Learn
What is generative engine optimisation (GEO)?
Generative engine optimisation, or GEO, is the practice of making your business more likely to be mentioned when people ask AI tools for recommendations. Instead of ranking on a search results page, you're aiming to be the name an AI assistant suggests in its answer.
In plain English
GEO is about improving your chances of being recommended by AI chat tools, the way SEO is about improving your chances of ranking on Google. In plain English: it's SEO for questions people type into ChatGPT instead of Google.
Why does it matter for a small business?
More people are asking AI tools things like "best cafe in Nairobi" instead of typing into Google. If an AI assistant has never heard of your business, or doesn't trust the little information it finds, it simply won't mention you, no matter how good your coffee is. GEO is about closing that gap.
How is GEO different from local SEO?
Local SEO focuses on Google Maps and search results pages. GEO focuses on what large language models say when asked directly. The two overlap a lot, because AI tools often pull from the same kind of information: your Google Business Profile, reviews, and mentions around the web, so solid local SEO also supports GEO.
How do you check your AI visibility?
The only reliable way is to actually ask the AI tools the questions a customer might ask, such as "recommend a plumber near me", and see whether your business comes up. Doing this by hand across several tools takes time, which is why an automated check is useful.
How Local SEO AI helps
Local SEO AI runs an AI search check that asks ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Grok whether they'd recommend your business, then rechecks every two weeks so you can see if things are improving as you build up your profile and reviews.
Common questions
Is GEO the same as AEO?
They're closely related. GEO usually refers to optimising for generative AI tools broadly, while AEO focuses specifically on being the answer to a direct question. In practice the work overlaps a lot.
Can I guarantee an AI will recommend me?
No tool can guarantee that, including ours. AI tools decide what to say on their own, but keeping your information accurate and your reviews strong gives you a better chance.
Which AI tools does Local SEO AI check?
It checks ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Grok, asking each one whether it would recommend your business for relevant searches.
Do I need a website for GEO to work?
It helps, but isn't essential. A Google Business Profile and a brand page both give AI tools accurate information to draw on.