LLMO, or Large Language Model Optimization, is all about optimizing your content so that it is visible and understandable within AI-powered search engines such as ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Google’s AI Mode. Essentially, LLMO is the same as GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), but known by a different name.
Large Language Models (LLMs) collect and interpret information based on prompts (questions) that users ask. Optimizing for these models therefore means structuring and writing your content in such a way that it is easily understood and prominently displayed in AI-generated responses.
Although LLMO and traditional SEO have a lot in common, you can’t equate them entirely. In practice, there is about a 60–70% overlap between the two strategies. This means that many principles of traditional SEO also apply to LLMO, but at the same time, there is room for specific considerations that are important when optimizing for AI-driven search engines. The similarities include:
Although LLMO shares many basic elements with traditional SEO, there are also fundamental differences that change the playing field. These differences arise because generative AI handles content, user intent, and source selection differently than traditional search engines. As a result, LLMO requires a different focus in your strategy and approach:
An important difference that is often overlooked is that Google actively uses user behavior data via the Navboost algorithm (such as click behavior and user data from Chrome). ChatGPT and other LLMs do not have access to this data. As a result, the approach to optimizing for LLMs differs: high-quality content and brand authority become more important, because AI models (outside of Google) lack behavioral data to refine results.
With the growing adoption of AI tools such as ChatGPT and the upcoming widespread rollout of Google’s AI Mode, it’s important for businesses to optimize their discoverability within these new interfaces. Users increasingly expect immediate, accurate, and in-depth answers. LLMO helps you keep up with these trends.
ChatGPT uses Bing to gather up-to-date information. This means that optimizing for Bing becomes part of your LLMO strategy. Ensure you’re visible in Bing by optimizing your website through Bing Webmaster Tools and creating content that aligns with user intent within Bing.
The next step after LLMO (such as searching via ChatGPT) is Google’s AI Mode, where generative search results will become the norm. But the rise of AI agents that search on your behalf and perform actions for you is also a key part of the future. By investing in LLMO now, you’ll be prepared for this transition. In practical terms, this means your content needs to focus even more strongly on relevance, authority, and clear structure.
At SmartRanking, we generally refer to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), but we recognize that this is the same as LLMO. In our view, GEO is a strategic approach that fits within both traditional and generative search environments.
LLMO/GEO isn’t just a pipe dream—it’s an online visibility strategy that deserves your attention today. By adapting and optimizing your content strategy for AI-powered search experiences, you’ll be ready for the future. Need help? SmartRanking is happy to support you through this important step. Feel free to contact us with no obligation.