Generative Engine Optimization Isn’t Replacing SEO

Every time I get on Linkedin lately, it’s buzzing with talk that Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is replacing Search Engine Optimization (SEO). As an SEO professional, I definitely felt that panic too. And on the other hand, there are concerned business owners who think they need to rush out and hire a GEO specialist. 

After reading countless articles and consulting with others that work in SEO, here’s the truth: GEO might be a newer term, but the whole process for optimizing content really isn’t that new after all. 

GEO vs SEO: What Even Are They?

Sometimes I need to understand that just because my work life revolves around SEO, doesn’t mean everyone knows exactly what it is. Realistically, SEO is something people encounter all the time, and it actually impacts their online experience more than one might think. So let’s dive into what GEO and SEO both mean. 

SEO 

SEO is short for Search Engine Optimization. When you search something on Google and the results appear, there are multiple factors that go into what shows up closer to the top. Google doesn’t just put any page up there, so you have to make sure your content is up to par.

GEO

GEO focuses on optimizing content so it gets picked up by AI-powered features like Google’s AI overview panels, which summarize info right at the top of search results instead of just listing links.

What’s the Difference Between An SEO Strategy and a GEO Strategy?

I think the biggest misconception right now is that if you want to show up in AI overviews, you should toss your SEO strategy out the window and focus only on GEO. Luckily, that’s just not how it works, so no need to panic. 

Keyword optimization, semantic relevance, and technical SEO are still super important for SEO and GEO alike. But GEO? It definitely loves a few other things more.

AI-generated answers tend to pick content that’s:

• Easy to summarize (because AI doesn’t want to do all the heavy lifting)

• Well-structured (think clear headings, lists, and Q&As)

• Authoritative and trustworthy (because nobody trusts a shady website, not even AI)

These aren’t some shiny new ranking hacks. Honestly, you should’ve been doing this stuff all along for SEO. But now, they matter even more. Building authority (like backlinks, mentions, showing your expertise) is no longer optional. If your content lacks credibility or structure, good luck showing up in AI Overview.

So if you’ve been playing the SEO game right, congratulations, you’re probably nailing GEO without even realizing it.

Generative Engine Optimization = Still SEO

According to Eli Schwarts’ article, First you need an SEO strategy, not a GEO tool, “SEO is here to stay, although the practices and tactics will inevitably change”, and I couldn’t agree more. 

You really don’t need a brand-new game plan to adapt to GEO (or even one that’s much different); however, you do need to start caring more about clarity, structure, and authority. Get those factors down, and you’re already ahead of the so-called GEO curve.