What is AI search optimisation (GEO)?

AI search optimisation, also called generative engine optimisation or GEO, is the work of making your business easy for AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Google’s AI answers to understand, trust and mention. It uses the same foundations as SEO, with more weight on clear facts, direct answers and what other sites say about you.

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Short answer above. Last updated 27 October 2026 by the Trusted Media team.

What it involves in practice

  • Stating clearly, on your own site, what you do, who for, where, and how to start.
  • Keeping your business facts identical across your website, Google Business Profile and directories.
  • Publishing honest answers to the questions buyers ask before they contact you.
  • Adding accurate structured data so machines do not have to guess.
  • Earning independent mentions: genuine reviews, press, trade bodies and partners.
  • Checking the same buyer questions regularly to see whether you are named.

The honest limits

GEO is not a trick or a switch. No one can guarantee that an assistant will mention a business, and answers change often. It is best thought of as good, honest marketing that also happens to be easy for machines to read.

Where Trusted Media fits

We do this as part of our SEO & AI Visibility Retainer, from £750 a month +VAT, and the free Growth Audit includes an AI visibility check.

AI search visibility

AI search

Be the business the answer points to

Clear facts, plain answers and genuine reviews give AI assistants a reason to name you, and give buyers a reason to call.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Most AI answers still draw on the web, so a strong, well-built site remains the base. GEO changes the emphasis rather than starting again.

Any business whose customers ask for recommendations: professional services, trades, venues, B2B suppliers. If buyers ask “who should I use?”, it is relevant.

Much of it, yes: clear pages, consistent facts and asking clients for reviews. Specialist help is most useful for technical fixes and regular measurement.