Local SEO vs GEO: Which Does Your Michigan Business Need?

Michigan businesses often ask whether they should focus on Local SEO or GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). The short answer: you need both. Here is why and how they work together.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO focuses on appearing in location-based searches, primarily through:

• Google Business Profile optimization
• Local keyword rankings
• Citation building
• Review management
• Local content creation

What is GEO?

GEO focuses on being cited by AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity when users ask location-based questions like "Who is the best web designer in Livonia?" or "What company offers AIVO in Michigan?"

Why You Need Both

Consider how people search today:

• Some still type "web designer near me" into Google
• Others ask ChatGPT "Who makes great websites in Metro Detroit?"
• Many use voice assistants that combine both

If you only optimize for one channel, you miss the others.

How They Work Together

Many optimization efforts benefit both:

• Comprehensive business information helps both Google and AI
• Strong reviews signal authority to both
• Quality content works for search and AI citation
• Schema markup aids both types of discovery

The Michigan Strategy

For Michigan businesses, we recommend:

1. Optimize Google Business Profile completely
2. Build consistent citations across directories
3. Create location-specific service pages
4. Implement comprehensive schema markup
5. Generate and respond to reviews
6. Build topical authority for AI citation

Get Found Everywhere

AppWT helps Michigan businesses dominate both local search and AI discovery. Contact us to develop an integrated Local SEO and GEO strategy for your business.

Explore our Local-Seo services.

Explore our Geo services.