Case Study Pet Food GEO

How Freshpet Went From Low AI Visibility to Category-Leading Authority in Generative Search

Fresh Pet Nutrition Brand

+645%Google AI Overviews
+46%AI Referral Traffic
6-Month Results
Services Provided
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization) Technical SEO Audit & Remediation Content Strategy & Optimization
About the Client

Freshpet

Intero Digital partnered with Freshpet, a fresh pet nutrition brand, to strengthen its visibility in AI-driven search. By implementing a structured generative engine optimization (GEO) strategy, Intero improved how AI systems interpret Freshpet's expertise, recognize it as a trusted source, and cite it in generative answers. The engagement focused on three pillars: earning consistent AI Overview placements, lifting branded search demand, and converting AI-driven discovery into measurable business outcomes.

The Goal

Become the "Source of Truth" in AI Answers for Fresh Pet Nutrition

Intero Digital set out to boost Freshpet's visibility and credibility in AI-driven search using a GEO framework anchored to three measurable pillars: earn more placements and citations in AI answers, lift branded search and direct visits, and drive revenue outcomes from increased leads and conversions. In parallel, we reinforced Freshpet's core SEO foundation to protect rankings and performance as AI reshapes the search landscape.

Definition of Success

  • Earn consistent placements and citations in AI-generated answers
  • Lift branded search visibility and direct traffic
  • Drive measurable revenue outcomes from AI discovery
  • Reinforce foundational SEO to protect rankings as AI reshapes search
The Strategy

Intero Digital developed a comprehensive GEO framework designed to position Freshpet as the authoritative source for fresh pet nutrition in AI-generated search answers. The strategy combined technical SEO remediation with AI-specific content optimization — targeting the three measurable pillars of Presence, Demand, and Action.

AI Visibility and Citation Strategy

Improved Freshpet's likelihood of being referenced in AI-generated answers by aligning core nutrition messaging, benefits, and proof points to the questions pet parents ask most.

AI Referral Traffic Growth Plan

Increased discovery and click-through opportunities from major AI search platforms by optimizing content for AI-driven entry points and high-intent comparison moments.

Technical Website Audit

Identified technical SEO issues suppressing organic reach and limiting AI discoverability — including crawl, indexation, site speed, and performance constraints.

Indexation and Redirect Strategy

Implemented a structured approach to resolve indexation issues and clean up redirects to improve crawl efficiency and the overall user experience.

Content Strategy and Optimization for AI Queries

Built and optimized content to win high-intent and comparison-style searches that trigger Google AI Overviews — including new content targeting key nutrition questions.

Content Structure Enhancement

Restructured key pages and added FAQs to better match natural-language prompts and increase authority signals for both traditional and AI-driven search.

Keyword Mapping and On-Page GEO

Updated keyword-to-page alignment, titles, and meta descriptions, plus strategic on-page insertions using natural language patterns that help content surface in AI search results.

Scientific Credibility Reinforcement

Strengthened trust signals and expert positioning to support Freshpet's credibility in AI responses — and help convert AI discovery into measurable outcomes like store locator visits and delivery sign-ups.

The Results

6-Month Results

+645%
Google AI Overviews
Increase in appearances in AI Overviews
+46%
AI Referral Traffic
Growth in traffic from major AI search platforms
+44%
Key Events from AI
Increase in key events from AI referrals (e.g., "Find a Store" and delivery sign-ups)
+37%
Branded Search Visibility
Increase in branded search visibility
+38.9%
Top 10 Keywords
Increase in keywords ranking in top 10 positions
+28.1%
Positions 11–20
Increase in keywords ranking positions 11–20
+18.4%
Positions 21–30
Increase in keywords ranking positions 21–30
The Impact

In just six months of launching the GEO framework, Freshpet saw significant gains in AI search visibility, branded search demand, and high-intent conversion actions. By aligning Freshpet's content strategy to how AI systems discover, evaluate, and cite sources, Intero Digital helped the brand earn consistent presence in the answers pet parents trust most — and converted that visibility into measurable business outcomes.

From the start, Intero Digital quickly and expertly shifted Freshpet to a GEO-first strategy. They've continually met & exceeded the challenges I've fielded to them, from establishing foundational analytics in a space with no precedent for measurement, to correcting the results of specific prompts where misinformation about Freshpet had previously gone unchecked/unchallenged. Their deep technical expertise and ability to find solutions to brand new problems have quickly made them an indispensable partner for us.

Steven Elwell Senior Director of Digital Marketing at Freshpet

Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Growing?

Let’s build a digital marketing program that aligns with your revenue goals and strengthens your bottom line.

Google Premier Partner Clutch #1 GEO Agency Globally 2026 Forbes Top Ranked SEO Agency Inc. 5000