What is the difference between SEO and GEO?

The core difference lies in where you want to be found. SEO aims at a clickable position among Google’s blue links, while GEO aims at a mention within the AI answer itself. They are not opposites, but two layers of the same strategy.

Do SEO and GEO exclude each other?

No, quite the opposite. AI engines often draw from the same trusted, well-structured pages that also rank strongly in the classic search results. A healthy SEO base therefore makes GEO easier. The difference is not in the foundation, but in how your content is presented and picked up.

What is the main difference in approach?

• SEO optimizes for clicks: title, meta, ranking factors and links that drive traffic to your site.
• GEO optimizes for citations: clear answers, a clean structure and authority that convinces an AI model to name you.
• SEO measures positions and traffic, GEO measures mentions and the context in which your brand appears.

Which do you need as a B2B company?

In practice, you need both. Classic search results still deliver valuable traffic, while AI engines take over a growing share of the orientation process. At Customer Impact we combine SEO and GEO so you are visible on both fronts, where your B2B buyers search. We always steer on enquiries and revenue, not on vanity metrics, and work with a small, fast team exclusively in B2B.