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Traditional SEO metrics fall short in AI search. If you want to be visible on ChatGPT, Google Overviews & Co., you need your own metrics – so-called GEO KPIs. In this article, I’ll show you which GEO metrics are important in 2025, how to measure AEO performance correctly and how to recognize ChatGPT citations.
Why GEO KPIs are crucial
The way people search online has changed massively. AI systems provide direct answers without users having to click on websites. Visibility today means being cited in AI answers.
This is exactly where GEO KPIs come into play. They make it possible to measure how well your content is understood, processed and cited by AI systems – across all platforms (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, Google Overviews). ⇒ More information about Generative Engine Optimization
What counts as a citation by ChatGPT & Co.
An AI citation is when your content is used in an AI response. There are three types:
- Direct text reproduction : Your TL;DR or FAQ is copied verbatim
- Paraphrased answer: The AI summarizes your content in its own words
- Link or source citation: URL, domain or brand name is mentioned (rare, but possible)
Example: You run a blog about sustainability. If someone asks ChatGPT for “Tips for sustainable household management” and the answer is based on your FAQ content – that’s a GEO citation.
GEO vs. classic SEO KPIs: The differences
Classic SEO
Rankings y CTR Tráfico / Tasa de rebote Struktur Conversión
GEO Visibility
Citation in overviews / AI chatbot Snippet length, question logic Use as a source by AI systems
GEO KPIs along the visibility phases
Phase
Preparation Publication Monitoring Impact monitoring
Relevant KPIs
Structured pages, Ilms.txt active Valid schema markups, H2 question structure Citations, snippet detection, visibility in GPT/Gemini Brand mentions, repeated AI usage
GEO thus becomes an ongoing SEO discipline – with a focus on structure, clarity and building trust.
The most important GEO metrics 2025
- Citations in AI systems (GPT, Perplexity, Gemini)
- Schema usage : FAQ, HowTo, Speakable
- Questions as H2 + answer under 300 characters
- llms.txt integrated and accessible
- Number of pages with GEO-compliant structure
Addition:
GEO Readiness Score (0-10 points)
Criterion:
TL;DR available Validated scheme Min. 3 questions (H2) llms.text active AI citation done
Points
1
2
2
2
3
Check ChatGPT visibility - step by step
- Define question, e.g. “What is a GEO structure?”
- Ask ChatGPT / Perplexity (if necessary with Web Access)
- Document response (screenshot, link, context)
- Recognize source : Does your content, domain or phrasing appear?
- Herramientas de monitorización : como bspw. Writesonic Visibility Scanner, AI Monitor (Co-Citaciones), Google Snippet Preview Tools
AEO performance measurement: More than just CTR
The classic CTR tells you little if the answer appears directly on the search page. What counts instead:
- Snippet length & position
- Response quality (relevance + clarity)
- FAQ & Speakable use
- Voice search factor (for Gemini & Smart Assistants)
Tools like Frase.io , SEMrush Snippet Report or the GSC Snippet Insights help with this.
Tools & Dashboard for GEO Monitoring
Tools
Profound
Writesonic
AI Monitor
Frase.io
Google AI Labs (in the future)
Function
GEO Score, structure evaluation GPT/Perplexity Visibility Co-citations + brand mentions Snippet analysis & question coverage AI Overview Tracking
Quick KPI-Check
✅ TL;DR available?
✅ Question structure (H2)?
✅ Validated FAQ or HowTo scheme?
✅ llms.txt active?
✅ Visibility documented in GPT / Gemini?
Industry examples & mini-case
Case: Tax consultancy Objective: Citation for “Trade tax for small businesses”
✅ Structured page with TL;DR, Speakable & FAQ
✅ ChatGPT quotes the reply block 1:1
Case: Dog store
Goal: Voice Answer in Google Gemini
✅ FAQ + Speakable + llms.txt active
✅ Answer appears in Gemini App + Google Home
FAQ GEO KPIs
Once a month, immediately for relaunches.
Yes, it signals trust and semantic relevance.
Manually (query GPT) or with tools such as AI Monitor.
Focus on snippets, answers and intent instead of pure click numbers.
Make Google your best friend
Find out in my big SEO guide how you can be found online as a self-employed person – clearly, comprehensibly and without technical stress.
About the author:
My name is Isabel Unger, I am an independent digital strategist with a clear focus: visibility for the self-employed & small businesses. My heart beats for SEO, content, structure – and for explaining complex things in a way that makes them understandable and feasible.
On ixtreme.online I share my knowledge, my experience and a lot of plain language – without any technical gobbledygook.
