Last Updated: January 2026
Generative engine optimization (GEO) services help businesses appear in AI-generated responses from ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and similar platforms. As these systems become primary information sources for millions of users, GEO has moved from experimental to essential.
This guide details what GEO services include, how agencies structure their offerings, and what to look for when selecting a provider.
GEO services encompass strategies and tactics designed to get your content cited by AI systems. Unlike traditional SEO focused on rankings, GEO targets selection—being chosen as the source when AI generates answers.
Most GEO agencies offer these foundational services:
Content Optimization for AI Extraction
AI systems extract content at the paragraph level, looking for clear statements they can quote. GEO services optimize existing content and create new content structured for extraction:
Entity and Authority Building
AI systems evaluate whether sources deserve citation based on perceived authority. Services include:
Technical Implementation
Technical optimization ensures AI crawlers can access and understand your content:
Monitoring and Measurement
Tracking AI visibility requires specialized approaches:
GEO providers structure their offerings differently depending on scope and client needs.
Some agencies offer discrete GEO projects:
GEO Audits: Comprehensive analysis of current AI visibility, content extractability, and optimization opportunities. Typical deliverable: detailed audit report with prioritized recommendations.
Content Optimization Sprints: Focused restructuring of existing high-priority content for AI extraction. Usually targets 10-50 pages over 4-8 weeks.
Technical Implementation Projects: One-time schema deployment, crawler configuration, and technical optimization. Scope varies by site complexity.
Ongoing engagements typically include monthly deliverables:
| Service Component | Monthly Scope |
|---|---|
| Content optimization | 5-20 pages restructured |
| New content creation | 2-8 AI-optimized articles |
| Citation monitoring | Continuous tracking with reports |
| Technical maintenance | Schema updates, crawler management |
| Strategy refinement | Monthly performance reviews |
Many agencies now offer combined SEO and GEO services, recognizing that the disciplines overlap significantly. These programs typically include:
Selecting the right GEO partner requires assessing capabilities across several dimensions.
Strategy and Approach
"How do you approach optimization for different AI platforms (ChatGPT vs Perplexity vs Google AI)?" Look for nuanced answers that acknowledge platform differences rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
"What's your methodology for prioritizing optimization efforts?" Effective agencies explain how they balance quick wins against long-term authority building.
"How do you balance GEO with traditional SEO?" Watch for answers that acknowledge the foundational importance of SEO rather than treating GEO as a replacement.
Capabilities and Track Record
"Can you share case studies with specific metrics?" Request examples showing citation increases, AI referral traffic growth, or share of voice improvements.
"What tools do you use for AI visibility monitoring?" Expect mention of specialized platforms like Otterly.AI, Search Party, Conductor, or proprietary monitoring systems.
"What's your team's background in AI search?" Look for demonstrated expertise rather than recent pivots from unrelated services.
Process and Deliverables
"What does the first 90 days look like?" Clear onboarding processes indicate operational maturity.
"How do you report on AI visibility?" Reporting should include citation frequency, platform-specific visibility, and competitive comparisons—not just traditional SEO metrics.
"How often do you update strategies based on AI platform changes?" AI search evolves rapidly. Agencies should demonstrate awareness and adaptability.
Guaranteed Placement Claims
No agency can guarantee specific placement in AI responses. AI outputs vary by query, context, user, and platform version. Agencies promising "top placement in ChatGPT" demonstrate either dishonesty or fundamental misunderstanding.
SEO-Only Approaches Relabeled
Some agencies relabel traditional SEO services as GEO without substantive methodology changes. Look for specific GEO tactics—content restructuring for extraction, entity optimization, AI crawler management—rather than generic SEO services with new branding.
No Measurement Capabilities
If an agency can't explain how they track AI visibility, they can't demonstrate results. Citation monitoring requires specialized approaches beyond standard SEO tools.
Ignoring Traditional SEO
Agencies dismissing SEO as irrelevant show incomplete understanding. AI platforms heavily reference content that performs well in traditional search. GEO builds on SEO foundations.
GEO services pricing varies based on scope, complexity, and provider positioning.
| Service Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| GEO Audit | $2,000-8,000 | One-time analysis and recommendations |
| Content Sprint | $5,000-15,000 | Optimization of 10-30 pages |
| Monthly Retainer (Basic) | $3,000-6,000 | Limited optimization, monitoring |
| Monthly Retainer (Comprehensive) | $8,000-20,000 | Full-service GEO program |
| Enterprise Programs | $20,000+ | Large-scale optimization, dedicated resources |
Set realistic expectations for GEO service outcomes.
Effective GEO services should deliver improvement in:
Success varies by starting point and goals. For established brands, success might mean maintaining or growing AI visibility as competitors optimize. For newer entrants, success might mean achieving initial citations in competitive topics.
GEO services address a real visibility gap. As AI search grows, brands not appearing in AI responses lose visibility to competitors who do. GEO services provide the expertise and execution to close this gap.
Services blend content, technical, and authority work. Effective GEO requires content restructuring, technical implementation, and authority building—not just one component.
Evaluate providers on specifics, not claims. Look for concrete methodologies, measurement capabilities, and demonstrable results rather than marketing promises.
Budget appropriately. Meaningful GEO results require meaningful investment. Low-cost services often deliver superficial optimization without lasting impact.
Not necessarily. Many agencies now offer integrated programs covering both disciplines. Integration often works better than separate providers since strategies overlap significantly. Evaluate whether your current SEO agency has genuine GEO capabilities or if specialized expertise is warranted.
Technical improvements can impact visibility within weeks. Content optimization typically shows results in 1-3 months. Authority building takes 3-6+ months for meaningful gains. Be skeptical of agencies promising dramatic improvements in 30-60 days.
Expect to invest at least $3,000-5,000/month for ongoing GEO services that include content optimization, technical implementation, and monitoring. Lower-priced options often provide audits or recommendations without execution—which matters since GEO requires hands-on implementation.
Yes, if you have the expertise and resources. In-house GEO requires content optimization skills, technical implementation capabilities, and monitoring tools. Many organizations find agency support more practical, at least initially, while building internal capabilities.
Ready to improve your AI search visibility? Learn the fundamentals with our Generative Engine Optimization Guide or explore how AI-Powered Search Engines Are Changing SEO.
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