The Ultimate GEO (Generative Search Optimization) Checklist

Erik ChenErik Chen
3 min read

I. Foundational Optimization

Domain Authority & Trust Signals

  • Establish E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

  • Maintain consistent authorship with verifiable credentials

  • Secure prominent backlinks from authoritative sources

  • Implement proper schema markup (Organization, Person, etc.)

Technical Infrastructure

  • Ensure fast page load speeds (<2.5s)

  • Implement clean URL structures

  • Maintain 100% mobile responsiveness

  • Fix all crawl errors (4xx/5xx)

  • Use HTTPS security protocol

II. Content Optimization

Comprehensiveness

  • Cover topics in depth (2000+ words for complex subjects)

  • Address related subtopics comprehensively

  • Update content regularly (date stamps help)

  • Include FAQs that match common queries

Semantic Structure

  • Use clear hierarchical headings (H1-H6)

  • Implement bulleted/numbered lists for scannability

  • Include definition boxes for key terms

  • Add tables for comparative data

  • Use diagrams with alt text when helpful

Source Quality

  • Cite authoritative references

  • Link to primary sources when possible

  • Include statistical data with dates/sources

  • Provide transparent methodology for original research

III. Generative AI-Specific Tactics

Conversational Alignment

  • Anticipate natural language questions

  • Include question-style subheadings

  • Address multiple query intents per topic

  • Cover "explain like I'm 5" to expert levels

Entity Optimization

  • Clearly define key entities (people, places, concepts)

  • Show relationships between entities

  • Include relevant dates and timelines

  • Add geographical context where applicable

Multi-Format Content

  • Supplement text with relevant images/videos

  • Include downloadable resources (PDFs, tools)

  • Offer interactive elements (calculators, quizzes)

  • Provide summarized takeaways

IV. Monitoring & Maintenance

Performance Tracking

  • Monitor generative AI citations (manual checks)

  • Track "source mention" traffic

  • Analyze query-to-content alignment

  • Identify knowledge gaps through AI responses

Continuous Improvement

  • Update statistics and facts quarterly

  • Expand coverage based on emerging queries

  • Refresh examples to maintain relevance

  • Add new content formats based on performance


Learn more about GEO

0
Subscribe to my newsletter

Read articles from Erik Chen directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.

Written by

Erik Chen
Erik Chen