When it comes to getting your business noticed online, you’ve probably heard the terms SEO and GEO thrown around. But what do they really mean, and how do they fit together? At first glance, they might seem like separate worlds. SEO focusing on your website, GEO on Google’s local business features. The truth is, the core principles behind both are surprisingly similar.
SEO and GEO: Two sides of the same coin
At the heart of both SEO and GEO is the goal of clearly communicating what your business does. Not just to humans, but to Google’s algorithms too. Think of it this way: SEO is about giving Google all the signals it needs from your website, such as content, keywords, and metadata, so your business ranks for relevant searches. GEO (or Google’s business profile features) summarises that information in a bite-sized, local-friendly format: star ratings, reviews, service categories, and keywords.
Whether it’s a generative AI pulling together overviews or a person looking for a service, the message is the same: your business needs to be clear, trustworthy, and visible.
Reputation management: The unsung hero
One thing that often gets overlooked in GEO is reputation management. Reviews aren’t just a nice bonus; they’re essential signals to Google and potential customers. A healthy mix of reviews across platforms. Think Google, Facebook, and industry-specific directories. They help both humans and AI understand what you do and how well you do it.
Generative AI tools often summarise your business based on review keywords and star ratings. That’s why getting reviews is only a part of the GEO puzzle. Your website and content are still the main source of truth.
Websites still matter
Even in a world of GEO, your website remains central. It’s where you tell your full story, showcase your services, and provide context that star ratings alone can’t convey. Generative AI reads your website to create summaries, answer questions, or even recommend your business in search results. Without a well-structured site, GEO profiles can only go so far.
Brand awareness and consistency
SEO and GEO also share another principle: brand awareness and reputation. Consistent messaging across your website, reviews, and social profiles ensures Google and customers alike understand who you are and what you do. That’s where examples from MakeWeb shine – clear, keyword-rich websites and coordinated local profiles that tell a coherent story.
The bottom line
- GEO doesn’t replace SEO. It complements it.
- Star ratings and reviews help summarise your business for Google and potential customers, but they don’t tell the whole story. A strong website, clear content, and proactive reputation management remain the core principles of online success.
- In other words, focus on making it easy for both humans and robots to understand your business, and the benefits of both SEO and GEO will follow.