Search Freelancers See Surge in GEO Client Requests Amid AI-Powered Work

Fiverr's latest survey of search freelancers has found that more respondents have seen an increase in client requests for generative engine optimization (GEO) compared to Google-ranking tasks. The survey, part of Fiverr's 2026 Holiday Marketing Index, reported that 67% of search specialists saw a rise in GEO requests over the past year, while 56% experienced an increase in requests to enhance Google rankings.

Interestingly, when considering long-term investments, 61% of surveyed search specialists believe Google SEO is the strongest. The report advises funding both GEO and Google SEO efforts, as clients tend to expect lower prices when AI is involved. In fact, 61% of search specialists reported that clients expect lower prices simply because of AI involvement in their work.

The survey also noted that search specialists use AI more often than other surveyed groups and experience the greatest pricing pressure. Additionally, 83% of search specialists said clients are increasingly hiring them for advice and expertise versus simple execution, which is higher than the rates in e-commerce and user-generated content (UGC). Furthermore, half of the specialists believe that businesses underestimate how long it takes for the work to pay off.