Question 1

What is generative engine optimization?

Accepted Answer

Generative engine optimization (GEO) is the practice of structuring your website content so that AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews can find, understand and cite it in their answers. Where classic SEO targets a ranked list of blue links, GEO targets the generated answer itself. The goal is to become the source an AI quotes when someone asks a question relevant to your business.

Question 2

What is answer engine optimization?

Accepted Answer

Answer engine optimization (AEO) is the practice of structuring your content so that AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews can read, understand, and cite it directly in their responses. Where traditional SEO targets search rankings, AEO targets the answer itself. The goal is to become the source an AI quotes when someone asks a question related to your business.

Question 3

How do you rank in ChatGPT?

Accepted Answer

Ranking in ChatGPT means getting your brand, product, or expertise cited when ChatGPT answers a question in your field. You do this by publishing clear, authoritative content that directly answers specific questions, structuring your site so AI can read and understand it, and building enough online credibility that ChatGPT treats your content as a reliable source worth quoting.

Question 4

AEO vs GEO: what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) focuses on getting your content picked up as a direct answer by AI tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity. GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the broader discipline of making your entire website visible and citable in AI-generated responses. AEO is usually treated as a tactic within GEO. Both aim for the same result: your business showing up when AI answers a question your customer is asking.

Question 5

Do you need an llms.txt file for SEO?

Accepted Answer

No, an llms.txt file is not a standard SEO requirement and has no effect on your Google rankings. It is a proposed convention meant to help large language models understand your site. There is no evidence yet that the major AI tools use it, so it is an optional extra at most, never a replacement for clear content and structure.

Question 6

How does generative engine optimization work?

Accepted Answer

Generative engine optimization works by making your content easy for AI search tools to find, understand and quote. In practice that means three things: answering real questions directly in plain language, organizing your site in a clear structure of topics, subtopics and questions, and keeping it technically accessible and trustworthy. Tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews are then more likely to use your pages as a source.

Question 7

What is a pillar page?

Accepted Answer

A pillar page is one comprehensive page that covers a broad topic in full and links to more detailed cluster pages around that topic. It forms the backbone of a content structure. Search engines and AI tools use it to understand what your site is about. Supporting cluster pages and short Q&A answers connect back to it, which can strengthen the visibility of the whole topic on your site.

Question 8

What are topic clusters?

Accepted Answer

Topic clusters are a content structure where one broad pillar page covers a main subject in depth, and several cluster pages each tackle a specific subtopic that links back to that pillar. This connected structure helps search engines understand what your site is about, builds topical authority, and makes it easier for AI tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity to find and cite your content.

Question 9

Does internal linking help SEO?

Accepted Answer

Yes, internal linking helps SEO. By linking pages on your website to each other, you help search engines understand your site structure and decide which pages matter most. You also guide visitors to relevant content, which keeps them engaged longer. Done well, internal linking distributes authority across your pages and can improve visibility for pages that would otherwise be hard to find.

Question 10

What is internal linking?

Accepted Answer

Internal linking means connecting pages on your own website to each other through clickable links. It helps visitors navigate your site and shows search engines how your content is structured. A clear internal link structure tells Google and AI search engines which pages are most important and how topics relate to each other, which can improve your visibility in search results.

Question 11

How many clusters does a pillar page need?

Accepted Answer

There is no official number. In our approach a pillar page usually gets 3 to 6 clusters, each covering one concrete subtopic and linking back to the pillar. With fewer than 3, the topic often stays too thin to show real depth. With more than 6, the pillar is often too broad and works better as two separate pillars.

Question 12

How long should a pillar page be?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed length. Many pillar pages end up between 1,500 and 3,000 words, depending on how broad the topic is and how many cluster pages sit beneath it. A pillar page needs to cover the full topic clearly, link to every cluster and give enough depth for readers, Google and AI search engines to see it as the overview of that subject.

Question 13

One website or a separate site per location?

Accepted Answer

For most businesses, one website with dedicated location pages is the stronger choice. It keeps your authority in one place, makes maintenance manageable, and gives search engines a clear signal about every location you serve. A separate site per location only makes sense when each location has a truly distinct brand, audience, or service offer that cannot coexist on one domain.

Question 14

How do you avoid duplicate content across franchise sites?

Accepted Answer

Avoid duplicate content across franchise sites by giving each location its own unique page content: a local intro, specific services, team details and location-relevant copy. Use canonical tags where content must overlap and never copy the same body text across multiple sites. A shared template is fine; identical copy is not. Each location page needs something only that location can say.

Question 15

Should each location have its own Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for every location that meets Google's guidelines, which in short means a real address where customers are served in person during stated hours. A single profile cannot represent several addresses accurately. Google uses location-specific profiles for local results, so one profile per eligible location gives each branch the best chance of appearing when nearby customers search.

Question 16

Who manages website content in a franchise?

Accepted Answer

In a franchise, website content is typically managed at two levels: the franchisor controls brand standards, core messaging, and shared content, while individual franchisees manage local pages within those boundaries. Who holds final authority depends on your franchise agreement. A clear content governance model prevents brand inconsistency, duplicate content and confusion for customers searching locally.

Question 17

How do you keep branding consistent across many sites?

Accepted Answer

You keep branding consistent across many sites by using a shared design system: one set of brand tokens (colors, fonts, logo rules, tone of voice) that every site inherits automatically. Combined with a central platform, template architecture, and clear editorial guidelines, each site looks and feels like part of the same family while still carrying its own local identity.

Question 18

Does ChatGPT use your data for training?

Accepted Answer

In the free and personal plans, ChatGPT can use your conversations to improve its models by default. You can turn that off in the settings. If you use OpenAI's API or a business plan such as ChatGPT Business or Enterprise, OpenAI does not use your data for training by default. The key word is default: the setting matters, and many users never check it.

Question 19

Can you put customer data into ChatGPT?

Accepted Answer

You can technically enter customer data into ChatGPT, but in most cases you should not, certainly not in the free or personal plans. It creates privacy and legal risks, including under the GDPR, and those plans may use your inputs for training by default. Before sharing personal data with any AI tool, you need a legal basis, a data processing agreement and a privacy-safe way of working.

Question 20

What should an AI policy include?

Accepted Answer

An AI policy should cover permitted use cases, data privacy rules, quality control, human oversight, and accountability. It sets clear boundaries on which tools your team may use, how sensitive data is handled, who is responsible for reviewing AI output, and what happens when something goes wrong. A concise written policy protects your business and gives your team the confidence to work with AI responsibly.

Question 21

What is a good prompt?

Accepted Answer

A good prompt is a clear, specific instruction that tells an AI exactly what you need, who you are, what context applies, and what format you expect. It removes ambiguity so the AI can give you a useful answer on the first try. Think of it as a well-written briefing: the more relevant detail you include, the less back-and-forth you need.

Question 22

How do you start with AI in a small business?

Accepted Answer

You start with AI in a small business by picking one concrete task that costs you time every week, such as writing emails, answering customer questions, or creating content. Try a tool that handles exactly that task. Learn how to prompt it well, evaluate the output critically, and expand from there. No grand strategy needed at first. One working habit beats ten unused tools.

Question 23

Can Stimpy renew my existing website?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can restructure your existing site or rebuild it completely. We start with a Stimpy Scan to see what you can keep: texts that work, pages that are already found and addresses where visitors come in. Pages that get a new address are redirected, so the visibility you have built up is not lost.

Question 24

How long does a Stimpy Site take?

Accepted Answer

A Stimpy Site is usually online within six to eight weeks of the start. The timeline depends mainly on the number of pillars, the scope of the design and how quickly texts and images are approved. After the Scan you get a schedule with fixed moments for feedback.

Question 25

How much does a Stimpy Scan cost?

Accepted Answer

The Stimpy Scan costs €495 (US$555 or £415), excluding VAT where it applies. That is a fixed price. You get an audit of how findable you are in Google and in AI search engines such as ChatGPT and Perplexity, a check of your site's structure and technology, and an action plan with the pillars to grow first.

Questions

Generative engine optimization

SEO content strategy

Multi-location and franchise SEO

AI for small business

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