Interpreting GEO vs SEO Scores: What Each Number Tells You
GEO-Lens shows two scores: GEO (AI search optimization) and SEO (traditional search optimization). The GEO score measures CORE compliance for AI citation. The SEO score measures technical and on-page fundamentals. Together, they reveal whether your content is optimized for both search paradigms.
Quick Interpretation
- ✓ High GEO + High SEO: Well-optimized for both—maintain quality
- ✓ High SEO + Low GEO: Good technical foundation—add AI optimization
- ✓ Low SEO + High GEO: Good content—fix technical issues
- ✓ Both Low: Start with SEO basics, then layer GEO
What Each Score Measures #
GEO Score (0-100)
AI search optimization based on CORE:
- Context: Direct answers, intent
- Organization: Structure, lists, tables
- Reliability: Citations, author info
- Exclusivity: Unique insights, data
SEO Score (0-100)
Traditional optimization factors:
- Title tag and meta description
- Image alt text and optimization
- Internal and external links
- Heading structure basics
Interpreting Score Combinations #
Both High (70+ / 70+) #
What it means: Your content is well-optimized for both traditional and AI search.
Action: Maintain quality. Look for minor improvements in partial checkpoints. Monitor and update periodically.
High SEO, Low GEO (70+ / <50) #
What it means: Strong technical foundation but missing AI optimization signals.
Common issues:
- Answer buried after long introduction
- No summary box or key takeaways
- Missing external citations
- No original insights or data
Action: Focus on CORE checkpoints. Your SEO work provides a good foundation—now layer GEO optimization.
Low SEO, High GEO (<50 / 70+) #
What it means: Good content quality but technical SEO issues.
Common issues:
- Missing or poor meta description
- Images without alt text
- Weak internal linking
- Title tag problems
Action: Fix technical SEO issues. They're usually quick wins that don't require content changes.
Both Low (<50 / <50) #
What it means: Fundamental optimization needed across the board.
Action: Start with SEO basics (they're prerequisites for GEO). Then add CORE optimizations systematically.
Prioritizing Improvements #
| Situation | Priority | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Both scores <40 | SEO First | Technical fundamentals |
| SEO good, GEO low | GEO Focus | CORE checkpoints |
| GEO good, SEO low | SEO Focus | Meta tags, links, technical |
| Both scores 60-79 | Balance | High-priority fails in both |
Related Guides #
Learn More
Product Manager at Seenos.ai. Pioneer in AEO research since 2024, exploring the convergence of SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). Led multiple AI-powered content optimization projects that achieved 300%+ citation increases in ChatGPT and Perplexity.