AEO and GEO: The Next Generation of SEO for Florists

If you’ve noticed a dip in online orders or felt like your floral shop’s website just isn’t being found like it used to, you're not alone. But the solution isn't just traditional SEO anymore — it's evolving.

What is GEO? And why is it so important for your shop? Give me two minutes and I’ll explain it to you.

That evolution was recently spotlighted by the Society of American Florists, which featured our work at Bloomerang Solutions in the July/August issue of Floral Management. The article explored how next-generation strategies like Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) are helping florists thrive in an AI-driven world.

One example is Ed Moore Florist in Denver. After implementing our updated strategy, their customer orders jumped 25%, with new business coming from cities they'd never reached before.

What Are AEO and GEO?

While SEO is still important, it’s no longer enough. Today’s customers are searching differently — using voice assistants like Siri and Alexa or AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot.

AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) ensures your business shows up in response to spoken questions like:

  •  “Where’s the best florist for same-day delivery near me?”

  •  or “Who delivers funeral flowers in Sarasota?”

GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) makes your website and content discoverable to AI tools, so when someone asks an AI to recommend a florist, your shop is included in the answer — even if they never visit a search engine.

What This Means for Your Floral Business

This isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about future-proofing your business in a rapidly changing online world. Here’s why AEO and GEO matter to you:

  • Reach Customers You’ve Never Touched Before
    Just like Ed Moore Florist, you can expand beyond your immediate market. AEO and GEO help you show up in new zip codes and surrounding cities, where people are actively searching — by voice or AI — for a florist just like you.

  • Be the First Answer — Not Just Another Option
     When someone asks Siri or ChatGPT for a florist, are they seeing you? Or your competitors? AEO and GEO help you become the recommended choice, not just another blue link in search results.

  • Increase Orders Without Relying on Expensive Ads
     Instead of pouring more money into pay-per-click ads, we help you get found organically — through AI-driven search and smart content strategies that keep working 24/7.

  • Lower Your Bounce Rate and Boost Conversions
     Adobe Analytics shows that shoppers who arrive through AI search have a 23% lower bounce rate. That means more people stay on your site, browse, and buy — because they’re already looking for what you offer.

  • Stay Ahead While Others Catch Up
     Most florists aren’t doing this yet. That gives you a huge competitive edge — if you act now. Early adopters will dominate these new search platforms for years to come.Ready to Grow?

At Bloomerang, we’ve developed a proven, florist-specific AEO and GEO strategy. Whether you're a single-location shop or delivering across multiple cities, we tailor everything to your market and your goals — from content to voice search visibility to AI indexing.

If you're ready to:

Let’s talk!
 

Click here to schedule a free consultation or call us now at (941) 806-1911. Want to read the original article in Floral Management? Check it out here:  “AEO and GEO: The Next Gen of SEO”

Why “Down” Doesn’t Always Mean “Failing” — Understanding the New Rules of Google Search

How fewer clicks—and more visibility—can still mean your SEO is winning.

If your monthly report says your traffic is down compared to last year, your first instinct might be to worry.

But here’s the truth: in 2025, fewer clicks don’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong. In fact, you might be doing everything right.

The Big Picture: Search Is Changing

One year after launching AI Overviews, Google has radically changed how users interact with search results. According to new data from BrightEdge:

  • Google search impressions are up 49% year-over-year.

  • Click-through rates (CTR) are down 30%.

  • Nearly 90% of AI citations now come from pages beyond the first page of results.

So what's going on?

Google’s AI Overviews are now answering users’ questions directly on the search results page—without them ever needing to click through to your website. That means more exposure, but fewer clicks.


What That Means for You

Let’s say you’re “down” on traffic year-over-year. That might look like bad news at first glance.

But here’s what’s really happening:

  • Your content might be showing up in AI Overviews, giving you high-value exposure even without a click.

  • People are searching more complex questions—and your site might be providing answers directly inside Google’s results.

  • You’re still building trust and brand recognition—even if it’s not reflected in the old-fashioned CTR numbers.

“This isn’t just a blip—it’s a total shift in how people interact with search. You don’t just need to rank anymore. You need to be recommended.”
— Kip Keck, Bloomerang Analyst

If You’re Up for the Year — That’s a Bigger Win Than You Think

On the flip side, if your traffic is up despite these trends, it means your site is punching way above its weight.

You’re not just keeping up—you’re outperforming the market.


What’s Behind the Data?

The BrightEdge study highlights several key trends that show how search behavior—and Google's algorithms—have evolved:

Smarter Queries, Smarter Responses

  • Queries with 8+ words are now 7x more likely to trigger AI Overviews.

  • Use of technical vocabulary is up 48%, showing people want deeper, more specific answers.

More Impressions, Less Clicking

  • AI Overviews are now over 1,000 pixels tall, often filling the entire first screen on desktop or mobile.

  • That means even the #1 organic result might sit below the fold.

Your Site Can Win Without a #1 Rank

  • A whopping 89% of AI citations come from pages outside the top 10, including deep content and FAQs.

What Bloomerang Is Doing Behind the Scenes

These shifts didn’t catch us off guard and that’s why we spend so much time monitoring updates, optimizing your content, and making technical adjustments even when you don’t see them.

“Our goal isn’t just to get you ranked, it’s to get you cited, trusted, and seen where it counts.”
— Art Conforti, Bloomerang CEO

We focus on:

  • Structured content that AI can extract and credit

  • FAQ content and semantic optimization for long-tail queries

  • Site speed, health, and mobile performance—still critical for visibility

  • Constant adaptation to Google's algorithm and AI behavior

Final Thoughts

In this new era, success in SEO isn’t just measured by who clicks, it’s about who sees you, who trusts you, and how Google showcases your expertise.

So if your numbers look a little different this year, don’t worry.

You might be doing better than ever.

Sources:

  • BrightEdge. AI Overviews: A Year in Review, May 2025. Read the full report

  • Search Engine Land. “Search Clicks Fell 30% in Last Year,” Danny Goodwin, May 2025.

Still Blooming: How Arthur Conforti's Proven Playbook is Shaping a New Generation of Floral Success

Sixteen Years Later: Same Passion, the Same Plan, New Challenges - Proven Results

In 2009, as the world grappled with economic uncertainty, Arthur Conforti stood out as a beacon of resilience. The Longboat Key News profiled his success in steering Beneva Flowers to capture 70% of Sarasota’s floral market, with a powerhouse team of 40+ employees. His approach? Treat the business like a football franchise: each team member has a role, and every play is deliberate.

Today, in 2025, Arthur isn’t just reflecting on those lessons, he’s putting them back into action. “Just rinse and repeat,” he says. “The beauty of experience is knowing the playbook works. We’ve done it before. We’ll do it again.”

Back to Basics: Relationships, Value, and Community

Before subscriptions were a trend and before 'local' became a buzzword—Arthur was doing it all. A look back at the blueprint that's still shaping the floral industry today.

The foundation of Conforti’s philosophy is simple: nobody needs flowers, so we must make them irresistible. That starts with showing value and care in every interaction. His strategies from 2009 remain strikingly relevant in today’s economic landscape.

  • Cash & Carry Bouquets: Accessible, attractive arrangements that make it easy for customers to grab and go, creating everyday joy without the guilt of splurging.

  • Value-Driven Marketing: “Every delivery should come with an offer to come back,” says Conforti. Fundraising cards, delivery magnets, and community-specific promotions remind customers that flowers are more than a purchase, they’re a partnership.

The Subscription Model—Way Ahead of Its Time

Art was promoting flower subscriptions before it was trendy. “I sold Mother’s Day orders in twos and threes,” he recalls, “one for the day, the others to remind mom she’s still cherished.”

Now in a world driven by recurring revenue models, his early embrace of floral subscriptions feels visionary. Today’s campaigns echo that same idea: consistent reminders of love, celebration, and connection, all while reinforcing customer loyalty.

Planting Local Roots, Again and Again

Conforti’s mantra remains: stay local. Whether it’s partnering with schools for fundraisers, highlighting hometown heroes, or promoting hyper-local delivery services, every move ties the business back to the community that built it.

In his words: “The mirror gave me what I needed in 2008- RESULTS. I looked at myself and doubled down on the people who got me here. That’s who will help us thrive again.”

Legacy in Action: Coaching the Next Generation

Arthur isn’t just repeating his success—he’s sharing it. At a recent meeting with flower shop partners, he didn’t pitch theory—he laid out a plan that’s already worked.

The message was clear:

  • Don’t wait for trends - create them.

  • Don’t chase customers - invite them to stay.

  • Don’t rely on corporate ideas - rely on your community.

Several shops are already stepping up, applying Arthur’s methods to today’s landscape. “Don’t be bashful,” he encourages. “Let’s put the plan together. Start this summer. Let’s build value into every bouquet, every delivery, every day.”

Looking Ahead with Confidence: Experience as a Roadmap for the Future

The marketplace may evolve, but the principles that drive success remain remarkably consistent. Arthur Conforti knows this better than most. With over three decades of hands-on leadership, he's not only weathered economic downturns—he's emerged from them stronger, smarter, and more committed to the craft of floral entrepreneurship.

In an era of fleeting trends and quick fixes, Arthur's playbook stands out for one powerful reason: it’s built on results. He doesn’t theorize from the sidelines—he’s in the game, leading with action, innovation, and heart. As flower shops across the country face the pressure of new platforms, shifting customer habits, and tighter margins, Arthur offers something invaluable: clarity.

His message is more than motivation—it’s a masterclass in resilience:

  • Focus on what makes you unique.

  • Double down on your community roots.

  • Deliver value in every interaction.

  • And above all, trust in what’s proven.

Today, he’s sharing his blueprint not just as a florist—but as a mentor, strategist, and catalyst for a new generation of business owners ready to thrive.

“Don’t be afraid to do what already works,” he says. “The path is already here—we just have to walk it again.”

For Arthur Conforti, 2025 isn’t a reboot. It’s a resurgence. And if his past is any indication, the future of local floral businesses has never looked more promising.

Ready to Grow Your Floral Business?

Join the community of florists putting proven strategies into action. Whether you're looking to boost sales, build stronger customer relationships, or create lasting local impact, Arthur Conforti can help you do it - because he's done it.

💡 Let’s build your blueprint for success.
📩 Get in touch with Arthur today.

Featured in Floral Management: How Art Conforti Creates Local SEO Strategies That Attract More Customers

At Bloomerang Solutions, we’re passionate about helping florists grow their businesses and we’re thrilled to share that our founder, Art Conforti, PFCI, was recently featured in Floral Management magazine, the flagship publication of the Society of American Florists. In the article, Art shared valuable insights on one of the most overlooked but powerful tools in local search engine optimization (SEO): local service area pages.

If your floral business serves more than one city or town, but your website only focuses on your primary location, you’re likely missing out on countless potential customers who are searching nearby. As Art explains, the key is to help both Google and your customers understand exactly where you deliver and why you’re the florist they should trust.

Why Local Pages Matter More Than Ever

When someone searches online for a florist in their town, Google tries to match them with the most relevant, nearby results. But if your shop is in City A and someone in City B searches for “florist near me,” your business might not show up—even if you deliver there.

Too often, florists try to get around this by simply adding a list of city names to their homepage or using generic phrases like “serving the greater metro area.” Unfortunately, that’s not enough to help your visibility in search results.

Art recommends a smarter approach:

Create individual pages for each city, town, or neighborhood you serve.

These are called local pages (or city pages), and they serve as dedicated content hubs that tell search engines—and potential customers—that you’re not just a florist in your main city. You’re also a trusted provider in the surrounding communities.

What Makes a Great Local Page?

According to Art, a successful local page should include:

  • Custom-written content that mentions the specific location (no copy-pasting from Wikipedia!).

  • A brief overview of your services in that area.

  • Links to featured arrangements or offers tailored to that city or town.

Mentions of local events, like school proms, college graduations, or even seasonal happenings like a nearby farm’s corn maze.

These updates don’t need to be extensive, but they do need to be authentic and relevant. Plus, regularly refreshing your content tells Google your website is active—which helps boost your ranking in search results.

Real Revenue, Real Results

This isn’t just theory. One florist who partnered with Bloomerang Solutions implemented local pages for ten nearby towns, and those pages brought in $19,000 in additional revenue in just one year.

As Art puts it:

“That little bitty town - Google is looking for somebody, and nobody has a page for it. Make a page for all the little towns.”

By simply being more visible in underserved markets, florists can tap into high-value customers who are eager to buy - if only they could find you.

Helping Florists Thrive, One Page at a Time

At Bloomerang Solutions, we specialize in building marketing strategies that make a difference. Whether you’re looking to improve your local SEO, freshen up your website, or launch a new promotional campaign, we’re here to help you grow smarter and faster.

Want to learn how local pages can work for your shop? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

And stay tuned for more tips, success stories, and digital strategies designed just for florists!

Sarasota’s Favorite Mom: A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Flowers

In 2005, a simple idea blossomed into a powerful local movement - one that engaged communities, supported small businesses, and brought families together to celebrate the most important women in our lives: moms.

What began as a national campaign by Teleflora, a floral industry leader committed to empowering local florists, quickly took root in Sarasota, Florida. Inspired by the initiative, Arthur Conforti of Beneva Flowers saw an opportunity to localize the campaign in a way that would deeply resonate with his community.

A Local Twist on a National Idea

The campaign became known as Sarasota’s Favorite Mom—a heartfelt competition that invited community members to share stories about the amazing mothers in their lives. The rules were simple:

  • Nominate a mom by writing a short story.

  • Share it on social media.

  • Rally local support through likes and shares.

The entry with the most engagement would be crowned Sarasota’s Favorite Mom.

Prizes and Community Support

The grand prize was a custom gold pendant engraved with the title of the year’s winner, sponsored by a local jeweler. Second and third place winners were also honored with generous gifts, thanks to partnerships with other local businesses. It wasn’t just a contest - it became a citywide celebration of love and gratitude.

A Movement That Spread

The concept caught fire.

Florists across the country began replicating the model in their own cities - Tampa’s Favorite Mom, Austin’s Favorite Mom, and many more. With guidance from Conforti, these campaigns drove massive community engagement and helped florists build lasting bonds with customers. The results? Increased visibility, trust, and customer loyalty—things money alone can’t buy.

More Than Marketing

For Beneva Flowers—already commanding a 70% market share in Sarasota - this was just another way to give back. Conforti, a long-time advocate of community-centered business, had previously launched the Helping Hands program to support schools and churches through floral fundraising.

Reflecting on his journey, Conforti shared,

“We could not be here without the support of the community.”

He often remembers founding Beneva Flowers with his parents in 1986 - and how initiatives like Sarasota’s Favorite Mom helped build not just a business, but a brand rooted in purpose.

The Power of Partnership

Although local in execution, the campaign’s DNA always traced back to Teleflora’s national vision.

“The florist may do whatever they wish,” said Lynda Resnick, who owns Teleflora with her husband Stewart.

Their ongoing investment in technology, wholesale supply, and florist support made executing campaigns like this both effective and sustainable.

“Teleflora made it fun,” Conforti said. “They reminded us of why we do what we do—bringing happiness into people’s lives. That’s something we should never forget.”

A Lasting Legacy

Sarasota’s Favorite Mom wasn’t just a promotion - it was a heartfelt celebration of motherhood, community, and the power of storytelling. It continues to serve as a shining example of what happens when creativity meets care - and how florists can do more than deliver flowers. They can deliver joy, recognition, and a sense of belonging.