Summary
Introduction: Well-positioned on Google, invisible on ChatGPT?
SEO vs. GEO: What is the real difference?
How Semji transforms a keyword into a GEO opportunity
The 3 key concepts that AI uses to judge your content
Put it into practice
Introduction: Well-positioned on Google, invisible on ChatGPT?
You've worked hard to reach the top positions on Google. Your SEO strategy is paying off: traffic is up, content is well-ranked, domain authority is solid.
But a new channel is emerging, and quickly. ChatGPT and conversational search engines (LLMs) no longer simply provide links: they directly formulate the answer. They synthesize information from multiple sources and construct a single response.
The problem? If your content isn't among the sources that AI judges credible, you're invisible. Your position on Google doesn't matter.
The solution? GEO (Generative Engine Optimization).
GEO teaches you how to optimize your content to be cited by conversational engines. To become the reference source that ChatGPT uses and mentions. To anticipate market evolution before your competitors do.
This guide explains how to achieve this.
SEO vs. GEO: What is the real difference?
Although complementary, SEO and GEO respond to different logics:
| Criteria | SEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Rank among the top 10 results | Become the featured source by AI |
| Analysis |
The pages that rank on Google | The answer generated by the AI |
| Competitors | Sites in the top 10 of the SERP | The content that AI considers credible |
| Success indicator | Position 1 on Google | To be cited as a "Source" or "Mention" |
Why this distinction matters
With SEO, you optimize to appear in a list. The user clicks, compares, and navigates between multiple sites.
With GEO, the AI takes a stance. It constructs a single synthesized answer. If your content isn't among its sources, you are invisible.
Now that the difference between SEO and GEO is clear, let's see how Semji helps you concretely move from one to the other.
How Semji turns a keyword into a GEO opportunity
Why keywords are no longer enough
On Google, a single keyword is enough. You type "marine collagen," and Google returns 10 links ranked by relevance. Your goal: appear among those 10 links.
But ChatGPT doesn't work that way. It doesn't "search" web pages, it "answers" an intent. And that intent must be expressed as a complete, contextualized, precise question.
The problem: a standalone keyword is too vague. ChatGPT doesn't know which search intent to handle. Are we looking for a definition? A buying guide? Health benefits? A comparison?
The role of the Focus Prompt: formulating the exact question
This is where the Focus Prompt comes in. To access it, go to the GEO tab of your content editor. Semji applies a method there that transforms your keyword into the precise question your content must answer in order to be used by ChatGPT.
Concrete example:
SEO keyword: "marine collagen"
GEO Focus Prompt: "What are the benefits of marine collagen for the skin and how should you choose it?"
This transformation changes everything. From now on:
- ChatGPT understands the intent (informational + comparative)
- It looks for external sources to build its answer
- It responds in a structured way
- You can analyze this answer to optimize your content
The Focus Prompt guarantees two essential things:
- That the answer is in French
- That ChatGPT uses sources (and does not answer solely from its internal knowledge base)
The role of GEO analysis: identifying the terms ChatGPT favors
Once the Focus Prompt has been formulated, Semji queries ChatGPT and analyzes its response in depth. We identify:
Associated terms: The concepts that ChatGPT and its sources use most frequently to address this topic. These are not the terms your SEO competitors use, but the terms the AI deems essential.
The expected structure: How ChatGPT organizes its answer (list, table, step-by-step guide, etc.)
Featured sources: Which contents ChatGPT considers sufficiently reliable to use as references.
Mentioned brands: Which players ChatGPT identifies as key references on the topic.
Final objective: become a featured source
The goal is not to "trick" the AI or manipulate its results. The goal is to create content that objectively deserves to be cited.
By understanding what ChatGPT expects (via the Focus Prompt and analysis), you create content that:
- Precisely answers the search intent
- Covers the essential concepts identified by the AI
- Adopts the structure most effective for the user
- Has a real chance of being cited as a source in future ChatGPT responses
The 3 key concepts AI uses to judge your content
To optimize your content for AI, you need to understand how it "thinks."
Semji's GEO analysis decodes this process through three fundamental pillars:
1. The structure of the ideal answer
AI always looks for the most efficient format to answer a question. Is it a comparison table, a bulleted list, or a step-by-step tutorial?By analyzing the structure of its answer, you discover the ideal format for your own content.
Example: For "which iPhone to choose in 2025," ChatGPT structures its response like a buying guide with:
- Selection criteria (performance, screen, price)
- Available ranges (standard, Pro, Pro Max)
- Recommendations by user profile
2. Source credibility
AI does not create information out of nothing. It relies on web content that it deems reliable, comprehensive, and well-structured. Semji identifies these sources for you.
Two levels of sources:
Featured sources: Your URL is explicitly cited by ChatGPT. This is the ultimate goal.
Browsed sources: The AI used your content but does not cite you directly. It’s a good start, but you can do better.
Becoming a reference source
Analyze the content that ChatGPT currently favors:
- What angles do they cover?
- What depth of information do they offer?
- What concepts do they address that you do not cover?
3. Brand authority (Mentions)
Beyond content, the AI identifies reference players: brands, products, experts. Being mentioned means the AI recognizes you as an essential authority.
Example: For "which iPhone to choose in 2025," ChatGPT spontaneously mentions Apple, Amazon, Orange Mobile, Bouygues Telecom. These brands are "top of mind" for the AI.
Building your authority
If your competitors are mentioned but you are not, strengthen the association between your brand and your key topics across all your content. The AI will eventually identify you as a reference actor.
Put it into practice
You now master the fundamentals of GEO. Let's take action with our three practical guides:
➡️ Step 1: Run your first GEO analysis and interpret the Overview
➡️ Step 2: Analyze Sources and Mentions to get ahead of your competitors
➡️ Step 3: Frequently asked questions and best practices
Welcome to the era of Generative Engine Optimization. We’re building tomorrow’s content strategy with you. 🚀