Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emergence and rapid growth of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) as a new marketing strategy in the advertising industry, driven by the increasing influence of AI in consumer decision-making and the need for brands to be recognized by AI systems [1][5][26]. Group 1: Market Demand and Growth - The GEO market in China is estimated to be around 2.1 billion yuan this year, which is only one-tenth of the SEO market, but it is projected to grow to 24.2 billion yuan by 2027, surpassing SEO by double [1]. - Many brands are now actively seeking GEO services, asking agencies how they can outperform other GEO service providers and how quickly they can see results [1][2]. Group 2: Current State of GEO - GEO is still in its developmental stage, likened to the early chaotic days of internet marketing, with some companies generating low-quality content in bulk and others making unmeasurable promises of effectiveness [2][14]. - The operational mechanics of GEO involve embedding brand information into AI responses, contrasting with traditional SEO which focused on improving webpage rankings [5][6]. Group 3: Service Providers and Offerings - The GEO service market is divided into two main types: one offers customized services based on analyzing a company's presence on AI platforms, while the other follows a traditional SEO model charging per keyword [6][7]. - Pricing for GEO services varies significantly, with some companies charging from several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan depending on the service package [17]. Group 4: Content Optimization Strategies - Effective GEO strategies include three main content optimization tactics: semantic depth, data support, and authoritative sources [10]. - GEO service providers also focus on correcting AI-generated inaccuracies, which is becoming an essential part of their offerings [12]. Group 5: Challenges and Risks - The current GEO landscape is characterized by a lack of clear rules and standards, leading to potential "black hat" practices where low-quality content is produced to manipulate AI responses [14][18]. - The effectiveness of GEO is difficult to measure, as traditional metrics used in SEO do not apply, and many service providers rely on vague performance guarantees [15][19]. Group 6: Future Outlook - There is optimism that as AI platforms evolve, clearer regulations and standards for GEO will emerge, similar to those seen in the SEO industry [27]. - The integration of advertising into AI responses is anticipated, which could lead to a more structured commercial environment for GEO, enhancing its value and effectiveness [26][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging trend of Generative Search Engine Optimization (GEO) services provided by advertising companies to enhance the visibility and ranking of businesses in AI search results, raising questions about the nature of these services and their compliance with advertising regulations [1][5][20]. Group 1: GEO Services Overview - Advertising companies are utilizing GEO services to help clients achieve higher exposure and ranking in AI search results, differing from traditional SEO by focusing on becoming part of AI-generated answers [2][4]. - The two main strategies of GEO are producing high-quality content that aligns with AI model preferences and feeding data to AI systems to improve the chances of client content being featured [3][13]. Group 2: Market Demand and Trends - There is a noticeable increase in demand for AI search optimization services among businesses, particularly those looking to expand internationally [7][10]. - Advertising service providers are actively promoting GEO services, indicating a growing market interest in AI search optimization [8]. Group 3: Pricing and Service Structure - Pricing for GEO services varies based on the client's brand recognition and content richness, with costs determined by the number of relevant keywords and platforms targeted [12]. - Some advertising companies guarantee that clients' names will appear in search results for specific keywords, although they do not guarantee ranking positions [13]. Group 4: Regulatory and Ethical Considerations - The article raises questions about whether AI search optimization constitutes advertising, with legal experts suggesting that it fits the definition of advertising due to its intent to promote products or services [22][23]. - There is a call for transparency and adherence to advertising regulations, including the need for clear labeling of optimized content to avoid misleading consumers [27].