Until recently, appearing on Google was enough to get found. Today, many people also ask an artificial intelligence assistant directly and receive an answer recommending a handful of businesses. Optimising for both is what we call SEO and GEO. And for a local business, the most cost-effective part is local SEO.
The Starting Point: a Website That Is Easy to Understand
Both Google and AI assistants need to understand what your business does. These things help most:
- Clear copy that explains what you do, who you do it for and where.
- A page for each service, with its own title and description.
- A fast website that looks good on a mobile.
- Structured data: your business information in a format that machines can read easily.
Your Google Profile Comes First
For a local business, the Google profile carries the most weight. Review yours with this checklist:
- A correct name, address and phone number that match your website.
- Up-to-date opening hours, including bank holidays and seasonal changes.
- A carefully chosen main category and secondary categories that describe your services.
- Real, recent photos of your venue, team and product.
- A clear description and links to your website and booking system.
- Posts and updates from time to time.
Local Details Matter
- Pay attention to your reviews and reply to them. They are a sign of trust for people and search engines.
- Use the same details everywhere: keep your name, address and phone number consistent across your website, profile and social media.
- Mention your area naturally: Marbella, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía… depending on where you are and who you serve.
- Get local mentions: reliable directories, associations and local media.
Answer the Questions People Ask
AI assistants tend to cite pages that answer specific questions directly. A well-written FAQ section with brief, honest answers is one of the most useful things you can add. Think about your customers’ real questions: indicative prices, timescales, how it works and what is included.
What GEO Means in Practice
GEO does not replace SEO: it complements it. To help an AI assistant cite you, your information should be clear, consistent and easy to extract. In practice, this means:
- Direct sentences that answer a specific question.
- Consistent details across your website, profile and other sources.
- Useful content credited to a business with a real presence.
- A visible reputation (reviews, case studies and mentions).
How to Measure
- Google Search Console: which searches you appear in and at what position.
- Your Google profile: calls, website visits and requests for directions.
- Your customer enquiries: ask how they found you.
What Cannot Be Promised
No one can guarantee the number one position on Google or a recommendation from AI. What you can do is keep improving the foundations and measure what works. Be wary of anyone who promises immediate results.
If you would like a review of how search engines see you today, take a look at our SEO and GEO service or get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What is GEO?
It is optimisation for AI-based answer engines: getting your business cited when someone asks an assistant. It builds on the same foundations as SEO: clear content, reliable information and a good reputation.
How long does SEO take to produce results?
It depends on your starting point and the competition, but progress is measured in months, not weeks. Be wary of anyone who promises immediate results.
Is a well-prepared Google profile enough?
It comes first and has the greatest impact on local searches, but it is worth supporting it with a clear website, well-managed reviews and your own content.
Can I guarantee a top position on Google?
No. Nobody can guarantee it. What you can do is improve the foundations and measure what works.
