How You Should Approach SEO, GEO, and Copywriting in 2026
In this blog:
When we talk SEO at Big Human, we’re not handing out checklists. Clients often ask about keywords, word count, or how long it takes to rank, but the real challenge is making content that works for both people and machines.
In 2026, that means thinking beyond traditional search and into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) — the practice of structuring content so it can surface not just in search results, but in AI-powered tools that summarize, cite, and recommend information. (Read more of our take on AI-powered search). The goal isn’t to write for algorithms alone, but to balance human-first copywriting with strategies that help your content get discovered, referenced, and trusted.
In this article, we share how to write content that ranks, gets cited by AI-powered tools, and stays true to your brand voice — along with a few of the tactics our team uses to make it happen for our clients.
Google's 2026 SEO Recommendations
Google hasn’t published an official list of 2026 SEO recommendations. That’s the point. Their guidance isn’t about ticking off checklists. It’s about strong foundational SEO strategies: creating content that is helpful, reliable, and made for people first.
AI continues to reshape the search landscape, but Google’s core principles remain unchanged. Automated content is fine when it adds value, but low-quality content produced just to rank is still penalized. How your content performs depends on clarity, relevance, and real insight.
Search is also becoming more context-driven. Tools like AI Overviews show that Google prioritizes content that demonstrates topical understanding and matches user intent, rather than relying solely on exact keywords. Content that answers real questions and clearly communicates expertise will perform best across both SEO (search engine optimization) and GEO (generative engine optimization) surfaces.
In short: SEO and GEO in 2026 are simple. Create content that people find genuinely useful — structured for clarity and aligned with search intent. Do that consistently and you’re positioned to succeed, even as the search landscape continues to evolve.
How to Approach SEO Copywriting
There’s no room for plug-and-play strategies in the current SEO/GEO landscape. You need to create content that genuinely helps people while signaling relevance to search engines. When it comes to copywriting, there are a few concrete ways to improve your chances of ranking without sacrificing clarity or voice.
Audit your current website.
Before adding anything new, understand what’s already on your site. Which pages could perform better? Are there gaps where new content could fill audience needs? Every page has the potential to move the needle, but content that’s confusing or underperforming will hold your SEO back.
Publish content for humans, by humans.
At the end of the day, content performs better when it’s simply worth reading. Clear structure, conversational summaries, and thoughtful formatting help large language models understand and surface your content… but they also make it better for people.
Content created solely to rank rarely holds up. Google and generative search engines reward work that’s useful, readable, and original because that’s what humans engage with. At Big Human, we use AI as a tool, not a crutch: combining efficiency with human judgment to create content that’s genuinely interesting, grounded in real insight, and true to your brand.
Structure content for clarity.
Headings, short paragraphs, and lists aren’t just good for SEO; they also make content easy to scan and digest. Semantic organization and technical SEO help both people and search engines understand your content at a glance.
Leverage experience when and where you can.
Experience is just as important as expertise and authority. Highlight your team’s hands-on knowledge, showcase real insights, and connect to real-world outcomes. Demonstrating this depth builds credibility with readers and strengthens your performance across SEO and GEO engines.
Use technical SEO to support your writing.
Schema, internal linking, and clear content hierarchy help search engines and AI understand the context of your copy. Optimizing the way your copy is structured makes it more discoverable without changing your voice.
SEO Copywriting in 2026: The Bottom Line
Effective SEO copywriting in 2026 combines clear, human-focused writing with strategic structure and authority signals. When done well, your content ranks, surfaces in AI summaries, and feels authentic to your audience.
You don’t have to choose between great content and strong visibility. Reach out, and we’ll help you make it happen.
