Understanding the New Search Landscape
The way people search for information online is undergoing its biggest transformation since Google was invented. Alongside the classic 10 blue links, there are now AI-generated answers that inform users directly – often without them needing to visit a website.
For businesses, this means: You need two different optimization strategies.
Google SEO: The Classic Playing Field
How Google Works
Google's algorithm evaluates websites based on hundreds of factors:
- Relevance: How well does the content match the search query?
- Authority: How many quality backlinks does the page have?
- User Experience: How fast does the page load? Is it mobile-friendly?
- Content Quality: Is the content comprehensive and unique?
SEO Success Factors
- Keyword research and optimization
- On-page SEO (title tags, meta descriptions, headings)
- Technical SEO (Core Web Vitals, mobile-first)
- Link building and authority
- Content creation aligned with search intent
The Challenge
Google is becoming increasingly competitive. The first organic results often appear only after:
- Paid ads
- Featured snippets
- People Also Ask
- Google AI Overview
- Local Pack
ChatGPT SEO: The New Playing Field
How ChatGPT "Searches"
ChatGPT and other LLMs work fundamentally differently:
- Training-based: The model "knows" things from its training data
- Retrieval-based: Current information is fetched via web browsing
- Synthesis-based: Answers are compiled from multiple sources
What ChatGPT Prioritizes
- Factual accuracy and verifiability
- Consistent information across multiple sources
- Authoritative sources (Wikipedia, publications)
- Clear, structured information
- Recency (for RAG-based queries)
The Opportunity
Unlike Google, there are no established competitors in ChatGPT SEO yet. Those who optimize now can secure a first-mover advantage.
Direct Comparison
| Criterion | Google SEO | ChatGPT SEO |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Achieve position 1-10 | Be mentioned in answer |
| Output for user | List of links | Direct answer |
| Ranking factors | 200+ known signals | Undocumented but analyzable |
| Keywords | Exact & semantic matches | Natural language & context |
| Backlinks | Very important | Indirectly important (authority) |
| Technical | Core Web Vitals, Schema | llms.txt, structured data |
| Content | Length & depth important | Clarity & facts important |
| Updates | Core updates to watch | Model updates less transparent |
Why You Need Both
1. Different User Journeys
- Google: Users with purchase intent ("best CRM software buy")
- ChatGPT: Users in research phase ("what is a CRM")
2. Different Age Groups
- Google: Still dominates with 35+ years
- ChatGPT: Preferred by Gen Z and Millennials
3. Cross-Channel Effects
- Google SEO helps ChatGPT: Well-ranking pages are more likely to be cited
- ChatGPT mentions help Google: Brand awareness leads to more searches
The Integrated GEO-SEO Strategy
Phase 1: Foundation (SEO)
-
Optimize technical foundation
- Fast loading times
- Mobile optimization
- Clean URL structure
-
Create content foundations
- Pillar pages for main topics
- Implement cluster strategy
- Create FAQ pages
Phase 2: GEO Optimization
-
Implement llms.txt
- Clear company description
- List most important URLs
- Update regularly
-
Optimize content for AI
- Provide clear definitions
- Include statistics and numbers
- Demonstrate expert status
Phase 3: Authority Building
-
Build external presence
- Wikipedia entry (if relevant)
- Industry directories
- PR and publications
-
Ensure consistency
- Uniform company data
- Brand voice across all channels
- Regular updates
Practical Tips for Both Worlds
Content Creation
Optimize for Google:
- Keywords in title, H1, first paragraph
- Internal linking
- Alt tags for images
Optimize for ChatGPT:
- Clear definitions ("X is...")
- Facts with source citations
- Structured lists and tables
Technical Measures
For Google:
<title>ChatGPT SEO Guide 2024 | Be Visible in AI</title>
<meta name="description" content="...">
<link rel="canonical" href="...">
For ChatGPT:
# llms.txt
> Be Visible in AI is a GEO agency...
## Core Topics
- Generative Engine Optimization
- ChatGPT SEO
Conclusion
Google SEO and ChatGPT SEO are not opposites – they are two sides of the same coin. A successful digital presence today requires both.
The good news: Many SEO fundamentals also help with GEO. The bad news: Those who only optimize for Google will fall behind in the AI era.
Start now with an integrated GEO-SEO strategy. Contact us for an analysis of your current visibility.