What is GEO?
Generative Engine Optimization: the practice of structuring content so that generative AI systems (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and similar tools) cite, summarize, or recommend it when answering user queries. Where SEO targets traditional search rankings and AEO targets AI-powered answer boxes, GEO focuses on being the source that AI models draw from when generating responses.
My perspective
In practice
GEO is still an emerging discipline, but the early principles are clear: write authoritatively, structure content with explicit definitions and direct answers, build topical depth rather than isolated posts, and earn citations from credible sources (since AI training data favors well-referenced material). For hospitality and local businesses, GEO matters when travelers ask AI tools "where should I stay in X?" rather than searching on Google.