Jan 10, 2026 | SEO Tips
Quick Answers
Is three months enough time for SEO to work?
Not for rankings — but it is enough time to see momentum if the campaign is built correctly.
Why do most SEO campaigns fail early?
Because expectations are wrong, foundations are skipped, and strategy is replaced with tactics.
What should happen in the first 90 days?
Setup, alignment, authority planning, and early performance signals — not page-one rankings.
Why Month 3 Is the Breaking Point for SEO
As an SEO expert in San Diego, I’ve seen this pattern repeat over and over again.
Month one feels hopeful.
Month two feels quiet.
Month three feels frustrating.
That’s usually when:
Budgets get questioned
Confidence drops
Campaigns get paused
Not because SEO failed — but because expectations weren’t aligned with reality.
The Biggest Myth: “SEO Should Work Fast”
Where This Belief Comes From
Why This Myth Kills Campaigns
SEO is a trust-building process. Google does not rush trust — especially in competitive markets like San Diego.
What Realistic Timelines Look Like
Mistake #1: No Real SEO Strategy
Tactics Without Direction
Many campaigns start with:
“Let’s write blogs”
“Let’s build links”
“Let’s optimize pages”
Without asking why.
Chasing Keywords Instead of Authority
Google doesn’t rank keywords — it ranks entities and expertise.
Why Strategy Comes First
Strategy determines:
What to build
What to prioritize
What success looks like
Mistake #2: Skipping the Foundation Phase
Technical SEO Gaps
If your site has:
Indexing issues
Duplicate content
Poor structure
Google can’t trust it.
Site Structure Issues
Poor hierarchy confuses search engines.
Crawl & Index Problems
Pages that aren’t indexed don’t rank — no matter how good they are.
Mistake #3: Publishing Content With No Purpose
Random Blogs vs Authority Clusters
One-off blogs rarely rank.
Why Google Ignores Scattered Content
Google looks for topical depth — not randomness.
Content That Supports Rankings
Content should support:
Core service pages
Local intent
Authority signals
This is how businesses rank for competitive terms like SEO company San Diego.
Mistake #4: No Internal Linking Strategy
How Internal Links Guide Google
Internal links tell Google:
Missed Authority Signals
Without internal links, pages stay isolated.
Why Pages Never Gain Traction
They aren’t being supported.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Local SEO Signals
Google Business Profile Neglect
Local visibility is often overlooked early.
Reviews & Engagement Matter
Especially in competitive markets.
Local Relevance Mistakes
Generic content doesn’t perform locally.
Mistake #6: Measuring the Wrong Metrics
Rankings vs Momentum
Early rankings don’t tell the full story.
Early Indicators of Success
Indexation
Impressions
Click-through rate
Engagement
What Actually Matters First
Momentum — not position.
Mistake #7: Inconsistent Execution
Starting & Stopping SEO
SEO momentum resets when you pause.
Why This Hurts Trust
Google rewards consistency.
Consistency Beats Intensity
Small, steady progress wins.
Why These Failures Are Worse in San Diego
Tier-One Market Pressure
San Diego is highly competitive.
Higher Authority Thresholds
Google expects more proof.
Slower but Stronger Algorithms
Results take longer — but last longer.
What Should Happen in the First 90 Days
Month 1
Month 2
Content foundation
Internal linking
Local optimization
Month 3
Early traction
Index growth
Directional clarity
Not page-one rankings — progress.
How Successful SEO Campaigns Survive Month 3
Clear Strategy
Everyone knows the plan.
Patience & Alignment
SEO is treated like an investment.
Expert Execution
Working with a proven SEO expert in San Diego avoids early mistakes.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Most SEO campaigns don’t fail because SEO doesn’t work — they fail because they’re abandoned too early.
If you want a campaign built to survive month three:
Call or text me: (619) 719-1315
I’ll help you build an SEO strategy designed for long-term success — not quick disappointment.
Conclusion
SEO is a long game, and month three is where discipline matters most. Businesses that push through with strategy, patience, and consistency are the ones that win.
FAQs
1. Is three months enough time for SEO?
Enough to see momentum, not final results.
2. Why do SEO campaigns stall early?
Because foundations are skipped.
3. Should I stop SEO if I don’t see results by month three?
No — that’s usually when progress is forming.
4. What should I track early in SEO?
Indexation, impressions, and engagement.
5. Who should manage my SEO campaign?
A strategic, experienced local expert.
Jan 7, 2026 | SEO Tips
Quick Answers
What’s the difference between SEO tactics and SEO strategy?
SEO tactics are individual actions (blogs, links, optimizations). SEO strategy is the plan that decides which actions to take, when, and why.
Why do tactics fail without strategy?
Because they send scattered signals to Google and rarely compound into authority.
What should businesses focus on first?
Strategy. Always. Tactics should serve a strategy — not replace it.
Why This Confusion Costs Businesses Money
As an SEO expert in San Diego, I see this mistake constantly. Businesses think they’re “doing SEO” because work is happening — but rankings don’t move.
Checklist SEO vs Outcome-Driven SEO
Checking boxes feels productive:
Publish a blog
Build a link
Optimize a title
But productivity isn’t the same as progress.
Why Busy Work Feels Productive
Tactics give immediate output. Strategy gives delayed results. Humans prefer immediate feedback — even if it’s ineffective.
How Vendors Blur the Lines
Some vendors sell activity instead of outcomes. Without a strategy, tactics become noise.
What SEO Tactics Actually Are
Common SEO Tactics
All of these can help — in the right context.
When Tactics Help
Tactics work when they:
When Tactics Hurt
They hurt when:
What SEO Strategy Really Means
Goals Before Actions
Strategy starts with outcomes:
Market + Intent Analysis
Before touching a website, strategy asks:
Who are we competing with?
What does the searcher want?
Where are the authority gaps?
Sequencing Work for Impact
Doing the right thing at the wrong time still fails.
Tactics Without Strategy: Why Campaigns Stall
No Prioritization
Everything feels urgent, so nothing gets the focus it needs.
Scattered Signals
Google sees:
Mixed topics
Unclear relevance
No depth
Diminishing Returns
Each new tactic adds less value than the last.
Strategy Without Tactics: Why Nothing Happens
Analysis Paralysis
Over-planning delays momentum.
Missing Execution
Strategy only works when executed consistently.
Balance Matters
Strategy decides what. Tactics deliver how.
How Google Rewards Strategy Over Tactics
Entity Understanding
Google evaluates brands, not just pages.
Topical Authority
Depth beats breadth. Strategy builds depth intentionally.
Consistency Over Time
Strategic execution compounds trust.
Real-World Examples From San Diego SEO
The “Blog Every Week” Trap
I’ve seen sites publish weekly blogs for a year with no movement — because they weren’t supporting a core page.
The Internal Linking Fix That Worked
Re-aligning internal links to support a primary SEO company San Diego page moved rankings without new content.
Local Intent Alignment
Strategy clarified which neighborhoods mattered — tactics followed.
SEO Strategy in Competitive Markets Like San Diego
Tier-One Market Realities
San Diego is not forgiving. Google has many options.
Higher Authority Thresholds
Basic optimization is assumed.
Slower Movement, Stronger Wins
Strategic SEO takes longer — but lasts longer.
How I Build SEO Strategy (Before Any Tactics)
Define the Primary Outcome
What must rank? What must convert?
Map Intent & Competition
We identify:
Transactional keywords
Supporting topics
Competitive gaps
Build the Roadmap
Only then do tactics get assigned.
When to Use SEO Tactics (The Right Way)
Tactical Execution Inside a Plan
Every action supports a goal.
Measuring Impact
We measure:
Authority growth
Visibility
Conversion signals
Iteration, Not Randomness
Adjustments are strategic — not reactive.
Signs You’re Stuck in Tactics-Only SEO
Lots of Activity, Little Progress
Work is happening. Results aren’t.
Constant Pivots
New tactic every month.
No Clear “Why”
If you can’t explain why you’re doing something, it’s probably tactical noise.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
SEO tactics are tools. SEO strategy is the blueprint.
If you want results that compound — not stall — you need both, in the right order.
Call or text me: (619) 719-1315
I’ll help you build an SEO strategy that makes every tactic actually work.
Conclusion
Most SEO failures aren’t caused by bad tactics — they’re caused by missing strategy. When strategy leads and tactics follow, SEO becomes predictable, scalable, and profitable.
FAQs
1. Are SEO tactics bad?
No. They’re essential — but only when guided by strategy.
2. Can I do strategy without tactics?
No. Strategy requires execution to matter.
3. Why do tactics stop working over time?
Because they weren’t designed to compound authority.
4. How do I know if I have an SEO strategy?
You can clearly explain goals, priorities, and sequencing.
5. Who should create my SEO strategy?
An experienced local expert who understands competitive markets.
Jan 3, 2026 | SEO Tips
Quick Answers
What is an SEO roadmap?
An SEO roadmap is a phased plan that outlines what work gets done, when, and why — based on competition, goals, and market realities.
Why do San Diego businesses need one?
Because San Diego is a high-competition market where random SEO tasks don’t compound into rankings.
How is a real roadmap different from a checklist?
A roadmap prioritizes sequencing and outcomes. A checklist just creates activity.
Why Most SEO “Plans” Aren’t Actually Roadmaps
As an SEO expert in San Diego, I see this constantly: businesses are given a list of tasks and told that’s their “SEO plan.”
Task Lists vs Strategic Sequencing
A real roadmap answers:
What must happen first?
What depends on what?
What creates leverage?
Why Generic Timelines Fail
“Month 1: Blogs. Month 2: Links.”
That’s not a roadmap — that’s guesswork.
The Problem With One-Size-Fits-All SEO
San Diego businesses don’t compete equally. A roadmap must reflect your market position.
Why San Diego Requires a Different SEO Roadmap
Tier-One Market Realities
San Diego competes with:
Higher Authority Thresholds
Google expects more proof before rewarding rankings.
Neighborhood-Driven Search Behavior
Micro-location intent changes how pages should be built and sequenced.
What a Real SEO Roadmap Is Designed to Do
Build Authority Systematically
Authority isn’t built accidentally — it’s engineered.
Reduce Wasted Effort
Roadmaps prevent:
Random blogs
Premature link building
Misaligned optimization
Create Compounding Results
Each phase supports the next.
Phase 1 – Foundation & Clarity (Months 0–2)
Technical SEO Cleanup
This includes:
Indexation issues
Duplicate content
Broken architecture
Site Structure & Index Control
Google must understand:
Defining Priority Services & Locations
This is where we decide what must rank — often a core page like SEO company in San Diego.
Phase 2 – Authority Alignment (Months 2–4)
Keyword Intent Mapping
We map:
Internal Linking Architecture
Internal links become authority highways.
Core Service Page Optimization
Primary pages are refined after structure is fixed — not before.
Phase 3 – Content That Supports Rankings (Months 3–6)
Topical Authority Clusters
Instead of random blogs, we build clusters that reinforce expertise.
Local & Neighborhood Support Pages
Neighborhood SEO pages reduce competition and improve conversion.
Experience-Based Content
Google rewards firsthand expertise — especially in San Diego.
Phase 4 – Local SEO & Trust Signals (Months 4–6)
Google Business Profile Optimization
Local SEO isn’t a side task — it’s integrated.
Review Strategy & Engagement
Review velocity and quality influence trust.
Local Relevance Signals
Mentions, citations, and local context matter.
Phase 5 – Authority Expansion (Months 6–9)
Digital PR & Mentions
Brand mentions reinforce legitimacy.
Strategic Link Acquisition
Links are earned, not sprayed.
Entity Reinforcement
Google begins to recognize your brand as an authority.
Phase 6 – Refinement & Scaling (Months 9–12)
Performance Analysis
We identify:
What ranks
What converts
What stalls
Doubling Down on Winners
Effort shifts toward proven ROI.
Scaling What Works
Content, links, and pages are expanded intelligently.
What a Roadmap Looks Like in Practice
What Gets Done First
Foundation always comes first.
What Waits Until Later
Links, aggressive content, and expansion wait until authority exists.
How Priorities Shift
Roadmaps are dynamic — not rigid.
Why Roadmaps Fail Without Proper Execution
Skipping Phases
Skipping steps breaks momentum.
Changing Direction Too Often
Consistency builds trust.
Measuring the Wrong Milestones
Early success is measured by momentum — not rankings alone.
Signs You Don’t Have a Real SEO Roadmap
Everything feels urgent
Work feels disconnected
Rankings feel random
That’s not SEO — that’s chaos.
What I Mean by a “San Diego SEO Roadmap”
Built for Competitive Markets
Not small towns. Not generic advice.
Designed Around Real Search Behavior
Neighborhoods, intent, and authority.
Focused on Long-Term Positioning
This is how brands rank as an SEO expert in San Diego — sustainably.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
SEO without a roadmap is just busy work.
If you want predictable progress instead of guesswork:
Call or text me: (619) 719-1315
I’m an SEO in San Diego. I’ll build you a real SEO roadmap — designed specifically for San Diego.
Conclusion
A real SEO roadmap doesn’t promise shortcuts. It provides clarity, sequencing, and compounding growth. In San Diego, that’s not optional — it’s required.
FAQs
1. What is an SEO roadmap?
A phased, strategic SEO plan tied to real outcomes.
2. How long should an SEO roadmap be?
Typically 9–12 months in competitive markets.
3. Can I skip phases to move faster?
Skipping phases usually slows results.
4. Is a roadmap better than monthly SEO tasks?
Yes — it prevents wasted effort.
5. Who should build my SEO roadmap?
An experienced local SEO expert.
Dec 31, 2025 | SEO Tips
Quick Answers
Can SEO survive Google updates?
Yes. Sites built on authority, expertise, and trust tend to benefit from updates rather than suffer from them.
Why do some sites lose rankings every update?
Because their SEO relies on tactics, shortcuts, or over-optimization instead of real value.
What actually protects rankings long term?
Topical authority, genuine expertise, clean technical foundations, and consistent user-focused content.
Why Google Updates Break Most SEO Campaigns
As an SEO expert in San Diego, I see a clear pattern every time Google rolls out an update.
Some sites panic.
Some sites drop.
Some sites quietly improve.
The difference isn’t luck — it’s how the SEO was built.
Chasing Loopholes Instead of Fundamentals
SEO built on:
Keyword stuffing
Thin content
Aggressive link tactics
is fragile by design.
Over-Optimized, Under-Trusted Sites
You can optimize a page perfectly and still lose rankings if Google doesn’t trust the site.
Short-Term Wins vs Long-Term Stability
Fast gains often come from risky tactics. Updates remove those advantages.
How Google Updates Really Work (In Plain English)
Google Isn’t “Punishing” Sites
Most updates don’t target specific sites — they raise the bar.
Updates Reward Alignment, Not Tricks
Google asks:
Quality Thresholds Shift Upward
When standards rise, weak sites fall behind.
The Common Traits of Sites That Get Hit
Thin or Duplicated Content
Content created “just to rank” rarely survives.
Weak Authority Signals
Few mentions, weak links, no brand recognition.
Manipulative Tactics
Anything designed to game the system eventually stops working.
The Common Traits of Sites That Survive
Clear Topical Focus
Google understands exactly what the site is about.
Real Expertise
Experience shows — and Google can detect it.
Consistent User Value
Helpful sites age well.
Authority Is the Real Algorithm-Proofing Tool
What Google Means by Authority
Authority is built from:
Why Authority Compounds
Authority makes new content rank faster and survive longer.
Authority vs Optimization Tricks
Tricks fade. Authority compounds.
This is how businesses continue ranking for competitive terms like SEO company San Diego through multiple updates.
Content That Survives Google Updates
Experience-Based Content
Firsthand knowledge outperforms AI-spun or generic content.
Helpful-First Writing
Content should answer real questions — not just target keywords.
Updating Instead of Replacing
Strong content gets refreshed, not deleted.
Topical Authority Beats Keyword Targeting
Why Single-Keyword Pages Fail
One page cannot demonstrate expertise alone.
Content Clusters That Protect Rankings
Clusters reinforce relevance and depth.
Reinforcing Core Pages
Supporting content strengthens pages like SEO expert in San Diego without over-optimization.
Technical SEO That Protects (Not Just Optimizes)
Indexation Control
Only valuable pages should be indexed.
Clean Site Architecture
Google favors clarity.
Avoiding Technical Debt
Shortcuts today become penalties tomorrow.
Link Building That Survives Updates
Natural Link Profiles
Links earned through relevance last longer.
Contextual Relevance
One relevant link beats ten random ones.
Brand Mentions Matter
Even unlinked mentions reinforce authority.
Local SEO Stability in Competitive Markets
Google Business Profile Resilience
Well-managed profiles are stable across updates.
Reviews & Trust Signals
Consistent reviews reduce volatility.
Neighborhood Relevance
Local context protects rankings.
Google Updates in Tier-One Markets Like San Diego
Higher Quality Baselines
San Diego sites must meet higher standards.
Fewer Ranking Swings for Trusted Sites
Authority dampens volatility.
Weak Foundations Get Exposed Faster
Updates reveal weaknesses — they don’t create them.
What NOT to Do If You Want Update-Proof SEO
Chasing Every Algorithm Rumor
Most “leaks” are noise.
Overreacting to Short-Term Drops
Fluctuations are normal.
Rebuilding Instead of Reinforcing
Tearing everything down often causes more damage.
How I Build SEO That Survives Updates
Strategy Before Execution
We decide why before what.
Authority-First Roadmaps
Every action builds credibility.
Continuous Refinement, Not Resets
SEO should evolve — not restart.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Google updates aren’t something to fear — unless your SEO is fragile.
If you want SEO built to last through updates, volatility, and algorithm shifts:
Call or text me: (619) 719-1315
I’ll help you build SEO that compounds — not collapses.
Conclusion
SEO that survives Google updates is built on authority, not tactics. When you focus on expertise, trust, and long-term value, updates stop being threats and start becoming opportunities.
FAQs
1. Can SEO really survive Google updates?
Yes, when built on authority and trust.
2. Why does my site drop every update?
Usually due to weak foundations or risky tactics.
3. Should I change my site after an update?
Only if there’s a clear quality issue.
4. Are Google updates bad for SEO?
No — they reward high-quality sites.
5. Who should manage update-resistant SEO?
An experienced SEO expert focused on long-term strategy.
Dec 27, 2025 | SEO Tips
Quick Answers
Do keywords still matter for SEO?
Yes — but not as targets to stuff into pages. Keywords are signals, not strategies.
If not keywords, what actually moves rankings now?
Topical authority, search intent alignment, internal linking, brand trust, and real expertise.
Why are businesses still stuck in keyword SEO?
Because it’s easy to measure, familiar, and heavily marketed — even though it no longer works on its own.
Why the Keyword-First SEO Model Is Dead
When SEO first became mainstream, rankings were simple:
Pick a keyword
Put it on the page
Build links
How SEO Used to Work
Google once relied heavily on exact-match phrases to understand relevance.
Why Keyword Density Stopped Working
Once people learned to manipulate keywords, Google adapted. Repetition stopped being a quality signal.
Google’s Shift From Keywords to Meaning
Google now evaluates:
Context
Relationships
Intent
Expertise
Not just words on a page.
How Google Actually Understands Content Today
Entities, Not Strings
Google understands things, not just text:
Businesses
Locations
Services
People
Context & Relationships
It looks at how concepts connect across your site.
Search Intent Over Exact Matches
A page can rank without using an exact phrase — if it satisfies intent better than competitors.
What “Ranking Factors” Really Mean in 2026
Signals vs Systems
There are thousands of signals — but they work together as systems.
Why Google Doesn’t Reward Checklists
Checking boxes doesn’t build authority.
The Compounding Nature of Authority
Authority increases the effectiveness of everything else.
Topical Authority Is What Replaced Keyword SEO
What Topical Authority Actually Is
Topical authority means Google trusts your site as a reliable source on a subject.
Why One-Page Optimization Fails
One page can’t demonstrate expertise alone.
Content Ecosystems That Rank
Clusters of related content reinforce relevance and depth.
This is how sites rank for competitive phrases like San Diego SEO company without keyword stuffing.
Why Search Intent Moves Rankings More Than Keywords
Informational vs Transactional Intent
Google separates:
Learning queries
Buying queries
Comparing queries
Local Intent & Proximity
In markets like San Diego, proximity and relevance matter more than phrasing.
Matching the Decision Stage
Content must meet users where they are mentally.
Content That Ranks Without Keyword Stuffing
Experience-Based Writing
Content written by people who do the work consistently outperforms generic SEO copy.
Depth Over Repetition
Answering the “why” and “how” matters more than repeating phrases.
Answering Real Questions
Google rewards usefulness — not optimization tricks.
Internal Linking Is a Bigger Ranking Lever Than Keywords
How Google Flows Authority
Internal links distribute trust and relevance.
Reinforcing Relevance
Links tell Google which pages matter most.
Strategic Anchor Usage
Anchors like SEO expert in San Diego work when used naturally — not forcefully.
Brand & Authority Signals That Outrank Keywords
Mentions & Citations
Google notices when your brand is discussed elsewhere.
Reviews & Trust Signals
Reputation influences rankings.
Consistency Across the Web
Consistency reinforces credibility.
Why Keywords Still Matter (Just Not How You Think)
Keywords as Indicators, Not Targets
They show demand — not instructions.
Mapping Topics Instead of Stuffing Phrases
Keywords help shape content themes.
Using Keywords to Guide Structure
They inform headings, not dictate repetition.
How This Plays Out in Competitive Markets Like San Diego
Why Basic Keyword SEO Fails Here
Too many competitors are already “optimized.”
Higher Authority Thresholds
Google expects expertise.
What Actually Ranks
Brands with:
Depth
Trust
Local relevance
Common SEO Mistakes Businesses Still Make
Obsessing Over Exact Matches
This wastes energy.
Writing for Algorithms Instead of People
Google mirrors user behavior.
Measuring Success Incorrectly
Rankings alone don’t tell the full story.
How I Build SEO Without Chasing Keywords
As an SEO expert in San Diego, my approach starts differently.
Start With Outcomes
What needs to convert?
Build Authority First
Authority makes keywords irrelevant.
Let Keywords Follow Naturally
When authority is strong, rankings come.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
SEO didn’t stop working — old SEO did.
If you’re tired of chasing keywords that don’t move the needle:
Call or text me: (619) 719-1315
I’ll help you build SEO that ranks because it deserves to — not because it’s stuffed.
Conclusion
Keywords still matter — but they no longer lead SEO. Authority, intent, and trust do. When you build SEO around meaning instead of manipulation, rankings follow naturally.
FAQs
1. Are keywords still important for SEO?
Yes, but only as indicators of intent.
2. What matters more than keywords now?
Topical authority and trust.
3. Can pages rank without exact keywords?
Absolutely — if intent is matched.
4. Why doesn’t keyword stuffing work anymore?
Google understands context and meaning.
5. Who should manage modern SEO strategy?
An expert focused on authority, not tricks.
Dec 24, 2025 | SEO Tips
Quick Summary
Generative AI search (like Google’s SGE and other AI-first engines) is moving beyond simple keywords. Instead of matching exact phrases, AI is understanding concepts, entities, locations, and relationships. To rank in this new search environment, we need to shift from “how many keywords can I fit in this post?” to “how clearly am I answering the user’s real question with trusted, locally relevant, expert content?” That means:
Build entity-based topical authority (especially local San Diego signals)
Give short, direct answers near the top
Support answers with experience and expertise (E-E-A-T)
Interlink service pages with SEO-friendly anchor text like SEO company San Diego and SEO expert in San Diego
Write for both humans and AI summaries
Call/text me if you want this done for you: (619) 719-1315
Why I’m Shifting My SEO Strategy in San Diego
I’ve been doing SEO in San Diego long enough to watch Google change from “exact match keywords win” to “we understand what you meant.” Now we’re at the next stage: Google, Bing, and other platforms are generating answers, not just listing websites. That’s a huge deal.
As the owner of an SEO company in San Diego, I see local businesses relying on old strategies—stuffing keywords, writing thin FAQs, ignoring entities—and then wondering why AI search or SGE boxes don’t show their site. It’s not that your content is bad. It’s that the search experience has changed.
This article is me walking you through how I think about SEO now—especially the difference between classic keyword SEO and concept/entity SEO, and how “GEO vs AEO” fits into that. I’ll keep it simple, but I won’t dumb it down. You’re running a business; you need strategy, not fluff.
What Do GEO and AEO Even Mean?
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
GEO is about optimizing your content so AI-driven search experiences—like Google’s SGE—can easily pull, summarize, and trust it. Instead of just ranking #1, you want to be included in AI’s “here’s the answer” section.
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization)
AEO is about giving clear, structured, concise answers so answer engines (think voice search, AI chatbots, SGE summaries) can grab your content. It’s very “what’s the best short answer to this?”
In reality, we need both. GEO helps you show up in AI-generated results. AEO helps your answer be the one that gets quoted.
The Big Shift: From Keywords to Concepts
When I first started SEO, I could rank a San Diego page just by repeating “San Diego + service” in the right places. That doesn’t cut it anymore.
Generative AI search isn’t just reading your keywords—it’s understanding:
Who you are (entity)
Where you are (San Diego relevance)
What you specialize in (topical authority)
Whether your content is trustworthy (E-E-A-T)
So instead of asking, “What keywords should I use?” start asking, “What concepts am I covering, and does Google see me as the right entity to talk about them?”
For example, if you’re a med spa in San Diego, AI doesn’t just want “Botox San Diego.” It wants to know:
Are you actually in San Diego?
Do you have supporting content around Botox, fillers, aftercare, safety?
Are you an established business entity?
Do people mention you?
Are you the local authority?
That’s the level we have to optimize for now.
Why Local Signals Still Matter in an AI World
I get asked this a lot: “Jen, if AI is generating the answer, does location still matter?”
Yes. 100% yes.
AI needs context. If someone in La Jolla searches “SEO expert near me,” Google isn’t going to show them a random agency in New York. It’s going to look for entities tied to San Diego, with content that reinforces they actually serve San Diego businesses.
That’s why I sprinkle San Diego references throughout my content, and why I recommend including phrases like:
“As a San Diego business owner…”
“Local SEO in San Diego…”
“Here in San Diego County…”
These become location entities. AI can recognize that you’re tied to this region.
And honestly? As someone who actually lives and works here, I can speak to San Diego business pain points—tourism, seasonal traffic, local competition, neighborhoods like North Park, La Jolla, and Chula Vista. That’s experience. That’s E-E-A-T.
E-E-A-T: Your New Best Friend in AI Search
Experience – Have you actually done this? I have. I’ve ranked San Diego businesses again and again.
Expertise – Do you know what you’re talking about? I do. SEO is literally what I do all day.
Authoritativeness – Does Google see you as a known source? That’s why consistent blogging, mentions, and interlinking matter.
Trustworthiness – Can they trust your info? Clear contact info, updated content, real phone number (mine: (619) 719-1315).
When AI pulls content, it wants to show users something safe, accurate, and local if the query needs it. So every page you create should make it obvious:
That’s how you win in GEO and AEO.
How I Structure Content Now for AI and Humans
Here’s the exact content structure I’m using for clients (and myself):
Short, direct answer at the top – This is for AI and impatient readers.
Supportive explanation – This is for people who need context.
Local relevance – Mention San Diego naturally.
Entities + related topics – Don’t just mention SEO; mention Google Business Profile, local citations, SGE, schema, content hub, etc.
Internal links with SEO-friendly anchor text – e.g., “If you want to work with an experienced SEO company in San Diego, I can help.”
Call to action – People forget this. AI doesn’t.
Keyword SEO vs Concept SEO (and Why Both Still Matter)
Let’s make this super clear.
Keyword SEO
Target exact phrases
Optimize title, H1, meta, URL
Still important for service pages (“SEO company San Diego,” “San Diego SEO expert”)
Concept / Entity SEO
Cover the whole topic, not just one keyword
Answer related questions
Build supporting articles
Helps AI see you as a topic authority
In San Diego, this is powerful. If you’re trying to rank for “San Diego chiropractor,” don’t just make one page. Build:
“What to expect at your first chiropractic visit in San Diego”
“Is chiropractic covered by insurance in California?”
“Chiropractor near Mission Valley vs Downtown—where should you go?”
“Best stretches between chiropractic visits”
Now AI sees: oh, this business doesn’t just mention chiropractic—they own the topic.
Where GEO vs AEO Comes In
AEO is for making your content answerable. Think FAQ blocks, “here’s the short version,” numbered steps.
GEO is for making your content usable by generative AI. Think depth, authority, freshness, schema, entities, related topics.
So on a page like this, I’m doing both:
Giving quick summaries (AEO)
Expanding with expertise, local relevance, E-E-A-T (GEO)
That’s the mix you want.
Real San Diego Example from My Work
A local client came to me saying: “Jen, I already have a service page called ‘SEO Services San Diego’ but it’s not showing in AI results.”
When I looked, it was a standard page—maybe 600 words, keyword optimized, but not entity rich. So I added:
Mentions of San Diego neighborhoods
Talked about local competition
Included real business problems (tourism, seasonal slowdowns, local map pack)
Linked to blogs with anchor text like SEO expert in San Diego
Added FAQ schema
After that, their visibility in AI-generated previews improved. That’s not magic—it’s just giving AI more to understand.
Internal Links: Don’t Skip This
If you want your homepage or main service page to rank for “SEO company San Diego,” then your blogs should actually link to it with that anchor text.
For example:
That’s not over-optimization—that’s strategic. AI and Google both see those as signals for what your core page is about.
Don’t Forget Schema and Structured Data
AEO loves structure. Give it FAQs, HowTo, LocalBusiness schema. This helps AI understand your page without guessing.
I add FAQ schema to most authority pages now because I want those Q&As to be pulled into AI answers. I’ll include sample FAQ schema for you at the bottom.
What to Do Next (My Short Checklist)
Update your main service pages with clear, fact-based summaries
Add San Diego/local context to your content
Build supporting blogs to create topical authority
Add internal links using “SEO company San Diego” and “SEO expert in San Diego”
Add FAQ schema
Keep content fresh—AI likes current data
If that feels like a lot, that’s literally what I do for clients. Call or text me and I’ll map it out for you: (619) 719-1315
SEO Isn’t Dead—It’s Smarter Now
I know people love to say “SEO is dead” every time Google launches something new. It’s not dead. It’s just shifting from keyword matching to meaning matching.
If you’re a San Diego business and you want to show up in AI search, you can’t just write “best [service] in San Diego” and hope for the best. You need:
That’s the work. And I love this work.
If you want me to help you optimize for AI search, SGE, and still keep your classic Google rankings, reach out. I’m local, I’m hands-on, and I specialize in this.
Call/Text: (619) 719-1315
Work with me: SEO company San Diego
FAQs
1. What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
GEO is the process of optimizing your content so AI-driven search (like SGE) can read, understand, and feature it inside generated answers.
2. Do I still need keywords if AI is summarizing everything?
Yes. Keywords tell Google and AI what the topic is, but you also need entities, context, and authority.
3. How do I make my San Diego business show up in AI results?
Use local signals, write locally relevant content, add schema, and build authority around your services.
4. What’s the difference between GEO and AEO?
AEO is about providing direct, short answers. GEO is about making your whole site AI-friendly, deep, and trustworthy.
5. Can you help me set this up?
Yes—this is what I do. Call/text me at (619) 719-1315 and I’ll audit your content for AI/SGE readiness.
