AI didn’t change the game – it created a new sport. AI’s long language model (LLM) generative search engines are cool for content research, but then you realize that now you need a GEO strategy to stay ahead of the competition. If you’re like most in-house marketing teams juggling big projects and crowded content calendars, GEO content strategies make you want to cry. You could stick with your SEO strategy and call it a day. But you’ll fall behind the competition. Fast.
We examine Long Language Model (LLM) and Google Search, compare SEO vs. GEO content strategies, and introduce easy ways to incorporate GEO into your marketing.
Informing vs. Ranking: How LLMs and Google Search Are Different
LLMs, think ChatGPT, are rooted in massive datasets and common language patterns. Think long-tail searches. LLMs mimic a conversation, drawing on the massive data it has “learned.” Answers to your questions are research summaries, content outlines, and product recommendations. Some LLMs can base answers on real-time data or retrieval-augmented-generation (RAG).
Conversely, Google Search offers a list of websites and articles ranked in order of their relevance to your question or keywords. Think keyword searches. Google Search calls on data from crawling web pages for keyword relevancy.
LLMs spell it out for you, eliminating the need to click on an article or website, creating the “zero-click dilemma”. This new experience is a blessing and a curse. Summaries and outlines are easier and faster, but not clicking on links to your website and blogs reduces traffic.
GEO vs SEO Content Strategies: The Nuance You Need to Succeed
Brands want to be seen more than their competition. Success looks different in the where and why. LLMs have created the need for generative engine optimization (GEO) content strategies. As if you didn’t have enough pressure climbing to the top of Google’s SERPs, GEO strategies are shifting priorities to make it into an LLM’s response or answer as a citation. GEO strategies focus on visibility in these conversational search platforms and are content-driven.
Great SEO lands you a top spot on page one of a search for your keyword awesomeness. Success for GEO content optimization means visibility in AI Summaries and article or report citations.
So, how do you edge out your competition in LLM search responses? Write clear, well-written, and easily summarized content. You optimize content to be included in an LLM’s citations. These generative engines are more likely to cite or summarize web pages, articles, blogs, and research reports written in conversational tones that they recognize.
Yes, You Need Both: Here’s an Easier Way to Create a GEO Content Strategy
Google Search is still undefeated. According to a TTMS article, “LLM-Powered Search vs Traditional Search: 2025-2030,” the search engine has over 15 billion daily searches. Based on TechCrunch’s article, “ChatGPT users send 2.5 billion prompts a day,” ChatGPT is just getting started. Savvy marketers will strengthen SEO positions and pivot with GEO strategies to boost visibility and citations in LLM searches.
Keyword and long-tail research are likely already part of your planning. Many SEO tools are adding features that help GEO-strategy development. In the meantime, create questions and search prompts from your SEO keyword groups. Try searching for one of your products or solutions in ChatGPT and take note of the answers you get. Conduct a quick content audit and use top-performing topics, web page messaging, and FAQs to create articles, blogs, and well-structured content that generative search engines can cite. If it helps, think of GEO as the human side of search engines.
We would love to develop your GEO strategy and content. Let’s chat.
GEO Content Conclusion:
Compared to GEO, winning SEO strategies focus on keywords and competing for Google’s attention through webpage titles, meta descriptions, credible backlinks, blogs, social media posts, and ads to secure a spot on the SERP’s first page. A successful strategy drives traffic as users click on links to your website. Content is the center of GEO and SEO strategies, but the intention behind them differs. For GEO, success hinges on content structure and quality. SEO content serves as the vehicle for keywords to drive an effective strategy.
Sources:
Kapuscinski, Marcin, August 21, 2025, “LLM-Powered Search vs Traditional Search: 2025-2030,” TTMS.
Silberling, Amanda, “ChatGPT users send 2.5 billion prompts a day,” TechCrunch.
