Prompt · Conversational query
A prompt is an instruction sent to an LLM. In GEO, the prompt is the equivalent of the keyword: it is the unit on which visibility is measured. It is longer, more contextual and more varied than a classic search query.
Standalone definition · 41 words
How does a prompt differ from a keyword?
A keyword is short and lexical. A prompt expresses a context, a constraint, a goal, sometimes several questions. Google has said that queries in AI Mode are noticeably longer than classic searches. Most prompts have no search volume.
How do you build a set of prompts?
Start from real intents (customer questions, Search Console queries, Bing grounding queries, sales support questions), phrase them in natural language, vary the angles (informational, comparative, decision-oriented), never name the brand, and group by topic to measure share of voice.
What measurement precautions apply?
The same question gives different answers from one run to the next, so repeat each prompt several times. Note the engine, country, language and date. A measurement on a single prompt is not representative of an intent.
Frequently asked questions
How many prompts should I track?
No standard. Cover key topics with several phrasing variants.
Are users’ prompts public?
No. Tracking sets are built by teams.
Are a prompt and a query the same?
A prompt is conversational and can contain context; a query is shorter.
Related terms
Further reading
- Profound vs Otterly vs Ahrefs Brand Radar: 2026 Query Fan-Out Comparison
- Profound vs SEMRush AI Visibility Toolkit: Which really tracks your AI visibility?
- Visibility on AI (Google mode AI, AI overviews, LLM) : the tools are lying to us ?
- GEO tools comparison 2026: top 10 free and paid
- Which GEO tool to choose: the decision guide
- ← Back to the GEO glossary (114 terms)