Analyze Competitors: Step Five in G.E.O.D.A.T.A.

Caleb Turner on March 12, 2025

You’ve gone through steps one through three, and now you’re on a roll to keep the party going. Adopting G.E.O.D.A.T.A isn’t easy work, is it? But Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is becoming a must-have for every content strategy, thanks to the shift towards AI-driven search.

GEO is a framework that helps brands create content that strikes a balance between pleasing both human users and AI-driven search algorithms. So, without further ado, let’s check out the next step in the G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework—“Analyze Competitors.”

Analyzing competitors will help you gain insights about your rivals and strategies that are working within your industry. The good thing is you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, All you need to do is understand what works. From there, you can refine the approach, which is what you’re going to learn in this article.

Why Competitor Analysis is Essential for Your Content Strategy

There are many brands fighting and competing for visibility, and you’re one of them. With the competition stiffer than ever, AI-driven search engines are reshaping how content is being ranked and delivered.

Keeping an eye on your competitors can bring in several advantages, such as:

Identifying tactics that work: Examining and understanding what works for others means you can adopt and adapt strategies that have been proven effective.
Recognizing gaps: No brand is perfect, and you’ll be able to spot the areas where competitors are lacking. Those missing puzzle pieces give your brand an opportunity to fill them.
Staying informed: Staying up-to-date on competitors keeps you aware of industry trends and shifts.
Enhancing your content strategy: Understanding your competitors’ content strategy will help you refine your approach and improve your search visibility.

Many brands skip out on competitor analysis, but it’ll only isolate your business and prevent you from gaining valuable insights that could improve your online presence.

Steps to Effectively Analyze Competitors

Scoping out your competitors will give you insight into how AI algorithms rank and sort content. With this information, you can tailor your content strategy to keep up with the progressive demands of AI-driven search.

Identify Key Competitors

First things first, you’ll need to analyze your competitors. But don’t waste your precious time. There’s a process, and it starts by pinpointing who you’re actually going up against.

As a rule of thumb, direct competitors offer similar products or services, and indirect competitors may rank for the same keyword.

How to Find Your Competitors:

Search for your primary keywords on Google and AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT to see which brands rank at the top. Here’s an example using ChatGPT:

SEO tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz can help you discover your competitors.
Take a look at industry reports and online discussions for emerging competitors.

Assess Their Online Presence

You’ve identified your competitors, which is the most important step. Now it’s time to start digging into their online presence. You’ll want to look over some key areas to evaluate user engagement, content quality, and website structure.

Key Areas to Look At:

Website Design & User Experience: How does their website look? Is it easy to navigate? Is it mobile-friendly?
Content Strategy: What type of content do they publish (blog posts, videos, infographics, etc.)?
Social Media Activity: How do their social media profiles look? Do they engage with their audience? Which platforms do they use?
Brand Messaging: What’s the unique value proposition, and how do they communicate it to their audience?

Explore SEO Strategies

We all know that SEO helps you get seen online, which means it’s definitely worth paying attention to. Check out your competitors’ SEO strategies, and you’ll be able to identify tactics that work and capitalize on them.

Factors to Analyze:

Keyword Usage: What keywords are they ranking for? Are they targeting high-intent keywords?
Backlink Profile: Where are their backlinks coming from? Can you target a similar source?
Meta Descriptions & Title Tags: How are they optimizing on-page SEO elements?
Technical SEO: Are their pages fast-loading and optimized for Core Web Vitals?

If this sounds like a lot—we get it. The process can be overwhelming, but using services like SEO Rank Media can help take the load off.

Analyze Content Performance

Content reigns supreme in the digital world, and it’s here to stay. Your competitors are bound to be creating content left, right, and center, so this means you’ll need to understand the type of content that’s performing well for them. That’s because it’ll give you real insight into what your audience wants.

How to Analyze Content Performance:

Identify articles, videos, or guides that receive high engagement.
Check for recurring content themes or formats.
Assess content length, readability, and tone to see what works best.
Look at AI-generated responses to see which competitor content is frequently referenced.

Monitor Social Media & Engagement

Social media plays a big hand in modern SEO strategies and shapes how content is shared and ranked. Paying attention to competitors’ social media strategies offers handy insights into audience engagement and brand perception.

Key Social Media Metrics to Track:

Post Frequency & Timing: How often do your competitors post, and when?
Engagement Levels: Likes, shares, and comments show content effectiveness.
Influencer Partnerships: Are they collaborating with industry influencers?
User Interaction: How do they respond to customer feedback and questions?

Why the G.E.O.D.A.T.A Framework Is the Way to Go

The G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework represents a journey of adapting to new AI advancements. But remember, it takes time to understand your audience on a deeper level. Once you do, you’ll be able to create content that strikes a balance between AI-driven search optimization and real human engagement. And this is priceless information when you’re developing your brand.

With SEO Rank Media and the G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework, you won’t need to relearn SEO all over again. Instead, you’ll have a reliable roadmap and the support you need to get your brand in the spotlight. This is your chance to analyze and gain insight from your competitors, using the information to prepare your business for the next shift in content. Is your brand ready?

Target Data Sources: Step Six in G.E.O.D.A.T.A.

Caleb Turner on March 1, 2025

You’re almost there. You’ve made it to step 6 (out of 7) in the G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework. By now you get how AI is shaping brand visibility and that your content strategy needs to meet the new standards of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).

Using this framework in your content strategy will help your brand align with AI-driven search algorithms. In other words, this framework will help get eyes on your business while keeping both human users and AI happy.

Let’s talk about the next step in the G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework—“Target Data Source.” This phase focuses on placing your content where AI systems are pulling information from, giving you the best odds of being featured in an AI-generated search result.

Why Targeting Data Sources Matters

Generative search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) and AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini don’t just index and rank traditional web pages like older search engines. Oh no, the times have changed, and you’re in the process of changing with them.

What these generative search engines and AI bots do instead is pull data from a wide range of sources, including high-quality content repositories, authoritative publications, and structured databases.

If your content isn’t in these key locations, the odds of your content being referenced or cited by AI-generated search results is low. It’s about going beyond traditional SEO techniques and showing up where AI is looking.

Identifying the Right Data Sources

You know you need to be where AI looks, but…where is it looking?

Each AI service builds its models off of different data sources, some of which they heavily favor. By taking the insights from competitive ranking reports, you can create content and share it in a way that boosts your brand’s ranking.

For example, if you’re looking to gain more exposure in Bing AI searches, you’ve got to do more than just make your site accessible. To get noticed, you might put your content on LinkedIn since they are owned by Microsoft (who also owns Bing), or if it’s technical content, share it on GitHub (also owned by Microsoft). Don’t worry, we’ll explain more about this later on.

For now, we’re going to dive in and show you the most influential data sources that AI and search algorithms rely on.

Structured Databases

AI models will pull information from structured datasets that serve as knowledge bases for search engines. Here’s how to make sure your brand’s information is available on them:

Make sure your business is represented accurately on OpenStreetMap, Google’s Knowledge Graph, and Wikidata.
Keep your data up-to-date to improve search engine visibility.

High-Authority Websites & Publications

AI prioritized information coming from trusted sources and industry leaders.

Get featured in authoritative industry publications and government websites.
Secure guest posts or citations from reputable websites to boost credibility.

Social Media & Community Platforms

You’ll be surprised at how deep AI goes to find the information it needs. It’ll even go through social media platforms and forums for relevant and trending info. Keeping track of which services pull from which data sources can help you out-distribute and outrank your competitors.

For example, since Claude and ChatGPT have signed agreements to access data on Reddit, you’ll want your information to be accessible there to boost your presence.

Stay active on LinkedIn, Quora, and Reddit to establish thought leadership in your industry.
Share insights and interact with your audience in industry-specific communities.

Schema Markup & Metadata Optimization

Structured data helps AI understand and categorize your website’s content. That said, you’ll want to:

Implement schema makeup for products, reviews, FAQs, and events.
Optimize meta descriptions and title tags with relevant keywords.

Company Listings & Directories

Search engines and AI assistants rely on business directories for accurate company information.

List your business on Google Business Profile, Yelp, and other industry-specific directories.
Maintain consistency in your details (name, address, phone number) across all platforms.

Content Aggregators & News Platforms

AI models use content aggregators and content hubs as sources of real-time and evergreen content.

Publish articles on Google News, Flipboard, and Medium to expand brand visibility.
Make sure press releases and industry updates are distributed on trusted platforms.

Identifying the right data sources is one thing, but knowing what to do is the next step. If the process feels overwhelming, don’t worry; SEO Rank Media can alleviate the pressure and help you out.

Implementing a Targeted Approach

Once you’ve got your sources down, the next step is to develop a targeted strategy that’ll boost your presence in these areas.

Optimize Your Website for AI Readability

Structured content that’s clear and informative is exactly what search engines rely on. That means your website needs to:

Use concise, well-organized content that aligns with AI preferences.
Implements schema markup to give AI algorithms contextual signals.
Answers commonly asked questions factually and directly.

Build Authority with Thought Leadership Content

Your brand needs to bring high-value content to the table. The content should be referenced by authoritative sources to improve credibility. You can:

Publish research-backed articles.
Contribute guest posts to industry-leading websites.
Engage in expert interviews and podcasts to gain backlinks from reputable sources.

Actively Engage in AI-Friendly Platforms

It’s more than just having a social media profile. Your brand needs to be active on platforms AI models pull information from. Focus on:

Answering relevant questions on Quora and Reddit (don’t overlook this).
Share expert opinions and insights on LinkedIn.
Make sure your Google Business Profile is updated and that you reply to all reviews.

Keep Your Data Fresh and Consistent

AI models prioritize content that’s not only accurate but updated. Regularly:

Audit and update company listings.
Make sure schema markup reflects current offerings.
Monitor and refresh outdated content on your website.

Once you go through the implementation process and target data sources, your brand will be on its way to being fully optimized for generative search.

Why the G.E.O.D.A.T.A Framework Is the Way to Go

Step six of the G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework, “Target Data Sources,” is your secret weapon to ensuring your brand is discoverable in the AI world. The trick is to place your content exactly where AI models pull data so that when people make searches, you show up.

As AI-driven search engines continue to change digital marketing, keeping up doesn’t mean abandoning your SEO.

Answer Accurately: Step Seven of G.E.O.D.A.T.A.

Caleb Turner on February 19, 2025

We’ve got good news: You’ve made it to the end of the G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework. We’re now at step 7, the final step. You’ve learned a lot of information on how to get your brand’s content strategy to align with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).

It’s not an easy process, but since you’re already here, you might as well learn the last step. At this point, you’ll know that G.E.O.D.A.T.A. is all about providing a structured approach to help brands line up their content strategies with the demands of GEO.

This last step, “Answer Accurately,” focuses on the need to provide precise, fact-based answers that AI models can trust and use in their responses.

Why Accuracy Matters in Generative Search

Sometimes, content can miss the mark. While it may seem like no big deal, accuracy is key in generative search.

AI search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), ChatGPT, and Gemini prioritize accuracy when pulling data and displaying information.

Unlike traditional keyword-based search, these systems go a step further by analyzing context, verifying credibility, and cross-checking sources before presenting an answer. Any content that’s misleading, vague, or filled with fluff will be ignored. Instead, AI will be in favor of sources that provide definitive and well-supported answers.

In other words, you’ll be picked last for dodgeball, and that’s just traumatic for most of us.

It’s important to understand accuracy isn’t just about avoiding misinformation. What it’s really about is establishing authority and making sure your brand is referenced as a reliable source. You need to consistently deliver correct, well-researched content if you want to increase your chances of being featured in AI-generated search results.

Key Strategies for Answering Accurately

To make sure your content meets the standards of AI-driven search engines, you need a strategy focused on precision, reliability, and user intent.

If it sounds like a lot, SEO Rank Media is always here to help you out.

Here are the key strategies you can use to answer accurately.

1. Use Verified Data and Credible Sources

AI models prioritize content that comes from authoritative sources. You need to:

Cite government websites, academic research, and reputable industry reports.
Regularly fact-check content to avoid outdated or incorrect information.
Link to original sources whenever you can to improve transparency.

2. Provide Direct and Clear Answers

Search engines favor content that delivers answers concisely without unnecessary filler. In other words, no fluff.

Use a clear structure with headings, bullet points, and lists.
Answer common questions straightforwardly and factually.
Make sure any claims you make are backed by evidence or expert opinions.
Use examples and case studies to highlight key points.

3. Implement Schema Markup for Enhanced Understanding

Structured data helps AI understand and categorize your content more effectively, which means you’re more likely to show up in generated search results.

Use FAQ schema to highlight direct answers to key questions.
Implement schema markup correctly on high-priority pages.
Use structured metadata to signal content relevance to search engines.

4. Optimize for AI-Friendly Formatting

Well-structured content is easier for AI to process and pull information from.

Use short paragraphs, bolded keywords, and clear subheadings.
Summarize key points at the beginning of your content to improve clarity.
Use numbered lists and step-by-step instructions when you can.
Optimize for voice search by using natural language queries in your content.

5. Keep Up with Industry Trends and Changes

Generative AI models continuously evolve, requiring brands to stay informed.

Monitor industry updates and revise content as needed.
Keep up with algorithm changes that impact how AI retrieves and ranks information.
Subscribe to SEO and AI newsletters for insights.

6. Create Evergreen Content

Timeless, informative content ranks better in AI-driven search.

Focus on fundamental industry concepts that remain relevant.
Update content periodically to reflect any new developments.
Include evergreen topics alongside trending discussions to maintain traffic over time.
Optimize older content with new insights to extend its relevance.

8. Avoid Clickbait and Sensationalism

Exaggerated claims or misleading headlines harm credibility and search rankings. Creating low-quality content won’t get you far in the long run.

Use accurate, descriptive titles that reflect the content’s core message.
Avoid over-promising results or making unverifiable claims.
Provide balanced insights that acknowledge different viewpoints.
Craft content that is genuinely helpful and not designed solely for engagement.

Case Study: AncestryDNA

Let’s get a better idea of what we’re talking about. If you look at Ancestry.com’s FAQ page, they answered a few questions about their service. One of the questions was, “What do the results tell me?”

Now, when you go onto ChatGPT and ask the very same question, “What do my ancestry.com results tell me?” you get a completely different answer. And this is why it’s important to make sure your content is clear and consistent.

It could be that you and the audience think two different things when looking for the answer to “What do my ancestry results tell me?”. What this means is that you may need to do a bit more audience research to understand what they’re looking for. That way, you can rephrase the question or change the answer to adjust to your audience’s needs.

Why the G.E.O.D.A.T.A Framework Is the Way to Go

That’s it; you’ve gone through the entire G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework. Step seven of the G.E.O.D.A.T.A. framework, “Answer Accurately,” is the final, most important step to get right. Delivering precise, fact-based content that AI pulls from will give your audience the information they need.

As AI-driven search engines continue to reshape digital marketing, brands focusing on accuracy will stay ahead of the game.