GEO vs SEO: What's the Difference? Do You Need Both?

What's the Relationship Between SEO and GEO?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) are two complementary optimization strategies. Simply put:

SEO: Get your website to rank higher in Google search results

GEO: Get your content cited and recommended by AI search engines

Dimension	SEO	GEO
Optimization Goal	Search rankings	Being cited by AI
Main Platforms	Google, Bing	ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini
Key Signals	Backlinks, keywords, authority	Content quality, citability, structured data
Traffic Form	Clicks to website	Display/citation in AI answers
Maturity	20+ years history	Emerging field

Both need quality content: Whether SEO or GEO, quality content is the foundation

Both need technical optimization: Page speed, mobile compatibility, structured data

Both need ongoing investment: Not a one-time task

Answer: Yes.

SEO brings traditional search traffic, GEO brings AI search traffic. As AI search usage increases, GEO's importance will grow.

Many GEO optimization measures (like structured data, page speed) also help SEO. One investment, double returns.

Few brands are doing GEO right now - this is a differentiation opportunity.

First get SEO basics right, then gradually add GEO elements:

Ensure robots.txt allows AI crawlers

Add llms.txt file

Use GeoAction to monitor AI visibility

Do SEO and GEO in parallel:

SEO team handles traditional optimization

Content team considers AI readability

Use tools for automated monitoring

SEO and GEO aren't either/or - they're 1+1>2. While doing SEO well, start planning for GEO and prepare for the future AI search era.