AI Methodological Note: Behind the Scenes & Prompt Engineering Process

Associated Article: Discord, the new Reddit? The seismic SEO & GEO shift ahead

Author: Hertha Korn — MBA DMB Full-Time

Main Article Link: Read the associated article

1. AI Tools Used

Gemini (Google) — Conversational Model & Visual Generation

  • Version: Free / Advanced Web Interface.
  • Usage: Structural ideation, co-developing the SEO vs. GEO framework, polishing English prose for executive tone, and generating the visual banner (text-to-image).
  • Link: gemini.google.com

Convertio — File Conversion Tool

  • Version: Free.
  • Usage: Converting generated image assets into WebP format for web optimization.
  • Link: convertio.co

TinyPNG — Image Optimization & Compression Tools

  • Version: Free.
  • Usage: Image compression (reducing banner file size from 1.07 MB down to 90 KB / 90 ko) to meet web performance and technical SEO standards.
  • Link: tinypng.com

 

2. Exploration, Idea Development & Creativity

The spark for this article came from a LinkedIn post on Discord’s public indexing. However, the core analysis, platform comparison, generational perspective (Millennials vs. Gen Z), and research on Reddit and Discord were developed by me. I used Gemini as a strategic sounding board to expand upon the SEO vs. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) framework, evaluating how public community discussions serve as training data for LLMs, and to elevate my initial draft into a polished piece.

 

3. Planning & Organization

Rather than relying on a single generic prompt, I structured the workflow sequentially to combine my research with AI-assisted analytical depth:

  1. Scoping & Framework Alignment: Structuring my research into a compelling 1,000-word editorial flow tailored for the MBA DMB blog.
  2. Framework & Editorial Refining: Collaborating with Gemini to articulate the mechanics of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) alongside traditional SEO, while refining the prose to optimize reader engagement.
  3. Visual Content Generation: Prompting Gemini to create a horizontal 16:9 comparison banner for the "battle for search," followed by manual iterations to clean up visual text overlays.

 

4. Drafting & Articulation

The content builds upon my original research and notes. AI was used as a collaborative writing partner to help formulate and articulate complex technical concepts (crawlers, LLM training datasets, Generative Engine Optimization) into crisp, high-impact English prose.

  • Tone & Vocabulary: Professional, analytical, and editorial style tailored to thought leadership for the MBA DMB blog.
  • Target Impact & KPIs:
    • Engagement & Discussion: Ending with an open community call-to-action to spark comments.
    • SEO & WordPress Optimization: Achieving the target length (~1,000 words), maintaining heading hierarchy (H1/H2), and ensuring light image weight (< 100 KB / 90 ko) for page performance.
    • Format Rebond: Referencing the LinkedIn discussion post as the original inspiration for the article.

5. Ethics, Sources & Hallucinations

  • Ownership & Fact-Checking: All core research, platform analysis, and strategic arguments were directed and verified by me. AI outputs were curated to ensure conclusions on search engine indexing remained realistic and well-grounded.
  • Attribution & Transparency: The LinkedIn post is credited as the initial trigger for the topic. Gemini’s role in co-developing technical sections, refining text, generating visuals, and using Convertio/TinyPNG for optimization are fully disclosed.
  • Data Privacy: No personal or confidential data was shared during prompt interactions.

 

6. Prompts & Interaction Examples

Here are concrete examples of how prompting helped refine specific analytical and visual aspects:

Expanding Technical Scope (GEO & LLMs)

User Prompt: “Can we integrate the word LLM somewhere?”

AI Contribution: The AI helped integrate Large Language Models into the GEO section of the article, clarifying the core strategic shift: public Discord servers are no longer just chat rooms, but live training datasets for LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.

Visual Banner Request

User Prompt: “Can you create a Reddit vs Discord image for my article, horizontal layout for WP preview, with a digital background, both logos, and a lightning bolt in the middle?”

Result: The AI generated the customized preview banner, which was subsequently converted via Convertio and compressed using TinyPNG to hit the exact 90 KB web performance threshold.