How to Optimize Content for AI: A Guide to LLMO, GEO, and the “New” SEO

Posted on by Lani Haque

Why Should You Care About LLMO?

If you’ve ever asked ChatGPT, Google’s SGE, or Bing Chat or “asked” your phone a question and gotten an instant answer, you’ve already experienced the future of search. Behind each of those answers is content written and optimized for AI, not just people and search engines. This is where LLMO comes in.  LLMO stands for Large Language Model Optimization.  Is the adaptation of SEO for LLMO and becoming a more relevant and important skill for anyone who creates content online.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Should You Care About LLMO?
  2. What is LLMO?
  3. LLMO vs Traditional SEO
  4. What is GEO?
  5. Key Tips for Optimizing Content for AI
  6. Summary
  7. FAQ
  8. References

What is LLMO?

LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) is the practice of writing and structuring content so that large language models, like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, can easily read, understand, and use it.

While traditional SEO focused on ranking your webpage in a search engine like Google, LLMO is about getting your content noticed and included directly into AI answers.

Why does LLMO matter?

LLMO matters because AI tools are starting to replace traditional search for millions of people. If your content isn’t optimized for AI, it may never be “seen” and used in answers

Let’s look at some of the differences between LLMO and “traditional” SEO.

LLMO vs Traditional SEO

FeatureTraditional SEOLLMO (AI Optimization)
AudienceSearch engines & human readersAI systems like ChatGPT
FocusKeywords, backlinks, rankingsClarity, context, semantic structure
FormatLong-form, keyword-dense contentSimple language, Q&A format, structured
ToolsGoogle Search Console, Ahrefs, SEMrushSchema markup, structured answers

ClickPoint Software does a great job of explaining how LLMO expands SEO to make your content visible in AI conversations, not just Google results.

What is GEO?

GEO stands for Generative Engine Optimization. It’s a newer way of optimizing your content so it shows up in AI-generated answers, like those from ChatGPT or Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE).

GEO builds on LLMO which focuses on making your content easy for AI models to understand. In other words, LLMO helps AI understand your content, and GEO helps that content show up in AI-powered search results. They work together to get your content seen in the new world of AI search,  LLMO + GEO = new SEO

Key Tips for Optimizing Content for AI

Here’s what you can do to help AI find and use your content:

  1. Keep it Simple: Write short sentences and use plain language. AI performs best with clean, clear content.
  2. Use Headings and Lists: Break up your content using headers (<h2>, <h3>) and bulleted or numbered lists. This makes it easier for AI to parse.
  3. Answer Specific Questions: Structure your content in a Q&A style. SurferSEO recommends thinking like the user and write content that answers real, searchable questions.
  4. Add Schema Markup: Use FAQPage, Article, and HowTo schema.  The schema markup helps Google’s AI understand what your content is about.  It’s like speaking to the AI tools.
  5. Build Authority: SEO.ai stresses the importance of trustworthiness.  So, cite sources, link to relevant info, and write from a position of expertise.

Summary

Search is changing fast. To keep up, content creators need to think not just about human readers, but also about AI readers.  LLMO and GEO are about making your content readable, understandable, and useful to the tools that people are using to find answers today.

Following simple LLMO techniques like writing clearly, using structure, and answering questions directly, it’ll be easier to adapt your mindset around SEO practice for LLMO.

FAQ

What does LLMO stand for?

LLMO means Large Language Model Optimization. It’s how you make content readable and usable by AI tools like ChatGPT.

How is GEO different from LLMO?

GEO, Generative Engine Optimization, focuses on getting your content into AI-powered search results, like Google’s SGE. LLMO is broader, it’s about making content AI-friendly in general.

Can I use traditional SEO and LLMO together?

Yes!  LLMO adds to SEO by helping AI understand your content, while SEO helps with traditional rankings.  SEO is not dead but rather changing and evolving to the changes in how searching is done.

What tools help with LLMO?

Use schema generators, SurferSEO, SEO.ai, and Google’s Structured Data Testing Tool.

Is SEO really dead?

Not at all.  It is evolving. As Tanver Bhuiyan explains, we’re entering the age of LEO, Language Engine Optimization.

References

  1. Wallaroo Media on LLMO & GEO
  2. ClickPoint Software: What is LLMO
  3. SEO.ai on LLM SEO
  4. Ethinos: Optimizing for Generative AI
  5. SEO.ai’s Guide to LLMO & GEO
  6. Tanver Bhuiyan: LEO is the Future
  7. Surfer SEO: LLM Optimization Tips
Lani Haque
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Lani Haque

I enjoy learning and sharing that knowledge. Sharing has been in many forms over the years, as a teaching assistant, university lecturer, Pilates instructor, math tutor and just sharing with friends and family. Throughout, summarizing what I have learnt in words has always been there and continues to through blog posts, articles, video and the ever growing forms of content out there!

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