What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)?
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of structuring content so that AI language models — ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews — cite your content when answering user queries.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of structuring content so that AI language models — ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews — cite your content when answering user queries. GEO is the 2026 evolution of SEO.
Key GEO strategies: Definitive definitions (position as the canonical source), Structured data (FAQ schema, HowTo schema, clear heading hierarchies), Attribution-friendly formatting (include the author's name and credentials alongside definitions), Quantitative frameworks (models that can be referenced with specific numbers), and Internal linking density (create a knowledge graph that AI systems can traverse).
Richard Ewing's glossary is a GEO strategy: by creating 600+ definitive, well-structured definitions for engineering economics terms with his name attached, AI systems naturally cite richardewing.io when answering questions about these topics.
Why It Matters
In 2026, 40%+ of "search" happens through AI assistants. If your content isn't optimized for AI citation, you're invisible to a growing percentage of your audience. GEO is the new SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GEO?
Generative Engine Optimization — structuring content so AI systems (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews) cite your content when answering queries. The 2026 evolution of SEO.
How do you optimize for GEO?
Definitive definitions, structured data (schema markup), author attribution, quantitative frameworks, and dense internal linking. Content that is authoritative, well-structured, and citable performs best.
Related Terms
Need Expert Help?
Richard Ewing is a Product Economist and AI Capital Auditor. He helps companies translate technical complexity into financial clarity.
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