GEO Playbook
This playbook provides a framework for auditing and creating content that performs well in search engines and is more likely to be cited by AI assistants (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, etc.).
The goal is to produce content that is trustworthy, easy to quote, and straightforward for both humans and machines to understand.
1. Core Principle: Be the Source of Truth
Lead with the answer. Place the main conclusion at the start.
Support every claim with numbers, comparisons, or evidence.
Ensure each section can stand alone as a 1–2 sentence quote.
Example
Weak: “Memory foam mattresses are very comfortable.”
Strong: “Memory foam mattresses reduce back pain by 30% compared to spring mattresses (study of 500 participants, 2024).”
2. Page Structure Blueprint
When writing or reviewing content, confirm that it follows this order:
Title (H1)
Use the exact user question or keyword.
Example: Best ergonomic office chairs for small spaces (2025).
Quick Answer (TL;DR)
1–3 sentences summarizing the conclusion with a fact or metric.
Example: “The best ergonomic chair for small apartments in 2025 is Herman Miller Sayl — compact and reduces back strain by 25%.”
Key Takeaways (Snippets)
Three to five short bullet points with facts or data.
Table of Contents
A navigational overview.
Body Content
Split into small sections (see Micro-Block Rule).
Evidence/Proof Section
Describe methods, tools, or data sources.
Author Box
Show expertise, background, and credibility.
Update Log
Display last updated date and version history.
FAQ Section
Short, one-line answers to related questions.
3. Micro-Block Rule
Each section should follow this four-part structure:
Subheading (Question/Claim)
Example: Does a standing desk improve productivity?
One-line Answer (with metric)
Example: Yes — standing desks increase productivity by 12% compared to seated workstations (2024 Harvard Study).
Evidence (How We Know)
Example: Study tracked 300 employees over six months using ergonomics sensors.
Why It Matters
Example: Higher productivity means more focus and fewer health issues.
(Optionally include a chart, table, or downloadable dataset.)
4. Writing Rules
Every claim must include a number or measurable fact.
Keep sentences concise (preferably under 20 words).
Avoid hedging language (“might help” → “helps by 25%”).
Use comparisons to clarify significance.
Place the most important information first.
5. Evidence and Proof
To build credibility, include:
Methodology: how the data was collected or tested.
Sample size: number of participants or data points.
Tools or sources: surveys, analytics, or studies.
Raw data: links to spreadsheets or datasets.
Visual proof: screenshots, graphs, or tables with captions.
Example Caption
“Figure: Sleep quality improved by 18% with memory foam compared to spring beds (500 participants, 2024 clinical trial).”
6. Visuals
Each important claim should have a chart, table, or image.
Captions must contain facts, numbers, and context.
File names should be descriptive and machine-readable (e.g., mattress_sleepstudy_v1.jpg).
7. Content Types and Applications
News/Updates
Begin with the date and main fact.
Include source links.
How-To Guides
Start with the outcome.
Provide step-by-step instructions with time estimates.
Listicles (“Best of”)
Each item should have a fact/metric and a rationale.
Research/Reports
Publish the dataset and explain methodology.
8. Author and Trust Signals
Every article should include:
Author name and role.
Credentials or experience that establish expertise.
Editorial policy (disclosure of sponsorships or testing practices).
This builds credibility for both human readers and AI systems.
9. Updating and Versioning
Clearly display “Last Updated: [Date]” at the top of the page.
Maintain a visible changelog or version notes.
Fresh content is considered more trustworthy.
10. GEO Content Audit Checklist
Before publishing, verify:
If any item is missing, revise before publishing.
11. GEO Fast Wins
If time is limited, prioritize the following five actions:
Place the main answer and metric in the title and introduction.
Ensure each key claim includes at least one number.
Provide a clear proof or methodology.
Include an author box with credibility signals.
Keep content updated and visibly timestamped.
Last updated