More people are using AI tools to search for answers. Whether it’s ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, or Perplexity, these tools are changing how content gets discovered.
That means traditional SEO isn’t enough anymore. If you want your content to show up in AI-generated answers, you need to understand Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO).
What is Generative Engine Optimisation?
GEO is the act of structuring your content so that it can be easily understood and cited by AI-powered search tools.
These tools don’t just pull from keywords, they extract answers, summaries, and useful data from content that is clear, structured, and trustworthy.
When done right, GEO increases your chances of:
- Being featured in AI-generated responses
- Getting cited as a trusted source
- Driving traffic back to your site
Why GEO Matters for Creators and Brands
AI tools are becoming the default way many people find information. Users ask a question, and the AI pulls information from top sources instantly. If your content isn’t showing up there, you’re missing visibility and potential traffic.
When AI tools use your content, they link back to your site. That helps drive traffic, build authority, and increase brand visibility.
And since more users are getting answers straight from AI tools, this visibility matters more than ever.
How to Optimise for Generative Engines
This section is a step-by-step process on how to optimise your content for AI
1. Answer Clear Questions
AI tools look for direct, helpful answers. Start each major section with a real question your audience is likely asking. Use tools like:
- Google’s “People Also Ask”
- Reddit forums
- Quora or AnswerThePublic
For example, instead of writing “How GEO Can Help,” write “What is Generative Engine Optimisation?” or “How Do You Optimise for AI Tools?”
2. Be Straightforward and Specific
Avoid long intros or vague phrases. Get to the point. Give facts, clear definitions, steps, or lists that answer the question in plain language. This helps AI pull your content accurately.
For example, start with “GEO helps your content appear in AI tools by structuring it around real questions and clear answers.”
3. Use Structured Formats
Use a structure that both humans and AI can understand:
- H2 and H3 headings
- Bullet points and numbered lists
- Bold for important phrases
- Short paragraphs (2–3 lines max)
This makes it easier for AI to understand and reference your content.
4. Add Sources and Practical Examples
Link to trusted sources and use real examples that back up your point. AI tools prefer well-sourced content. Reference up-to-date statistics, studies, and examples from trusted websites.
For example, “According to Search Engine Journal, over 80% of marketers believe AI will influence SEO strategy this year.”
5. Use Internal Links to Related Topics
Build depth by linking to your other content. This shows you’re an authority and helps both human readers and bots explore your site further.
For example, “If you’re updating older content, check out our article on SEO Refresh Strategies.”
6. Add Schema Markup to Help AI Understand Your Content
Schema markup is a type of structured data that helps search engines and AI tools understand what your content is about.
When added to your website’s code, it gives more context and makes your content easier to display in search results and AI responses.
Here are three key types of schema to use:
1. FAQ Schema
This is used when your content includes a list of frequently asked questions and answers.
Adding an FAQ schema allows Google and AI tools to show your questions and answers directly in search results or AI summaries.
Use it when: Your article includes clear Q&A sections that respond to specific user queries.
2. Article Schema
This tells search engines that your page is an article. It includes details like the headline, author name, publish date, and article body.
This makes it easier for your content to be featured in news carousels, snippets, or cited by AI.
Use it when: You're publishing blog posts, news articles, or editorial-style content.
3. How-To Schema
This schema is used for step-by-step instructional content. It helps your how-to guide appear with rich features like steps, images, and even tooltips in search results.
Use it when: Your content walks the reader through a process, task, or tutorial (e.g. “How to Set Up a Blog”).
7. Optimise Metadata and Alt Text
Your page titles, meta descriptions, and image alt texts should match the content’s focus. This makes it easier for crawlers and AI to understand your topic.
8. Refresh and Update Your Content Often
AI tools prefer newer, active content. Review older posts regularly and:
- Fix outdated links
- Add new examples
- Reformat using the GEO structure
- Add FAQ sections based on recent comments
What If My Content Still Isn’t Getting Picked Up?
Sometimes it takes time. Here are a few quick fixes:
- Recheck your headers are they real questions?
- Add more internal links to improve authority
- Submit your sitemap to Google again
- Build a few backlinks to the page
- Ask your audience what’s unclear and improve the answers
Conclusion
Generative Engine Optimisation helps your content stay relevant as AI tools become part of everyday search.
Instead of fighting the shift, use it as a chance to be more visible in the places your audience is already looking.
If you want to create content that gets picked up by AI tools then join WazoPlus today and start building smarter, searchable content.
↔️ www.wazoplus.com