Spotlight on Sally Monem: Google's AI Innovator Transforming MENA's Digital Landscape

Navigating Online Reputation Management in the AI Era: Why GEO and SEO Matter

Update The Evolution of Online Reputation Management The landscape of reputation management has undergone a transformative shift, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. In 2025, clients and partners are not just relying on the traditional search engines to research brands; they are also consulting AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude. For businesses, this means that managing one’s online reputation has never been more complex. The objective has shifted from merely pushing down negative results to actively controlling how AI interprets and presents information about a brand. Why Traditional Reputation Management Techniques Are No Longer Enough Previously, online reputation management focused primarily on strategies such as: Pushing down negative search results Creating positive content Monitoring social media and review platforms Engaging with negative feedback However, as the capabilities of AI evolve, so do the requirements for maintaining a brand's reputation. Today's reputation management strategies need to encompass GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) alongside traditional SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This dual approach ensures that businesses not only address negative information but also shape their representation in AI-generated content. Understanding Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Generative Engine Optimization introduces a new frontier in reputation management. Unlike traditional SEO, which merely focuses on what appears in search results, GEO works to influence AI systems' perception of a brand. Businesses now need to ensure that when AI systems generate summaries or provide recommendations, they favor positive narratives. Achieving this involves: Structuring content that aligns with AI understanding Ensuring positive sources are highlighted in AI outputs Directly managing how one's narrative appears in conversational search results Combined Strategy: Steps for Effective Online Reputation Management To successfully navigate the modern reputation landscape, brands should adopt a holistic strategy that combines traditional SEO tactics with GEO principles. Here are essential steps that can help: Identify and Catalog Negative Information: Understand what negative information exists and where it ranks across platforms. Create Positive Content: Generate a wide array of high-quality, positive content—blog posts, articles, videos, and social media updates—that can occupy top search positions. Monitoring and Engagement: Actively monitor search results and social media mentions. Use automated tools to track how your brand is perceived and respond to feedback accordingly. Leverage Legal Strategies: Employ legal and ethical methods to request the removal of harmful content when applicable. Utilize Link Building: Strengthen the authority of positive content by creating backlinks from reputable sites. Why This Matters Now With the understanding that AI is increasingly making significant evaluations of brands and individuals, it's clearer than ever that neglecting reputation management can lead to detrimental outcomes. Poorly managed online reputations can distort a brand's image and influence client trust. In this digital age, businesses must proactively engage in reputation marketing to ensure they remain competitive and relevant. What Lies Ahead: Future Predictions for Reputation Management Looking ahead, we can anticipate that the integration of AI into online reputation management will only deepen. Businesses will increasingly focus on predictive analytics to understand potential shifts in reputation before they occur. As AI systems evolve, the capacity to influence positive outcomes will hinge upon companies’ commitment to adapting to these new technologies. Sustainable reputation marketing will require constant engagement and innovation. In conclusion, the new age of online reputation management necessitates an understanding of both SEO and GEO. Brands that adopt this dual approach will not only mitigate risks associated with negative portrayal but will also position themselves positively in the eyes of both potential clients and AI systems. Adopting these strategies is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.