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AI Optimization: Hype, Hope, or Head Start?

Last Updated: April 23, 2025

Last week, we unpacked the alphabet soup of SEO, GEO, and AEO. This week, we’re staying in the same neighborhood, but turning the spotlight onto a buzzword that’s been lighting up our inboxes and call logs: AI Optimization.

Let’s clear the air right away: Not all AI optimization is a scam. But some of it? Yeah… it’s more smoke and mirrors than substance.

AI Optimization: The New Snake Oil… or the Next Big Thing?

Here’s the truth: There’s a lot of AI snake oil being sold right now. Fancy dashboards, “AI-powered” this, “machine learning” that… some of it sounds impressive, but when you dig in, it’s all fluff that has no functional purpose (at least at the present time.)

We’ve had a few confused call-ins recently, wondering if they’re being taken for a ride. It’s a fair concern! But here’s the flip side: completely ignoring AI is like refusing to get a smartphone in 2009. Sure, your flip phone still works… but for how long?

Don’t Break the Bank, But GET OFF of Zero

Let’s be clear: we’re not suggesting you dump your entire marketing budget into AI tomorrow. That’s not smart. But staying at zero? That’s even riskier.

Here’s why: Right now, search is still king. About 95% of your traffic probably comes from search engines like Google. But that balance is shifting. Fast.

The traffic you get from search will continue to drop. That much we already know for certain.

We’re looking at a near future where:

95/5 (search/AI) becomes
80/20, then
60/40, and eventually
20/80 in some industries.

You might think that sounds extreme, but AI-driven platforms (think ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, voice assistants, and future tools we haven’t even seen yet) are already starting to serve answers directly to customers… before they ever hit a search result.

If you’re still sitting at zero when that wave fully hits, you’re going to be underwater.

What Are We Doing About It?

For our CoreSite clients, we’re in the process of rolling out an upgrade to our standard offering. It’s a suite of features we’re calling “AI-Friendly” to help you get future-ready, without the fluff.

Things like:

Structuring content so AI can easily understand and surface your business
Answer formatting that matches how AI bots want to deliver results
Meta data and schema upgrades to talk the AI language

For forward-thinking, future-minded folks, who are looking to move first and reap the benefits, we just launched specific Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services. These AI Optimization Packages offer more in-depth page-by-page optimizations that will feed those AI bots with all the information they need, exactly how they want to see it. Think of it like putting a turbocharger on your digital presence.

Ask the Hard Questions

If you’re working with an SEO provider, now’s a great time to ask: “What are you doing to prepare me for AI-driven search?” If they shrug, mumble something vague, or try to distract you with a shiny pie chart… it might be time to get a second opinion.

Bottom Line

AI is coming. It’s not a question of if, but when, and how fast. You don’t need to overhaul your whole strategy overnight. But you do need to get off zero. Ever step you take in the AI direction will give you a leg up on your competition. Let’s future-proof your business, smartly, and without the smoke.

AI Optimization FAQs

What is AI optimization?

AI optimization is the practice of structuring website content, schema markup, and conversational language to improve visibility and ranking in AI-driven search systems and virtual assistants.

How is AI optimization different from traditional SEO?

Traditional SEO focuses on search engine result pages through keyword use, backlinks, and on-page content, whereas AI optimization prioritizes structured data, natural language conversational content, and schema markup to align with AI agents and generative search models.

What is “AI optimization hype” and why is some AI optimization considered snake oil?

AI optimization hype refers to exaggerated marketing claims promising instant SEO results via AI, and some AI optimization services are considered snake oil when they offer expensive tools or packages without measurable impact or sound methodology.

Why should my business get off zero for AI optimization?

My business should get off zero for AI optimization because completely ignoring AI-driven search platforms risks losing visibility as AI agents increasingly serve answers before traditional search results.

How should my business budget for AI optimization without breaking the bank?

My business should budget for AI optimization by allocating a manageable portion of its marketing budget—piloting AI-friendly features and services—rather than investing all funds at once or ignoring AI entirely.

What AI-Friendly features does Prospect Genius include in the CoreSite upgrade?

Prospect Genius’s CoreSite upgrade includes AI-Friendly features such as structured content templates, answer formatting optimized for AI bots, metadata enhancements, and JSON-LD schema markup.

What are Prospect Genius’s AEO and GEO services?

Prospect Genius’s AI optimization packages include Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) services for AI agents requiring FAQ integration and structured answers, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) services for AI-driven recommendation engines and generative models.

How can I evaluate if my SEO provider is preparing me for AI-driven search?

To evaluate if my SEO provider is preparing me for AI-driven search, I should ask: “What AI optimization strategies are you implementing, and can you provide examples of AI-Friendly features, schema markup, or conversational content you have deployed?”

Has A.I. Killed the SEO Star? SEO, GEO, and AEO for Modern Digital Marketing

Last Updated: May 5, 2025

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If you’ve been around digital marketing even a little, you’ve heard of SEO (Search Engine Optimization.) You know the drill: use the right keywords, build some solid backlinks, and boom, your website shows up on Google when someone types in “water heater installation Boston MA.”

But in 2025, the game’s evolving. A lot.

Thanks to the rise of AI-powered assistants (like Alexa and Siri) and chat-based search (like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok), it’s no longer just about ranking on Google. It’s about showing up in the answers AI gives people. Even Google is using Gemini to show you AI answers to your searches, right at the top of the search results. This is why AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) are becoming so critical.

Let’s break it all down.

SEO: The Classic Crowd-Pleaser

Goal: Rank high on Google (and other search engines) when someone searches for services you offer.
Focus: Keywords, structure, speed, backlinks.

Let’s say you’re a plumber in Boston. You create a page like:

Title Tag: Water Heater Installation Boston MA | Boston Hot Water Pros
H1: Water Heater Installation in Boston, MA
Meta Description: Need water heater installation in Boston, MA? Call now for fast, affordable service!

Your content hits the right phrases—“plumbing in Boston,” “tankless water heaters,” “Boston water heater repair”—and you throw in a Google Map, a few local backlinks, and you’re cookin’.

Outcome: Your page shows up when someone Googles “water heater installation Boston MA.” Clicks start coming in.

AEO: Talk Like a Human (Because AI Is Listening)

Goal: Be the go-to answer when someone asks their phone or smart speaker a question.
Focus: Conversational tone, FAQ-style answers, schema markup.

People don’t always search like they used to. Now, they ask:

“Who installs water heaters near me?”
“How long does it take to install a water heater?”
“What’s the cost of a tankless water heater in Boston?”

To show up in voice searches or smart assistant answers, your content needs to match that Q&A format:

H1: Who Does Water Heater Installation in Boston, MA?
Subheading: How much does it cost?
- On average, between $800–$1,500 depending on the unit.
Subheading: How long does it take?
- Most jobs take 2–4 hours for our team.

Outcome: Someone asks ChatGPT or Grok, “How long does it take to install a water heater in Boston?” and you’re the answer.

GEO: Win the AI Brain Game

Goal: Be the source that tools like ChatGPT reference when crafting detailed responses.
Focus: Authority, clarity, structure, and originality.

This is where content starts doing real heavy lifting. AI bots don’t just look for keywords, they understand what’s helpful, unique, and well-explained. Your job? Be the expert voice they lean on.

So instead of a sales-y blurb, you write something like:

“In 2024, over 65% of Boston homeowners upgraded to tankless water heaters, according to the Boston Plumbing Association.”

“Because of Boston’s hard water, traditional tank heaters wear out 20% faster, so going tankless often saves in the long run.”

Break it down into steps. Add data. Speak like a pro. Be the plumber who’s not just trying to rank, but trying to teach.

Outcome: Someone asks an AI, “What’s the best way to install a water heater in Boston?” and it replies:

“Boston Hot Water Pros recommends tankless units for Boston’s hard water. Installation usually takes 2–4 hours and costs between $1,000–$1,500.”

Boom. You’re the authority.

Quick Comparison: SEO vs. AEO vs. GEO

Keyword Focus

SEO: Heavy

AEO: Moderate (natural questions)

GEO: Light (broad relevance)

Content Style

SEO: Keyword-rich

AEO: FAQ/conversational

GEO: Expert-level, detailed

Length

SEO: ~700 words

AEO: ~500 words

GEO: 900+ words

Structure

SEO: Ranked sections

AEO: Q&A format

GEO: Bullet points, tables, step-by-step

Target Platform

SEO: Google SERPs

AEO: Voice search / AI assistants

GEO: ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews

Local Detail

SEO: Basic (address, map)

AEO: Specific (neighborhood examples)

GEO: Deep (e.g., local stats, trends)

So… What Should You Do?

Honestly? Start with strong SEO. It lays the groundwork. If you’re using keywords like “emergency plumber Boston” or “tankless water heater install in Dorchester,” you’re already headed in the right direction.

Then, sprinkle in some AEO magic:

Add an FAQ section.
Use natural questions as subheadings.
Keep answers tight and scannable.

Finally, beef it up for GEO:

Drop in unique insights and local stats.
Use clear formatting—bullet points, charts, comparisons.
Write like an expert, not a salesman.

Final Thoughts

AI isn’t killing SEO, it’s evolving it. The goal now is to be the best answer, whether someone’s typing into Google, asking their phone, or chatting with a bot.

Your website is no longer just a brochure, it’s a resource. A guide. A trusted voice.

So next time you’re updating a service page, ask yourself:

“Would this help me if I were the customer?”

If the answer is yes, chances are… the search engines (and AI) will think so too.

Want help giving your service pages a glow-up that works for SEO, AEO and GEO? Drop us a line. We speak fluent Google and robot.

SEO, GEO, and AEO FAQs

What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) in digital marketing?

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) focuses on formatting your content in a conversational Q&A style and using schema markup so that AI assistants and voice search devices can deliver your answers directly to users.

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and how does it differ from SEO and AEO?

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is about creating authoritative, detailed content with unique data, bullet points, and expert insights so that generative AI tools reference your website when crafting their answers, whereas Search Engine Optimization (SEO) focuses on ranking in search results and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) focuses on voice and Q&A formatting.

What is traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and why is SEO still important?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the practice of optimizing keywords, site structure, page speed, and backlinks to rank high in Google SERPs, and it remains important because it lays the foundation for visibility and traffic before applying AEO and GEO strategies.

How has AI impacted traditional SEO practices?

AI has shifted emphasis from purely keyword-based tactics to more user-centric content formats, pushing marketers to adopt conversational tone, structured Q&A, and authoritative data to satisfy AI assistants and chat-based search engines.

Is SEO Dead? Did AI make SEO obsolete?

AI does not kill SEO but evolves it: websites must now serve as resources by providing clear answers for AI, voice search, and generative models, combining traditional SEO fundamentals with AEO and GEO enhancements.

How can businesses integrate SEO, AEO, and GEO into a cohesive content strategy?

Businesses should start with strong Search Engine Optimization (SEO) foundations, then add Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) elements like FAQ sections and natural question subheadings, and finally layer in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) by including unique insights, local data, and expert commentary.

What are the best practices for optimizing content for voice search and AI assistants?

Optimizing for voice search and AI assistants involves using natural, conversational headings in a Q&A format, including Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) schema markup, and providing concise, human-friendly answers that directly address common customer questions.

What steps should businesses take to adapt their website for SEO, AEO, and GEO?

To adapt for SEO, AEO, and GEO, businesses should: 1) Implement strong SEO fundamentals with targeted keywords and local backlinks, 2) Add AEO-focused FAQ sections with schema markup, and 3) Enhance GEO by publishing expert-level content with original data, bullet-point breakdowns, and clear formatting.

SEO Myth-Busting: Geotagging Photos To Improve Local Search Rankings

Last Updated: April 9, 2025

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You’ve probably heard the latest online marketing “trick”: geotagging your photos. The pitch is simple: add location data to your pictures (like where you took that shot of a fixed pipe or a new deck), and Google will magically push your business to the top of local searches like “plumber near me.” Sounds like a silver bullet, right?

Wrong. It’s a myth. Geotagging isn’t going to make or break your online success. It’s not bad, it’s just not worth your time. Let’s bust this myth wide open, figure out who’s pushing this nonsense, and get you focused on what actually brings in customers.

What’s Geotagging, Anyway?

Geotagging means adding your location info to the meta data of your photos. Most phones these days will automatically add the latitude and longitude of where you are when you take your photos and stick that information into the file’s meta data. The idea is that Google sees this and says, “Oh, this electrician works in [Your Town]!” and bumps you up in search results. It’s being sold as a fast, easy way to win at local search. But here’s the catch: it barely moves the needle, and you’ve got better things to do.

Where’s This Hype Coming From?

I know that you’re busy fixing sinks, mowing lawns, or wiring houses, so you might not have time to dig into why this keeps popping up. Here’s the scoop:

SEO “Experts” Want Your Money: Some marketing companies and so-called gurus on TikTok or YouTube push geotagging as a must-do trick. They’re selling you tools or services, and this sounds fancy enough to hook you. They don’t care if it works, they just want your cash.
Your Buddy at the Bar Said It Worked: Ever hear a fellow tradesperson swear they geotagged a photo and got more calls? Maybe it happened, maybe it didn’t, but chances are something else (like a new review) did the heavy lifting. Word spreads, and suddenly everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon.
Old Advice That Won’t Die: Years ago, little tricks like this might’ve helped with Google. Not anymore. But outdated tips keep floating around online, confusing busy folks like you.

The truth? This hype preys on people who don’t have hours to mess with marketing and just want a quick fix. Sorry, but geotagging isn’t it.

Busting the Myth: It’s Not Wrong, Just Useless

Here’s the deal: geotagging your photos won’t hurt your business. If you’ve got a spare hour and love fiddling with your phone, go for it. But don’t expect it to flood your inbox with leads. Why?

It’s Super Easy to Fake: Anyone can change a photo’s location data in seconds. Snap a pic in Ohio, edit the file on your phone or computer, and tell Google it was taken in Florida. No special tools needed. Google knows people can lie like this, so it doesn’t put much stock in geotags. Why trust something that’s so easy to fake?
Google Doesn’t Care Much: Google’s smart. It already knows where your business is from your Google Business Profile (that free listing you set up with your address). A geotagged photo might add a tiny hint, but it’s like whispering in a thunderstorm. Google’s listening to louder stuff.
Your Time’s Worth More: Say you spend 10 minutes tagging every job photo. That’s an hour a week if you do six jobs. What’s that get you? Maybe one extra person finds you in a random image search. Maybe. Meanwhile, you could’ve called a happy customer for a review that actually boosts your rank.

Studies back this up. One test with lawn care businesses showed geotagging helped a tiny bit for “near me” searches in super-specific spots, but it didn’t help (and sometimes hurt) for bigger city searches. Google’s own experts say it’s not a game-changer. Bottom line: it’s a weak signal, drowned out by the stuff that really counts.

What Should You Do Instead?

You’re not here to waste time on overhyped tricks. You want more calls from local customers. Focus on these instead:

Fix Up Your Google Business Profile: Make sure your address, phone, and hours are right. Add a few good photos (no geotagging needed, Google knows where you are). This is your online storefront so keep it sharp.
Ask for Reviews: A handful of 5-star reviews from real customers beats 1,000 geotagged photos. Text your last happy client and ask. Takes five minutes, works like magic. Better yet, sign up for ReviewStream and we’ll do it for you!
Post About Your Work: Share a quick pic or story about a job on your Google profile or a basic website. Say, “Fixed a leaky faucet in [Your Town] today!” That tells Google and customers where you are, no fancy tags required.

These take less time than geotagging and get you way more bang for your buck.

The Verdict: Skip the Geotagging Hype

Next time someone tells you geotagging’s the secret to crushing it online, smile and nod, then get back to work. It’s not a scam, just a distraction. You’ve got pipes to unclog, wires to fix, or lawns to mow. Leave the photo-tagging to the influencers and focus on what brings real customers through the door.

Puppy Panics At The Stairs

Last Updated: April 17, 2025

The 3 Ranking Factors You’re Overlooking

Last Updated: April 1, 2025

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Baseball season is here, and every fan knows the thrill of a grand slam. It’s the highlight-reel moment that gets the crowd roaring. But ask any coach or player who’s hoisted a championship trophy, and they’ll tell you the real secret: it’s not the home runs that win games—it’s small ball. Bunting, stealing bases, hitting singles, playing solid defense. Doing the little things right, inning after inning, adds up to a W.

Your small business’s search rankings? Same deal. Everyone’s chasing the “home run.” That shiny new tool or a quick trick to dominate Google overnight (looking at you, GBP Heatmap fans). But the pros know that consistent, fundamental plays beat flashy distractions every time. At Prospect Genius, we’re all about “Clean, Plan, Grow”—and today, we’re breaking down three overlooked ranking factors (plus a bonus AI curveball) that are your small ball SEO playbook. Master these, and you’ll be racking up wins all season long.

1. NAP Consistency: Your Leadoff Hitter

In baseball, a leadoff hitter sets the tone—get it wrong, and the whole inning suffers. For local SEO, that’s your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number). If your business info isn’t identical everywhere online (your website, Google Business Profile (GBP), directories, social pages) Google gets confused. And a confused Google doesn’t rank you highly.

Why It Matters: Inconsistent NAP is like sending a pinch hitter who doesn’t know the signals. Google’s bots won’t trust your listing, and your visibility takes a hit.
How to Fix It: Audit your top listings (think GBP, Yelp, Bing) and make sure every letter, number, and comma matches. Use a tool like a citation checker for a quick scan, but don’t panic at their “you’re missing 80%” scare tactics (we debunked that in a previous article). Focus on the big players that matter to your industry.

Pro Tip: Update your site’s footer and contact page with your exact NAP. It’s a signal to Google and a base hit for credibility.

2. Site Structure & Local Content: Your Batting Order

A good batting order isn’t just a list of names, it’s strategic, with each hitter in the right spot to drive runs. Your website needs the same intentional structure. Too many small businesses slap up a one-page site and call it a day. That’s like sending your pitcher to bat cleanup. It’s not a winning strategy.

Why It Matters: Google loves content-rich sites that answer searcher intent. If you’re a plumber in three towns, a single-page site page won’t cut it. You need pages for each service (e.g., “Drain Cleaning”) and each location (e.g., “Drain Cleaning in [Town Name]”).
How to Fix It: Build out your site with:
- Service Pages: One for every key offering, packed with details and keywords.
- Local Landing Pages: A page for each service offered, per town you serve, with unique content (no copy-pasting!). Mention local landmarks or events like “serving [Town] since the [Local Festival] began” to signal relevance.
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Half your traffic’s on phones. If your site’s a mess on mobile, you’re striking out.

Pro Tip: Add a blog with tips (e.g., “How to Spot a Leaky Pipe Before It Floods Your Basement.” or even better, “Here’s a leaky pipe repair we performed in [town name here].”) It’s fresh content that keeps Google coming back.

3. Backlinks: Your Steady Defense

In small ball, defense wins championships. Stopping runs is as crucial as scoring them. For SEO, backlinks are your defense, proving to Google that your business is legit. But just like a sloppy fielder can cost you a game, bad or irrelevant backlinks can hurt more than help.

Why It Matters: Quality backlinks from local directories, industry sites, or partners tell Google you’re a player worth ranking. But don’t fall for the “list you on 500 random sites” scam we warned about last week.
How to Fix It: Focus on:
- Local Citations: Get listed on relevant directories (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, trade groups). Check BrightLocal’s for a legit starting point.
- Partnerships: Swap links with local businesses or sponsor a community event for a natural boost.
- Patience: Backlinks take weeks to register (see our timeline breakdown ), so keep swinging—don’t expect an instant home run.

Pro Tip: Monitor your backlinks with a free tool like Google Search Console to spot any sketchy ones sneaking in.

BONUS: 4. AI-Friendly Optimization: The Rookie Phenom

Here’s the curveball: AI is changing the search game. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Grok aren’t Google and they don’t crawl the web the same way. Optimizing for them isn’t identical to traditional SEO, and the standards are still shaking out. (Think VHS vs. Betamax or HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray) We don’t know the winner yet, but “AI agents” are already on deck, ready to transform how customers find you.

Why It Matters: People are asking ChatGPT “Who’s the best plumber in [Town]?” or querying Grok for local services. If your site isn’t AI-friendly, you’re missing the next wave of traffic and AI agents will only amplify this shift.
How to Fix It: Start small:
- Clear, Conversational Content: Write like you talk because LLMs love natural language. “We fix leaky pipes fast” beats “Plumbing services optimized for expediency.”
- Structured Data: Add schema markup (e.g., for services, locations) so AI can easily pull your info. Get working on your LLMs.txt file!
- FAQ Pages: Answer common questions (“How much does a drain cleaning cost?”) It’s gold for AI responses.

Pro Tip: Ask ChatGPT about your business. If it draws a blank or gets it wrong, you’ve got work to do.

Step Up to the Plate

Chasing the next big SEO “home run” might feel good, but it’s the singles and doubles (NAP consistency, a smart site structure, steady backlinks, and a nod to AI) that build a championship season. These aren’t sexy, but they’re proven. And just like in baseball, you don’t need a massive budget to play small ball, you just need to execute.

Ready to stop striking out on search rankings? Let’s talk about a game plan that actually works. Contact us today, and we’ll help you hit the basics out of the park.

Prospect Genius