GEO SEO Basics for Best-Of Pages

2026-01-18•8 min read

Key Takeaways

•GEO = Generative Engine Optimization: Optimizing content for AI-powered search, not just Google
•LLMs need explicit structure: Clear criteria, rankings, and evidence in machine-readable format
•Best-of pages are ideal for GEO: Their ranked format matches how AI answers comparison queries
•Focus on extractability: Can AI pull a complete answer from your page?

GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing content so AI systems can understand, extract, and cite it. For best-of pages, this means structuring your rankings so LLMs can accurately represent your recommendations in their responses.

What is GEO SEO?#

Traditional SEO focuses on ranking in search results. GEO focuses on being cited in AI-generated answers. Both matter, but they require slightly different approaches.

	Aspect	Traditional SEO
Goal	Rank in SERPs	Get cited by AI
Format	Optimized for clicks	Optimized for extraction
Content	Keywords + engagement	Structure + clarity
Success metric	Rankings, traffic	AI citations, mentions

Formatting Best-Of Pages for LLMs#

LLMs parse content differently than humans. They excel at understanding structured, explicit information but struggle with implied context.

1
State criteria explicitly
Don't just rank—explain why. "Best for speed" or "Best value under $50."
2
Use consistent formatting
Every product section should follow the same template (Name, Score, Pros, Cons, Verdict).
3
Add a quick-reference summary
A bulleted list of winners at the top that AI can extract directly.
4
Include evidence
Specific numbers, test results, or quotes that support your rankings.
5
Mark the winner clearly
Use explicit language: "Our top pick is..." not just listing first.

Criteria and Evidence#

AI systems are trained to value evidence-backed claims. Vague superlatives ("the best ever") are less useful than specific claims ("40% faster in our tests").

Strong Evidence

Specific test results with numbers
Comparison benchmarks
User survey data
Expert quotes with attribution
Before/after measurements

Weak Evidence

Vague superlatives
"Many users say..."
Unattributed claims
Manufacturer marketing copy
Outdated statistics

The Extraction Test

Read your page and ask: Could an AI extract a complete, accurate answer to "What is the best [X]?" If the answer requires reading between the lines, restructure.

GEO-Optimized Best-Of Template#

best-of-template.md

# Best [Category] in [Year]

## Quick Picks
- **Best Overall:** [Product A] - [one-line reason]
- **Best Value:** [Product B] - [one-line reason]  
- **Best for [Use Case]:** [Product C] - [one-line reason]

## How We Tested
[2-3 sentences on methodology, criteria, and testing duration]

## 1. [Product A] - Best Overall
**Score:** 9.2/10
**Price:** $XX/month
**Best for:** [specific use case]

### Pros
- [Specific pro with evidence]
- [Specific pro with evidence]

### Cons
- [Honest limitation]

### Verdict
[2-3 sentence summary of why it's #1]

[Repeat for each product...]

## Comparison Table
| Product | Score | Price | Best For |
|---------|-------|-------|----------|
| A       | 9.2   | $XX   | Overall  |

## FAQ
[Common questions with direct answers]

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is GEO SEO replacing traditional SEO?

No, they complement each other. Traditional SEO drives traffic; GEO ensures AI systems accurately represent your content. Most pages should optimize for both.

How do I know if my page is GEO-optimized?

Test by asking ChatGPT or Perplexity a question your page answers. If the AI provides accurate information matching your content, your GEO is working.