Search engines are changing fast, and old SEO methods aren’t enough to keep your brand visible anymore. With the growth of AI-powered search engines and Large Language Models (LLMs), marketers need to learn a new way of doing things. That’s where Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) comes in – a group of strategies that help your brand get noticed in AI-driven search results. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 GEO strategies that can improve your brand’s visibility and help it stay competitive in this new search environment.
1. Get featured in listicles
One powerful way to make your brand more visible in AI-driven search results is by getting it mentioned in well-known listicles. These are articles like “Best tools for X” or “Alternatives to [Competitor],” which often show up in responses from AI tools using Large Language Models (LLMs).
Not only do these listicles drive AI visibility, but they also provide valuable referral traffic from search engines. Here’s how you can quickly identify opportunities for listicle placements:
- Reverse-engineer LLM sources: Identify the listicles LLMs use and aim to get your brand mentioned in those sources.
- Analyze sources across the web: Look for websites or articles that frequently appear in AI-generated search results.
- Look for competitor placements: Check which listicles are featuring your competitors and find ways to get your brand included as well.
By securing placements in listicles, you’ll gain not only AI visibility but also organic traffic that is highly relevant to your business.
2. Leverage deep research qualifiers
Deep research qualifiers are a method that has shown significant promise in creating content that resonates with AI-driven search engines. This technique, discussed by Steve Toth on seonotebook.com, involves asking qualifying questions before diving into research. For example, when entering a query like “best field sales software,” the system will prompt you with questions about features, pricing, company size, and industry/role targeting before providing any research.
This approach helps you tailor content based on specific buyer needs, ensuring your content is more likely to be referenced in LLM responses for relevant queries.
3. Create solution and product-aware content
When developing content for AI search engines, focus on filling feature pages and competitor comparison content gaps. LLMs often pull from these types of detailed, product-focused pages when generating search results, especially for longer-tail consideration-stage queries.
Rather than focusing purely on high-volume keywords, create content that addresses the real concerns of your target audience. Consider what questions your prospects are asking during their research phase, and craft content that answers those questions thoroughly.
4. Prioritize content depth over word count
While many marketers focus on word count, LLMs care more about content depth. To make your content more likely to be referenced in AI search results, aim to answer the key questions your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) would ask.
Incorporate conversational phrases over isolated keywords, as LLMs often prioritize content that feels natural and relevant. Content that answers specific queries in-depth (such as “What are the benefits of XYZ software for small businesses?”) will have a higher chance of ranking in AI search results.
5. Use original data and expert insights
LLMs highly value original data and expert insights in search results. Content that includes research, statistics, and expert quotes is more likely to be referenced by AI systems due to its perceived uniqueness and authority.
To ensure your content stands out:
- Source data from Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) whenever possible.
- Present findings in clear formats, like tables, bullet points, and case studies.
- Make your data and insights easy for LLMs to parse by including methodologies, expert backgrounds, and source links.
Unique and well-structured content will have a higher chance of being cited in AI-generated search results, ultimately boosting your brand’s visibility.
6. Align with PR for increased brand credibility
Even though AI search is becoming more important, traditional PR is still a key part of getting your brand noticed. Being mentioned in well-known industry publications and news outlets builds trust and makes it more likely that Large Language Models (LLMs) will include your brand in search results.
To boost your brand’s standing:
- Target PR placements in high-authority outlets relevant to your industry.
- Ensure your brand is mentioned alongside relevant keywords to ensure LLMs associate your brand with those terms.
By aligning your PR efforts with the right keywords and publications, you enhance your brand’s credibility in both human and AI searches.
7. Develop a comprehensive FAQ page
AI search engines are highly focused on answering user queries in a question-answer format. This makes a well-structured FAQ page a powerful tool for improving your visibility in LLM responses.
Key FAQs to address:
- Features: What features does your product or service offer?
- Pricing: How much does your product cost?
- Differentiation: What makes your brand different from the competition?
An FAQ page is an excellent opportunity to preemptively answer the questions that potential customers (and LLMs) are likely to ask.
8. Optimize for tail consideration-stage queries
In AI-powered search, long-tail keywords matter more than ever. These are detailed searches like “Best CRM for small businesses with under 50 employees” or “Affordable project management software for remote teams”—the kind users and AI tools often rely on.
By creating content that matches these specific searches, you can tap into clear user intent and boost your chances of showing up in AI search results. Don’t just aim for general keywords—focus on niche topics that match your product’s unique strengths.
9. Encourage User-Generated Content (UGC) and reviews
User-generated content (UGC), such as reviews, testimonials, and social media mentions, can significantly boost your brand’s visibility in AI-powered search engines. LLMs often pull from user-generated content to provide social proof and reinforce trustworthiness in search results.
Encourage your customers to leave reviews and share their experiences on platforms like Reddit, Quora, Clutch, Trustpilot, and G2. These platforms are often cited by LLMs when generating search results, providing you with an opportunity to gain credibility and exposure.
10. Continuously monitor and optimize
Finally, to stay ahead of the curve, it’s important to monitor your brand visibility in AI search engines like ChatGPT or Perplexity. AI visibility tracking tools can help you track how your brand is performing in LLMs and adjust your strategies accordingly.
By staying on top of the latest trends and algorithm changes, you can fine-tune your GEO tactics and ensure your brand remains visible in the rapidly evolving search landscape.
Interested in more tips to optimize for GEO? Read our GEO checklist.
