Have you ever just typed something into Google and compared it to asking the same thing in ChatGPT or Perplexity? Guess what? The answers probably don’t look like each other very much. That’s because the internet is not just about search engines (SEO) anymore—it’s also about generative engines (GEO).
If SEO is about ranking on Google, GEO is about showing up in the answers generated by AI tools. Both matter. And if you’re a blogger, business owner, or marketer, learning how to balance SEO and GEO is key to being seen in 2025 and beyond.
Let’s break this down in plain, human language.
What is SEO?
SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is all about getting your website and content in front of search engines such as Google.
Consider it like getting a shop window ready—you dress it up so that passersby (Google users) will stop, glance, and enter.
A few important components of SEO:
- Keywords (what individuals search for)
- Backlinks (other websites linking to you)
- Page speed & mobile-friendliness
- Creating content that satisfies user questions
What is GEO?
GEO, or Generative Engine Optimization, is newer. It’s creating your content to appear when someone prompts a question to AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity.
Here, it’s not all about keywords—it’s about being clear, factual, and conversational. Generative engines extract answers from several sources, condense them, and present them in plain English.
Some of the key components of GEO:
- Writing content in a Q&A style
- Utilizing structured data (such as FAQs, lists, headings)
- Being trustworthy and cited in reputable places
- Explaining things simply so AI tools can easily “read” your content
SEO vs. GEO: What’s the Difference?
Let’s compare the two with an example.
Suppose someone asks, “Best time to visit Hampi?” On Google (SEO):
You’ll see a list of websites, blogs, and travel guides ranked based on keywords, backlinks, and authority.
On ChatGPT (GEO):
You’ll get a summarized answer like:
“The best time to visit Hampi is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and festivals like Hampi Utsav take place.”
That answer is often pulled from multiple sources.
So SEO is about ranking on a page of links, while GEO is about being part of the answer directly.
How to Balance SEO and GEO
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between them. In fact, they work best together.
1. Write for Humans First
If your content feels natural, is easy to read, and is helpful, it will work for both SEO and GEO. Avoid jargon and write like you’re explaining something to a friend.
2. Use Clear Structure
- Break content into sections with headings (like this blog).
- Insert bullet points and numbered lists—AI tools are fond of them.
- Utilize FAQs towards the end of blogs.
3. Combine Keywords with Chats
SEO favors keywords. GEO favors natural questions.
For instance, rather than targeting only “Hampi tourism,” include conversational elements like “When is the best time to go to Hampi?” or “Is Hampi family-friendly?”
4. Establish Authority
Both SEO and GEO engines favor credible websites.
- Receive backlinks from authentic websites.
- Quote authority or cite sources.
- Make your content true and current.
5. Think Long-Term
Google isn’t disappearing anytime soon. AI engines are merely expanding. The most intelligent approach is to play on both fields.
Simple Analogy
Imagine SEO as sending people to your store through the front door (Google search).
Think of GEO as others asking a guide (AI) where to go—and getting pointed to your store.
The best approach? Ensure your store appears wonderful and your word of mouth gets around, so both the highway and the guide lead to you.
Final Thoughts
SEO created the internet we have today. GEO is creating the internet of the future. Rather than be afraid of the shift, the brilliant play is to accept both.
- Leverage SEO to receive traffic from Google.
- Leverage GEO to ensure AI engines suggest to you.
For in the end, no matter if someone discovers you using a search bar or an AI chatbot, the objective is the same: to be seen, believed, and useful.
