GEO & AEO: The New Authority in the age of Artificial Intelligence
- ideafoster
- Nov 7
- 4 min read
You have spent years optimizing keywords, measuring traffic and chasing the first position on Google. But, what happens when the click stops mattering and the answer your client is looking for is written by an AI?
Today we tell you how searches have evolved, and what you can do within your company to not be left behind. Do you want to know how to adapt to the new digital paradigm?
From SEO to “Being Cited”
SEO is no longer just a race for ranking. Users are not looking for ten links, but for a single reliable answer. And increasingly, that answer is constructed by generative engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity.
This phenomenon has changed the rules of the game: being visible is no longer enough; you have to be eligible. According to HubSpot and Semrush, 70% of users already use AI to search for information, and 58% of queries on Google do not generate clicks, according to a study by SparkToro and Datos. What used to be organic traffic is now conversational traffic.
Thus, a new discipline is born: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (AI Engine Optimization).
Its purpose: that your brand not only appears, but is cited by AI engines as a reliable source.
Authority is the New SEO
Optimization is no longer about being first on Google, but about becoming the source that the AI uses to respond. In this new economy of trust, traditional metrics, such as the CTR or impressions, are just noise if your brand is not recognized as a citable authority.
The focus is no longer on attracting clicks, but on influencing the conversations that AIs have with your future clients.
GEO and AEO: How they work
Strategy | Objective | Success KPIs |
Traditional SEO | Generate organic traffic | Ranking y clics |
GEO / AEO | Be cited by AI engines | Authority and mention in responses |
AI models do not choose sources randomly. Their selection is based on three factors:
Consensus → AI trusts consistency. If your brand reinforces what other experts confirm, it becomes more “cited”.
Original information → AI rewards unique data, proprietary studies and fresh perspectives.
Structural clarity → The clearer, more precise, and more structured your content is, the easier it is for an AI to interpret and replicate it.
How to build authority in the AI era
Structure to be understood, not just read: Use hierarchical headings (H1-H3), brief paragraphs, and phrases with a clear structure. Example: “Ideafoster transforms ideas into measurable solutions.”
Technically optimize with Schema Markup: Implement tags like Article, FAQPage, or HowTo to communicate the context and value of the content to the AI. 👉You will soon be able to discover more about this in our next article on automation and N8N.
Build external validation. AIs rely on signals outside your website:
Create content with purpose: AIs prioritize original value. Publish proprietary insights, studies, or analyses that demonstrate your real expertise. 👉 Learn how to do it from our Create & Build approach.
From clicks to citations: the new digital practice
Imagine a B2B consultancy that publishes its own “Innovation Trends Report 2025,” structured with original data, FAQ Schema and verified links. It will not only appear on Google, but it can be cited directly when a user asks ChatGPT: “Which are the leading consultancies in digital innovation in Europe?”.
The difference is not in technical SEO, but in the semantic relevance and data trust.
GEO, AEO and HIVE: A natural alliance
At Ideafoster, we understand that the future of digital positioning is not won with clicks, but with credibility. Therefore, our HIVE: partners: Fullsend, CGSB, Founderz, Black Moon Project, and Unlock Management, form an ecosystem where strategy, design, and technology work together to create content that AIs choose.
The HIVE not only designs innovation: it makes it visible, measurable, and citable.
👉 Coming soon: “The 5 directories among the HIVE that will mark 2026” An essential resource for companies seeking to build global authority.
Conclusion: from visibility to recognition
The GEO and the AEO do not replace SEO. They elevate it. They teach us that, in an environment where answers are provided by artificial intelligence, human trust is the new algorithm. At Ideafoster, we help brands move from positioning to recognition.
If you are ready to convert your content into a source that AI's cannot ignore, schedule a meeting with us.
FAQs
1. What are GEO and AEO and why are they important for my brand?
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AEO (AI Engine Optimization) are strategies designed for your brand to be cited by artificial intelligence engines such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity. While traditional SEO seeks to attract clicks, the GEO and AEO focus on building authority and eligibility, achieving that the AI recognizes your content as a reliable source.
2. How do GEO/AEO differ from traditional SEO?
Traditional SEO optimizes keywords and pages to improve positioning on Google. GEO and AEO, conversely, optimize the content so that generative engines understand it, structure it, and use it in their responses. It is no longer just about appearing, but about being cited and recommended by the AI.
3. What factors does the AI use to decide which sources to cite?
AI engines value three main elements:
Consensus, meaning coherence with other reliable sources in the sector.
Original information, which provides unique data, studies, or perspectives.
Structural clarity, with headings, lists, and direct answers that facilitate content interpretation.
The clearer, more consistent, and verifiable your content is, the higher the probability of being cited.
4. How can I prepare my site for GEO and AEO?
Start by structuring your content clearly, using headings (H1–H3), tables, and brief phrases. Add Schema Markup (such as Article, FAQPage, or HowTo) to help the AI understand the context of your texts. And don't forget to strengthen your external reputation: publish in directories and share verified achievements or reviews.
5. How can Ideafoster help me implement GEO and AEO?
At Ideafoster, we help companies move from positioning to recognition. Through our Create & Build service and the HIVE model, we design content strategies and technical optimization that combine SEO, GEO, and AEO. Our goal: that your brand not only appears but is chosen by AIs as an authority source.
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