AI Search Optimization - Why GEO Is the New SEO

AI Search Optimization - Why GEO Is the New SEO

, by Justin McAllister, 39 min reading time

Tired of being buried in search results? AI is changing how people discover products and services—and GEO (Generative Search Optimization) is how you stay ahead. This blog breaks down what GEO is, why it matters, and exactly how entrepreneurs can start showing up in AI-generated answers. No jargon. Just clear, actionable steps you can apply today.

Search is evolving fast. What used to be a game of climbing Google’s top 10 results is now a race to become the first answer AI recommends.

If you’ve searched for anything lately—“best budget planner under $50” or “how to automate client follow-ups”—you’ve likely seen an AI-generated response front and center. That’s not by accident. It’s the rise of Generative Search Optimization (GEO).

 

[Note: I don’t know why it’s “GEO” and not “GSO”. I do know that the first time I ever heard of it, it was referred to as “Generative Search Engine Optimization (GEO)”. It made sense to stick with the “Engine Optimization” theme, and so I imagine that you will find it referenced as many different things for the coming years!]

 

What Is GEO?

GEO (Generative Search Optimization) is how you get your business mentioned in AI-powered search results—the ones generated by tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, or Microsoft Copilot.

It’s no longer about your blog being in position #1. It’s about your product or service being the answer to the question asked.

 

Why GEO Matters Right Now

AI is changing the way people search. Instead of reading 10 articles or reviews, customers ask a tool like ChatGPT one question and trust the first two to three suggestions.

We don’t have time to open 15 tabs and compare every option. We ask the AI one question and take the best, most relevant answer. This applies when shopping online, seeking solutions to everyday problems, and when chasing information (ie, planning a 3-day getaway with friends).

If your brand, product, or solution isn’t mentioned in those first few sentences, you’re not even in the game.

6 Ways to Apply GEO to Your Business Today

1. Write Content That Sounds Like an Answer

AI gives direct answers, not sales fluff. So your content—product pages, blogs, bios—must sound like the solution to a real question.

 

Product Example – Daily Planner

Instead of:

“Our planner helps with time management and productivity.”

 

Try:

“What’s the best daily planner for entrepreneurs who want to stay organized and hit their goals? Our ProductivityPro Planner includes a 90-day focus system, weekly goal check-ins, and undated layouts to fit any schedule.”

 

Service Example – Freelance Marketing Coach

Instead of:

“1:1 marketing coaching for new business owners.”

 

Write:

“Who offers the best 1-on-1 marketing coaching for first-time entrepreneurs? [Your Name] provides weekly Zoom coaching sessions ($97/session) for early-stage founders who want to create a brand strategy, attract ideal clients, and simplify content creation.”

 

2. Use Schema Markup

Schema helps AI understand exactly what your page is about. It’s a small block of code you add to your website that explains what your product or service is, how much it costs, who it’s for, and more.

 

This is the backend data AI looks for to index your content.

·       Add structured data (like JSON-LD) to product pages.

·       Include: price, availability, brand, dimensions, and customer reviews.

·       Tools like RankMath, Yoast, or Schema Pro can help non-tech founders implement this fast.

 

What is JSON-LD?

It’s a type of structured data written in a script block that looks like this:

 

html

---

<script type="application/ld+json">

{

  "@context": "https://schema.org",

  "@type": "Product",

  "name": "ProductivityPro Planner",

  "description": "A 90-day planner for entrepreneurs with daily goal tracking and undated pages.",

  "brand": "Your Brand Name",

  "offers": {

    "@type": "Offer",

    "price": "39.99",

    "priceCurrency": "USD",

    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"

  }

}

</script>

---

 

How to Implement It (Even If You're Not a Developer)

1.     Use WordPress or Shopify plugins like:

o   RankMath, Yoast SEO, or Schema Pro (WordPress)

o   Smart SEO (Shopify)

2.     Add it manually using the HTML editor of your site builder:

o   Paste the JSON-LD code right before the </head> or near the product description.

3.     Use tools like technicalseo.com/tools/schema-markup-generator/ to generate code for free.

 

3. Keep Listings Consistent

Whether your product is on your site, Amazon, Etsy, or Stan.store—your titles, keywords, and descriptions should match.

 

Use phrases your customer would actually search, like:

    • “best planner for solopreneurs”
    • “undated productivity journal under $50”

  Use the same product/service name, description, and keywords across:

    • Your website
    • Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or Stan.store
    • Social media bios
    • Google Business Profile
    • Directories like Yelp or Alignable
    • Keep product images named clearly (e.g., productivitypro-planner-front.jpg) and use the same alt text:
    • “ProductivityPro Planner – daily planner for entrepreneurs.”

 

Update regularly: Review listings monthly to keep details aligned.

 

4. Build Trust & Authority

AI trusts authority. That means you need to show:

·       Testimonials from real customers.

·       Links to features in media or trusted blogs.

·       Social proof and expert credentials, like being a speaker or coach.

 

Create a Trust Page

·       Showcase testimonials, reviews, logos of companies you’ve worked with, or before/after case studies.

·       Add certifications, media features, podcasts you’ve appeared on.

 

Embed Testimonials on Product Pages

·      Use screenshots from reviews or social media

·      Use this format:

o   “I’ve tried 4 planners, and this one actually keeps me focused. I doubled my output. – Sarah L., Etsy Seller”

 

Contribute to Blogs or Podcasts

·       Write guest posts or share expertise on small podcasts (even local ones).

·       Link those back to your site to build inbound authority signals.

5. Use ChatGPT/AI to Create GEO-Optimized Descriptions

Prompt your way into better visibility. Here's a ready-to-use prompt:

 

Prompt:

 

You are an expert GEO content writer helping entrepreneurs get their product or service featured in AI-generated search results.

 

Write a GEO-optimized [product/service] description for [target audience] who are searching for [specific pain point]. Include the following:

 

- A question-based hook that sounds like a real search query

- A clear product/service name

- A 2–3 sentence description that highlights benefits, features, and who it’s for

- A meta title (under 60 characters) that includes the keyword

- A meta description (under 160 characters) that would appeal to someone skimming search results

- Use plain, actionable language and remove all jargon

 

Context:

- My brand name is [Insert]

- My price is [Insert]

- It’s available on [Platform]

- Bonus features include [Insert]

 

Output format: title, description, meta title, meta description

 

Sample Output for a Product (Daily Planner)

Inputs:

·       Product Type: Daily Productivity Planner

·       Target Audience: Busy entrepreneurs

·       Pain Point: Feeling overwhelmed, can’t stay organized

·       Desired Outcome: Want structure and to feel in control

 

Example Output:

Hook: What’s the best productivity planner for busy entrepreneurs who feel overwhelmed and need a simple way to stay focused?

Product Name: ProductivityPro Daily Planner

Description: Designed for founders, freelancers, and side-hustlers, the ProductivityPro Daily Planner brings structure to chaos. With a 90-day layout, daily focus blocks, and built-in weekly reviews, it helps you take control of your time, crush your goals, and stay consistent—even on your busiest days.

Meta Title: Daily Planner for Entrepreneurs | ProductivityPro

Meta Description: Stay focused and organized with a planner made for busy entrepreneurs. Gain clarity, build momentum, and finally feel in control.

 

Sample Output for a Service

Hook: What’s the best content coaching service for solo entrepreneurs on a budget?

Service Name: Clarity Sessions by Alex Monroe

Description: Struggling to turn ideas into content that converts? Clarity Sessions give entrepreneurs a simple 3-step strategy to build a content engine that saves time and attracts ideal clients. $97/session on Zoom, flexible scheduling available.

Meta Title: Content Coaching for Entrepreneurs | Clarity Sessions

Meta Description: Affordable 1-on-1 coaching to simplify content and attract ideal clients. Book your session today.

 

6. Monitor and Adjust (aka GEO is Never “Set It and Forget It”)

GEO is not a one-time setup—it’s an evolving strategy. Your traffic will shift, AI tools will change what they prioritize, and your customers’ questions will evolve. To stay relevant, you need to track what’s working.

 

What to Monitor Weekly

1. Top Landing Pages

·       These are the first pages users land on from a search.

·       Look at traffic patterns to see which blogs, products, or services are performing best.

·       GEO-prioritize these pages by tightening the language, refreshing content, and enhancing schema markup.

 

2. Referral Sources

·       Where are your visitors coming from? (Google, Bing, social, AI?)

·       A spike in “direct” or “other” traffic could indicate AI-driven visibility.

 

3. Top Queries

·       Tools like Google Search Console (free!) show which keywords and questions led to clicks.

·       Use this data to guide your next content piece or product description rewrite.

 

🛠️ Tools You Can Use

·       Shopify Analytics:

o   Go to Reports → Sessions by Landing Page

o   Pair with Sales by Product for conversion insights

·       WooCommerce / WordPress (via Jetpack or plugins):

o   Use tools like MonsterInsights or Site Kit to track user behavior

o   Install Yoast or RankMath for schema management and keyword tracking

·       Google Analytics 4 (GA4):

o   View Reports → Engagement → Pages and Screens

o   Check Traffic Acquisition to see what channels are working

o   Use Explore mode to build custom funnels

💡 Pro Tip: Set a recurring weekly or bi-weekly reminder to review your top content. Add a note: “Update GEO targeting—are we still the answer?”

 

Don’t Wait - Start Small and Build Momentum

AI isn’t just changing how people search—it’s changing who they trust. If you’re not showing up in AI-generated answers, you’re missing the fastest-growing source of organic leads.

Start today by reframing your top product pages or service offers to answer real questions. Update your titles and metadata. Make it easy for AI to choose you.

 

Start with:

  • One product or service page
  • One blog post rewritten like an AI answer
  • One schema markup block

 

Track what shows up in AI results over 30–60 days. GEO is the long game—but the ones who move early will dominate tomorrow's visibility.

 

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