GEO Research Workflow

Fresh

Complete workflow for Generative Engine Optimization research and implementation.

Overview

This workflow combines AI search optimization principles with practical research methods to improve visibility in AI-generated answers.

Prerequisites

• [ ] Access to AI platforms (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini)
• [ ] Screaming Frog with OpenAI API key
• [ ] Google Colab account
• [ ] Content management access

Phase 1: Query Research

Objective: Identify the queries your audience uses in AI platforms

Step 1.1: Seed Query List

Start with your existing keyword research:

• Top 20 commercial keywords
• Top 20 informational keywords
• Brand-related queries

Step 1.2: AI Query Expansion

For each seed query, test in:

1. ChatGPT - Note follow-up suggestions
2. Perplexity - Check "Related" queries
3. Google AI Mode - Observe query refinements

Step 1.3: Categorize by Intent

Query Type	AI Impact	Priority
Informational	HIGH	Medium
Commercial	MODERATE	High
Transactional	LOW	Lower
Navigational	MINIMAL	Lowest

Phase 2: Current State Audit

Objective: Understand your current AI visibility

Step 2.1: Manual Citation Check

For your top 20 queries:

1. Run query in each AI platform
2. Document which sources are cited
3. Note if your brand appears
4. Record sentiment of any mentions

Template:

Query	Platform	Cited?	Position	Sentiment
[query]	ChatGPT	Y/N	1-5	+/-/neutral

Step 2.2: Competitor Analysis

Identify which competitors appear frequently:

• Who gets cited most?
• What content types win?
• What's their content structure?

Phase 3: Content Gap Analysis

Objective: Find opportunities to be cited

Step 3.1: Vector Embedding Comparison

Using Vector Embeddings SOP:

1. Export your site's pages with embeddings
2. Extract AI answers for target queries
3. Compare semantic similarity
4. Identify low-match pages = content gaps

Step 3.2: Topic Authority Mapping

Use Ahrefs Topic View or similar:

• What topics do competitors own?
• Where are you missing coverage?
• Which topics have highest AI citation rates?

Phase 4: Content Creation/Optimization

Objective: Create content optimized for AI citation

Step 4.1: Structure for Citation

Apply these principles from AI Search Optimization SOP:

# Clear, Direct Title

## Quick Answer Section
[2-3 sentence definitive answer]

## Detailed Explanation
[Comprehensive coverage with examples]

## Supporting Evidence
[Data, statistics, research citations]

## Expert Context
[Author credentials, methodology]

Step 4.2: Technical Requirements

• [ ] Content in raw HTML (not JS-rendered)
• [ ] AI bots not blocked in robots.txt
• [ ] Schema markup implemented
• [ ] Fast load times

Step 4.3: Freshness Signals

• Add last-updated dates
• Reference recent events/data
• Regular content refreshes

Phase 5: Monitoring

Objective: Track improvements and iterate

Step 5.1: Weekly Citation Checks

Re-run Phase 2 audit weekly:

• Track citation frequency changes
• Note new citations gained
• Document rankings improvements

Step 5.2: Tool Automation

Set up monitoring using:

• Otterly.ai for brand mentions
• Custom Colab scripts for bulk checks
• Search Console for referral traffic

Verification Checklist

• [ ] 20+ target queries identified
• [ ] Baseline audit completed
• [ ] Competitor citations mapped
• [ ] Content gaps identified
• [ ] Optimization plan created
• [ ] Monitoring schedule set

Related SOPs

• AI Search Optimization
• Vector Embeddings for SEO
• Technical SEO Audit