How does GEO differ from traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO optimizes for ranking algorithms that return a list of links for humans to click through. GEO optimizes for language models that read, synthesize, and generate a single answer, often without sending users to your site. SEO success is measured by rankings and clicks; GEO success is measured by whether your brand is mentioned or recommended inside the AI's response. GEO also relies more on structured data, consistent brand mentions across the web, and clear, quotable content than on keywords and backlinks alone. The two strategies are complementary, not competitors.