What do GEO, AEO and AI SEO mean?
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| GEO: generative engine optimisation | Optimising content so generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews) mention and cite you |
| AEO: answer engine optimisation | Structuring content to be picked as the direct answer: featured snippets, voice assistants and AI answers |
| AIO | Used both for "AI optimisation" and for Google's "AI Overviews" |
| AI SEO | Either optimising for AI search, or using AI tools to do SEO work |
| LLM SEO | Another name for GEO: getting large language models to reference your brand |
How to get cited in AI answers
- Rank well in normal search. Google says AI Overviews draw on pages that are indexed and eligible to appear in search, so SEO fundamentals come first.
- Answer questions directly. Put a clear one or two sentence answer right under a question heading, then expand.
- Be specific and factual. Numbers, prices, dates, steps and comparisons are easier for AI to quote than vague marketing copy.
- Show expertise and trust. Author details, experience, sources and up-to-date information.
- Use structured data (organisation, FAQ, product, article) so machines understand your content.
- Build brand mentions across reputable sites, reviews, directories and media. AI tools learn who is credible from the wider web.
- Let AI crawlers in if you want to be cited: check robots.txt isn't blocking them.
Does AI search kill SEO?
No, but it changes it. Some simple informational searches now get answered without a click, so impressions may rise while clicks for those queries fall. Commercial and local searches ("SEO company Durban", "plumber near me") still send people to websites and Google Business Profiles. Brands that are cited in AI answers also gain trust and branded searches.
Using AI tools for SEO
AI tools are useful for keyword clustering, outlines, first drafts, schema, meta descriptions and analysing data. They are not a substitute for expertise: every page still needs fact-checking and original insight. Popular options include ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Surfer, Semrush's AI features and Frase. See best SEO tools.
Questions answered
What is GEO in SEO?
GEO stands for generative engine optimisation: optimising content so AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Google AI Overviews use and cite it in their answers.
What is AEO?
AEO stands for answer engine optimisation: structuring content so it is selected as the direct answer in featured snippets, voice search and AI answers.
What is AI SEO?
AI SEO means either optimising for AI-powered search results, or using AI tools to carry out SEO tasks faster.
How do I rank in Google AI Overviews?
There is no special markup. Pages must be indexed and eligible for search; clear, accurate, well-structured answers from trusted sites are the ones most often shown and linked.
How do I get my business mentioned by ChatGPT?
Be well represented across the web: a strong website, reviews, directory listings, media coverage and consistent brand information. ChatGPT search also uses web results, so SEO helps.
Is SEO dead because of AI?
No. AI answers rely on web content, and most commercial and local searches still lead to websites. SEO now includes making content easy for AI to cite.
What is the difference between SEO and GEO?
SEO aims to rank pages in search results; GEO aims to have your content cited in AI-generated answers. They share the same foundation of helpful, trusted, well-structured content.
Will AI replace SEO specialists?
AI automates routine tasks, but strategy, technical diagnosis, content quality and link building still need human judgement.
What are the best AI SEO tools?
Common choices include ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Surfer SEO, Semrush and Frase for research and drafting, plus Google Search Console for data.
Does Google penalise AI content?
Google does not penalise content for being AI-generated; it targets unhelpful content and content produced mainly to manipulate rankings.
What is voice search optimisation?
Voice search optimisation targets spoken questions by giving short, direct answers, using natural question phrasing and strong local SEO.