SEO, GEO, and Keywords: How AI is Changing Book Discovery

Search is changing faster than it has in decades.

Readers are no longer relying solely on Google—they're increasingly asking ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and other AI assistants for recommendations, comparisons, and buying advice. At the same time, Google's own search results now incorporate AI-generated summaries that are reshaping how users discover information.

For publishers, this raises an important question: How do you ensure your books, authors, and metadata remain visible in this new search environment?

This webinar, hosted by BISG's AI Working Group, will explain the differences between traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google's evolving AI-powered search experience, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—the emerging practice of optimizing content so AI systems can accurately understand, cite, and recommend it.

Designed specifically for publishing marketers and metadata professionals, this session will provide a practical overview of how search behavior is changing, what those changes mean for book discovery, and how publishers can adapt their websites, metadata, and content strategies without abandoning the SEO fundamentals that still matter.

Topics include:

• Understanding the differences between Google Search, SEO, AI Overviews, and GEO
• How readers are using AI tools to discover books and authors
• Why structured metadata and clear content matter more than ever
• How AI systems interpret publisher websites differently than traditional search engines
• Practical strategies publishers can implement today to improve discoverability across both search engines and AI assistants
• Common misconceptions about AI search—and where publishers should focus their efforts

Whether you're new to SEO or already managing discoverability strategies for your organization, this session will provide a practical framework for navigating the rapidly evolving intersection of search, AI, and book marketing.

BISG's AI Working Group brings together professionals from across the publishing ecosystem to discuss emerging developments, share experiences, and identify opportunities for industry collaboration.

Through September, the Working Group will continue meeting monthly as an informal discussion forum, providing a space for open conversation about the challenges and opportunities AI presents for the book industry.

This fall, the group will review the results of the 2026 survey and use those findings to help define future priorities, resources, and deliverables that can support the industry as AI adoption continues to evolve.

We welcome your participation. To join, e-mail info@bisg.org to express your interest and get on the mailing list for meeting invites, agendas, and other key communications