As the owner of a San Diego SEO company, I’ve always loved staying ahead of the curve. But I’ll be honest—Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen in our industry in years.
If you’ve been wondering what AI Overviews are, or why your business might not be showing up where it used to, you’re in the right place. Let me break down GEO in a way that makes sense—and show you how we’re helping San Diego businesses like yours thrive in the age of AI search.
What Is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
Generative Engine Optimization is the process of optimizing your website content for AI-powered search engines and answer engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), ChatGPT, and Perplexity.
Related post: AI SEO vs Traditional SEO
How GEO Differs from Traditional SEO
Traditional SEO focused on optimizing for keyword rankings and SERPs. GEO focuses on making your content the best answer to a query. AI Overviews don’t just show search results—they generate responses. That’s where the game changes.
Related post: 5 AI SEO Myths San Diego Business Owners Still Believe (And What Actually Works)
Why GEO Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Right now, Google’s AI Overviews are already rolling out, summarizing answers instead of just linking out. If your site isn’t feeding those answers, you’re invisible. GEO ensures your business doesn’t get left behind.
Why I Started Focusing on GEO for San Diego Clients
A Personal Story: Seeing Google’s AI Overviews Shake Up Search
I first noticed the shift when one of my local clients—a med spa in San Diego—suddenly dropped in traffic. They hadn’t lost rankings. Instead, Google’s AI was answering the question before people got to their website.
We pivoted to GEO, restructured their content, and updated schema. Within 45 days, their traffic bounced back—and then some.
How GEO Helped a Local Business Triple Traffic
Another client—a dog trainer—saw 3X traffic growth after we began writing answer-style blog posts using schema, FAQ markup, and semantic clusters. Their content was being quoted in the AI summaries.
Related post: How Google’s AI Overviews Are Changing Local SEO
Understanding Google’s AI Search Generative Experience (SGE)
What Are AI Overviews?
AI Overviews are summaries generated by Google’s AI models to answer questions directly at the top of search results. Instead of showing 10 blue links, users often get a full response with sources.
How SGE Impacts Local Search Visibility
SGE pulls in structured, authoritative content. If your business isn’t clearly described, or if your site lacks structured data, you’ll be skipped over—even if your traditional SEO is solid.
Related post: Why AI Overviews Are Actually Good News for Smart Local SEO in San Diego
Key Components of a GEO Strategy
Structured Data and Schema Markup
This is non-negotiable. Use schema to label your content clearly for AI engines. I always include LocalBusiness, FAQ, HowTo, and Product schema when relevant.
Semantic SEO: Thinking Like a Machine
GEO requires content that’s context-rich. Instead of repeating “San Diego moving company” over and over, we use semantically related terms like “relocation experts,” “packing services,” and “licensed movers.”
Content That Feeds AI Engines Answers
Write in a way that answers questions directly. I call it “answer-first formatting.” Put the answer at the top, then expand. Google’s AI loves that.
GEO and E-E-A-T: Building Authority in an AI World
Why Author Pages Matter
Google wants to know who wrote your content. Adding an author bio with credentials isn’t optional anymore—it’s part of how AI determines trust.
Demonstrating Expertise Through Content
It’s not just what you say—it’s how consistently and clearly you demonstrate it. I always coach clients to write expert-level blog posts—even if we ghostwrite them!
Related post: Why People Still Click for Local Services (Even with AI)
How Local San Diego Businesses Can Get Started
GEO for Restaurants, Med Spas, and Contractors
Local businesses can win big with GEO. We help med spas rank for “How long does Botox last?” and restaurants rank for “Best Peking duck in San Diego” in AI summaries.
Optimizing for “Near Me” + AI Queries
“Near me” queries still matter, but the phrasing is changing. AI sees more conversational queries like “Where’s the best vegan brunch in La Jolla?” GEO helps you match that style.
My Favorite GEO Tools and Tactics
AI-Focused Analytics and Query Insights
Tools like AlsoAsked, AnswerThePublic, and Semrush’s new AI tools help us find the questions real users (and AIs) are asking.
Schema Generators and Content Structuring Tools
I use tools like Merkle’s Schema Generator and ChatGPT for outlining answer-first blog posts. Then I fine-tune with real SEO tools and structured markup.
Mistakes to Avoid in GEO
Over-Optimizing for Bots, Not Humans
Yes, we’re optimizing for AI—but humans still read your content. Keep it readable, natural, and engaging.
Forgetting the Local Context in AI Results
AI pulls from your location too. If you’re in San Diego, say it often. Mention your neighborhood, local events, and other geo cues.
What’s Next for GEO in 2025 and Beyond
GEO is only going to grow. With voice search, virtual assistants, and AI chat agents on the rise, your business must be part of the conversation. Literally.
I’m also watching Google’s Search Labs closely—they’re testing even more AI integrations that will likely roll out soon.
Related post: Will AI Replace SEO? Not for Local Service Providers in San Diego—Here’s Why.
FAQs About Generative Engine Optimization
Q1: Is GEO just another name for SEO?
Not exactly. GEO is a branch of SEO that focuses on optimization for AI-generated search results, like Google’s AI Overviews or ChatGPT’s answers.
Q2: Do I need to redo my entire website for GEO?
Not always. You might just need to restructure your content, add schema, and target conversational queries.
Q3: Is GEO only for big businesses?
Nope! Local San Diego businesses can actually benefit the most—especially if you’re in a competitive niche like med spas, real estate, or restaurants.
Q4: How long does it take to see results with GEO?
Results can start showing within 30–60 days if implemented correctly—but consistency is key.
Q5: Can I do GEO myself, or should I hire someone?
You can start learning it, but because it requires both content strategy and technical SEO (like schema), most businesses work with an expert—like me .
Let’s Make Your Business AI-Search-Ready
If you’re a San Diego business owner, you don’t have time to fall behind. GEO isn’t a trend—it’s the new reality of search.
I’ve helped local companies go from invisible to the quoted source in AI Overviews. If you want your business to thrive in 2025 and beyond, let’s talk.
Call/text me at (619) 719-1315 or visit jenruhman.com—I’d love to help you get started with a custom GEO strategy.
