If you’re part of a small marketing team — or you’re flying solo like me — chances are you’ve felt a little overwhelmed by the ever-expanding checklist of what makes a blog post “good” these days. It’s not just about writing something insightful anymore.
If you want your content to perform in organic search, surface well in generative engine overviews (GEO), and actually help your brand grow, you’re now told to add charts, audio clips, contextual embeds, dynamic updates, schema, interactive tools, video recaps, and more.
Great in theory. But when you’re already stretched thin, it can feel more like an obstacle course than a checklist.
Let’s break this down: what’s actually feasible for small teams (and freelancers), what’s probably not, and how to approach GEO- and AI-friendly content creation without losing your mind or your momentum.
What small teams can realistically do to optimize for GEO
If you’re aiming to create content that shows up in both search results and generative summaries, here are the low-to-moderate lift tactics that can move the needle without burying your bandwidth.
1. Write robust, structured content
GEO tools and AI overviews rely heavily on clean structure and clear answers. That means thoughtful H2 and H3 headings that mirror user queries, well-formatted explanations, and concise definitions where appropriate. Ask yourself: Could ChatGPT summarize this blog post easily? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
2. Add “last updated” timestamps
This is one of the easiest wins on the list. A quick timestamp gives your content a freshness signal for both search engines and AI, and it reassures human readers that the info is current.
3. Include mini case studies when you can
Got a recent win or internal example? Fold it into your post, even if it’s just a paragraph or two. Real results beat hypotheticals in the eyes of both algorithms and readers.
4. Use “real” images … selectively
You probably don’t have time to create custom photography or elaborate illustrations. But you can include simple visuals — like screenshots, product UIs, or even lightly branded Canva graphics — that support your points. Aim for helpfulness, not fluff.
5. Consider schema, especially FAQ and speakable tags
You don’t have to go deep here. If you’re working with a developer or a CMS that supports it, adding basic schema (FAQ, speakable, how-to) to structured content is a manageable way to improve visibility.
What you probably can’t do without help
It’s not defeatist to say some of this is outside your current reach. It’s strategic. Here are the higher-lift enhancements that might be better saved for cornerstone pieces, or revisited later when you’ve got more support.
1. Interactive tools and calculators
Unless you’ve already got a widget or app built, don’t waste time trying to code up a quiz or ROI calculator just to hit a checklist item. It’s not worth it for every blog post.
2. Audio clips or vertical video summaries
These can be powerful engagement tools, but they require either A) someone comfortable on camera/audio or B) editing skills. Could you add a quick 30-second Loom recap? Maybe. But don’t force it if it slows your output to a crawl.
3. Custom infographics and complex visuals
Design resources can be precious, or nonexistent. If you’re working solo, it’s usually better to provide a clear chart prompt or rough sketch to your designer later. Or, use something like Canva to produce a simplified version that helps break up the post.
How to think about GEO content when you’re a team of one
At Hustle Double, I focus on making small teams look big. That means creating content strategies that punch above their weight. If you’re on a lean team, your first goal shouldn’t be “perfect content.” It should be useful, visible, and scalable content.
Start with clean structure. Add value. Look for opportunities to plug in case studies, stats, and visuals as you go, not as a requirement for every post. When you’re ready to level up, circle back and enhance the content that’s already proving its worth.
Need help identifying which blog posts to enhance and how? Start with a free 5-minute content audit. I’ll take a quick look at your site and send over actionable ideas for what to update and where to focus next.
Final thought
You don’t need to check every box on someone else’s list. You need to make smart, strategic progress with the resources you have, and keep building from there. That’s what the Hustle Double mindset is all about: maximizing impact with the tools at hand, and always looking for the extra base when others settle for first.