How to Optimize for Google AI Overviews Using GEO

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of structuring content so AI search engines—ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and Gemini—can accurately extract, cite, and recommend your expertise. Pages optimized for GEO receive 30-40{369222a1c11721afe8c91379832aa353e273de010413835b05aa2cd58260b247} more AI citations than conventionally optimized content.

What Is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

Generative Engine Optimization is the practice of structuring web content so AI systems can reliably identify, extract, and cite your information when answering user queries. Traditional SEO optimizes for search engine result pages. GEO optimizes for extraction—getting your content pulled into the answer itself.

How Do You Structure Content for AI Extraction?

Structure content using the “atomic section” approach: each H2 section should be 120-180 words, begin with a direct 15-25 word answer, and function as a complete, standalone response. The critical element is the “answer block”—a 40-60 word summary placed immediately after your H1 title.

What Makes Content Citable for AI Systems?

Citable content demonstrates clear expertise, includes specific data points, references authoritative external sources, and maintains visible freshness signals. Specific data dramatically increases citation likelihood. “Personal training costs £50-70 per session” is citable; “costs vary depending on factors” is not.

How Do You Optimise for Google AI Overviews?

Target questions that trigger Overviews, structure content with clear answer hierarchies, and ensure your page already ranks on page one. FAQ sections with proper FAQPage schema markup receive disproportionate Overview citation rates. Pages with 6-10 well-structured FAQ items appear in Overviews 40{369222a1c11721afe8c91379832aa353e273de010413835b05aa2cd58260b247} more often.

What’s the Relationship Between GEO and Traditional SEO?

GEO and traditional SEO share foundational requirements—quality content, technical soundness, and authority signals—but diverge in structural optimization. The strategic approach is layered: build SEO fundamentals first, then apply GEO structural patterns.