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How To Improve Your Website for Generative Engine Optimization?

ChatGPT

More and more people are asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude for answers instead of typing searches into Google.

That’s a big shift—and it’s happening fast. If you’re running a website, blog, online shop, or any kind of digital content, this change matters a lot.

It’s not just about ranking on Google anymore. Now, it’s about showing up when someone asks a generative AI a question.

That’s where Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) comes in. It’s like SEO’s smarter cousin.

While SEO helps your content rank on search engines, GEO helps your content get picked up and used by AI tools when they answer user questions. And no, this isn’t something coming five years from now—it’s already here.

If your site isn’t GEO-friendly, you’re probably missing out on traffic you don’t even realize you’re losing.

Let me break it all down for you, in plain language, no fluff.

What Is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

GEO is about helping AI tools understand and trust your content enough to include it in their answers.

Generative engines like ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews aren’t just showing links—they’re summarizing, paraphrasing, and pulling pieces of content from all over the web.

They’re deciding which sites to include in those summaries.

If your content is structured right, they’ll use it. If not, you’ll be left out, even if your site is technically optimized for SEO.

This means you need to write content that:

  • Answers questions clearly

  • Uses natural language

  • Feels trustworthy and accurate

  • Is easy for AI models to interpret and use

Why GEO Matters Right Now

Let’s talk real numbers.

According to a study by BrightEdge (2024), over 60% of all online sessions now start without a traditional search engine.

Instead, users go straight to AI chatbots, voice assistants, or platforms that integrate AI-generated results.

Plus, Google is rolling out AI Overviews to millions of users, and those results often push traditional search links even further down the page. That means if you’re only optimizing for old-school SEO, you’re fading into the background.

Also, OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT gets over 100 million active users every week, and many of those users are asking it to summarize, research, or recommend content.

If your site isn’t showing up in these answers, you’re invisible to a massive audience.

How do I Improve My Website for Generative Engine Optimization?

Alright, let’s get into the real stuff. Here’s what you can do to start showing up in AI-generated responses.

1. Write Like You Talk (To Real People)

AI tools love conversational content. They’re trained on how people speak and write naturally. So when your content sounds human, it’s easier for AI to understand and use.

  • Do this: Write in clear, simple sentences. Use natural phrasing like “how to,” “best way to,” or “what is.”

  • Avoid: Corporate-speak, long blocks of text, or too much jargon.

Think of your content like you’re explaining something to a friend over coffee.

2. Answer Specific Questions Clearly

If someone asks “What’s the best time to post on Instagram?”, AI looks for clear, useful, and direct answers. Give those answers in your content.

  • Use subheadings with question formats (like FAQs).

  • Include quick summaries after a heading.

  • Break answers into short paragraphs or bullet points.

Example:

What’s the best time to post on Instagram?
Based on recent data from Later (2024), the best time is 9 AM to 11 AM on weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

See how that’s clear, sourced, and specific? AI eats that up.

3. Structure Content for Scanners and Bots

Your layout matters a lot. AI models scan your content like a user skimming a page. The easier it is to read, the more likely it is to be used.

  • Use H1 for the title, H2s for major sections, and H3s for smaller ones.

  • Add bulleted or numbered lists when appropriate.

  • Keep paragraphs short—3 to 4 lines max.

4. Use Schema Markup (Without Getting Too Technical)

Okay, this is the one semi-tech thing, but it matters.

Schema markup helps search engines and AI tools understand the meaning of your content. Think of it as giving extra clues.

You can use tools like Schema Markup Generator to create simple FAQ, article, or how-to schemas. Just copy-paste the code into your page, and you’re set.

This helps AI engines find and pull your content when summarizing answers.

5. Focus on Authority and Trustworthiness

AI models are trained to prioritize accurate and helpful content. So you’ve got to show you know your stuff.

  • Link to high-quality sources (studies, official sites, data).

  • Keep your content updated regularly.

  • Add your name and background if you’re a subject-matter expert.

Also, showing who wrote the content builds trust with users and AI tools alike. You don’t need a fancy author bio—just something real.

6. Add Relevant FAQs at the End of Pages

FAQs are gold for GEO. They give AI tools bite-sized chunks of helpful info they can reuse.

Add 3–5 questions that relate to your topic. Use actual user questions you see on forums, Reddit, or search tools like AlsoAsked or Answer the Public.

7. Keep Your Content Up to Date

AI tools are trained on fresher data now, and outdated posts get ignored more often.

Make it a habit to update important pages every 6–12 months. Even small changes—like adding new stats or updating links—can help.

Bonus: Use These Tools To Help You

  • ChatGPT – Ask it how your page might show up in a result.

  • Surfer SEO or Frase – Helps you optimize based on SERPs and natural language.

  • Google Search Console – Still useful for tracking SEO performance and spotting GEO gaps.

FAQs

Is GEO replacing SEO?

No—but it’s a big new piece of the puzzle. Think of GEO as an upgrade to your existing SEO game.

How do I know if my content is being used in AI results?

It’s tricky, but you can run test prompts in tools like ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overview to see if your site shows up or gets mentioned.

What kind of content works best for GEO?

How-to guides, FAQs, comparisons, and list-style posts. Anything that directly answers user questions.

Do I need technical skills to optimize for GEO?

Not at all. Writing clearly and structuring your content well is 80% of the work. You can always ask a developer to help with schema if needed.

Final Thoughts

GEO isn’t just a buzzword. It’s how people are finding answers now—and how websites are either winning or losing traffic. If you create honest, useful, and easy-to-read content, you’re already halfway there.

You don’t need to chase every trend or master every tool. Start with your most valuable pages, update the content to be clear and conversational, and build from there.

Question for you:
What’s one thing you’re doing today to help your content stand out in this AI-powered internet?

Let’s keep the conversation going.

What do you think?

Written by Udemezue John

I specialize in SaaS marketing, SEO, and B2B strategies.

I share growth and marketing insights that help SaaS companies and agency owners accelerate their success.

I also provide valuable information that empowers entrepreneurs to navigate the digital world and achieve financial success.

Schedule a call now.

https://calendly.com/udemezue/30min

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