GEO: Frequently Asked Questions and Best Practices?

You launched your first GEO analysis, but the results aren’t what you expected? No sources appear, the results are in English, or the proposed structure doesn’t seem suited to your content? Don’t panic: these situations can happen and there are concrete solutions.

This guide helps you solve the 3 most common problems encountered when using GEO.

Why does my GEO analysis show no sources?

The problem

You launch a GEO analysis, but the "Sources" tab stays empty. No sources highlighted, no sources consulted. ChatGPT seems to have replied without consulting any web content.

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The cause

Your keyword is probably too generic.

Examples of overly generic keywords:

• "car insurance"
• "SEO"
• "collagen"
• "digital marketing"

For these very broad topics, ChatGPT considers the question too vague and answers from its general knowledge base without consulting external web pages.

The solution

Rephrase your keyword into a precise question with context.

Add elements that clarify the search intent:

• The user profile
• The usage context
• The objective sought
• A specific dimension of the topic

Reformulation examples:

❌ Too generic: "assurance auto"
✅ Precise and contextualized: "how to choose car insurance for a young driver"

Immediate action: Go back to your content, modify the main keyword with a more precise formulation, and relaunch the GEO analysis (button "Update").

Why are the cited sources in English?

The problem

You launch a GEO analysis on a French keyword, but ChatGPT cites mainly (or even exclusively) English sources in the "Sources" tab.

The cause

ChatGPT is trained on a global corpus. For certain topics, the AI deems English-language sources to be the most comprehensive, best documented, or most reliable. It therefore naturally favors that content, even for a query in French.

This often happens for:

• Technical or scientific topics
• Emerging trends (new technologies, new markets)
• Sectors where English-language documentation dominates (tech, SaaS, AI)

The solution

Don't see this as a problem, but as a strategic opportunity.

The English-language sources that ChatGPT cites are the best global content on your topic. You have just identified the international reference, the absolute benchmark.

Your action plan:

1. Analyze these English-language sources:

• What structure do they use?
• What unique information do they provide?
• What level of depth do they reach?
• Which formats do they favor? (tables, infographics, case studies)

2. Create the reference resource in French:

• Draw inspiration from their structure and completeness
• Adapt to the French/francophone context (regulations, markets, local players)
• Add your expertise and unique value
• Match or exceed their level of quality

3. Position yourself as the francophone reference alternative:

• You will fill a gap: a resource this comprehensive may not yet exist in French
• ChatGPT will eventually identify you as the francophone reference on the topic

The opportunity: If ChatGPT cites English-language sources, it means a high-quality French equivalent is missing. This is your chance to create it.

 

Do I always have to follow the AI's response structure to the letter?

The problem

You’re looking at the "AI Response" tab and the structure proposed by ChatGPT doesn’t match exactly what you had planned for your content. You’re wondering whether you should abandon your original plan to follow the AI’s recommendations strictly.

The answer

No, not always. The Overview is an excellent starting point, but it's not an absolute obligation.

The nuance to understand

The "AI response" tab shows the structure that ChatGPT considers the most effective for addressing the detected search intent. It is a strong recommendation, based on the analysis of thousands of pieces of content and user behaviors.

However:

• Your expertise can add value that the AI did not identify
• Your brand voice may require adapting the format
• Your specific audience may have slightly different expectations
• You may have exclusive information that deserves to be highlighted

The right approach

Use the Overview as a solid foundation, then enrich it with your added value.

What to keep:

• ✅ The main dimensions of the subject (if the Overview covers definition + benefits + selection criteria, your content should too)
• ✅ The overall format if relevant (table, list, structured guide)
• ✅ The identified angle of approach (practical, comparative, educational)

What you can adapt:

• 🔄 The order of sections (if it improves the user journey)
• 🔄 The level of detail (you can go further than ChatGPT on certain points)
• 🔄 The tone and style (formal, conversational, technical)
• 🔄 Adding bonus sections (your unique expertise, exclusive case studies)

Concrete example:

The ChatGPT Overview for "marine collagen" proposes: Definition > Benefits > Selection criteria > Usage tips.

You can:

• Keep these 4 sections (essential) ✅
• Add a 5th section "Customer testimonials" (your added value) ✅
• Expand the "Selection criteria" with your advanced expertise ✅
• Swap "Selection criteria" and "Usage tips" if that makes more sense for your audience ✅

The key principle: Combine the best of AI (effective structure, search intent) and the best of your human expertise (unique added value, brand voice)