Brighton GEO: Generative Engine Optimisation in the AI Era
Brighton has always been a hub of creativity and innovation. From the digital agencies along the seafront to the tech start-ups emerging in the North Laine, the city thrives on staying ahead of change.
Now, a new wave of change is here: Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO).
While SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) has been the foundation of digital visibility for two decades, search itself is transforming. Google, ChatGPT, Gemini, and other AI-driven platforms are shifting from traditional keyword-based results to generative answers — summaries, insights, and recommendations created by AI.
And Brighton businesses need to prepare.
What is GEO?
Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) is the practice of making sure your brand, product, or content is visible and trusted within AI-generated answers.
Unlike SEO, where dozens of results can appear on page one, GEO is about making sure your business is among the tiny handful of sources cited by an AI model.
If someone asks:
👉 “Best web designers in Brighton”
👉 “Where to find vegan restaurants in Brighton”
👉 “Top architects in Hove”
…will your business appear in that AI answer, or will it vanish into the digital shadows?
That’s the difference GEO makes.
Why Brighton Businesses Should Care
Brighton is fiercely competitive in sectors like:
- Web design & digital marketing
- Hospitality & tourism
- Creative industries
- Professional services (law, finance, property)
In each of these areas, AI-driven discovery is already happening. Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT search plugins, and platforms like Perplexity are becoming the go-to for quick recommendations.
For Brighton businesses, that means:
- Being positioned in LLM (Large Language Model) search results is as crucial as ranking on Google.
- Reputation, trust, and structured data will decide whether your name gets included.
- Early adopters in GEO will dominate visibility in local AI search before competitors catch up.
GEO vs. SEO: What’s the Difference?
| SEO | GEO |
|---|---|
| Optimises for keywords and search rankings | Optimises for inclusion in AI-generated answers |
| Competes for position among 10+ results | Competes for 1–3 citations in AI summaries |
| Focuses on Google SERPs | Expands to AI models: ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Perplexity |
| Click-throughs from ranked pages | Brand visibility within conversational AI responses |
Think of SEO as getting on the page.
Think of GEO as becoming the answer itself.
How to Optimise for GEO in Brighton
- Structured Data
Make your content AI-readable with schema markup (services, products, reviews, location data). - Context-Rich Content
Write clear, expert, and locally relevant content. For example, instead of just “Brighton restaurants,” build guides like “Where to find the best vegan brunch in Brighton.” - EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authority, Trust)
Showcase credentials, reviews, and thought leadership. Brighton’s competitive market means authority signals are vital. - Consistency Across Platforms
Ensure your Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, TripAdvisor, and other listings align with your website. LLMs cross-check information. - Freshness Matters
Keep content updated. Generative engines prefer recent, active sources — not dormant sites.
Brighton GEO in Action
Here’s a scenario:
A tourist asks ChatGPT:
“What’s the best family-friendly day out in Brighton?”
The AI may not show 20 links. Instead, it could list:
- Brighton Palace Pier (official site cited)
- SEA LIFE Brighton (official site cited)
- A top-ranked local blog or tour company
If you run tours, attractions, or family-friendly services, the only way to become part of that answer is through GEO strategies: structured content, authority, and consistent signals across the web.
The Future of GEO in Brighton
Brighton has always been early to digital trends — from the first wave of SEO agencies to the rise of creative digital start-ups. GEO is the next wave.
Businesses that adapt now will dominate AI search visibility in the years ahead. Those that wait may find themselves invisible, even if they’re “top of Google” today.
Final Thought
SEO was about visibility.
GEO is about trust and inclusion.
For Brighton businesses, Generative Engine Optimisation isn’t just the future — it’s already here.
The question is simple:
👉 When someone asks an AI about Brighton, will your business be part of the answer?