In the ever-evolving landscape of Indianapolis digital marketing, the goalposts for success have officially moved. For years, the gold standard was simple: rank on the first page of Google. But as we move further into 2026, the “blue links” of yesterday are sharing the stage with AI-generated summaries. If you’ve noticed your organic traffic dipping despite solid rankings, you aren’t alone. Google’s AI Overviews and tools like ChatGPT are changing how users find information. To stay ahead, businesses must master a new duality: GEO vs SEO.
Today, we’ll explain the differences between SEO and GEO, what they’re both good for, and how they have a lot of overlapping properties that you can capitalize on for your Indianapolis business website.
What is the Difference Between SEO and GEO?
To understand where digital marketing is headed, we have to look at how users interact with the internet today.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization): The traditional process of optimizing your website to rank high in search results. The primary goal is to bring visitors to your website. It relies on high-volume traffic—people clicking through to read your blogs, browse your services, and explore your brand.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization): The new frontier of searching. It focuses on optimizing your content so it is cited directly within AI-generated answers (like Google’s AI Overviews, Perplexity, or ChatGPT).
The Core Difference: Clicks vs. Citations
The main difference is the user’s path. SEO brings high-volume traffic that explores your site, often starting at the top of the funnel. GEO, on the other hand, puts your brand directly in AI answers—frequently requiring no click at all. While GEO might bring less direct traffic to your site, the visitors who do click through are often much further along in the buying process and more likely to convert.
Do I Still Need SEO for My Website?
With the rise of AI, some wonder if traditional SEO is dead. The answer is a resounding no. In fact, SEO is the bedrock upon which GEO is built. AI models use search engine crawlers to “read” the web; if your site isn’t optimized for search engines, the AI won’t know you exist.
To be “AI-ready,” you must maintain these key SEO strategies:
- On-Page SEO: High-quality content, proper header tags (H1s and H2s), and keyword placement.
- Off-Page SEO: Building authority through backlinks and mentions on reputable sites.
- Technical SEO: Ensuring your site is fast, mobile-friendly, and has a clean sitemap.
- Keyword Research: Understanding the specific terms your audience is using to find your services.
How Do I Improve My GEO?
GEO requires a shift in how you structure information. You aren’t just writing for a human reader; you are writing to be “summarized” by a machine.
Create AI-First Content
AI engines love data and structure. To improve your GEO, focus on creating:
- Direct Answer Guides: Use a “TL;DR” or summary box at the top of your posts.
- Comparisons and Tables: AI easily parses “X vs. Y” tables to provide quick recommendations.
- Original Data Studies: Proprietary data is a “citation magnet” for AI.
Enhance Visibility on YouTube and Reddit
AI models weigh community discussions and video content. By having an active presence on Reddit (answering local Indianapolis questions) and YouTube (providing visual tutorials), you increase the “social proof” that AI engines look for when citing a brand as an authority.
Keep Content Fresh
AI prefers the most recent information. Regularly updating your service pages and blog posts signals to generative engines that your data is current and reliable.
GEO vs SEO: GEO is About Visibility, SEO is About Clicks
Think of SEO and GEO as two different departments in your marketing firm. SEO is the “Sales” team, trying to get people to walk through the door (click your link) and make a purchase. GEO is the “Public Relations” team, ensuring that when someone asks an AI for the “best web designer in Indianapolis,” your name is the one it mentions.
Combining Efforts for Maximum Impact
Both strategies work together to move customers down the marketing funnel:
- Optimize for Both: When creating content, use headings that answer specific questions (GEO) while maintaining the keyword density needed for ranking (SEO).
- Intent vs. Browsing: SEO helps users who are “just browsing,” while appearing in an AI summary often signifies a user has a specific intent or problem they need solved immediately.
- Reputation Matters: Your online reputation—reviews, mentions, and awards—contributes to how you show up in both results.
- The Website Still Matters: You can have the best GEO in the world, but if a user clicks your citation and lands on a slow, poorly functioning website, they will leave. A professional, fast-loading site is non-negotiable.
Talk to NEXTFLY® About GEO vs SEO Strategies
The “search” button isn’t what it used to be. In 2026, being #1 on Google is a great start, but it’s no longer the finish line. To truly dominate the Indianapolis digital marketing space, you need a strategy that captures both the traditional searcher and the AI user.
At NEXTFLY, we specialize in making websites that aren’t just beautiful—they’re “engine-ready.” Whether you need a technical audit to boost your SEO or a content strategy designed to win those coveted AI citations, we’re here to help.
Ready to future-proof your digital presence? Contact NEXTFLY today to get your site compatible for the age of GEO vs SEO.