Matters Now
Just a few years ago, ranking #1 on Google meant you were king. But now, when someone searches, they often see an AI summary at the top — and your website might not even be mentioned.
Think of GEO as the strategy that gets your content picked up and quoted by AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews. If you’re not in those summaries, you’re missing out on huge visibility. Learn why GEO is crucial in 2025.
Step 1: Find AI Opportunities in Your Niche
Start by finding out what AI is already saying about your industry and competitors. Tools like Ahrefs’ Brand Radar can show you which AI results mention your brand or your competitors. Look for keywords where your competitors are being quoted but you’re not. That’s your opportunity.
You can also manually test queries in ChatGPT and Google to see what kind of answers pop up. Do they sound like content you could have written? If yes, it’s time to optimize for those topics.
Step 2: Write Like an AI Assistant Would
AI tools love clear, conversational content that gets straight to the point.
Direct answers win. Skip the fluff. Start your content with a straight-up answer to the user’s question.
Use natural language. AI systems are trained on how people talk, not how marketers write. Use friendly, helpful language.
Use structured headings. Break content into sections using H2s and H3s. This helps AI understand what your page is about.
Add summaries. At the top or bottom of your content, include a summary or key takeaways section.
Here’s a full guide on how to optimize your writing for GEO.
Step 3: Make AI Trust You
AI will only recommend content it sees as credible. So how do you build trust?
Claim all your business listings. Google Business, LinkedIn, Trustpilot — make sure all info matches your website.
Show social proof. Add real reviews, testimonials, and client logos to your site.
List your awards and certifications. AI uses these to measure expertise.
Use expert quotes and bios. Author bylines with credentials help a lot.
Get quality backlinks. Yes, backlinks still matter. They help AI know you’re trustworthy.
Step 4: Show Real-World Experience
AI loves firsthand knowledge. Add real examples, case studies, and original research whenever possible. Share how your team solved problems or helped clients succeed. See how other brands are succeeding with GEO.
Step 5: Track Your AI Traffic
You can now see AI-sourced traffic in Google Analytics by filtering referral sources. Use a regular expression filter to identify sources like ChatGPT, Bing, or Perplexity. This way, you’ll know what’s working.
Want to dive deeper into the differences between SEO and GEO? Read this side-by-side comparison.
Bottom Line: GEO Is the New SEO
The SEO landscape is evolving, and if you’re still only focused on keywords and backlinks, you’re going to fall behind. AI tools are now gatekeepers to web traffic, and GEO is how you win their trust.
Google’s AI search is already live — is your site ready?
If you’re ready to future-proof your website, HornTech can help. We specialize in helping businesses thrive in the AI search era through customized GEO strategies. Whether you’re a local company or a global brand, let’s make sure AI finds and features your content.
Need help with GEO? Contact HornTech
