For years, SEO was the primary way software companies generated inbound leads.
The process was simple:
Someone searched on Google → found your website → booked a demo.
But search behavior is changing.
Today, many users are asking ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity questions
Instead of browsing 10 websites, users are increasingly relying on AI-generated recommendations.
This creates a new challenge for businesses.
Even if your website ranks well on Google, you may not be visible in AI-generated answers.
This is where GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) comes in.
What is GEO?
GEO focuses on increasing a brand’s visibility inside AI-generated responses.
The goal isn’t only to rank on search engines.
The goal is to become a brand that AI systems are likely to mention when users ask relevant questions.
What Signals Influence AI Recommendations?
While no company publicly reveals every ranking factor, several patterns appear consistently:
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Strong brand mentions across the web
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Positive discussions in communities
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Independent reviews and comparisons
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Industry authority
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Relevant content and citations
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Consistent presence on platforms where real users discuss products
One platform that appears frequently in AI-generated answers is Reddit.
This makes sense.
Reddit contains millions of real conversations where users discuss software, compare tools, share experiences, and recommend products.
When AI models look for useful information, community-driven discussions often become part of the information ecosystem.
Why This Matters for SaaS Companies
Most SaaS companies are still focused entirely on SEO.
Very few are actively thinking about how their brand appears across AI search experiences.
As AI adoption continues to grow, businesses may need to optimize for both:
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Traditional search engines
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Generative AI search experiences
The companies that understand this shift early may have a significant advantage over competitors who are still focused exclusively on rankings and backlinks.
Have you noticed clients mentioning ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Perplexity as a source of software recommendations?
I’m curious to hear what others are seeing and whether GEO is becoming a consideration for your business or clients.