GEO vs. SEO: what’s the difference — and do you need both?
SEO moves you up the Google list. GEO puts you into the AI’s answer. We explain when each lever counts and why the combination is strongest.
The core difference
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) optimises for the classic results list: ten blue links the user chooses from. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) optimises for the single generated answer an AI gives the user directly.
With SEO you compete for visibility; with GEO you compete for the recommendation itself.
When does each count?
If your audience still googles, you continue to need strong SEO. If you want to be present early in the decision — especially for advisory-heavy services — you benefit massively from GEO.
In practice, research habits are shifting noticeably towards AI. Covering both channels keeps you on the safe side.
The good news
A large part of the work benefits both: clean page structure, fast load times, structured data and clearly answered questions. Circle builds your site to be equally readable for Google and for AI.
FAQ
Possible, but rarely sensible. Since many foundations are identical, you pick up both channels with little extra effort.
Yes. With GEO we check whether and how AI systems mention your business, not just your Google position. Both feed into our audit.