Search has evolved from links to answers. Here's what you need to know about each layer — and why most businesses are missing 2 out of 3.
Still Relevant
SEO
Traditional Search
Optimizing for Google's keyword-based algorithm. Still relevant, but rapidly losing ground to AI-powered answers.
Keyword ranking in Google
Blue link results
AI answer box inclusion
ChatGPT recommendations
Zero-click AI answers
Essential Now
AEO
Answer Engine Optimization
Structuring your content so AI engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini choose YOUR business as the answer.
Keyword ranking in Google
Blue link results
AI answer box inclusion
ChatGPT recommendations
Zero-click AI answers
The Future
GEO
Generative Engine Optimization
The next frontier: optimizing specifically for large language models so your brand appears in generated responses and recommendations.
Keyword ranking in Google
Blue link results
AI answer box inclusion
ChatGPT recommendations
Zero-click AI answers
Reference
AEO & GEO, Defined
Clear definitions, a side-by-side comparison, and authoritative sources on Answer Engine Optimization and AI search.
Key definitions
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)
The practice of optimizing digital content so AI answer engines can discover, understand, and cite it in generated responses. AEO targets being named and cited inside the AI's answer, rather than ranked as a link.
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Optimizing content for visibility and citation inside generative AI systems and AI search experiences such as Google AI Overviews and Perplexity. AEO and GEO are closely related and typically pursued together.
AI Share of Voice
The proportion of AI answers, across a defined set of prompts, in which a given brand is mentioned relative to all tracked brands — expressed as a percentage.
AI Citation
A reference or source link an AI engine includes in its answer that points to a specific brand, page, or domain.
Traditional SEO vs. AEO
Comparison of Traditional SEO and Answer Engine Optimization