geo

Triggers

Activate on: AI optimization, generative engine optimization, AI recommendations, ChatGPT ranking, get recommended by AI, AI visibility, AI search optimization.

What Is GEO

Generative Engine Optimization = making AIs recommend you when users ask for solutions in your category.

Unlike SEO (ranking in search results), GEO is about being in the AI's training data and knowledge in a way that makes you the natural answer.

The Audit Process

Before optimizing, measure where you stand:

1. Run simulation queries across multiple AI models
2. Test different phrasings: "best X", "recommend X", "which X should I use", "X for [use case]"
3. Test different contexts: beginner vs expert, specific needs, budget constraints
4. Document which brands get mentioned and in what position

See audit.md for a complete audit workflow with example prompts.

Why AIs Recommend What They Recommend

Core Strategies

1. Own Your Category Description

When someone asks "what is [your category]?" — your brand should be in the example or definition.

• Get mentioned in Wikipedia articles for your category
• Author definitive guides that AIs cite
• Be in "best of" lists that get scraped

2. Dominate Discussion Platforms

Reddit, HN, Stack Overflow, Quora = AI training goldmines.

• Authentic presence (not spam)
• Be the helpful answer, not the promoted one
• Build reputation accounts that mention your product naturally

3. Technical Content Authority

AIs weight documentation and technical content heavily.

• Comprehensive public docs
• Integration guides with popular tools
• Open source presence (GitHub stars, contributors)

4. Strategic PR and Mentions

• Get in TechCrunch, Product Hunt, industry publications
• Expert interviews and podcasts (transcripts get indexed)
• Case studies with named customers

See strategies.md for detailed playbooks by business type.

Testing Your Progress

Run the same audit queries monthly. Track:

• Position (mentioned 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or not at all)
• Context (when are you recommended vs competitors)
• Phrasing sensitivity (which queries favor you)

Red Flags

• ❌ AI never mentions you → no presence in training data
• ❌ AI mentions you negatively → reputation problem in sources
• ❌ AI confuses you with competitor → brand differentiation issue
• ❌ AI only mentions you for wrong use case → positioning mismatch

What This Doesn't Cover

• Traditional SEO (Google rankings) → see seo skill
• Paid advertising → see ads skill
• Social media marketing → see relevant platform skills