SEO aims for rank on Google SERPs, AEO aims to be cited by AI models, and GEO focuses on maximising visibility within generative answers. All three matter, but AEO/GEO are critical in the AI-first era.
Core Stats
"SEO wants to rank; AEO wants to be the source."
- AEO VC
AEO vs SEO vs GEO
What is SEO?
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the traditional practice of optimizing web pages to achieve a high rank on search engine results pages (SERPs) like Google.
What is AEO?
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is the practice of creating and formatting content to be cited as a source by AI models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google's SGE.
What is GEO?
Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is a subset of AEO focused on maximizing visibility *within* AI-generated answers, measured by metrics like PAWC and Subjective Impression.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Factor | SEO | AEO | GEO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimises For | Google SERPs | AI Models | Generative Answers |
| Key Metrics | Rank, CTR | Citations, SI | PAWC, SI |
| Tactics | Keywords, backlinks | Citations, quotes, stats | Evidence density, playbooks |
Which Should You Focus On?
A balanced strategy is key. SEO remains important for traditional search, but AEO and GEO are critical for staying visible in the AI-first era. Your focus should depend on where your audience is searching for answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SEO dead with AI engines?
No, but SEO alone is not enough. AEO and GEO are crucial for AI-driven visibility.
How do AEO and GEO relate?
GEO is a subset of AEO focused on generative answer-specific tactics.
Can I use the same content for SEO and AEO?
Yes, but AEO requires additional evidence density (citations, quotes, stats).