Image LP Generative Engine Optimization 19112025

Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)

Visibility across ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google’s AIO
Your full-service agency for international GEO
GEO as an integral part of modern SEO strategy

MONDIS helps companies shape their content so they remain visible within AI-supported search — both nationally and internationally. Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) expands traditional SEO by optimising content specifically for generative AI systems.

„The way people search for information is undergoing a fundamental shift. With the rise of generative search systems such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot, new ways of finding answers are emerging—along with new requirements for digital visibility.”

Steffen Lienig
Managing Partner, MONDIS

Generative Engine Optimisation

Requirements in the new AI-driven search landscape

Generative search systems no longer provide classic results pages. Instead, they generate directly formulated answers. What matters is therefore no longer just the ranking, but whether AI models classify content as relevant, trustworthy and high-quality — and whether they incorporate it into their responses.

GEO merges traditional SEO principles with new methods designed specifically for AI engines such as Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT or Claude. This creates visibility exactly where today’s AI systems produce answers and consolidate information.

Traditional SEO remains the foundation—GEO extends it to meet the demands of AI-supported search.

GEO and AI-SEO at a glance

Generative Engine Optimisation—often also referred to as AI SEO or ChatGPT SEO — optimises content for generative AI systems and large language models (LLMs). Its goal is to prepare content so it is seen as relevant, trustworthy and informative — and can be clearly understood, processed and cited by AI systems. This is especially crucial for zero-click searches, where users receive answers directly in AI result summaries, often without visiting the website at all.

Hybrid systems are the new standard

The previous separation between pure training models and pure search engines is outdated. Today, almost all major systems operate as hybrids and access real-time web data in different ways.

“Search-first” systems (e.g. Google AI Overviews, Perplexity AI):
They begin every response with a live web search. The AI then summarises the retrieved content — often with visible sources. Here, the connection to classic SEO is strongest.
“LLM-first with web access” (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude):
These systems rely primarily on their trained knowledge but also access the internet when needed or when prompted (via retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) or browsing tools). They also run their own crawlers (such as GPTBot) to keep models up to date. Visibility here depends on whether content is classified as high-quality and current.

SEO remains essential — but GEO expands it to meet the expectations of AI-driven search, becoming a permanent component of modern digital strategy. Content must be understandable to humans and unambiguous for AI systems. MONDIS develops strategies that connect both perspectives.

The importance of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)

The visibility of your content today depends on far more than Google rankings. AI-generated summaries appear directly above search results and deliver instant answers. Without optimising for these AI responses, businesses risk becoming invisible — even with strong traditional rankings.

From clicks to answers – rethinking visibility

Generative search systems are shifting user expectations. Increasingly, information appears directly within the AI-generated answer — so-called zero-click searches.

Opportunities for businesses:

Visibility without losing clicks
New touchpoints
Stronger brand awareness
Establishment of subject-matter authority

The goal is therefore not just the click, but visibility within the answer itself.

Quality, Trust and Expertise

Success factors for effective GEO strategies

These are the elements that ensure content is understood, used and preferred by AI systems. GEO requires precision, structure and trust. The following factors help position content optimally for generative AI:

Implement E-E-A-T consistently – build trust through competence.

Companies should clearly demonstrate their experience, expertise, authority and trustworthiness. Verified information, transparent sources and specialist knowledge form the basis for credible content.

Integrate sources and citations in a structured way – strengthen transparency.

Those who embed studies, data and quotations in a clear and structured manner make their content easier for AI models to detect, interpret and cite. This is a key factor for visibility in AI-generated answers.

Write clearly and accessibly – reduce unnecessary complexity.

Clear language and a logically structured layout help both users and AI systems process information more quickly, increasing overall reach.

Use structured data – optimise technical readability.

Markup standards such as Schema.org, OpenGraph or JSON-LD ensure content is machine-readable and can be prioritised in AI-generated search results.

Maintain up-to-date content – ensure continuous relevance.

Fresh, regularly updated content signals reliability and is preferred by AI systems. This is especially important for dynamic platforms such as Google AI Overviews.

Optimise for each engine – tailor content per platform.

Because systems like ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Perplexity use different evaluation logics, content should be adapted to their individual requirements.

Content must therefore be credible, technically sound and reliable. Only then do you increase the likelihood that AI systems will treat your content as a primary source of information. Make sure not only to provide relevant information, but also to demonstrate your expertise and authority clearly.

This creates the foundation for sustainable national and international visibility in AI-driven search.

These clients trust MONDIS

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5 Key Challenges in International GEO

Optimising for generative AI systems does not stop at language or regional borders. Anyone aiming for international visibility must consider multiple factors simultaneously: language, authority, platforms, technical signals and personal reputation.

1. Ensuring linguistic visibility

Many generative AI systems favour English-language content — even when the query is submitted in German. The reason: most training data and reference sources originate from the English-speaking world. Companies operating only locally risk being excluded from international AI answers.

Recommendation: Publish core content in at least two languages. English landing pages, blog articles or studies significantly increase your chances of being cited by AI systems.

2. Regional limitations of domain authority

Even well-established .de domains often hold limited relevance globally. AI systems weight international citations and backlinks far more heavily than local signals.

Recommendation: Build mentions and citations in international media and specialist sources—for example through English-language PR, studies or guest contributions.

3. Different platforms and evaluation environments

While platforms like OMR Reviews or Kununu dominate in the DACH region, internationally it is G2, Capterra or Reddit that matter. Companies relying solely on national channels remain largely invisible to global AI models.

Recommendation: Identify the international platforms relevant to your audience and actively encourage reviews, mentions and discussions there.

4. Ensuring consistent machine readability

Structured data is essential for AI systems to understand and correctly interpret content across languages. Standards such as Schema.org, OpenGraph and JSON-LD are indispensable.

Recommendation: Use international markup standards and regularly test your machine readability using tools like Google Rich Results or ChatGPT plugins.

5. Building global visibility through strong author profiles

LLMs increasingly assess personal authority and verifiability — for example through LinkedIn profiles, academic papers, studies or citations in reputable sources.

Recommendation: Maintain key English-language author profiles (e.g., LinkedIn, Google Scholar) and link them consistently to your content across all regions.

International GEO Strategies Go Beyond Translation

Global visibility in AI-driven search is not achieved through multilingual content alone. What truly matters are trustworthy citations, region-specific platform strategies, technical readability aligned with global standards, and content relevance across linguistic borders.

GEO as an Integral Part of Modern SEO Strategy

Search engine optimisation is not being replaced by AI — it is being redefined. Optimising for generative systems is no longer an add-on but a core component of a future-ready SEO strategy.

MONDIS supports companies in developing their digital visibility — nationally and internationally—from analysis and strategy to full implementation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO)?

GEO is the evolution of traditional search engine optimisation (SEO). It optimises content specifically for AI-based search systems such as Google AI or Perplexity AI. The goal is not only for content to be discoverable, but for AI systems to use it directly in their answers and cite it as a trusted source.

How does GEO differ from SEO and AEO?

SEO optimises websites for classic search engines. AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) prepares content so that it can be used directly by search engines as Featured Snippets or “People also ask” answers. GEO combines both approaches and expands them to include generative AI. Content must be seen by AI as sufficiently trustworthy to be used as the basis for newly formulated, generative answers — and cited accordingly.

What types of AI search systems exist?

Most modern systems are hybrid models that combine trained knowledge with real-time access to the web. They differ primarily in how they do this: “Search-first” systems (e.g., Google AI Overviews, Perplexity): These systems initiate a live search for almost every query and summarise the retrieved web content into a new answer. Sources are usually visible. “LLM-first with web access” systems (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude): These systems rely on their trained knowledge but enrich it with current information through active web access (browsing or RAG). GEO aims to position your content as the most relevant and trustworthy source for both approaches.

How can content be optimised for AI systems?

To prepare content effectively for AI systems, texts should be clearly structured, easy to understand and aligned with user intent. Precise wording, supported by source references, quotations and structured data (e.g., Schema Markup), builds trust and helps AI models detect and cite your content. Regular updates keep articles relevant and visible. Equally important is a content structure that presents information in a way AI systems can use directly in their answers.

Is translation alone enough for an international GEO strategy?

No. Global visibility in AI-driven search systems requires more than multilingual content. Companies benefit from content that is credibly cited, placed strategically across regions, technically optimised to international standards and relevant across languages and cultures. This ensures your brand is found, understood and used worldwide.

GET IN TOUCH

GEO for your global website – by MONDIS

Would you like to optimise your content for the next generation of search?
We support you across all aspects of GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) — from strategic planning to full technical implementation.

Contact: Michael Quast, Managing Partner
Telephone: +49 30 48496622-0
E-Mail: kontakt@mondis.de