Traditional search is undergoing its biggest revolution in twenty years. With AI search assistants like Google Gemini, OpenAI Search, and Perplexity answering user questions directly, local businesses need to shift from SEO to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
1. What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
GEO is the practice of structuring your website’s content, reviews, and entity data so that AI models can easily parse, trust, and cite your business in their answers. When a user asks an AI: “Find me a reliable commercial painter in Edmonton,” the AI crawls structured schemas, local directories, and reviews to synthesize its response.
2. Three Actions to Get Your Website Cited by AI
- Clear Entity Structures: Use standard JSON-LD Schema markup to define your exact business type, location, and service list.
- Deep-Dive Case Studies: AIs prefer in-depth, long-form content that answers specific “how” and “why” questions over shallow sales copy.
- Review Consistency: Ensure your reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook are active, as LLMs frequently cross-reference directories to measure credibility.