Learn GEO · EP 04 · Members only

SEO searches down 42%, GEO up 66% — is it time to switch?

The generational handover in search, seen through Google Keyword Planner data. With SEO-related searches falling and GEO-related searches surging, here's when and how sellers should move — backed by data.


⏰ The 30-second version

  • Over the last three months: "SEO optimization" searches -42% vs. "GEO optimization" +29% and "generative engine optimization" +66% (Google Keyword Planner data).
  • Everything sliding is a ranking technique; everything rising is a technique for getting into AI answers.
  • The absolute volume is still a few hundred a month — and "small" means you can still claim it first.
  • You don't have to abandon SEO. Shift your design standard from keyword rank to question coverage and you win both.

Start with the numbers: what's falling and what's rising

The moment search behavior shifts, it shows up in search volume first. Watch what people search in order to learn, and you can see where the market is headed.

Monthly search volume and 3-month change (real Google Keyword Planner data, 2026. 7)

SEO optimization1,30042%blog top rankings39039%GEO optimization39029%GEO marketing32039%Google AI Overviews32027%generative engine optimization14066%

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Your customers are asking ChatGPT instead of Google now — what changed?