How GEO and AIO Are Transforming Traditional SEO Strategies
Written by
SoftPrudence
Published on
September 18, 2025
Read time
10 minute read
You are already familiar with the term SEO if you have been working on websites for some time. It’s the art of making your website show up when someone types in a Google search query. To do this, the right keywords had to be chosen, articles had to be written around them, and links had to be built over time.
But the way people search is changing. Instead of clicking through ten links, many now get their answers directly from AI tools or from Google’s new “AI Overview” feature. This is where GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AIO (AI Overview Optimization) come into play.
These two ideas don’t kill SEO. Like fresh tools in the same toolbox, they sit next to it. Even in a world where clicks are becoming less prevalent, your brand can still be found if you know how to leverage them.
What Do GEO and AIO Actually Mean?
Let’s keep this very simple.
- GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): This is about making your content ready for AI engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google Gemini. When people ask those systems a question, they pull answers from different sites. GEO makes sure your site is one of the sources they use.
- AIO (AI Overview Optimization): This is about getting your content into the AI Overview boxes at the top of Google search results. Even if people don’t click, your brand gets seen.
Both of these go hand in hand with SEO. Think of SEO as getting your page on Google, AIO as getting your page inside Google’s new summaries, and GEO as getting your page noticed by AI tools outside of Google.
How They Compare With Traditional SEO
Here’s a plain breakdown:
Traditional SEO | GEO and AIO |
Focus on ranking pages | Focus on being cited in AI answers |
excessive usage of backlinks and keywords | Focus on context, clarity, and depth |
Users click sites for full info | Users often get what they need from summaries |
Success = clicks and traffic | Success = mentions and visibility |
So, SEO is still useful. But if you don’t also pay attention to GEO and AIO, your content could get left behind while competitors get highlighted by AI.
Why GEO and AIO Matter So Much
Think about how you use the internet today. If you ask “best phone for under $500,” chances are you’ll see a ready-made answer at the top of Google. Or you’ll ask a chatbot, and it will give you a neat list.
- That neat list comes from websites that understand GEO.
- That Google summary comes from websites that worked on AIO.
- And the old rankings are still there thanks to SEO.
This is why the three now work together. You can’t ignore any of them.
How to optimize your content for GEO and AIO
1. Make content easy to scan
Easy-to-scan and read content is preferred by both humans and AI. Make use of bullet points, headings, and brief summaries. Think of your article like a guidebook – you want readers and AI to quickly see what’s useful.
2. Go deeper than the basics
If you only write surface-level articles, AI may not pick your site as a source. Cover a topic in full. If you are writing about digital marketing tips, then don’t stop at general advice – add examples, step-by-step guides, and answers to small related questions.
3. Use Schema markup
Schema is the extra code that tells Google what your page is about. For example, the FAQs schema signals that you are answering common questions. The review schema shows product ratings.
4. Keep updating your pages
Nobody wants old information. If your article is about the best laptops, lists models from 2021, AI engines won’t bother using it. Update your content regularly so it stays fresh. This is a habit that helps with traditional SEO, too.
5. Focus on Intent, Not Just Keywords
Old-school SEO was all about keywords. Today, intent matters more. People want a clear, comprehensive response when they search for “how to fix a leaking tap,” not a page full of the terms “fix leaking tap.”
Because AI systems are particularly adept at identifying helpful responses, be sure your material is concise and useful.
6. Mix AI Tools With Human Writing
AI can assist you with outline creation, content gap analysis, and brainstorming. However, don’t depend entirely on it. Add your own voice, personal experiences, and opinions. This is what gives your content authenticity, which GEO and AIO value.
7. Track Mentions, Not Just Traffic
In traditional SEO, success meant more clicks. With AIO and GEO, success also means being cited in answers even when users don’t click. Keep an eye on how often your brand shows up in summaries or AI responses.
8. Prepare for Zero-Click Searches
This is a big one. Many searches now end right on the results page because the answer is already shown. Instead of panicking about fewer clicks, adjust your goals. Being included in those answers still builds brand awareness.
A Practical Example
Imagine you run a food blog.
- With SEO, you’d write “10 Easy Pasta Recipes” and hope to rank on page one.
- With AIO, you’d structure your article so Google’s AI Overview shows your recipes when someone searches “quick pasta meals.”
- With GEO, you’d make sure your blog is easy for tools like ChatGPT to reference when users ask for “best pasta recipes.”
This way, you’re not just chasing clicks, you’re showing up wherever people search.
What Marketers Can Do Right Now
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Verify the clarity, completeness, and timeliness of your earlier content.
- Include schema (FAQs, how-to guides, reviews) where applicable.
- Start tracking brand mentions in AI tools.
- Teach your team to consider AIO, GEO, and SEO collectively.
- Pay attention to original discoveries that are difficult for AI to produce.
FAQ's
No. SEO is still essential. But now it works alongside GEO and AIO.
Yes. Smaller sites can actually stand out faster by being clear and complete, while bigger competitors are slower to adapt.
Not really. Basic schema and structured formatting are easy to apply with plugins or website tools.
Search for your target questions and check if Google’s AI Overview cites your site. That’s a sign your AIO efforts are paying off
Conclusion
People’s search habits are changing. Although GEO and AIO are changing the rules of visibility, SEO still provides the framework. Citations, summaries, and the way AI algorithms extract information are now important considerations rather than just rankings.
The basics don’t change: create useful, clear, and updated content. What’s new is how that content gets seen. By blending SEO, GEO, and AIO, you make sure your brand shows up not only on Google’s pages but also inside AI-driven answers, the place where users are now spending most of their time.