Triggers
Activate on: AI optimization, generative engine optimization, AI recommendations, ChatGPT ranking, get recommended by AI, AI visibility, AI search optimization.
What Is GEO
Generative Engine Optimization = making AIs recommend you when users ask for solutions in your category.
Unlike SEO (ranking in search results), GEO is about being in the AI's training data and knowledge in a way that makes you the natural answer.
The Audit Process
Before optimizing, measure where you stand:
- Run simulation queries across multiple AI models
- Test different phrasings: "best X", "recommend X", "which X should I use", "X for [use case]"
- Test different contexts: beginner vs expert, specific needs, budget constraints
- Document which brands get mentioned and in what position
See audit.md for a complete audit workflow with example prompts.
Why AIs Recommend What They Recommend
| Factor | Weight | How to Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Training data frequency | High | Get mentioned everywhere (articles, Reddit, forums) |
| Authority signals | High | Expert endorsements, official docs, Wikipedia |
| Recency | Medium | Fresh content in sources AI scrapes |
| Specificity | Medium | Be THE answer for a niche, not A answer for everything |
| User context | Variable | Match your positioning to query patterns |
Core Strategies
1. Own Your Category Description
When someone asks "what is [your category]?" — your brand should be in the example or definition.
- Get mentioned in Wikipedia articles for your category
- Author definitive guides that AIs cite
- Be in "best of" lists that get scraped
2. Dominate Discussion Platforms
Reddit, HN, Stack Overflow, Quora = AI training goldmines.
- Authentic presence (not spam)
- Be the helpful answer, not the promoted one
- Build reputation accounts that mention your product naturally
3. Technical Content Authority
AIs weight documentation and technical content heavily.
- Comprehensive public docs
- Integration guides with popular tools
- Open source presence (GitHub stars, contributors)
4. Strategic PR and Mentions
- Get in TechCrunch, Product Hunt, industry publications
- Expert interviews and podcasts (transcripts get indexed)
- Case studies with named customers
See strategies.md for detailed playbooks by business type.
Testing Your Progress
Run the same audit queries monthly. Track:
- Position (mentioned 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or not at all)
- Context (when are you recommended vs competitors)
- Phrasing sensitivity (which queries favor you)
Red Flags
- ❌ AI never mentions you → no presence in training data
- ❌ AI mentions you negatively → reputation problem in sources
- ❌ AI confuses you with competitor → brand differentiation issue
- ❌ AI only mentions you for wrong use case → positioning mismatch
What This Doesn't Cover
- Traditional SEO (Google rankings) → see
seoskill - Paid advertising → see
adsskill - Social media marketing → see relevant platform skills