75 SEO Experts Expose the Truth About GEO Volatility
▼ Summary
– The SEO industry is experiencing high volatility in how AI-driven search is discussed, driven by influencers whose framing shifts rapidly with news cycles and platform announcements.
– Despite passionate online debate about new AI search terms like GEO and AIO, most SEO leaders still use “SEO” in their LinkedIn headlines, indicating a slower personal rebranding.
– Analysis of LinkedIn posts shows three terms, AIO, GEO, and AEO, are gaining traction with predominantly positive sentiment, which is a leading indicator for potential adoption.
– Fewer than one-third of thought leaders have been consistent in their usage and sentiment of AI-related SEO terminology over the past year, eroding trust as the loudest voices are often the least reliable.
– The core takeaway is that AI is a platform modifier, not a strategy replacement; marketers should focus on foundational, value-driven content and cross-channel visibility rather than optimizing for trending acronyms.
The conversation around search engine optimization is undergoing a significant shift, driven by the rapid integration of artificial intelligence. While new terms like GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AIO (AI Optimization) generate buzz, the core principles of building a trustworthy digital presence remain unchanged. The real story isn’t about which acronym will dominate, but about the surprising volatility in how industry leaders discuss these changes. A recent analysis of 75 prominent SEO influencers on LinkedIn reveals a landscape where sentiment swings quickly and consistent messaging is rare, raising important questions about reliable guidance.
Despite passionate online debates about AI-driven search, a clear gap exists between public discourse and personal branding. Our data shows that 43% of these thought leaders still prominently feature “SEO” in their LinkedIn headlines, compared to only 3% using “GEO.” This hesitation suggests that, for now, visibility in the AI era still relies on proven SEO foundations. Brands achieve this through well-structured content hubs that guide users from awareness to decision, and by building off-site authority signals via original research and expert commentary cited by reputable sources. These efforts create compounding value for users and strengthen a brand’s entity signals for all search systems, new and old.
When examining the actual content of their posts, three terms are gaining notable traction. AIO is referenced by 63% of leaders, with 77% of those posts carrying a positive tone. GEO is close behind, mentioned by 59% with an even higher positive sentiment of 82%. This widespread optimism is a key indicator; when belief in a term remains strong, its adoption is more likely to follow. Interestingly, while terms like AEO and LLMO may resonate in broader community discussions, GEO stands out for its consistent positive sentiment across both expert and general audiences, suggesting it may be acting as a stable bridge during this transitional period.
The most revealing finding, however, concerns consistency. Fewer than one-third of the analyzed thought leaders have maintained stable usage and sentiment around AI-related SEO terms over the past year. Many show positive but erratic opinions, while only about a third demonstrate both positive and stable perspectives. This volatility often correlates with news cycles and platform announcements, creating a scatter plot of opinions rather than a clear consensus. The loudest voices are not always the most reliable ones, and in an industry where guidance shapes budgets and careers, this distinction carries serious weight.
Ultimately, this is not a signal for a complete strategy reset. AI functions as a new platform layer, similar to the rise of social media, not a replacement for foundational marketing principles. The industry is in a natural phase of negotiating the language for a new discovery paradigm. The risk lies in the speed of these shifts, which can outpace the formation of shared understanding and erode trust. For marketers, the path forward is clear: avoid over-optimizing for the latest trending acronym. Instead, focus on timeliness marketing, creating genuinely valuable content for your audience and intelligently repurposing it across the channels where they are already active. Build a digital footprint that earns citations, engagement, and trust. In a world where answers are increasingly synthesized, credibility will compound for those who remain coherent and consistent, not just those who are first to the latest buzzword.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
