Rethink Cnergy - Frequently Asked Questions

About Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is the practice of optimizing your digital presence so that AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews, and Gemini cite and recommend your brand when users ask relevant questions. Unlike traditional SEO that focuses on ranking in search results, GEO ensures your company appears in AI-generated answers and recommendations.

How is GEO different from SEO?

Traditional SEO focuses on ranking your website in search engine results pages (SERPs) so users can click through to your site. GEO focuses on being mentioned and cited by AI engines that provide direct answers without requiring users to visit websites. Think of it this way: SEO is about being findable; GEO is about being the answer.

Why do I need GEO if I already have good SEO?

By 2026, over 60% of searches will end without anyone clicking on a website. Users are increasingly getting answers directly from AI engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity instead of visiting websites. Even if you rank #1 on Google, you could be invisible to the millions of people using AI to research products and services. GEO ensures you're visible in both traditional search AND the rapidly growing AI search ecosystem.

Which AI platforms does GEO work for?

GEO optimization applies across all major AI-powered search platforms, including ChatGPT (OpenAI), Claude (Anthropic), Google AI Overviews (formerly SGE), Perplexity, Gemini (Google), and emerging AI search engines. Our strategies are platform-agnostic, meaning we optimize for how AI systems generally process and cite information, not just one specific platform.

How do AI engines decide which companies to recommend?

AI engines analyze vast amounts of online information and cite sources they determine to be authoritative, credible, and relevant. They consider factors like content quality, source authority, how often you're mentioned across reputable platforms, technical website structure, and whether your information is presented in ways that AI systems can easily understand and verify.

Is GEO just a trend, or is it here to stay?

GEO is not a trend—it's a fundamental shift in how people find information online. The GEO services market was valued at $886 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $7.3 billion by 2031. Over 79% of consumers will use AI-enhanced search in the next year, and 70% already trust generative AI search results. This transformation is permanent and accelerating.

About Rethink Cnergy's Services

What does Rethink Cnergy do?

Rethink Cnergy is a specialized GEO consultation firm that helps mid-market companies improve their visibility in AI-powered search engines. We analyze how AI engines currently perceive your brand, identify gaps in your AI visibility, and develop strategic plans to ensure your company gets cited and recommended when potential customers ask AI engines questions related to your industry.

Who are your typical clients?

Our clients are primarily growth-stage companies generating $1-10 million in annual revenue who recognize that traditional marketing strategies are becoming less effective as search behavior shifts to AI. We work with B2B companies in industries like SaaS, professional services, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing.

What is the AI Visibility Assessment?

Our AI Visibility Assessment is a comprehensive analysis that scores your company across three critical dimensions: Website Readiness (how well your site is structured for AI understanding), Social Authority (your credibility signals across professional platforms), and LLM Presence (how often and in what context AI engines mention your brand). We test 20-30 relevant queries across multiple AI platforms and provide competitive benchmarking.

How long does the assessment take?

We deliver your complete AI Visibility Assessment within 3-5 business days. You'll receive detailed scores across all three categories, side-by-side competitive analysis, and identification of your biggest opportunities for improvement.

What happens after the assessment?

After reviewing your assessment results, we schedule a discovery call to walk through your scores, show you live examples of what AI engines are (or aren't) saying about your brand, and discuss which of our service tiers best fits your goals and resources. There's no obligation to move forward—the assessment provides value regardless of whether you engage our services.

Do you actually implement the changes, or just provide recommendations?

This depends on which service tier you choose. Our Foundation tier provides strategic guidance and frameworks for companies that want to handle implementation in-house. Our Accelerator and Dominance tiers include hands-on implementation, content creation, and ongoing optimization where we do the work for you.

How long before I see results?

Most clients begin seeing measurable improvements in AI citations within 90-120 days. However, GEO is a strategic, long-term investment. Just like SEO, building authority and citations in AI systems takes consistent effort over time. The companies that start now will have significant advantages as more consumers shift to AI-powered search.

What's included in your pricing?

Our pricing varies by service tier. All tiers include quarterly strategy sessions and access to our proprietary methodology and tools. Higher tiers include more frequent consultation, hands-on content optimization, dedicated account management, and active implementation support. We also charge a one-time strategic onboarding fee that covers your initial setup and competitive analysis.

Do you require long-term contracts?

Our Foundation tier requires a minimum 6-month commitment to allow sufficient time for strategy implementation and results measurement. After the initial period, services continue month-to-month with 30-day cancellation notice. This structure ensures we can deliver meaningful results while providing flexibility.

Can you guarantee that ChatGPT will recommend my company?

No reputable GEO firm can guarantee specific placements in AI-generated responses, just as no ethical SEO firm can guarantee #1 Google rankings. AI algorithms are complex and constantly evolving. What we can guarantee is that we'll implement proven strategies to significantly improve your chances of being cited, we'll measure progress transparently, and we'll continuously optimize based on results.

Technical Questions

Will GEO hurt my existing SEO performance?

No. GEO strategies actually complement and strengthen traditional SEO. Many GEO best practices—like creating authoritative content, building credible citations, and improving technical website structure—also benefit traditional search rankings. You're not choosing between SEO and GEO; you're adding a new layer of visibility.

Do I need to change my website?

Not necessarily a complete overhaul, but targeted optimizations are usually beneficial. We may recommend adjustments to your website's technical structure, content formatting, author credibility signals, and how you present expertise. These changes make it easier for AI systems to understand and trust your information.

What if my industry is very niche or technical?

Niche and technical industries can actually benefit significantly from GEO. AI engines are increasingly used for specialized research and B2B decision-making. If you can establish your company as the authoritative source in a specific niche, AI engines are more likely to cite you when users ask detailed, technical questions.

How do you measure success in GEO?

We track several key metrics: citation frequency (how often AI engines mention your brand), positioning (where you appear in AI responses relative to competitors), sentiment (the context in which you're mentioned), query coverage (how many relevant questions trigger mentions of your brand), and share of voice compared to competitors. We provide transparent reporting on all these metrics.

What data do you need access to?

For the assessment, we only need your website URL, primary social media profiles, and a list of your top competitors. For ongoing services, read-only access to Google Analytics and Search Console is helpful but not required. We never need admin access to your website or any proprietary business information.

Are there industries where GEO doesn't work?

GEO is valuable for virtually any industry where customers research online before making decisions. However, purely local businesses with no online presence, companies in heavily regulated industries where AI engines can't provide recommendations (like certain medical or financial advice), or businesses that rely entirely on foot traffic may see less immediate benefit.

Investment & ROI Questions

How much does GEO cost compared to traditional SEO?

GEO services are priced similarly to specialized SEO services—typically $1,000 to $5,000+ per month depending on the scope and level of support. However, GEO addresses the growing portion of your potential customers who never visit traditional search results. As AI adoption increases, GEO becomes not just valuable but essential.

What's the ROI of GEO services?

ROI varies by industry and implementation, but our clients typically see 200-400% increases in AI citations within 6 months. More importantly, as 60%+ of searches become "zero-click" (users get answers without visiting websites), companies without GEO visibility are losing significant market share to competitors who are being cited by AI engines.

Is GEO worth it for small businesses?

If your target customers use online research in their buying process and you compete in a space where AI engines can provide recommendations, then yes. Small businesses that establish GEO authority early can gain disproportionate visibility compared to larger competitors who are slower to adapt. Our Foundation tier is designed to be accessible for smaller companies.

What happens if I don't invest in GEO?

Your competitors who invest in GEO will increasingly appear in AI-generated recommendations while you remain invisible. As more consumers shift to AI-powered search (79% will use it in the next year), you'll lose market share to competitors who are being cited. Waiting means playing catch-up while competitors build AI authority that takes months or years to establish.

Can I do GEO in-house instead of hiring a consultant?

Some companies do attempt GEO in-house, particularly if they have experienced marketing teams. However, GEO requires specialized expertise in how AI systems process and cite information—knowledge that most traditional marketing teams don't have. The learning curve is steep, and mistakes can delay results by months. Most companies find that expert guidance accelerates results and avoids costly missteps.

Strategy & Process Questions

How is GEO related to content marketing?

GEO heavily relies on high-quality, authoritative content, but it's more strategic than traditional content marketing. It's not just about creating content—it's about creating content structured in ways that AI systems can easily extract, verify, and cite. We focus on content that answers specific questions AI users ask and presents information in formats that AI engines prefer.

Do social media profiles affect GEO?

Yes, significantly. AI engines view consistent, professional social media presence as a credibility signal. Active engagement, thought leadership content, and professional branding on platforms like LinkedIn contribute to your overall authority score. Social signals help AI systems determine whether your company is a legitimate, active business worth citing.

How often do AI algorithms change?

AI platforms update their models and algorithms regularly, though not always publicly announced. Major updates can happen every few months. This is why ongoing GEO optimization is important rather than one-time fixes. Our team continuously monitors AI platform changes and adjusts strategies to maintain and improve your visibility.

What's the difference between being mentioned and being recommended?

Being mentioned means your company appears in AI-generated responses. Being recommended means the AI engine positions you favorably—for example, including you in "top options," describing you with positive context, or citing you as an authoritative source. Our goal is not just mentions, but favorable, prominent recommendations that drive business outcomes.

Can negative content about my company affect GEO?

Yes. If there's negative content about your company that AI engines discover, it can appear in AI-generated responses. Part of our strategy includes reputation management—ensuring that authoritative, accurate, positive information about your company is more prominent and well-structured than any negative content. We can't make negative information disappear, but we can work to ensure it's contextualized appropriately.

How do I know if my competitors are already doing GEO?

The best way to know is through competitive analysis, which is included in our AI Visibility Assessment. We test relevant queries across multiple AI platforms and show you exactly how often your competitors are being cited compared to your company. Many businesses are surprised to discover competitors already dominating AI recommendations while they remain invisible.

Getting Started

How do I get started with Rethink Cnergy?

The first step is requesting your free AI Visibility Assessment. Simply fill out the intake form on our website with your company information and top competitors. We'll analyze your current AI visibility and deliver a comprehensive report within 3-5 business days, then schedule a discovery call to discuss findings and recommendations.

What information do you need from me?

For the assessment, we need your company name, website URL, industry, annual revenue range, primary social media profile (typically LinkedIn company page), and your top 3-5 competitors. We also ask about your current marketing activities and specific challenges you're trying to solve.

Is the assessment really free?

Yes, completely free with no obligations. We provide the full assessment report regardless of whether you choose to engage our services. We believe in proving our expertise upfront rather than asking you to trust us blindly.

What if I'm not ready to commit to ongoing services?

That's perfectly fine. The free assessment provides value on its own—you'll understand exactly where you stand in AI visibility and what your biggest opportunities are. Some companies use the assessment insights to guide their in-house efforts. Others return to us months later when they're ready for expert implementation support.

Do you work with companies outside the United States?

Yes. While we're based in California, we work with clients globally. GEO strategies apply across markets, though we may recommend region-specific optimizations if your target customers are concentrated in particular geographic areas.

Can I speak with current clients about their results?

We're happy to provide case studies and success metrics. For specific client references, we can connect you with clients who have agreed to share their experiences, typically during the later stages of our engagement discussions.

How quickly can we get started after the assessment?

Once you decide to move forward, we can typically begin onboarding within 5-7 business days. The onboarding process takes 2-3 weeks, during which we conduct deep-dive analysis, develop your customized strategy, and set up all necessary systems and processes.

Still Have Questions?

If you don't see your question answered here, we'd love to hear from you. Contact Parham Shariat at parham@rethinkcnergy.com or schedule a consultation call. We're here to help you understand how GEO can transform your company's visibility in the age of AI-powered search.

Ready to discover how visible your company is to AI search engines?

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Last updated: Oct 2025

Rethink Cnergy LLC - Strategic Growth Through AI Search Visibility