A lot of people today rely on AI, and most industries are well aware of it. Around three out of ten smartphones now come with built-in AI capabilities, a statistic we only expect to grow even more in the future.
From automation to providing valuable data, AI is helping businesses grow and reach their audience faster and more efficiently. Today, it’s shaping how search engines provide results.
If you want to stay competitive online, you’ll need to consider AI-driven results alongside your traditional search engine optimization (SEO) strategies.
We know how important it is to maintain ongoing SEO for brands, but with AI playing a bigger role in online search, businesses need to stay ahead. AI search results work differently, and we’re here to help you stay on top of the game.
What does this mean for your content? Here’s everything you need to know about making your content stand out in AI-powered search results.
What Is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
Let’s say you’re looking for the best restaurants in Calgary. Rather than typing and scrolling through your phone, you ask Siri or Google to give you that information. That’s what an AI-driven search result is.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a strategy that’s designed to make content visible to various AI search engines. What AI does is that it scans a vast pool of online data and finds the most ideal results based on the query. If your content is well-made and optimized, it has a bigger chance of being mentioned in an AI-driven search result.
How GEO Differs from Traditional SEO
For modern businesses, GEO is important. Instead of just ranking on a search engine’s first page, which is what SEO is, businesses also need to make sure that they’re recognized as viable results by AI.
Search engines are evolving, and so are optimization strategies. Here’s how GEO and SEO differ:
â—Ź Search Result Appearance: SEO aims for first-page rankings, while GEO targets AI-generated summaries and voice search results.
â—Ź Content Approach: SEO relies on keyword optimization and backlinks, while GEO emphasizes high-quality, entity-rich (person, place, organization, or concept), conversational content that directly answers user queries.
â—Ź Keyword Strategy: SEO uses short and competitive keywords, while GEO favours long-tail keywords that align more with natural language queries.
â—Ź User Experience: SEO aims to optimize click-through rates and dwell time, while GEO focuses more on making structured content that AI can easily interpret and repurpose.
â—Ź Technical Optimization: SEO prioritizes site speed and mobile responsiveness, while GEO ensures that AI can effectively extract and understand important information.
Both SEO and GEO remain essential. That said, businesses need to start integrating GEO strategies to stay relevant in AI-driven search.
How to Rank in AI-Driven Search Results
By 2026, traditional search engine traffic is expected to decrease by 25% as more and more users rely on AI chatbots to get the answers they need. It marks an exciting time to optimize your content with the possibilities of AI. Here are ways for you to make the most of this opportunity.
Quality and Relevant Content
AI prioritizes content that is informative and engaging. To be cited in AI-generated results, be sure that you create fresh, conversational content that incorporates different entities like people, places, and brands.
For instance, with the query we mentioned earlier, “the best restaurants in Calgary,” as a restaurant, you can feature up-to-date, locally relevant information and include user reviews. This helps AI understand the context and generate accurate responses.
Long-Term Keywords
Using long-tail keywords, which are four or more words long, can greatly improve your brand’s visibility in AI search. These are longer and more specific keyword phrases that directly answer user queries.
So, instead of using the relevant best restaurants keyword, optimize for other phrases as well, like best family-friendly restaurants in downtown Calgary or Calgary restaurants with live music.
User Experience
AI values content that engages users. A user-friendly website that’s easy to navigate and accessible for all types of users, including those with disabilities, increases dwell time and reduces bounce rates. This also drives lead generation.
Visually appealing content, clear calls to action, and a personalized experience further enhance user satisfaction. These factors signal to AI that your content is valuable and worth referencing. This way, they’ll prioritize your content in the search results.
Technical Factors
Don’t forget to optimize the technical side of your website. Your website should load quickly, be mobile-friendly, and follow structured data markup. AI pulls information from various sources, so having a technically reliable site increases your chances of being featured in AI-generated results.
Secure your website with HTTPS encryption to rank better, as AI and traditional search engines prioritize safety. Regularly audit your website for broken links, remove any outdated content, and avoid slow-loading elements to further improve your brand’s credibility.
Get Your Website AI-Ready with The Three Marketers
AI is revolutionizing the way people search for information. Traditional SEO is still necessary for gaining a strong online presence, but businesses must now embrace GEO to stay visible in the AI field. The more ways you optimize, the better prepared you will be for the future.
Need help optimizing your business for SEO and GEO? The Three Marketers specializes in crafting effective digital strategies that increase visibility, drive traffic, and boost engagement. Contact us today to unlock AI-driven growth for your brand.
