You’ve probably heard of SEO — search engine optimization — the practice of making your website more visible in Google’s traditional search results. GEO builds on that idea, but shifts it into the age of AI.
Generative Engine Optimization, or GEO, is the process of making your content more likely to be included in the answers that AI tools generate. Instead of ranking in a list of ten blue links, the goal of GEO is to be part of the summarized, conversational response an AI provides when someone asks a question.
Think of it this way: SEO is about winning clicks from search engines. GEO is about earning citations and mentions in AI-generated answers.
The sources AI draws from are constantly evolving, but a few stand out as especially influential right now:
- Reddit — for real-world discussions and examples.
- Quora — for structured Q&A explanations.
- Wikipedia — for factual, neutral, and well-sourced definitions.
- YouTube (bonus) — for explainers and how-to videos that Google’s AI often cites.
There are many other sources in play — news articles, blogs, and industry publications, for example. But these four have consistently shown up across multiple AI tools and are the easiest for CAM firms to begin leveraging.
For CAM companies, this matters because board members aren’t only searching “HOA management company near me.” They’re also asking things like “What does a CAM company do?” or “How does an HOA board make a budget?” If AI answers those questions using content from platforms you’ve contributed to, your firm’s name and expertise can show up right where prospects are looking.
GEO isn’t about replacing SEO. It’s about expanding your visibility into the AI-driven world of search, so your expertise isn’t left out of the conversation.