Search now happens in two places: the classic Google results page and AI-generated answers from ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Google’s own AI Overviews. Search engine optimization (SEO) targets the first; generative engine optimization (GEO) targets the second. Most businesses need both, but in different proportions.
SEO gets you a place in the list of links. GEO gets your name into the answer.
SEO is measured in rankings, clicks and organic leads. GEO is measured in how often, and how accurately, AI assistants mention your brand for the questions your buyers ask. The two reinforce each other: strong, well-structured pages that rank on Google are also the pages AI systems most often cite.
- Shared foundations: crawlable site, fast pages, clear site structure, trustworthy content
- SEO emphasis: keyword targeting, backlinks, on-page optimisation, local pack rankings
- GEO emphasis: structured data, consistent entity information, quotable answer-style content, third-party mentions
- Measurement: rankings and traffic for SEO; prompt-level brand mentions and citations for GEO
How to Split Your Effort
If your site has technical problems, missing meta descriptions or thin pages, fix SEO fundamentals first; GEO depends on them. If you already rank but competitors are the ones named in AI answers, shift effort to GEO: structured data, FAQ content, directory and review coverage, and getting featured in industry roundups. For local businesses in Bengaluru and Chennai, a complete Google Business Profile helps both at once.
Want to know how AI assistants describe your business today? Marvice Media offers a free AI visibility check from our offices in Bengaluru (Koramangala) and Chennai (Nungambakkam). Call +91 80562 91930 or email info@marvice.in, or read about our Generative Engine Optimization service.
