Core Insights - The education industry's traffic landscape is being transformed by the rise of AI platforms, with 300 million users turning to applications like DeepSeek, Doubao, and Yuanbao for educational information, marking a shift from traditional search methods to direct AI inquiries [1][2] - The concept of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is emerging as a new focus for educational institutions, replacing traditional SEO strategies [2][3] Industry Trends - As of March 2025, active users of AI-native apps reached 270 million, a year-on-year increase of 536.8%, with DeepSeek leading at 194 million monthly active users [1] - The education sector is cautious in adopting GEO, with many institutions still grappling with the fundamentals of AI SEO [3][4] Challenges Faced by Educational Institutions - Educational institutions are hesitant to invest in GEO due to concerns over ROI and the complexity of the decision-making process in education, which differs from faster-moving sectors like e-commerce [3][4] - There is a significant knowledge gap regarding the new search logic driven by AI, which complicates the ability of institutions to identify valuable keywords and scenarios [3][4] GEO Implementation Strategies - GEO differs from traditional SEO by focusing on how AI models understand and reference content, rather than just improving search engine rankings [5][6] - Effective GEO strategies include embedding clear brand tags, simulating user queries for training AI, and continuously monitoring generated results to refine content [5][6] Investment and Market Signals - The education sector is receiving attention from global capital, as evidenced by Profound's recent $35 million B round funding led by Sequoia Capital, indicating a shift towards AI-driven search optimization [7][8] - The high customer value and information density in education make it a natural fit for GEO, as users increasingly rely on AI for decision-making [8][9] Future Outlook - The competition in the education sector is shifting from traditional marketing channels to securing positions in AI-generated answers, emphasizing the importance of brand authority and information completeness [9][10] - The adoption of GEO in education may require a period of validation and understanding, but it has the potential to become a crucial component of brand building and customer acquisition strategies [10]