How to Rank in ChatGPT: The GEO Playbook to increase your AI visibility
For over two decades, Google has been the gatekeeper of online visibility.
But in 2025, a major shift took place: AI-powered search engines changed the rules of the game.
Platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Copilot no longer just list search results — they decide which brands, products, and experts to cite as trusted sources.
If SEO was about getting to page one on Google, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is about being named inside the AI’s answer. And that requires a different approach.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
What GEO is and why it’s the natural evolution of SEO.
How to adapt your content to rank in ChatGPT and other LLMs.
The 7-step playbook we apply at LLMO Metrics that works — even for new brands.
What Is GEO and why it matters now
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing your brand so that it’s visible and cited in responses from AI engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google’s AI Overviews.
The difference from traditional SEO:
SEO → Optimizes to appear as a link in Google search results.
GEO → Optimizes so your brand appears inside the AI-generated answer.
According to recent studies, Google AI Overviews already appear in up to 74% of “problem-solving” searches, and Perplexity cites sources in 97% of its answers.
How AI Search Engines Work
LLMs with internal knowledge bases (Claude, Llama, Grok) → Use pre-trained data up to their latest update.
Hybrid engines (RAG) like ChatGPT with browsing, Perplexity, or Copilot → Combine internal knowledge with real-time web search.
Preferred sources → Wikipedia, authoritative media outlets, large forums like Reddit, and clearly structured, factual content.
The trick is to appear in the sources they already trust.
The 7-step GEO playbook to rank in ChatGPT (and other LLMs)
1. Get listed on Bing
Bing powers much of the data behind ChatGPT, Copilot, and Perplexity.
Claim your site in Bing Webmaster Tools.
Submit your XML sitemap.
Implement Schema.org markup for better semantic understanding.
GEO Tip: Bing SEO often indexes faster, giving you a quicker path to visibility in AI Search.
2. Publish on Reddit and Quora
LLMs are heavily trained on user-generated content (UGC).
Participate in relevant subreddits with value-driven contributions.
Publish case studies, tutorials, or product comparisons.
Avoid spam — build reputation.
In a study of 10,000 prompts, 30% of AI citations came from Reddit.
3. Structure content for AI Search
Make your site easy to parse for both humans and machines.
Use question-based titles.
Include a TL;DR summary at the top.
Break content into H2/H3 sections, lists, and tables.
Add data, quotes, and factual points.
If the AI can extract a standalone, clear paragraph, your chances of being cited go up dramatically.
4. Track whether you already rank
Don’t guess — measure.
Use tools like LLMO Metrics to see:
Which AI engines cite you.
Which URLs are referenced.
Who your competitors are in AI Search.
Then double down on what works and fill content gaps.
5. Identify AI Traffic footprints
Some AI tools pass tracking parameters like utm_source=chatgpt or ref=bingsydchat.
Create GA4 segments for AI referral traffic.
Analyze user behavior and conversion rates.
Fact: AI-driven visitors convert up to 23% better than traditional organic search traffic.
6. Publish content that’s hard to copy
Volume doesn’t win — originality and authority do.
Proprietary research and surveys.
Expert-driven opinion pieces.
Podcasts and their transcripts.
Detailed “how-to” guides and product comparisons.
7. Use exact keywords you want to rank for
Be explicit.
If you want to rank for “best CRM for clinics”, use that exact phrase in titles, interviews, and descriptions.
Keep it consistent across all channels.
How to know your AI visibility strategy is working
More mentions in AI Search (visible via monitoring tools).
Increase in AI referral traffic.
Stronger topical authority recognized by LLMs.
The time to act is now
While you read this, other brands are already applying GEO and securing positions in ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
Wait too long, and your competitors will own the top spots in AI answers.
At LLMO Metrics, we apply these steps daily — and they work, even for new brands.
Start your free 14-day trial and see if your brand is already appearing in AI answers.