What is the difference between SEO and GEO?

SEO is about ranking higher on Google and Bing. You optimize for keywords, backlinks, and site speed to show up in the top 10 blue links.

GEO is about showing up in AI-generated answers. When a renter asks ChatGPT “What are the best apartments in downtown Seattle under $2,000?”, they don't get a list of links. They get a direct answer with specific recommendations. GEO makes sure your property is one of them.

• SEO optimizes for ranking in a list of links. GEO optimizes for being mentioned in a synthesized answer.
• SEO targets search engine crawlers. GEO targets language models and AI agents.
• SEO relies on keywords and backlinks. GEO relies on structured data, entity authority, and factual accuracy.

They work together. You still need SEO, but GEO covers the AI discovery channels that SEO doesn't reach.