Generative Engine Optimization is a young discipline, and most of what's written about it online is marketing dressed up as explanation. This guide tries to be the exception — sourced back to the actual research where it exists, and honest about what's still settling as an industry norm versus what's established.
Fundamentals
Where the term actually comes from, and how it differs from AEO, AIO and "AI SEO." Read the definition →
Why a generative engine's "ranking signal" isn't on your website at all. Read the mechanics →
Where they overlap, and where optimising for one does nothing for the other. Read the comparison →
The building blocks
What it actually means to be "cited" by an AI answer, and how that gets earned. Read more →
The measurable outcome GEO work is actually trying to move. Read more →
Why being a recognisable "thing," not just a string of text, matters to AI systems. Read more →
Why credibility signals matter even more when a model is choosing what to trust. Read more →
Channels worth understanding specifically
Why it's disproportionately cited by AI answers, and how to show up there honestly. Read more →
Earned third-party coverage as a GEO tactic, not just a traditional SEO one. Read more →
Want to know where your brand actually stands with AI models right now? See how our AI Visibility tracking works, or what's included in our tiers.