GEO Requests Outpace Google SEO Demand Among Fiverr Search Freelancers, Survey Finds

More search freelancers on Fiverr reported rising client demand for generative engine optimization (GEO) than for traditional Google-ranking work over the past year, according to the platform's 2026 Holiday Marketing Index, released on September 21, 2026.

Sixty-seven percent of surveyed search specialists reported a rise in GEO requests over the past year, compared with 56% who saw an increase in requests to enhance Google rankings. Despite GEO's growing share of near-term demand, 61% of respondents said they believe Google SEO remains the strongest long-term investment, and the report advises funding both disciplines.

The index polled hundreds of Fiverr's top-rated freelancers across the categories of search, user-generated content, and e-commerce in eight countries: the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Australia. Fiverr notes that the results are "self-reported and not projected against the general population."

Pricing Pressure and Shifting Client Expectations

Sixty-one percent of surveyed search specialists reported that clients expect lower prices simply because of AI involvement in their work. The report notes that search specialists use AI more often than other surveyed groups and experience the greatest pricing pressure.

At the same time, 83% of search specialists say clients are "increasingly hiring them for advice and expertise versus simple execution," a share higher than the 79% in e-commerce and 76% in user-generated content. Half of the specialists believe that businesses underestimate how long it takes for the work to pay off. Separately, 89% of surveyed search specialists mentioned that clients prioritize results over whether AI was involved.

Sixty-one percent of search specialists report typical project costs ranging from $150 to $300.

Marketplace Growth Data

Beyond the survey findings, the report cites internal marketplace data indicating that GEO services on the platform grew by 29% from November 2025 to April 2026. However, Search Engine Journal, which reported on the index, noted that the report does not clarify whether this figure was derived from the same search-based methodology used in an earlier Fiverr Business Trends Index.

Methodology Gaps

Search Engine Journal noted that both the report page and the September 21 press release omit key details such as the total sample size, number of search specialists, survey periods, precise question wording, and whether results were weighted by country. The release states only that the survey was carried out "ahead of the 2026 holiday season." SEJ reported that it contacted Fiverr for clarification on sample sizes, dates, question wording, and how the 29% figure was calculated, and that as of publication the company had not responded.

SEJ noted that earlier Fiverr holiday surveys offered more transparency regarding methodology — for example, their 2024 survey, run with research firm Censuswide, specified sample sizes and collection dates.

Broader Industry Context

A separate survey — Search Engine Journal's own State of Search 2027 report, published on September 18, 2026 — found that 43% of search professionals surveyed plan to invest in or prioritize GEO in the coming year, and 14% highlighted optimization for AI answer engines as one factor contributing to their best results. SEJ noted that this survey polled search professionals rather than freelancers and asked about their own plans rather than client requests, meaning the two data sets cannot be directly compared. Both surveys, however, point to GEO moving up the agenda within the search industry.

Planning Recommendations

Fiverr's report recommends starting search work several months in advance, with 28% of surveyed search specialists advising a lead time of at least three to four months ahead of the holiday season.