The goal of search is no longer to get a click. It's to be the source for the AI-generated answer. This requires Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the technical practice of structuring your content to be chosen by AI.
These systems use a process called Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). First, they retrieve relevant web pages, then extract key facts, and finally generate an answer. GEO is about technically optimizing your content to win those first two steps.
Make your content easy for an algorithm to deconstruct and use.
Structure articles with questions in your headers (<h2>, <h3>) followed immediately by direct, concise answers.
Put the most critical information or summary in the very first paragraph. Algorithms prioritize information that appears early.
Use bullet points (<ul>), numbered lists (<ol>), and tables to present information. These are easily extractable formats.
AIs match concepts, not just keywords, using vector embeddings. Show them you're an expert on the entire topic.
Create a central "hub" page for a broad topic that links out to detailed "spoke" pages on sub-topics. This signals comprehensive authority.
Use a wide range of synonyms and related concepts. This helps your content match the thousands of ways a user might ask about your subject.
An AI needs to know who you are and why you're a trustworthy source. Use Schema.org markup to define your digital identity.
Use JSON-LD to implement:
Here's how to implement these strategies in practice:
Use semantic HTML5 elements like <article>, <section>, and proper heading hierarchy.
Add JSON-LD structured data to help AI systems understand your content's context and authority.
Create clear answer blocks, use data-rich content, and maintain consistent internal linking patterns.
GEO is a technical discipline. By structuring content as clean, authoritative data, you shift from chasing rankings to becoming the foundational source for the AI itself.
Get a technical audit of how well your content is structured for AI systems and discovery.
Technical GEO Analysis - €1.99Published: August 16, 2025