This blog post by One Stop Digital explores the shift from traditional Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO), a strategy designed to ensure brands are cited within AI-generated search results. It provides a roadmap for businesses to maintain visibility as platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT change how audiences access information in 2026.
Here are the topics we cover:
- Measuring brand visibility in AI search results.
- Building a layered SEO and GEO foundation.
- Content best practices for generative engine success.
- Earning citations through Reddit and authoritative publications.
Remember the days when we spoke about AI as the future of marketing? Well, just like that, it’s right here, on our doorstep. Already, millions of internet users use ChatGPT, Perplexity and other models for quick access to information. For businesses, this is the perfect chance to be cited in AI search results.
One Stop Digital explains the top strategies that can help your brand to get cited in the AI search engine results because SEO (search engine optimisation) is no longer the golden standard. GEO (generative engine optimisation) ensures that your brand is cited, referenced and quoted in AI Overviews so audiences get to know you before your competitors.
- Know where you stand
Do you know if you are visible online, particularly in the AI results? This is a good place to start. Once you measure your visibility you can optimise your presence in the right way. You can do this by asking an AI engine like Gemini some questions your audience might ask, and see if your brand is cited in the results. The quicker way is to ask an expert to run a rank check on your brand.
- Invest in quality SEO
SEO is still the foundation of ranking high in search results and being seen online first. GEO might be the new way to appear in front of your audience, but these models use the best Google results to generate their answers. As long as you have quality content, strong backlinks and a glitch-free site, your brand will perform well in organic search and be pulled up by AI. Aim for a layered approach rather than one that relies heavily on SEO alone.
- Learn about GEO best practice and use it
So, how do you prepare your content for GEO in 2026? The good news is that GEO guides are freely available and easy to learn. No time? SEM companies in Sydney like One Stop Digital can help you with a GEO strategy for success. Some GEO best practices to implement are:
- Using conversational copy and questions
- Using data-backed statements
- Writing with clarity, avoiding fluff or vague language
- Using lists and step-by-step guides
- Building authority on a topic
- Earn mentions where it matters
Reddit: Reddit is a good place to be cited, since Google and AI engines regard user-generated content as authentic. This means you have to search Reddit threads to find categories where your product or service is talked about. Participate genuinely for a few weeks, provide honest feedback without being salesy and then mention your brand. The idea is to not be flagged as a spammer.
Publications: Being quoted in authoritative publications can also lead AI to pull up your brand when users ask for recommendations. You will notice that AI Overviews often provide lists. These don’t come from nowhere, they come from trusted articles. The way to get into these articles is by making an arrangement with the authors.
You have to convince them of your credibility, and offer them something of value like a free demo or product sample. It’s a GEO strategy that will bring you one step closer to your audience.
Get Ahead with Generative Engine Optimisation
GEO may take time to warm up to, but the reality is that AI search already plays a big role in how businesses are being seen by consumers. If you get an early start by measuring your AI visibility, using SEO and GEO techniques simultaneously and making inroads into credible publications, you will get cited more than your competitors.
Get started with a GEO strategy geared for the future of digital marketing. Contact One Stop Digital and let us help you take your online marketing to the next level.
