Why visibility, credibility, and automation matter more than ever—and how AI and GEO strategies are changing the rules of marketing

In today’s fast-moving digital world, getting noticed online is no longer as simple as launching a website or running a few ads. Between constant algorithm changes, growing competition, and the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, businesses face a new challenge: being discoverable, credible, and trusted—all at once. That’s where AI-driven lead generation comes in. It’s not just about traffic anymore—it’s about earning attention and converting it into meaningful relationships.

In a recent episode of MITechTV, hosts Mike Brennan and Matt Roush welcomed Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Marketing, to discuss how businesses can get found in 2025 by aligning traditional SEO with next-generation AI visibility strategies—what we call GEO (Generative Engine Optimization). You’ll also learn why structured data, long-tail keywords, and credible mentions across the web are more important than ever. Whether you’re a small business or a national brand, these actionable insights can help you attract the right people, build trust, and grow smarter using AI.

Why Businesses Still Struggle to Use AI-Driven Lead Generation

Even in 2025, many businesses still believe that simply having a website is enough to get discovered. But the reality is: if you’re not showing up in AI-Driven Lead Generation search results, you’re invisible to potential customers.

SmartFinds Marketing CEO Melih Oztalay explained it clearly during his recent MITechTV segment:

“Go to Google and type in your company name. If your business doesn’t even show up for its own name—that’s a red flag. But now, the bar is higher. It’s not just Google search anymore. The real question is: Can you get mentioned in ChatGPT, Copilot, or Gemini?”

The challenge of visibility is no longer just about competing on Google’s search results. It’s now about making sure your business is present and trusted across the platforms where modern buyers are searching—including AI-powered engines. This shift calls for a more advanced and intentional approach to being found, which brings us to the rise of a new strategy: Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).

From SEO to GEO: A New Search Era Has Arrived

Traditional SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focused on getting ranked on Google. But with the rise of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude, there’s a new concept emerging: GEO—Generative Engine Optimization.

“AI is changing how people search,” Melih shared. “Instead of scrolling through 10 websites, users can ask AI for recommendations and get tailored answers in seconds. That means your brand now needs to be discoverable inside AI platforms—not just on the web.”

To succeed in GEO, businesses need to ensure their brand, content, and credibility are represented across the internet in ways that AI engines can understand and verify.

The Technical Foundation: How to Be Found for AI-Driven Lead Generation

Before your business can show up inside tools like ChatGPT or Copilot, it needs to speak their language—literally. These AI engines don’t just look at your website design or catchy headlines. They rely on technical signals, structured data, and digital credibility to determine whether or not your brand is trustworthy and relevant. That’s where your technical foundation comes in.

  • Structured Data (Schema Markup)
    AI tools rely on structured information. Your website should use schema.org markup to clearly define what your business does, where you’re located, and who you serve.
  • Technical SEO Updates
    Beyond content, your site’s back-end must be optimized. This includes metadata, clean code, proper headings, and mobile responsiveness.
  • Authoritative Mentions Online
    “Think of it like building your Wikipedia presence,” Melih said. “You need consistent mentions across the web—press releases, thought leadership, LinkedIn profiles, and more. AI engines use that to determine your credibility.”
  • Ask the AI Itself
    Try this practical tip:
    “Go to ChatGPT and ask, ‘Why am I not showing up when people search for [your service]?’ It will tell you exactly what’s missing—from backlinks to missing content to your brand’s digital footprint.”

When these elements work together—schema markup, strong SEO, and third-party validation—AI tools are far more likely to recognize your business and include it in results. But discoverability is only the first step. Once people find you, what matters most is whether they stick around. That’s where AI-driven lead generation strategies take the spotlight.

Try these tools to validate and check your schema markup and structured data: Google Rich Results Test and Schema Markup Validator.

AI-Driven Lead Generation: How It Works in Real Life

While visibility is essential, it’s only half the equation. The real measure of marketing success is lead generation—the ability to consistently attract people who are actively interested in your product or service. And that’s where AI shines. By combining automation, data insights, and behavior analysis, AI tools help businesses move beyond vanity metrics like traffic and clicks to focus on actual conversions. In this section, we’ll walk through a real-world case study that demonstrates how AI-driven strategies lead to tangible growth.

Lead generation means attracting real prospects who are likely to become customers. But what does that look like when powered by AI?

SmartFinds Marketing recently completed a case study where they increased a client’s U.S. lead volume from 2 per day to 5 per day—a 70% increase—within a few months. This was achieved through:

  • AI-assisted keyword research and content planning
  • Long-tail keyword targeting
  • On-site conversion funnel improvements
  • GEO-based visibility tuning
  • Press release distribution for online credibility

“AI helped us build a journey on the website,” Melih explained. “It wasn’t just about getting traffic—it was about guiding the visitor from interest to action.”

This example proves what’s possible when AI, SEO, and smart content strategy come together. It’s not just about more leads—it’s about better-qualified leads who are more likely to convert. When your business is optimized for how today’s buyers search and interact online, AI becomes a growth engine. And once these systems are in place, they continue working for you—improving efficiency, lowering costs, and scaling your lead generation over time.

Best Practices for Attracting the Right Leads in 2025

Getting found online is one thing—getting found by the right people is another. In today’s AI-enhanced marketing environment, lead generation isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about showing up smarter, with messaging, content, and tools that align perfectly with your audience’s needs and search behavior. These best practices are designed to help you do just that.

  1. Focus on Long-Tail Keywords
    Use 3–4 word phrases that match how people really search.
  2. Use AI Tools to Audit and Plan
    Tools like ChatGPT or SurferSEO can help you analyze gaps, write blog content, and find ranking opportunities.
  3. Publish Content with Purpose
    Blog posts, press releases, landing pages, and social posts fuel both SEO and GEO.
  4. Drive Authority Across the Web
    Make sure your business is being mentioned on respected sites and directories. AI needs confirmation from multiple sources to trust your brand.

By combining these tactics with AI insights, businesses can attract leads that are not only more qualified but also more ready to engage. And the more aligned your strategy is with how modern customers search and decide, the more likely you are to turn those leads into long-term customers. Which brings us to the bigger picture—why visibility, trust, and growth must go hand-in-hand in 2025 and beyond.

Final Thoughts: Visibility, Trust, and Growth Go Hand in Hand

The days of “set it and forget it” marketing are over. In today’s AI-powered world, being visible and credible online is the first step toward generating qualified leads—and closing deals.

Melih summarized it well:
“Whether it’s SEO, GEO, or AI—these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re tools to help your business get found, build trust, and grow smarter.”

In 2025 and beyond, success belongs to the businesses that adapt—those that embrace change, understand the tools available, and take action to stay visible and valuable in an AI-powered world. Whether you’re optimizing for Google, ChatGPT, or the next wave of search technology, the core principles remain: show up, stand out, and build lasting trust. With the right strategy and support, lead generation doesn’t have to feel like guesswork—it can become a predictable, scalable engine for growth.

Next Steps: Resources from SmartFinds Marketing

About SmartFinds Marketing

SmartFinds Marketing is a digital marketing agency. SmartFinds provides full marketing strategies and solutions to businesses. The marketing process is managed by a team of contemporary marketers who manage new ideas and incorporate early adoption of new strategic technologies to achieve successful results. Helping customers understand web marketing and the web advertising world through education and consultation is part of any SmartFinds program.

“Our trusted years of experience in advertising and marketing solutions date back to 1987 and the Internet since 1994. Since the very early days of the industry, we traversed the Internet to gain the knowledge, expertise, and more importantly, the imagination to apply the Internet’s resources to your business needs”, says Melih Oztalay.

Melih Oztalay is an industry leader as a guest author on many websites like Search Engine Journal. Additionally, he is a guest speaker at many conferences and events along with being a subject matter expert called on my radio shows and podcasts.

SmartFinds Marketing….Creative strategies. Innovative ideas. Use the full power of the Internet with us!

Past MITechTV Shows with Melih Oztalay – AI in Business