TL;DR

AI search engines are taking over, and investing in generative engine optimization is the best thing you can do for your business to stay visible in the future. While Surfer SEO offers GEO capabilities, it is designed for SEO. Bear AI is the smarter investment if you want your brand to be mentioned in AI searches. 

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Internet searches, as we know them, have split into two. On one end, we've got traditional search engines, which are arguably getting phased out. On the other hand, we've got AI search engines which are reshaping the way people use the internet to find information that influences their buying decisions. 

What does this mean for you?

If you do not get mentioned by showing up on AI engines when people looking to buy your products or services ask a question, you may not be able to sustain your business in the near future. 

Luckily for you, generative engine optimization platforms like Bear AI and Surfer SEO can help you show up where it matters so you can stay competitive. But which platform does it best? In this article, we're comparing the two to help you make a smart decision.

Is Generative Engine Optimization Even Worth The Hype?

Two-thirds of the global population uses AI regularly according to Forbes. Moreover, Bloomreach highlights that nearly 60% of consumers admit to using AI to help them shop smarter. If that counts for anything, AI search engines are where your ideal customers show up, and ensuring your brand gets referenced in relevant searches has a bigger impact on your bottom line than you think. In fact, the market for AI technology is expected to grow beyond USD 244 billion by 2030 according to Statista.

GEO helps you show up directly in AI-generated answers, secure citations and mentions that boost credibility, and gain a competitive edge over brands still stuck in traditional SEO tactics. Most importantly, it future-proofs your visibility as AI-powered search continues to reshape how people discover and choose products or services, and the Search Engine Journal agrees.

Comparing Platform Features – Bear AI and Surfer SEO.

1. Bear AI

Granular Source Analysis

One of Bear AI's best features is granular source analysis. Unlike mention trackers, which simply tell you when your business or brand is mentioned by AI engines, Brear AI also shows you the exact blogs, articles and other content sources they took that information from. That way, you'll know the type of content that works and double down on it so AI cites you more. 

Content Generation

Once you know what content works best, Bear AI will generate it for you so you won't have to do the heavy lifting. What's more? The platform also takes a look at what's working in your niche and generates SEO-optimized content so you show up on both traditional and AI-driven search engines. 

Competitor Analysis

Bear AI benchmarks your visibility against competitors across both AI and search engines. That way, you can see where they’re ahead, where they’re weak, and what moves you can make to capture market share.

AI-Powered Outreach Agents

Mentions are great. Mentions with backlinks on high-domain authority sites are even better. With Bear AI’s automated outreach agents, your content will be placed across relevant, trusted sites, boosting both domain authority and AI discoverability as a result.

2. Surfer SEO

Surfer SEO has built its reputation in traditional SEO, from keyword targeting and SERP analysis to content optimization. Now, the platform has started adding a few features to help with AI visibility. However, the platform's focus is still on Google rather than generative engines.

SEO-First, AI-Second

Surfer AI is built with a traditional SEO mindset. Its main strength lies in generating keyword-driven articles designed to rank on Google and potentially get picked up by AI engines. If your current focus is climbing the SERPs the old-fashioned way, Surfer delivers straightforward, keyword-optimized articles. If you want generative engines to notice you, Surfer SEO may not be the best platform to help you achieve that.

Sentiment Smoothing

Just like Bear AI, Surfer SEO uses sentiment analysis tools when it generates content so that it's readable to both humans and AI crawlers. The result? Content that keeps both humans and search engines happy. The platform also recommends internal links you can use, which helps with traditional SEO.

Prompt Tracking 

Surfer SEO also allows you to monitor prompts people use when searching on generative engines when searching for the products or services you offer, a feature that Bear AI also offers. The only pitfall is that the feature is locked behind an extra fee and offers what we can only describe as a narrow view of your visibility to AI engines online.

To Conclude

It's easy to show up on search engines, provided you use the right tool. That said, if you want to improve your visibility on traditional search engines while getting a glimpse into AI mentions, Surfer SEO is a decent tool. 

However, if you're serious about capitalizing on generative engine optimization before your competitors do, Bear AI is the platform you need. With the added advantage of backlink outreach and content generation on autopilot, you're guaranteed to improve your visibility and bottom line. 

Ready to give Bear AI a go? Start your 7-day trial, it's free!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?

Generative Engine Optimization, or GEO, is simply the process of optimizing your content to be cited or referenced by AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, or Gemini. 

Why is GEO becoming more important than SEO?

Because AI-generated results are influencing what people buy way before they even click a Google result. GEO helps brands show up inside those AI-generated answers where decisions happen instantly.

How do AI search engines decide which brands to cite?

AI engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity scan trusted, high-authority content to form responses, and GEO tools like Bear AI can help you achieve that.

How long does it take to see results from GEO?

You may start seeing results in a few weeks. The sooner you take GEO seriously, the faster you’ll gain traction as competition is still relatively low.

Can GEO and SEO work together?

Yes. While they are different, they complement each other. Content optimized for both will get you maximum exposure on traditional and AI search engines, and GEO platforms like Bear AI can help.

How can my business benefit from GEO?

GEO gives your brand exposure on AI platforms right in the moment they will be making buying decisions. It also goes a long way in boosting brand trust if done right.