Joshua Pearson, founder of Hull-based SEO agency Peaco Marketing, was invited to deliver a four-hour Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) bootcamp to master's students at Queen Mary University of London on 31 October 2026.
The session, organised following an invitation from Dr Farrah Arif, introduced students to the growing field of AI search optimisation and how the emergence of platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Claude is changing the way businesses approach online visibility.
GEO, also known as Generative Engine Optimisation, focuses on improving how businesses and their content are discovered, understood and represented by AI-powered search and answer engines.
During the four-hour bootcamp, Joshua explored how AI search engines discover information, the role of traditional search engine optimisation (SEO) in AI visibility and the practical steps businesses can take to improve their presence across emerging search platforms.
The session also included practical exercises, giving students the opportunity to assess real-world websites, identify opportunities for improvement and consider how businesses can adapt their digital marketing strategies as search technology evolves.
Drawing on his experience working with businesses across the UK and internationally, Joshua shared insights into how AI search is already influencing the digital marketing industry and why understanding these developments will become increasingly valuable for future marketing professionals.
Joshua Pearson, Founder of Peaco Marketing, said:
"It's a real privilege to be invited to Queen Mary University of London to share what we're learning about AI search with the next generation of marketing professionals.
"Search is going through some significant changes, and businesses are already having to think differently about how their customers discover them online. I wanted to give students a practical understanding of what's happening in the industry and how they can apply that knowledge themselves.
"One of the best things about digital marketing is how quickly it evolves. Being able to share that experience with students and hopefully help them develop skills they can take into their future careers is incredibly rewarding."
The invitation reflects the increasing importance of AI search within digital marketing education, as universities and businesses look to understand how emerging technologies are changing consumer behaviour and online discovery.
Founded in 2020, Peaco Marketing is a Hull-based search-focused performance marketing agency specialising in SEO, PPC and AI search optimisation, working with clients across the UK and internationally.
The university bootcamp follows Joshua's recent visit to South Hunsley School in East Yorkshire, where he delivered a session helping students understand career opportunities in digital marketing and how to improve their employability.
ENDS
Peaco Marketing is a Hull-based digital marketing agency founded in 2020 by Joshua Pearson. The agency specialises in search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click advertising (PPC) and AI search optimisation (GEO), helping businesses improve their visibility and performance across traditional and emerging search platforms.
