Search Isn’t What It Used To Be
Remember when searching meant typing something into Google, scrolling through a list of blue links, and clicking around? Those days are fading fast.
Now people are talking to AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Claude. Instead of ten blue links, they get one nice little answer. Straight. Simple. Fast.
Problem is, if your business isn’t mentioned in that answer, you don’t exist.
Welcome to Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO).
What Is GEO? (In Plain English)
Generative Engine Optimisation is about getting your business named inside AI-generated answers.
Forget trying to rank on page one of Google. With GEO, you’re trying to make sure when someone asks AI a question – your name pops up.
Example: Someone asks ChatGPT: “Who’s a good kitchen fitter in Tunbridge Wells?”
If your business name doesn’t come out of its digital mouth, you just lost a customer.
The twist? AI doesn’t just pull from your website. It scrapes everything: blogs, reviews, articles, social media, directories, podcasts, videos. Basically, the entire internet is fair game.
How Is GEO Different from SEO?
SEO is the old fight: battling for a spot on Google’s search results.
GEO is the new fight: getting included when AI gives people answers.
Google reads your website. AI reads the whole internet.
That means:
- Keywords alone won’t save you.
- SEO hacks don’t carry as much weight.
- Reputation, mentions, and trust signals suddenly matter a lot more.
What Actually Helps You Show Up In AI Answers?
Here’s where it gets practical. This isn’t about hiring a coder or learning some black magic. It’s basic, real-world stuff you should be doing anyway:
- Get talked about online. Reviews, blog mentions, PR, podcasts, interviews. (mastering online reviews)
- Get listed in trusted places: Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, Yelp, Trustpilot, industry-specific directories like Checkatrade, Houzz, or TripAdvisor.
- Use clear language on your website. Write like a human. Explain what you do. (how to get found on ‘near me’ searches)
- Add proper info behind-the-scenes (structured data/schema) so machines can easily read it. (schema markup guide)
- Answer real customer questions directly on your site and socials.
- Keep your content fresh, helpful, and written for actual people.
- Build authority: positive reviews, happy customers, real-world reputation.
Why Small Businesses Shouldn’t Ignore GEO
AI isn’t a futuristic buzzword anymore. It’s already influencing how people discover businesses.
People trust AI answers more than they should. If your competitors show up and you don’t, they’re stealing attention, enquiries, and sales.
And this isn’t something to deal with “next year.” GEO is happening right now.
It’s not about replacing SEO. It’s about adding another way to get found. Another way to pull in leads while others are still wondering why their Google rankings aren’t enough.
You Don’t Need To Panic (Yet)
Relax. SEO still matters. Your website still matters.
Think of GEO like this: first, get your house in order (good SEO, solid site, proper tracking). Then, start getting the neighbours talking about you (reviews, mentions, content, authority).
That’s where Rankfresh comes in. We’re already helping clients build visibility not just for Google, but for the AI-powered future that’s already here.
Curious where your business stands?
