Last updated: February 2026
Your Customers Are Asking AI for Recommendations. Is Your Business Showing Up?
ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and AI Overviews are changing how people find local businesses. When someone asks "best dentist near me" or "top rated HVAC company in Denver," AI engines are answering — not just listing links. GEO makes sure your business is the answer.
The Shift Is Already Here
AI search isn't the future — it's the present. And it's growing exponentially.
Weekly ChatGPT Users
Monthly Gemini Users
LLM Traffic Predicted to Overtake Traditional Google Search
When someone asks "best dentist near me" or "top rated HVAC company in Denver," AI engines are now answering — not just listing links. If your business isn't being cited, you're invisible to a rapidly growing segment of your market.
What Is Generative Engine Optimization?
GEO is the practice of positioning your business so AI platforms cite, recommend, or mention you when users ask relevant questions.
When someone asks ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity a question like "who's the best plumber in Denver?" — the AI doesn't show 10 blue links. It synthesizes information and recommends 2 to 7 businesses. That's the new first page.
Generative engine optimization for local businesses ensures your practice, shop, or firm is among those cited sources — earning trust and leads from AI-first consumers.
Earns a spot among 10 blue links on a search results page
Earns a place among the 2–7 sources AI engines cite in their answers
GEO vs. Traditional SEO
Both strategies matter. GEO builds on SEO fundamentals but adds specific tactics for AI visibility. A marketing agency that does GEO and SEO together delivers the strongest results.
Our GEO Strategy: 5 Pillars
A future-proof local SEO strategy that positions your business for both traditional and AI search.
Authoritative Content Creation
Original research, proprietary data, and case studies with real metrics. AI engines prioritize unique, first-party content they can't find anywhere else.
Schema Markup Optimization
FAQ, HowTo, LocalBusiness, and Speakable schema markup that helps AI engines understand exactly what your business does and where you serve.
Multi-Platform Presence
Strategic presence on Reddit, LinkedIn, industry forums, and directories where AI engines scan for authentic expertise and real-world recommendations.
Citation Earning
PR mentions, guest posts on authoritative sites, and premium directory listings that build the kind of third-party validation AI engines trust.
Freshness Signals
Regular content updates, timestamps, current data references, and ongoing optimization that signal to AI engines your information is reliable and current.
AI Platforms We Optimize For
ChatGPT
800M+ weekly users
The most widely used AI assistant. When users ask for local business recommendations, your business needs to be in ChatGPT's knowledge.
Google Gemini
750M+ monthly users
Google's AI assistant is deeply integrated with Search. Gemini visibility feeds directly into Google's ecosystem.
Google AI Overviews
Integrated into Google Search
AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. The new 'position zero' that captures attention before organic listings.
Perplexity AI
Growing rapidly
An AI-powered search engine that cites sources directly. Being a cited source in Perplexity builds authority and drives referral traffic.
Who Benefits Most from GEO?
Local service businesses in competitive markets where AI is becoming the first touchpoint for customers.
If your customers are asking AI "who's the best [your service] near me?" — you need a GEO strategy. The businesses that invest in AI visibility now will dominate their markets as AI search adoption accelerates.
GEO & AI Search FAQ
Ready to Be the Answer?
Get a free AI visibility audit and discover how your business appears (or doesn't) in ChatGPT, Gemini, and Google AI Overviews.