Fiverr survey finds GEO requests outpacing Google SEO among search freelancers
More search freelancers on Fiverr have seen client demand rise for generative engine optimization than for Google ranking work, according to the marketplace's 2026 Holiday Marketing Index, released on September 21. Sixty-seven percent of surveyed search specialists reported an increase in GEO requests over the past year, against 56% who saw more requests to improve Google rankings.
The same group reports pricing pressure tied to AI. Sixty-one percent said clients expect lower prices simply because AI is involved in the work, and 83% said clients increasingly hire them for advice and expertise rather than straightforward execution. Half believe businesses underestimate how long the work takes to pay off, and 61% put typical project costs between $150 and $300.
Fiverr's internal marketplace data shows GEO services grew 29% between November 2025 and April 2026. The report advises funding both GEO and Google SEO, with 61% of specialists calling Google SEO the stronger long-term investment. It also recommends starting search work three to four months ahead of the holiday season.
The index polled hundreds of top-rated freelancers in search, user-generated content and e-commerce across eight countries. Fiverr describes the results as self-reported and not projected against the general population, and the report omits the sample size, survey dates and question wording. The survey measures client requests and freelancer perceptions, not whether GEO work improves visibility or business results.
Reported by Search Engine Journal ↗
Topics: Measurement, Google Search